Photo by Todd Stone
As they celebrated their 50th anniversary, the Kamloops Society of Alcohol and Drug Services (KSADS) announced a rebranding on Monday, changing its name to the Day One Society.
The name change was announced at a press conference at the Paramount Theater in downtown Kamloops, bringing hope that the service offering will continue to expand.
The Kamloops Alcohol and Drug Service Association was the official name of the association that assisted youth and adults struggling with substance abuse and alcoholism, but for years people called it the Phoenix Centre. The building that houses the association’s offices and detox services.
“For some time, our board has thought about our vision for the association and the support, hope and healing that our services offer,” said board chair Marilyn McLean. The Phoenix Center name will survive, but as part of it the Day One Society.
“We strive to be unique and relevant to the diverse groups we serve, from young people to adults to seniors, while also being more representative of who we are and everything we do. We wanted a name that reflected well, and we are very grateful to the community members who contributed to arriving at the name Day One Society.”
McLean said the name change requires consultation with stakeholders and members of the community.
“We are inviting people from the medical and healthcare community, drug and alcohol counselors, local business owners, and many community leaders to mark our 50th anniversary, recognize their contributions, and inform us about the name change. I am very excited to be part of our community,” she added.
Executive Director Sian Lewis says it’s important that the association’s name express how each day of a person’s journey of recovery goes like the first day.
“One of our goals as a society is to inform the community that the Phoenix Center is the center of detox programs and services, but for decades the society has been a youth and family counseling and treatment program. We have also provided services such as: supportive transitional living in recovery for young women and for adults,” Lewis said.
“This new name will act as an umbrella for many of our services and will allow us to potentially expand what we do in areas where it is most needed in the future.”
The association says the demand for services brought about by both the opioid crisis and the pandemic has increased in recent years.
“We help hundreds of families and individuals each year and our waitlist for services is constant,” Lewis said.
As part of Monday’s press conference, the association premiered the film to mark its 50th anniversary. one day at a time. A campaign to help transition to a new name.
“As a society, it is our ultimate goal to resonate with people on their addiction journey, connect with us, and change the mindset of ‘someday I will get’ through what we do through communication, connection and service.” I hope it helps on day one of your journey to recovery and wellness,” said McLean.
“For those of you who have never experienced addiction personally, watch our film to better understand what addiction is like and provide an understanding that can help break down the stigma. is recommended.
Learn more about our organization here.
