Addictions Counsellor Nola Slade makes it her mission to take service delivery to the next level by inspiring wellness through a holistic, culturally safe approach for the clients entering the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre’s Substance Use Program. Nola is the recipient of a Service Delivery Excellence Award for this inspiring work, enabling clients to be partners in their care and supporting their journeys of hope and healing.
The Maple Ridge Treatment Centre offers a program for men experiencing problematic substance use.
Being an intensive bed-based, four-to-seven-week program, it takes special people to care for the vulnerable clients in need of these specialized services – people like Addictions Counsellor Nola Slade.
Nola is described by her peers as a “force of nature” – strong, charismatic and dedicated to the people she serves.
“Nola is offering an Indigenous culturally safe space at the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre – an environment where all people can voice their experience, ask questions and simply connect. This model of addiction recovery is more diverse and holistic and includes people learning the Indigenous practices of healing. It is a space where people can feel proud of themselves and thrive – not just survive,” shares Dawn Julien, clinical counsellor at the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre.
Learn more about the inspiring work Nola does:
The program at the centre is based on the philosophy of the Wellness Wheel.
“The Wellness Wheel incorporates a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model designed to address the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual needs of each person who enters the program,” explains Dawn.
Nola took her own initiative to enhance the service model further by bringing this cultural healing practice and safe space forward.
In her workshops in the Spirit Bear Lodge, Nola takes her clients on a journey with the intention of embracing culture and showing them that change is possible.
“In the Spirit Bear Lodge, clients get to understand their world view, reflect on self-awareness, values – their beliefs. They get to talk about their own ancestors. It gives them the opportunity to embrace change through the sacred laws,” Nola explains.
Nola inspires clients and staff alike by being a living example of the power of personal and professional development.
“I started here as a clinical support worker. It was then that I chose to do my Bachelor of Social Work with an Indigenous specialization,” shares Nola.
Not only does Nola bring her educational expertise to her work, but she also shares her personal journey to inspire others.
“I have my own lived experiences, I’ve been on their journey, I’ve done a lot of healing and it really matters to my clients to know I’ve gotten better on my journey,” Nola shares.
One of her greatest contributions to the centre has been her dedication to exploring her Indigenous ancestry and the impact that being grounded in cultural identity has on recovery.
“I wanted to bring the teachings of culture to the men,” Nola explains.
Clients have been so encouraged by the program that they have given back to the healing space themselves.
“The Spirit Bear Lodge has touched the hearts of the men,” Dawn says.
“One of our clients even made a special table depicting an Indigenous art form for Nola’s gathering room. In addition, these men have participated in bringing in their wisdom and practices and have willingly given their time and resources,” she continues.
What makes Nola’s approach to service delivery excellence so successful?
“She is driven with a passion for diversity in service delivery,” Dawn says.
As for Nola, she remains focused on providing healing through the program, driven by a passion that keeps her moving forward.
“It’s my reason for getting up every day. I don’t have to go to work, I get to go to work and I love that. Staying spiritually grounded in my own recovery, staying spiritually grounded in everybody else’s – every day is a choice that I make to come and help others.”
Congratulations to Nola Slade – recipient of a Service Delivery Excellence Award.
