Algoma Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre

History

The Algoma Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre evolved out of a local chapter of Women for Sobriety in the early 1980s. The need for a recovery home for women was supported by a report made by Judge Raymond Stortini, which had been commissioned by the District Health Council in 1983. Women for Sobriety took up the task of gaining support from the local community for a women's recovery home.

Funding for the development and operation of the recovery home was secured from the Ministry of Health. The Federal Government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation approved this project as a non- profit housing organization and contributed annual mortgage interest subsidies. Clients who qualified under the General Welfare Act were provided with assistance while residing in the home. The United Way of Sault Ste. Marie provided further funding for the agency to assist in ensuring the agency was adequately staffed.

Following the purchase of the property at 91 Breton Road in December 1985, the decision was made to call the residence Breton House. Breton House would offer opportunities for women to grow and change in their pursuit of recovery from chemical dependency. This is our Mission!

The first residents arrived on April 27, 1986. This day signified the end of a long and successful struggle for the founders of the home and marked the beginning of hope for women who suffer from alcohol and drug addiction.

In 2004, the Algoma Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre opened its second program, A New Link, a community-based program that offers supportive services for pregnant women and women who have had children. 

Vision

Women empowered with HOPE

Mission

To improve the health and well-being of women with substance use issues by offering opportunities for growth and change.

Board of Directors

The agency is governed by a volunteer board of directors which is representative of the community. Board members serve for two year terms and they may sit on the board for 3 consecutive terms. The board is responsible for setting policies by which the programs will be governed while the staff are responsible for implementing these policies.