The City Council of Parksville has had a checkered relationship with Orca Place at 222 Corfield. Since its inception, I’ve been invited to provide Community Chaplain Support for those living at Orca. This has been a rewarding practice. I’ve been able to drop in for two breakfast periods each week. I’ve helped residents with two “Celebrations of Life” and the process of losing friends. We’ve celebrated birthdays, recovery anniversaries, and new jobs. And I’ve heard life stories – victories and challenges, lessons learned – I’ve appreciated the wisdom gleaned from their experience.
Orca Place is a wonderful example that combines a supportive community with individuals willing to risk transformation. Sobriety can be scary. Medicated normality can be threatening. Replacing inner chaos with calmness is often an experience that requires constant adjustments to a “New Normal.” Thankfully the success of Orca Place is evidenced in changed lives – examples of health, happiness, and feelings of hope found in many who live there.