HOW 'UNIVERSITY OF LIFE' WOULD WORK

This is an edited version of the concept statement for
the Riverview University of Life. The full statement can be read on
our website at the address below.

The Riverview University of Life is a productive, sustainable,
therapeutic community for people living with substance addiction and
mental illness.

Set on 100 hectares of parkland, the Riverview University of Life
utilizes existing buildings and land to provide a unique opportunity
for hands-on education and training to guest students.

The overriding philosophy of the Riverview University of Life involves
a compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental interaction among
individuals, animals and the land. Healing and personal growth will be
achieved within a productive environment where everyone is useful and
able to contribute, where this contribution is valued and valuable,
and where caring for each other and the community is part of the
healing process.

Riverview offers:

- - A clinical intake assessment wing, where people are helped to
stabilize on their medications and detox from their substance use.
Time spent in this process: seven to 30 days.

- - Guests then move into a transition wing where they engage primarily
in regular psychotherapy, psychoeducation and life skills training.
Guests are encouraged to take part in low-impact activities which
benefit the community and to reflect upon the skills and training they
would like to undertake to enhance their achievement of future goals.
Time spent: 30 to 60 days.

- - Now guests are invited to make a decision to commit to remaining in
the community for a minimum of two years, ideally three. During this
time, they will become a working student in one of five faculties:
Arts/Music, Education, Horticulture/Animal Management, Hotel and
Trade-Based Skills. They will have the opportunity to complete
certification in any of the faculties in a timely fashion and then
switch to another faculty as they self-manage their education.
Timeframe: Flexible and adjustable.

- - During this time, guests will also be expected to fully engage in
leisure, sporting and recreational pursuits, and to support the
community in extracurricular activities that improve the community.

- - On completion of the educative period, guests will have the option
to remain in the community for a mutually agreeable period of time, as
peer educators and mentors, or be assisted to gain employment and
accommodation as they re-enter society. Those who choose to leave will
remain founding members of the community and will be welcome to return
at any time.

- - To read the full concept statement for the Riverview University of
Life, go to theprovince.com/news/operation-phoenix