About

A man breaking chains

About Into Action

Into Action Recovery is a compassionate residential addiction treatment center established on the principles of integrity, hope, empowerment, unity, and trust. As substance use experts, we understand addiction recovery, and what it takes to help individuals get free from addiction. We’re fully dedicated to helping people navigate their recovery path, so they can enjoy the freedom and rebuild their lives the way they truly desire.

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Into Action Recovery is comprised of a team of substance use professionals who provide healing, freedom, and hope for men struggling with an addiction to alcohol, drugs. As a provincially recognized residential program, our staff is fully committed to breaking the cycle of the debilitating, chronic disease of addiction. We offer multifaceted, supportive recovery and transitional housing options in the Greater Vancouver Area.

One reason our program is so successful is because of the professional level of care offered in a homelike atmosphere, rather than the institute model that can oftentimes be unappealing. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate men is dedicated to tackling the disease of addiction and the current overdose crisis with the latest, evidence-based treatments and techniques.

Into Action Recovery offers programs geared toward men who have the desire to stop using:

3 Core Programs at Into Action

  1. First Stage Residential Supportive Recovery Program – 60 days
  2. Second Stage Short-Term Residential Transitional Program – 30 days
  3. Third Stage Long-Term Residential Transitional Program – Varies

First Stage Residential Supportive Recovery Program

Once an assessment and intake meeting has been completed, and a decision to attend Into Action has been made, the first step will be to enroll in the First Stage Recovery Program. Residents in this stage will go through a 60-day recovery program in a safe, structured, and comfortable residential environment. Daily groups and activities run through the day and evening, including process groups, educational groups, one-on-one counseling, and support group meetings. At the end of the 60 days, men have the option to return home or enroll in the Second Stage Short-Term Program.

Second Stage Short-Term Residential Transitional Program

Upon finishing the First Stage Recovery Program, clients have the option to attend the Second Stage Transitional Housing Program. This is ideal for those who desire the continued structure and support that recovery programs provide, rather than go back home when they’re still not feeling quite stable enough. Residents in this stage will continue to attend support group meetings, complete a daily chore, and follow house rules. If a resident is working or in school, they can continue to attend. Upon 30 days completed in the Second Stage, residents will have the option to continue onto the Third Stage.

Third Stage Long-Term Residential Transitional Program

Those who still don’t feel ready to integrate back into their home or community have the option to attend the Third Stage Transitional Program. This program is intended for those men who have completed the first and second-stage programs. Typically, men in this long-term transitional housing program have jobs or attend school, yet still, desire the accountability and structure of a recovery program. The length of time in this stage varies depending on personal preference or need.

Into Action Recovery serves men across Canada.

Expert Team

Our Professional Team

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Chris Burwash
Executive Director, ICAS III, CCAC

Chris has been working in the field of Mental Health and Addictions since 2007, and over a decade of which have been in a leadership role.

Chris had such a profound experience when he attended treatment himself that it completely transformed him and helped him to see his purpose in life which is to help people find recovery. Chris founded Into Action Recovery in 2012. He is a skilled Satir Institute therapist, is a certified conflict resolution trainer, and is a member in good standing with the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation.

Chris’s clinical experience, combined with his leadership skills, enhances his ability to assure that Into Action Recovery is among the top when it comes to achieving long-term recovery success. His vision is to provide a safe and structured program that is available to anyone who is struggling with addiction and is seeking help.

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Anya Schecter
Administrator

Anya has worked in an administrative and leadership role for 18 years. She has served and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit in the recovery field. In 2015 when addiction hit close to home, Anya decided this is where her passion lies. Anya devoted her career in helping other individuals struggling with substance use and their families. Anya has been in Administrative Manager role of Into Action recovery since 2016, and has been responsible for creating and implementing systems to ensure consistent high caliber care for all clients, ensuring safety and efficiency at all operational and administrative levels of the organization.

Anya is passionate about giving individuals hope, and helping so many individuals get their lives back on track, living healthy and productive lives for themselves and every one they touch, creating a cascading effect of families, communities, and society.

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Christopher Loughlin
Program Manager, CCAC ICADC, Diploma Addiction and Community Services Work

Christopher struggled with addiction for over 2 decades before finding his way to recovery. Christopher faced multiple barriers including physical disability, severe street entrenchment and institutionalization but through the practical application of the tools learned he has been able to completely transform his life.

He has managed to achieve a diploma, become a nationally and internationally recognized drug and alcohol counsellor, is attending university and has gained 70 certificates related to the field.

He is now an active member in the recovery community and back in his families and capable of developing deep and meaningful connections again.

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Zoltan Orban
Compliance Manager

Having struggled with substance use since an early age, Zoltan eventually picked up a phone and called for help. Into Action answered that call. In the intervening three and a half years, Zoltan found his passion for helping others; eventually that passion turned into a career.

With his training and natural aptitude, Zoltan was hired in a compliance role. Today, he has several responsibilities including but not limited to health and safety, paperwork management, and site performance and conformity. Although, Zoltan considers his greatest responsibility to be the one he bares to each resident, making their respective experiences comparable to his own.

Since his own recovery, Zoltan has been most grateful to have purpose in his life. Driving to work every day knowing he can help others change their lives gives him that purpose. Seeing men transform from day one to day sixty and beyond is truly a unique privilege.

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Louis Grant
Intake Coordinator, AAP, CCAC

Louis has over 20 years experience working in the field of addiction. Throughout his career he has continued to educate himself and holds an

  • Associate of Arts in Psychology
  • Canadian Certified Addiction Counselor (C.C.A.C)
  • Indigenous Certified Addiction Specialist III
  • Trained in Satire Transformational Systemic Therapy Level 1
    certified S.M.A.R.T facilitator.

Louis’s extensive qualifications have deepened his understanding of addiction and ability to apply specialized approaches to addiction recovery.

Louis also has a personal story with addiction. His journey began after struggling with addiction from an early age. After 25 visits to detox, Louis finally realized that he needed more than just a detoxification from his addiction, he needed to make his recovery his number one priority. Louis was shown a solution in recovery, and all of his problems started to disappear and he started to achieving goals, making lasting relationships and repairing old ones. Experiencing this new life and freedom in recovery inspired a passion within him to help others, not just to break free from addiction but to create their own lives full of love and joy that was once just a dream. Louis finds the greatest reward is witnessing residents rise from a life of pain and sorrow to a place of hope, strength, and purpose, knowing firsthand the miracle of transformation that recovery can bring.

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Mike Schneider
Group Facilitator and Addictions Worker

Mike has more than 20 years experience working in the addiction field. Mike is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about helping men suffering in the depths of addiction. He understands all too well the pain, suffering and loneliness that comes in darkness of addictions. Mike was fortunate to achieve sobriety in his life, which has inspired him to dedicate his life to helping other men turn their lives around and see the light of hope.

Mike’s greatest passion is watching men walk through the doors of recovery in complete despair, and showing them there is a better way. He teaches practical tools to overcoming addiction such as CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Satir, SMART Recovery and Twelve step Recovery.

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Gerry Wilce
Step Coach

Gerry Wilce has been a counselor with Into Action Recovery for the past five years. He has over 11 years clean and sober, and has been active sharing hope and strength to thousands of others who were struggling with addiction.

Gerry grew up on a Nisga’a native reserve near Prince Rupert, losing his parents at the age of eleven. He started drinking and drugging for relief, and eventually ended up becoming involved in crime as a teen. As a young adult, he took to the streets of the Downtown East Side and consumed drugs and alcohol on a daily basis for a year and a half. He was homeless, hopeless, and completely addicted.

Through twelve step work, and the ability to help others, he has been able to overcome his struggles. At Into Action, he’s had the amazing opportunity to put his own program to good use in helping others; a program based on empathy, understanding, and an ability to relate to people that struggle just like he did.

Gerry is also an international recovery speaker and has facilitated recovery groups to thousands of men and women over the last 11 years, free of charge.

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Achi Thilakeratne
Group Facilitator, Certified Social Service Worker

Based in Vancouver, BC, Achi Thilakeratne combines a unique blend of personal experience,
empathy, and professionalism in the field of addiction recovery and social services.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Achi moved to Australia at a young age, grew up in California, and
ultimately settled in Vancouver. Drawing from a background in hospitality, where he honed
skills in managing people and high-stress environments as a front-of-house manager, he
now applies these strengths in supporting vulnerable populations.

Having attained a Social Service Worker Diploma, Achi works with Into Action Recovery, where he facilitates group sessions on critical topics like Relapse Prevention, Coping
Strategies, and Gratitude in Recovery. He is also actively involved in setting up systems to
promote productivity and support the recovery processes.

Motivated by his own journey of overcoming addiction, Achi is committed to ongoing
learning, with plans to pursue a psychology degree. His ultimate goal is to become a licensed
counselor and therapist, eventually opening a private practice. He approaches each day with
resilience and a deep dedication to helping others rebuild their lives, embodying a
compassionate and growth-oriented philosophy that he brings to every client interaction.

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Zan Gallant
Group Facilitator and Addictions Worker

Zan is deeply passionate for supporting men who struggle with addiction having personally experienced addiction. Raised in a small town, Zan was once an exceptional hockey player with a bright future ahead of him.  However, everything changed in his teens when late-night partying and alcohol began to take over, ending the possibility of a promising athletic career. Alcohol and heavy drug use became common and all-consuming.

After years of broken relationships, relapses, and personal struggles, Zan’s first son was born which finally brought him to embrace recovery in 2014. Inspired by his own journey, Zan decided in 2020 to leave his stable career and to work with those struggling with addiction. At 44, he returned to school, earning a diploma in Professional Coaching and certifications in Life Skills Counseling and Recovery Coaching. He trained in SMART Recovery Facilitation, Motivational Interviewing, and Community Mental Health to grow his experience to support others.

Zan has a passion for group facilitation, guiding discussions on recovery, personal change, and transformation. Zan also offers private recovery coaching,  He believes wholeheartedly in recovery and enjoys helping men recognize their abilities beyond addiction. After ten years of his own recovery, Zan is grateful to extend a helping hand to those struggling and feels fulfilled working with men seeking recovery.

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Eric Renzetti
Support Worker, Personal Trainer

Eric struggled with addiction since a young age. He had tried many times to get clean, and many times he had failed. Into Action Recovery was the last place he tried and the first place that worked! Since coming to Into Action years ago Eric has done all sorts of things he never thought possible.

He has Cleared his debt, travelled the world, got married and has a baby on the way, rebuild family relationships, and gone back to school to become an addictions specialist and personal trainer.

Eric bases his journey on helping others achieve their goals they be spiritual, physical or material.

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Justin Preston
Support Worker

Justin was born into a family that struggled from addiction and from a very young age Justin had undergone  many traumatic experiences such as the loss of both biological parents. Justin became a ward of the government and was moved around through the foster care system where it made fitting in feel difficult. Once Justin found alcohol and drugs he felt life became easier – until it didn’t. Justin soon found himself on the wrong side of the law and by age 21 had served two years in prison.

Justin then went on to trying to reinvent himself with no avail. It wasn’t until Justin was introduced to Into Action Recovery where he found himself and a path that God was leading him to.

Justin and his dedication to his work in recovery is truly inspiring. He is deeply passionate about leading by example and is always focused on the well-being of those in the recovery houses he works with. His genuine care for people extends far beyond his professional duties, as he consistently shows compassion and support to everyone he encounters. Justin is a natural leader who empowers others, creating a positive and encouraging environment for growth and healing. His unwavering commitment to his work and his community makes him an exceptional individual.

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Ben Hicks
Support Worker

Ben was raised by a wonderful family in a farming community, he grew up hard working and respectful. Like many at a young age, the life of partying soon got the best of him. With time, drinking and drugging became no longer used for fun, but for necessity. The allergy of alcoholism and addiction robbed him of almost all he had worked so hard for.

Ben attended a treatment center and after completing returned to life on the farm but fell again shortly after to the struggles of alcoholism and addiction. That’s when he came across Into Action Recovery, the only organization to reach back out to him within a week, he settled in nicely and completed the program.

With help from Into Action Recovery, Ben began the schooling to become an addictions support worker and he has never looked back. Ben has a passion for helping others deal the same pains he himself felt. His most cherished benefit of working at Into Action Recovery is being able to witness the first smile and laughter of a fellow brother after years of despair.

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Phil Morgan
Group Facilitator and Support Worker

Phil Morgan grew up in Alberta and had a very dysfunctional childhood and family. He was introduced to drugs at a very young age. By the age of 20, he was in jail and headed down to dark path. This continued and progressed for many years going in and out of treatment centres, and eventually homelessness. After losing his family and everything he loved. Eventually, he got the gift of desperation and submitted himself to a program of recovery.

Now Phil has turned his life around in a huge way. He came to Into Action in 2020 after being homeless for two months. He humbled himself and took direction and guidance from the staff at Into Action and was able to get his first year clean. This time he was able to get his full license, credit cards, and even a college course. He has rekindled his relationship with his daughter and considers Into Action his family, He has built up a gigantic support network, and now instead of hurting the people he loves, he is able to help others, and has found a new way of life.

Phil now has over four years of experience of working in recovery. He is a group facilitator, support worker, mentor and a great friend to many people. He sponsors newcomers. And loves to help out whenever he has an opportunity to do so. He has found a new purpose in life. Has been given a second chance. he owes this great success to Into Action and will forever be grateful for his newfound life.

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Travis Hache
House Monitor

Travis started using drugs and alcohol at an early age, and for the better part of his adult life was in and out of institutions struggling to find his way. When it seemed there was nowhere else to go, he got stuck in the life of being homeless, helpless and broken – a bottom he never thought he would get out of.

Eventually he arrived at Into Action Recovery as a last attempt to change. He was finally able to stay sober and he was finally able to find a new way of life which was offered to him through the broad fellowship, countless counselor’s with lived experience and that initial glimpse of hope.

Travis is now a House Monitor at one of the second stage houses where he gladly works with men who are new in recovery. He helps them get familiarized with being an active member of society – transitioning from first stage can be a struggle for those who have just completed their program and Travis takes great pleasure in helping them get on their feet. He is currently taking the necessary steps to obtain a career in the field of addictions. Travis is grateful to continue helping others and share what was so freely given to him.

Testimonials

Our Previous Residents

Staff who understand what you're going through, they will support you through your recovery and give you the tools to make it through!

Roman Z

Thank you for accepting me when no one else would, You put hope back into me and never gave up on me. People will come to know your intentions of truly helping others!

Andre Z

I got clean here, they gave me a opportunity. I did what was suggested, went to meetings and did the work. I am 16 months clean and sober working full time and giving back because Into Action gave me a chance.

Felix B

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If you need help or have any questions about us contact us right away.

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