Non-profit behind Phoenix Centre celebrates 50 years, rebrands as Day One

Photo: Tim Petruk

Day One Society Executive Director Sian Lewis speaks at an event Monday at the Paramount Theatre, as the society's new branding is shown publicly for the first time.

The non-profit society behind The Phoenix Centre has rebranded as part of its 50th anniversary, which was celebrated Monday at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops.

The Kamloops Society for Alcohol and Drug Services unveiled its new name Monday — Day One Society.

“One of our goals as a society is to help our community know that, yes, we have the Phoenix Centre as a centre for detox programs and services, but for decades our society has also provided services like youth and family counselling, a treatment program for young women and supportive transitional living in recovery for adults,” said Sian Lewis, Day One’s executive director.

“This new name serves as an umbrella for our many services and allows us to potentially expand what we do in the future, where we’re needed most.”

Day One board Chair Marilyn McLean said the organization has for years been known better among many as the Phoenix Centre than KSADS.

“We desired to have a name that would better reflect who we are and all that we do while being unique and relevant to the diverse group of people we serve, from youth to adults to seniors,” she said.

“We are very thankful for the input community members provided to help us arrive at the name Day One Society.”

About 200 people marked the society’s milestone anniversary Monday at the Paramount, where a short film was premiered detailing the work of Day One and some of its clients.