John Volken Academy

My son has attended the John Volken Academy twice. Unfortunately, he did not succeed after attending for only 9 months. Two years later, he returned to complete the full two year long term program. It was his decision to go back as he was ready to start doing the work. The John Volken Academy provided a safe, structured environment where he was able to work his program and find the support of a community that he could rely on and trust. As a parent, I was relieved to see that he was now committed to recovery. I would encourage anyone suffering with addiction to consider the John Volken Academy 2 year program. It is a serious commitment but so is a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to everyone at the Academy for supporting and encouraging my son to recovery...to a much better life.

Once we realized that my sister needed help that we couldn’t provide, we went on the search for recovery centers. It was a full time job, only to feel defeated at the financial requirement to get her help. The two year program was essential to her recovery. While a student at JVA she benefited from its structure and chose recovery. She’s doing amazing things in every aspect of her life now.

I’ll never forget the day I contacted JVA about my son. It was the start of hope and a new life not only for him but also for me and my wife. They accepted him in the program and the changes started to come as time passed.The program is amazing, effective and based on real life experiences.They taught him how to overcomes difficulties in life rather than quitting or finding refuge in drugs. He also learned to draw upon his strengths rather than focusing on his weaknesses without doing anything about them. They taught him to be caring, responsible and accountable.I can’t be thankful enough for what John Volken Academy did for my son. Guess we were the lucky ones who found out about this Academy before it became too late!

My son entered the John Volken Academy 15 months ago. The Academy has changed his life. He is far from the young man who first entered the program. He is the person that I always knew he was capable of being, he is no longer trapped in his addiction. The John Volken Academy has given me my son back. I have loved watching his transformation take place over the months that he has been there. His self-esteem and confidence has grown immensely. He has learned and gained life skills that will serve him for the rest of his life. If you have a loved one that is suffering with an addiction, call the JVA, speak to them and learn about their therapeutic community approach. They have saved the lives of so many men and women.I can not thank them enough!

John Volken Academy is a wonderful place to change your life. You get out of the program what you put in. If you have a desire to change your life and you have a willing heart the John Volken Academy is the right place for you. I personally spent 30 months in the program from 2011-2014. Since then I have been able to utilize the tools I learned there to maintain sobriety. I am so grateful for John and Chawna Volken, Uncle Bob, Johnny Haggard and all the staff just to name a few! This November will mark 7 Years clean and sober for me. I am proud to be a contributing member of my family and my community. Thanks be to GOD / John Volken Academy / my desire / a willingness to do whatever it takes.

John Volken Academy saved my life and gave me a future. Before going to the program I was homeless and my life was a mess. Now that I have graduated the program my life looks completely different. I am excited about life and have a bright future ahead of me. This program gave me so much more then just sobriety and I will be forever grateful for John and Chawna Volken..

I cannot say enough positive things about the John Volken Academy in Surrey.One of my sons is currently a student at the academy. Not only has he been clean and sober for more than one year but he is learning valuable life skills, gaining job experience and will soon be completing his high school education. And he is so proud of himself for all of these accomplishments!I am grateful daily that we learned about this place and that my son took the courageous step of entering the academy.

I had a daughter that went to the John Volken Academy, and honestly we did think it would work for her. After two years she came back to us and new daughter. This program works!

I graduated from the John Volken Academy almost 2 years ago! It has been the best decision I have ever made!The JVA is a therapeutic community that provides a place for those struggling! We learn to build each other up, push people out of their comfort zones, and learn the tools we need to overcome addiction and life in general!This was the hardest two years of my life, but it was exactly what I needed! I learn to be okay with the uncomfortable, to regulate and handle stress, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a confidence that I never knew I could have.Before my time here, I didn’t see myself having a future! I thought I was baggage and that people would be better off without me, that I should just disconnect from everyone and everything! But I now see so much more than that! I’m building a future that I want, I’ve learned how to connect with others, and life seems a lot more manageable now!I’m grateful for my time at the JVA, and I will truly treasure those memories and the time that I spent there! ❤️

I attended JVA during 2017-2019. At first I thought a 2 year program was ridiculous...but what's 2 years compared to the rest of your life?! I can say, JVA changed my life. Every individual has a unique path to Recovery, and I was able to find mine at JVA. Thank you! I now work as a Recovery Coach, working in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, BC. Thank you, JVA!