

Our Story
Our Mission
To Provide Education, Awareness, Advocacy, Information, and Support while reducing stigma and promoting understanding, hope, and recovery.
SOYA's Core Values
-
Compassion
-
Respect and Dignity
-
Community
-
Education
-
Advocacy
-
Inclusion
-
Collaboration
-
Hope and Recovery
-
Integrity
-
Lived Experience
Our Values in Action:
"We are committed to creating a community where individuals affected by substance use, homelessness, food insecurity, and other vulnerabilities are met with understanding, supported without judgment, and empowered through education, advocacy, and connection."
SOYA is a community-based, non-profit corporation founded on May 7, 2011, in response to the growing need for education, support, and advocacy surrounding substance use and addiction within our community. As a grassroots organization, SOYA is driven by the belief that lasting change happens when community members come together to support one another and address challenges through compassion, understanding, and action.
Our organization welcomes individuals, families, professionals, and community partners who are interested in taking a stand against the ongoing substance use crisis. We recognize that substance use impacts not only the individual, but also families, workplaces, schools, and the broader community. Through a person-centered and non-judgmental approach, SOYA works to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and connect people with the resources they need to improve their well-being.
SOYA is committed to providing:
-
Education – Offering accurate, evidence-informed information about substance use, addiction, harm reduction, recovery, and related mental health concerns.
-
Awareness – Promoting community understanding of the realities of substance use and the factors that contribute to addiction, while encouraging empathy and informed conversations.
-
Advocacy – Supporting individuals and families in navigating services, accessing resources, and ensuring that the voices of those with lived and living experience are heard.
-
Information and Referrals – Connecting community members with appropriate local services, treatment options, healthcare providers, social supports, and recovery resources.
-
Peer and Community Support – Creating opportunities for individuals and families to find encouragement, understanding, and connection through shared experiences.
-
Over the years, SOYA has built strong partnerships with local agencies, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups. These collaborations strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive support and ensure that individuals can access a network of services tailored to their unique needs. By working together, we help bridge gaps in care, improve access to resources, and create a more supportive and informed community.
At its core, SOYA strives to foster hope, resilience, and recovery while empowering individuals and families affected by substance use. Through education, advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement, we continue to work toward a healthier, safer, and more compassionate community for everyone.