Solcz Family Foundation supports UWindsor’s Lancers Recover campus addiction recovery program

Solcz Family Foundation supports UWindsor’s Lancers Recover campus addiction recovery program

The University of Windsor’s Lancers Recover program has received a $10,000 grant from the Solcz Family Foundation to expand outreach, training and partnership-building efforts that support students affected by substance use and behavioural addictions.

The funding will allow the program to broaden its recovery ally training, deepen campus and community outreach and enhance evaluation of the program’s growing initiatives.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Onawa LaBelle, professor of psychology, who has been in long-term recovery for more than 20 years, Lancers Recover was the first collegiate recovery program in Ontario and the second in Canada.

The program began as a small, peer-led initiative and has grown into a nationally recognized model for campus-based recovery support.

“We’ve identified a clear need for more awareness around how to identify substance-use issues and how to support students who may be struggling or questioning their use,” said LaBelle. “Support from the Solcz Family Foundation allows us to expand training and outreach so more people know how to recognize concerns, offer support and connect students with resources.”

Lancers Recover has contributed to shaping collegiate recovery across the country.

LaBelle and former coordinator Mack Park (MSW ’25) published the first peer-reviewed Canadian study documenting student recovery experiences and helped launch the Canadian Collegiate Recovery Research Collaborative, a growing network of campus-based programs.

Park now serves as the assistant director of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.

LaBelle was honoured as the organization’s Recovery Advocate of the Year and recently presented the Lancers Recover program model at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario conference.

This year, under the coordination of Jason Parete (MSW ’24), a former program participant and graduate of the University of Windsor’s School of Social Work, Lancers Recover introduced daily drop-in lounge hours, expanded peer-led support and launched Ally Support, a confidential option for students concerned about friends or family members struggling with substance use.

The Lancers Recover Lounge will open its doors for an open house on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to drop in and get familiar with this supportive campus resource. (SUBMITTED BY ONAWA LABELLE/University of Windsor)

 

As part of this expanded programming, the team also established the Lancers Recover Lounge in September 2024 after securing an underused classroom in Chrysler Hall North (G129) and repurposing it as a dedicated recovery space.

“Most of the furniture was repurposed from the former law school following their recent upgrades, the books in the space have been donated by faculty and community members, and key equipment, including the refrigerator and microwave, was made possible through private fundraising and donations from alumni and community supporters” LaBelle said.

“The lounge is designed as a welcoming, low-barrier space and can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people. It includes an area for informal socializing and peer connection, a flexible layout for workshops and small group programming, and a private office used for one-on-one meetings with our program coordinator.”

To help the campus community become familiar with the space, Lancers Recover will host an open house on Thursday, January 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. Faculty and staff are warmly encouraged to stop by, say hello, and get to know the space.

“One of our goals is to help folks feel comfortable with the resource so that warm handoffs for students feel natural and easy in the future” Labelle said.

Lancers Recover is sustained by a strong community of volunteers, peer leaders and supporters, including private donors, alumni, local businesses, faculty and staff. The recovery ally training expansion, outreach strengthening and program evaluation initiatives are funded in part by the Solcz Family Foundation.

If you or someone you know — a student, colleague, friend or family member — is struggling with alcohol, substances or behavioural addictions, please reach out. The program can help connect individuals to appropriate supports.

If you are interested in requesting recovery ally training for your department, area or student group, or are interested in participating yourself, please contact the program by email atlancersrecover@uwindsor.ca to coordinate scheduling or inquire about upcoming training opportunities.