Covenant House Vancouver

What is Rights of Passage?

Rights of Passage (ROP) is a transitional living program where young people ages 18-23 can build healthy, successful lives by working, continuing their education, and learning useful lifeskills with the support of staff and peers.

What makes ROP different than living on my own?

ROP is a place where young men and women, dedicated to improving their lives, can live, work, and learn together. Achieving personal health and wellness, maintaining positive relationships, stabilizing in a job, continuing education, and working toward greater balance in our lives, is all a part of ROP. The staff provide information and support in gaining the skills that people need to live independently. Skills such as: decision-making, money management, time management, communication, conflict resolution, and the everyday tasks of 'daily living,' like shopping and cooking, will all be a part of what you learn at ROP.

Is ROP a safe place to live?

Yes! In fact, ROP is a sanctuary. That means that ROP is a place where weapons, violence, harassment, discrimination, property destruction, involvement in the sex trade, and the abuse and possession of alcohol and drugs are not allowed. ROP is a safe and sacred place to live and to grow. It's a place where you can deal with the past and move toward the future.

WHOA! What happens if I break one of those rules?

If you have threatened someone else's safety you will be asked to leave ROP. If you cannot abide by the expectations, in order to stay in ROP you will be required to negotiate a special plan with your Resident Advisor.

Can I drink alcohol and use drugs outside of ROP property?

That depends on each person. At ROP we believe that substance misuse is a serious problem that will prevent a person from being successful at work, school, and in social relationships. Since these are the main aspects of ROP we feel that 'using' will be a serious barrier to success in the program. If we notice that a person is not making it to work, struggling at school, and having difficulties with other people in the program and we suspect this is due to substance use, we will expect them to address the issue through counselling or treatment.

What about curfew?

For at least the first two months that you are in ROP you will have a curfew. The curfew gets later as you progress in the program.

Can I have guests?

You can have guests during certain daytime and evening hours. You cannot have overnight guests.

Can I have a pet?

No.

What do you mean when you say that ROP is a "community" of young men and women?

The ROP building has two floors. Each floor will have about 15 residents. Each group of 15 residents will form a small community. Within this community, you will learn about yourself, other residents, and develop lifeskills. Sometimes, learning how to get along with other people can be really difficult; but it's an important skill to have. You and your floor-mates will meet together weekly, have dinner and discuss how things are going on your floor. These weekly gatherings are opportunities to talk with other people who have similar goals and challenges, to support each other, and to work out problems. They are also opportunities to have fun and to build lasting healthy friendships.

Speaking of having fun.... What's fun about all this work and school?

It's true that ROP residents are expected to work hard at their jobs, education, lifeskills training, and community relationships. At ROP, however, we believe in finding a balanced lifestyle. That means we value having fun. We have a great rooftop garden for people who like gardening, hanging out in the sun, and outdoor dinner parties. On evenings and weekends, we work with residents to plan outdoor activities, arts projects, and develop hobbies. We like to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and personal achievements.

This sounds great! How do I find out more?

You can find out everything that you need to know about Rights of Passage by attending one of our weekly information sessions on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. We are located at 326 W. Pender Street; please call before coming by. Any questions you have about admission to the ROP program or Covenant House will be answered there.

So how do I apply?

If you already know you want to be a part of ROP, fill in the application form and write us a letter telling us why you would be a good candidate for this awesome program. Drop it off at the above address. We will call you back to schedule an interview.

Photos of the Rights of Passage building:

Common Room	Kitchen	Bachelor Suite