Operated from a spacious house on a residential street in Surrey, A’mut is a four-bed residential program designed with the needs and interests of female Indigenous youth in mind. Offered as an alternative to incarceration, A’mut is staffed by a caring team of gender-responsive, trauma-informed professionals that includes a clinical counselor, an art therapist and a First Nations elder.

A’mut, which means ‘home’ in Coast Salish, is a culture-based, full-time attendance program helping female Indigenous youth change the direction of their lives by learning to make healthy choices and develop new skills.

Girls are supported with both individual and group counselling, modelled on the evidence-based Voices curriculum developed by Dr. Stephanie Covington. It recognized the inter-relationship of violence and trauma with substance use, mental health and justice system involvement. At A’mut, we strive to help girls develop a positive sense of self, build healthy relationships, enjoy physical and emotional wellness and plan for a bright future.

A’mut partners with the Surrey School District to help girls complete their secondary school education.

Each week, girls benefit from equine therapy. Bonding with a horse is proven to lower stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and helps people struggling with addictions and mental health needs.

A’mut offers a trauma-informed yoga program, which helps girls learn how to self-regulate and calm their mind and body.

A’mut is also a place where girls will find respect and fun. Each girl has her own bedroom, enjoys tasty, nutritious meals and snacks, and has the opportunity to experience a variety of relaxing activities like movie nights, spa nights, baking, beading, board games and crafts.