Event September 2026 - National Sobering Collaborative

Sobering Care Providers Network

Thunder Bay, Ontario

From Vision to Action: Building a Low-Barrier, Culturally Responsive Sobering Service

Sep 11, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 (PDT)

Sponsored by

zoom event

About the event

Mino Ginawenjigewin’s Safe Sobering Service in Thunder Bay, Ontario, offers a low-barrier, relationship-centered approach to supporting people experiencing acute intoxication.

In this presentation, Mike Martin and Nicole Spivak will share the journey of developing the service—from community partnerships and outreach transportation to embedded Indigenous and peer support, coordinated pathways with first responders and the hospital, and integration with withdrawal management and other services. They will highlight lessons learned, early client and system impacts, and how a “safe place to land” can create opportunities for connection, continuity of care, and recovery.

Mike Martin, RN, MHA

Clinical Manager

Mino Ginawenjigewin, St. Joseph's Care Group

Mike Martin is the Clinical Manager of Mino Ginawenjigewin, the site where Safe Sobering and Withdrawal Management operate. Mike is a Registered Nurse with experience in acute care, mental health, addictions, and healthcare leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration. Mike is passionate about quality improvement, systems leadership, and improving access to care.

Nicole Spivak, MAl

Director of Addiction Services

St. Joseph's Care Group

Nicole was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which she still proudly calls home, enjoying the hiking trails, lakes, and natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario. Nicole is the Director of Addiction Services, overseeing a continuum of addiction and mental health services for youth and adults. She is committed to building systems rooted in dignity, hope, and connection, where the voices of people with lived and living experience help shape meaningful and lasting change. Throughout her career, Nicole has been a passionate advocate for reducing stigma, advancing person-centered care, and improving equitable access to mental health and addiction services.

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