From Recovery to Opportunity: The Impact of the Out of the Ashes Bursary

Education can be a powerful turning point in someone’s life. For individuals in recovery, it can provide stability, purpose, and the opportunity to build a new future. The Out of the Ashes (OOTA) Bursary, created by Day One Society, supports this journey by helping remove financial barriers for individuals pursuing education after recovery.

This year, the program has been strengthened through the generosity of Dr. Ho-Young Chung of Kamloops Dental Implants, who has committed to donating $5,000 annually to support one bursary recipient pursuing advanced education such as a master’s or doctoral program.

Dr. Chung’s connection to Kamloops began when his family moved here from South Korea when he was nine years old. He completed his schooling in Kamloops before attending dental school and returning to the community to begin his career. After working with his family dentist for several years, he opened Kamloops Dental Implants in 2015, a referral-based clinic specializing in dental implants and sedation dentistry.

Reflecting on his own path and the opportunities he has had, Dr. Chung says he began thinking more deeply about how he could give back to the community.

“I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Canada,” he shares. “When you see people struggling in the community, it makes you reflect on how much you have and how important it is to share that in ways that can help others move forward.”

Dr. Chung hopes the bursary will help reduce some of the financial barriers that people face when returning to school after recovery.

“Freedom is just on the other side of suffering,” he says. “If someone is able to pursue education after recovery, it can give their struggle meaning and allow them to help others who may be facing similar challenges. For Siân Lewis, Executive Director of Day One Society, support like this reflects the strength of a community that believes in lifting others up. - Dr. Ho Young Chung

“I think it is exceptional what Dr Chung has done. When those who have realized success choose to ‘pay it forward’ to marginalized and vulnerable people, we elevate the entire community. Dr Chung recognizes his success, and he also recognizes the support he received along the way. He understands that not everyone has the support of a loving family, access to secure housing, or the socio-economic means required to access advanced education. He chooses to share his success in a meaningful way by creating an educational bursary for people who face multiple barriers. Dr Chung sees the bigger picture and recognizes that we all have our part to play in giving others a helping hand in a way that respects their inherent value and ability.”

The Out of the Ashes Bursary was created in 2007 by Leann Kopytko and her late husband Ron to support individuals in Kamloops who have achieved at least one year of recovery and are pursuing education. Over the years, the program has supported many recipients as they take steps toward new careers and new beginnings.

“When a community invests in higher learning for someone in recovery, it plants the seeds of leadership, hope, purpose and possibility which extends far beyond one life. True community investment is believing in someone's potential and helping turn their recovery journey into leadership, education, valued lived experience, and lasting contributions. Personally, I am filled with gratitude towards Dr. Ho Young Chung for recognizing and making a personal commitment of this size which is a strong testament to the value and importance he has placed in the opportunity for those pursuing academia through support of the Out of the Ashes Bursary. Thank you for believing in second chances and for keeping hope alive.” - Leann Kopytko

Through the generosity of donors and community partners, the Out of the Ashes Bursary continues to create opportunities for individuals in recovery to pursue education, rebuild their lives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.