NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO OVERDOSE PREVENTION & MENTAL HEALTH
R.I.P. Lukas Goguen. A sweet, intelligent, goofy, and kind soul. A dear brother, son, and friend to many. 03/30/98 - 05/15/17
About Us
Awareness
Eliminating the Stigma
Eliminating the Stigma
At Lukas House Society, we work to raise awareness about mental health, substance use, and the opioid crisis. Through educational talks at schools and active engagement on social media, we advocate for better treatment and support for people facing these challenges. Our goal is to create understanding, promote compassion, and drive change in the way we approach these urgent issues.
Eliminating the Stigma
Eliminating the Stigma
Eliminating the Stigma
We are committed to creating a safe and supportive space where young people can openly discuss mental health and substance use. Our mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental health challenges, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and acceptance. By encouraging honest conversations, we
We are committed to creating a safe and supportive space where young people can openly discuss mental health and substance use. Our mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental health challenges, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and acceptance. By encouraging honest conversations, we aim to empower individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
Harm Reduction
Eliminating the Stigma
Harm Reduction
We are dedicated to educating people, especially our youth, about the risks associated with substance use and the importance of harm reduction practices. By promoting safe drug use strategies and other harm reduction methods, we aim to prevent overdose deaths and reduce the impact of the opioid crisis in our communities.
Our Board of Directors
Sofia Goguen - Executive Director - "It breaks my heart that despite all the people Lukas had around him, he still felt alone in this world, and he couldn’t see a future for himself. He had such a good heart deep down - anyone who knew Lukas would know that. And so I know we are all asking ourselves, what went wrong? How did it ever come to this? And what could we have done differently to have avoided this tragedy?"
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Lukas and I have been a team since day one. We were always the closest of siblings and I miss him so much. I have so many memories of us growing up together; playing in the backyard, walking the dogs, going skiing, camping trips, swimming at our cabin, goofing around and sometimes just keeping each other company while having long talks a
Lukas and I have been a team since day one. We were always the closest of siblings and I miss him so much. I have so many memories of us growing up together; playing in the backyard, walking the dogs, going skiing, camping trips, swimming at our cabin, goofing around and sometimes just keeping each other company while having long talks about life. The list goes on.
It's hard to comprehend that Lukas is gone. I feel as though this emptiness without him is just temporary, as if he were sick and would be back sometime soon. When I think about the fact this this is real, that my brother is actually gone, I feel overwhelmed with emotions.
Sofia has graduated from the University of Victoria with of Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Minor in Business. Her studies were specialized in mental health and psychological development across the life span. With a background in both psychology and business, she now runs a marketing agency, Mtn. Media Marketing, and works as Executive Director for Lukas House Society with an unmatched level of motivation to save lives in memory of her brother, Lukas.
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Blake is an avid skateboarder and biker with a passion for nature and all things outdoors. After losing his friend Lukas to drug overdose in 2017, Blake was moved to educate young people about the opioid crisis, safe harm reduction, and mental health issues in order to prevent the tragic loss of lives. Blake is especially passionate about
Blake is an avid skateboarder and biker with a passion for nature and all things outdoors. After losing his friend Lukas to drug overdose in 2017, Blake was moved to educate young people about the opioid crisis, safe harm reduction, and mental health issues in order to prevent the tragic loss of lives. Blake is especially passionate about educating people on the positive impact that nature and the outdoors can have on one’s mental health. Blake can usually be found skateboarding, biking, enjoying the ocean, or designing merchandise and creating videos for his skate clothing line, Quilchena Locals (Instagram @quilchlocs).
Laurel Mitchel - Board Member “I have seen my partner Blake lose two of his closest friends to overdose. Being so young and experiencing those losses changes someone profoundly. Addiction is something that affects almost every one of us but is still so heavily stigmatized. Working in a high school as an educator I hope to be a positive influence and a safe space for my students who may be experiencing loss, substance use or struggling with their mental health."
Blake Rowland - Vice President "The first time I really got to know Lukas was in skills class grade 9. We sat next to each other, and at first the table was quiet, but as time went on we become great friends. There in skills class is where Lukas introduced me to the rapper Nas and group, Mobb Deep. That was when I knew Lukas was dope, because he was sharing his knowledge of hip- hop with me. Skills class is where our friendship started, but we mostly spent our times skating at Quichena with Jack and other friends."
Laurel Mitchel - Board Member “I have seen my partner Blake lose two of his closest friends to overdose. Being so young and experiencing those losses changes someone profoundly. Addiction is something that affects almost every one of us but is still so heavily stigmatized. Working in a high school as an educator I hope to be a positive influence and a safe space for my students who may be experiencing loss, substance use or struggling with their mental health."
Laurel is an education assistant in a high school, supporting diverse learners in a Life Skills program. Laurel is passionate about art, working as a makeup artist for over a decade. She grew up in Kitsilano and has seen the way the opioid crisis has changed the lives of people close to her. Laurel hopes that by being a part of Lukas Hous
Laurel is an education assistant in a high school, supporting diverse learners in a Life Skills program. Laurel is passionate about art, working as a makeup artist for over a decade. She grew up in Kitsilano and has seen the way the opioid crisis has changed the lives of people close to her. Laurel hopes that by being a part of Lukas House Society, she will be able to create opportunities for meaningful conversations about substance use disorder and mental health in her community.
Jacqueline Carhoun - Board Member
Jacqueline Carhoun - Board Member
Laurel Mitchel - Board Member “I have seen my partner Blake lose two of his closest friends to overdose. Being so young and experiencing those losses changes someone profoundly. Addiction is something that affects almost every one of us but is still so heavily stigmatized. Working in a high school as an educator I hope to be a positive influence and a safe space for my students who may be experiencing loss, substance use or struggling with their mental health."
Jacqueline grew up in Vancouver, where she experienced the impact of the opioid crisis on her community and in her own family. Her brother, Jordan, passed away from an accidental opioid overdose at the age of 25. Jordan was a vibrant, passionate, and opinionated person with a contagious sense of humour, and his love of music and spirit co
Jacqueline grew up in Vancouver, where she experienced the impact of the opioid crisis on her community and in her own family. Her brother, Jordan, passed away from an accidental opioid overdose at the age of 25. Jordan was a vibrant, passionate, and opinionated person with a contagious sense of humour, and his love of music and spirit continue to inspire her every day. Their bond and special memories drive Jacqueline’s dedication to reducing stigma and expanding education on substance use.
As a current PhD student, Jacqueline’s research focuses on creating supportive resources for the families, loved ones, and caregivers of those with opioid use disorders. She collaborates closely with people who have lived experience, integrating their insights to develop sensitive and impactful interventions. Through her work, Jacqueline hopes to honour Jordan’s legacy and help others better understand and compassionately support themselves and their loved ones.
John Valk - President
Jacqueline Carhoun - Board Member
Tess Babington - Board Member
Johnny is a business student at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Passionate about all things sales and marketing, Johnny aims to use his business and entrepreneurial knowledge to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the opioid crisis. He advocates for reducing stigma by promoting open and honest discussions
Johnny is a business student at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Passionate about all things sales and marketing, Johnny aims to use his business and entrepreneurial knowledge to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the opioid crisis. He advocates for reducing stigma by promoting open and honest discussions about mental health in schools, businesses, communities, and governments. In his time off, Johnny loves snowboarding, mountain biking, and hitting the gym.
Tess Babington - Board Member
Jacqueline Carhoun - Board Member
Tess Babington - Board Member
"I grew up in Vancouver and have built a career in hairdressing, currently working as a colour technician at Suki's Hair Salon. My passion for Lukas House Society comes from a deeply personal place. I have family members who struggle with substance use, and I have witnessed two of my best friends tragically lose their brothers to overdose
"I grew up in Vancouver and have built a career in hairdressing, currently working as a colour technician at Suki's Hair Salon. My passion for Lukas House Society comes from a deeply personal place. I have family members who struggle with substance use, and I have witnessed two of my best friends tragically lose their brothers to overdose. I am committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those affected by this crisis.
Mikayla Calabretti - Secretary
Mikayla Calabretti - Secretary
Mikayla Calabretti - Secretary
Mikayla is a fourth-year US History major at the University of Victoria. She is passionate about ending the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and increasing awareness about the opioid crisis and the importance of harm-reduction. Mikayla uses her platform to speak up for those who do not have a voice, and she believes that getting
Mikayla is a fourth-year US History major at the University of Victoria. She is passionate about ending the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and increasing awareness about the opioid crisis and the importance of harm-reduction. Mikayla uses her platform to speak up for those who do not have a voice, and she believes that getting vocal about substance use disorder and mental health issues is essential to fighting this opioid crisis. On her days off, Mikayla can be found reading a book, listening to music on her record player, or shredding on the ski hill.
With your support, we can help prevent overdose deaths.
Your donations will allow us to continue to work towards saving lives, so that no person has to die a preventable death.
What we do
Lukas House Society Incorporation #S0067973 BN#797298684BC0001
Our organization is dedicated to reducing overdose deaths. We aim to accomplish this through raising awareness about the opioid crisis, educating about harm reduction, and eliminating the stigma around mental health and substance use. We host annual awareness & educational events, a Christmas donations drive for the Downtown Eastside, and we get youth actively involved by speaking out about mental health and substance use on our social media channels.
Counseling
We want all your dreams to come true! You can develop a new sense of self with strong values and integrity. Donations help us to offer cognitive behavioural therapy at very affordable prices. Contact info@lukashouse.ca today.
Connect to others
Talking about these issues is very key to our work. We can't stay isolated, we need each other. We are in the process of creating online support groups for people who share similar mental health diagnoses to create a safe space to share and discuss with others who are struggling with the same challenges.