The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The opening date of a proposed drug and alcohol rehab centre in Denare Beach will depend entirely on the success of fundraising efforts. Spearheading the project are Denare Beach pastors Dan Morgan and Allen Lagore, who have so far raised about $7,000 of the estimated $200,000 needed to construct the facility. "We're just in the beginning stages of fundraising," said Morgan. "We will keep fundraising throughout this year and until we reach our goal." The rehab centre would feature four to six beds and operate under the Teen Challenge program, a misleading name since the facility would be open to people 18 or older. Teen Challenge is a non-profit, non-denominational program based on the Biblical principles. Morgan, Lagore and their wives, and possibly a third couple, would oversee the centre. The centre would receive no government funding for operating costs, meaning fundraising efforts and donations would pay the bills. It would serve people from across Northern Saskatchewan and Northern Manitoba. "There are a lot of people who need help in this region, for sure," said Lagore in a previous interview. "It's a huge problem right across the North Ñ alcoholism and drug use. People who have to go to Winnipeg for treatment are a long way from their family, and that's a concern." "I think it's a very valid program for the area," said Morgan. Soon, Morgan and Lagore will have appealed to some 130 different grant foundations throughout Canada and the U.S. for funding to help get the facility built. "At this point, we don't know when the money will be raised," said Morgan. "When we get more responses from our grant appeals, we'll be able to have a better estimate." The pastors have yet to secure land in Denare Beach for the 2,500 sq. ft. facility, but they have approached the Denare Beach Council on the matter. Morgan said the men will look at Creighton if things, for whatever reason, don't work out in Denare Beach. Since word of the proposed rehab centre appeared in the local media in October, Morgan said he has heard no negative feedback. He said there has been none of the 'not in my neighbourhood' attitude that sometimes plagues projects like this. "Between family, friends and people you know, everyone has had or is having experiences with problems relating to drugs, alcohol or substance abuse," he said. "When that's brought up, everyone just shakes their head and says, 'That's for sure.'" Addicts entering the rehab centre would pay no fee to participate in a six-month rehabilitation program. Upon their completion, they would have the option of continuing with Teen Challenge for another six months in a larger city. See 'Success' P.# Con't from P.# Offered at over 300 centres in 60 countries, Teen Challenge boasts a banner success rate of over 70 per cent. "The track record of Teen Challenge is so impressive," commented Morgan. "It's been running since 1958, and the success is just outstanding. I believe it's the Biblical principles of running one's life is what makes the difference." More information on Teen Challenge and the proposed local centre may be obtained by calling Dan at 362-2158 or Allen at 362-2105.
