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.
Denare Beach is the proposed home of a new $200,000 drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre that would help addicts from across northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Fundraising for the facility, which would feature four to six beds, is already underway with Denare Beach pastors Allen Lagore and Dan Morgan leading the way. "There are a lot of people who need help in this region, for sure," said Lagore. "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 away from their family, and that's been a concern." Lagore and Morgan will be the directors of the proposed rehab centre, which would operate under the Teen Challenge program Ñ a misleading name since the facility would be open to anyone 18 or older. Teen Challenge is a non-profit, non-denominational program based on Biblical principles. The centre would receive no government funding for operating costs, as fundraising efforts across Saskatchewan and northern Alberta would pay the bills. Lagore said the opening date of the Denare Beach facility will depend on the success of the fundraising efforts. The pastors have yet to secure land in the village for the 2,500 sq. ft. building, and there is still a possibility they will look at Creighton if things don't work out in Denare Beach. "We want to keep it in Saskatchewan simply because there are none of these Teen Challenge facilities in Saskatchewan," said Lagore. Addicts entering the centre would pay no fee to participate in the six-month rehabilitation program. Upon their completion, they would have the option of continuing with Teen Challenge for another six months in Winnipeg. The Teen Challenge program, is offered at over 300 centres in 60 countries, boasts a banner success rate of over 70 per cent. "I believe that the Biblical-based program is the reason for the success," commented Lagore. "Without finding out who your higher power is, you can't exactly reach out to find help." The Teen Challenge program is growing in popularity and, Lagore said, the centre in Winnipeg currently has a waiting list. "This program is not something that has problems attracting people," he said. Steve Paulson, the executive director of Teen Challenge for central Canada, will be at the banquet hall at RJ's Motel tonight to discuss the program. The public is welcome to attend the presentation, which will begin at 7 p.m. More information on Teen Challenge and the proposed local centre may be obtained by calling Allen at 362-2105 or Dan at 362-2158.
