Pubdate: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB) Copyright: 2005, Okotoks Western Wheel Contact: http://www.westernwheel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638 Author: Laurel Nadon Red Deer Lake SALE OF SCHOOL TO REHAB CENTRE CONCERNS RESIDENT Teen Challenge Alberta Purchases Red Deer Lake School An MD of Foothills resident has concerns about the current Red Deer Lake School being sold to Teen Challenge Alberta, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Barry Klassen, who lives just east of the location for the new Red Deer Lake School, said he doesn't think the public is aware that the old school site has been sold to Teen Challenge Alberta. "They're going to build a new school less than half a kilometre away from a drug and alcohol rehab program that houses individuals 24 hours a day," Klassen said. However, school division officials say they have heard nothing but positive things about the Teen Challenge program. Foothills School Division secretary-treasurer Drew Chipman said a conditional sale was made with Teen Challenge Alberta about a year-and-a-half ago. Chipman said they don't have concerns about the group being close to the new school, nor was the sale kept a secret. "We've heard a lot of positives about Teen Challenge and the programs they offer," Chipman said. "We don't have any concerns that would make us rethink that sale." Chipman, who isn't releasing how much the old school site sold for, said the division received fair value for the school. The province must approve the capital uses for approximately half of the funds made from the sale because the province contributed to the building of the school. The other half of the funds will be spent at the division's discretion. The division has earmarked $100,000 toward site work at the new school. Teen Challenge Alberta director Barry Berger said they decided to move from Priddis to become more visible. They will spend up to $2 million on renovations after they take possession in January 2007. Teen Challenge Alberta is a Christian residential rehabilitation program for men aged 18 and over. They are dedicated to meeting the physical, spiritual and social needs of drug and alcohol abusers who demonstrate a clear desire to be free from their addiction. "Jesus is the answer for everything. We teach our guys three basic things: we teach them to love Jesus Christ with all their heart, mind and strength, we teach them to love their neighbours and we teach them how to work hard," Berger said. "When they learn those three things, they never drink or do drugs again and are obedient to the laws of the land." Teen Challenge Alberta is the longest lasting and one of the most successful drug and alcohol recovery program in the world and has programs in 86 countries. The program started in 1958 and has been located in Priddis for the past 20 years. There are currently 12 participants. The participants come to the program after being in detox and must fill out an application form themselves. Berger noted that 86 per cent of program graduates are still clean and sober five years after graduating. The one-year program features 20 hours per week of classroom work and 20 hours per week of vocational training. Berger said that addictions in Alberta have grown 100-fold in the past 15 years. Teen Challenge receives no government funding and instead is funded by individual donations. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake