Pubdate: Fri, 25 Feb 2005
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FEARS SURFACE OVER DRUG REHAB FACILITY

The possibility of a drug rehabilitation centre in Lake Country is causing 
some anxiety within the community.

Teen Challenge Canada, a faith-based rehabilitation program, hopes to open 
a centre on a Glenmore Road property by mid-March. But some residents are 
left wondering who will exactly be using the centre's services.

"The community is very concerned because they don't know what it is or who 
it is," said Mayor Rolly Hein.

"Some people are feeling unsafe and it's a terrible way to feel."

Under the current zoning, such a facility is allowed on the property and 
Hein isn't sure if the municipality could do anything to stop the centre.

"We have the ability to withhold businesses licences but not on a 
charitable organization."

Hein is quick to point out, though, that he isn't even sure if the centre 
is something that warrants concerns.

"There's been lots of rumours so we've been insistent that there be a town 
hall meeting so we can decide if this is something we welcome or not."

Teen Challenge Canada will host a public meeting March 11 at 7 p.m. at 
Creekside Theatre.

"We want to answer these concerns," said Arnie Petrauskas, who is 
overseeing Teen Challenge in the Okanagan.

"People aren't informed as to who we are. We're a ministry of excellence."

Despite the name, services at the Lake Country centre would only be for men 
ages 19 to 45 who are having problems with drugs and alcohol.

Petrauskas says the centre would initially start out with five or six 
students and reach a maximum of 20, although the group's Web site indicates 
30-plus students.

People voluntarily enter the program, and Petrauskas maintains none of them 
are criminals.

"Students aren't allowed to leave the building without signing out."

He added that Teen Challenge students have a history of helping those in 
need in other communities.

"We're an absolute asset to any community."

Teen Challenge Canada, which has seven locations across the country, is 
affiliated with Global Teen Challenge with more than 560 locations in 78 
countries.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager