Pubdate: Thu, 15 Jun 2006
Source: Creston Valley Advance (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Sterling Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.crestonvalley.com/advance/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1413
Author: Lorne Eckersley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

WELLNESS CENTRE NEEDS HELP TO GROW

A much-needed expansion to the addictions treatment centre is slated 
to open in July. But there is one glitch.

"We're in desperate need of tradesmen. We really, really need an 
electrician," Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre operations manager 
Delena Tikk said on Monday.

Since 1977, an addictions facility has operated on the Lower Kootenay 
Band reserve, treating about 124 people a year in its programs. 
Recently, the centre purchased the former Rising Sun Guest Ranch in 
Lister and renovations are underway. Hence the need for tradesmen.

The 22-acre ranch will provide an overdue boost to the centre's 
programs, which have been housed in a building badly needing 
replacing. Grants of $50,000 each from the Vancouver Foundation and 
Real Estate Foundation of BC enabled the centre to put a down payment 
on the ranch, where future plans include agricultural and 
horticultural training programs to help those completing wellness 
centre programs to become employable.

Purchasing property off the reserve led to some unexpected hurdles, 
Tikk explained.

"First, we learned that there are restrictions on development because 
its in the agricultural land reserve," she said. "Then, because it 
isn't on the reserve, the facility has to be inspected by a licensing 
officer with the Interior Health Authority."

The idyllic setting near the golf course includes a building with 
four suites and a home that will be converted to administration and 
counsellors' offices, kitchen and dining facilities and group meeting 
areas. As well, a suite is being converted to accommodate elders who 
visit the centre to impart their wisdom on residents in recovery.

With 22 acres, the new centre will have ample room to expand its 
programs and provide a rural setting for those in recovery and 
after-care programs. The new location will enable the centre to add a 
12-week crystal meth program to its usual six-week drug and alcohol programs.

But it's the post-recovery programs that Tikk said centre staff are 
really enthusiastic about. The wellness centre is partnering with 
local organizations such as the College of the Rockies and Kootenay 
Employment Services to create training programs that will include 
education upgrading, horticulture and trades. Included will be skills 
training like writing resumes, job searching and generating self-employment.

"Donna Carlyle (KES) and Rand Archibald (COTR) have been incredibly 
supportive and helpful," Tikk said.

She added that community support has also been strong.

"The Creston-Kootenay Foundation donated money to purchase new beds 
and Wynndel Box and Lumber has offered to donate some lumber for our 
construction projects. We'd really like to have an old-fashioned 
barn-raising when we construct a new building."

First things first, though, and Tikk re-emphasized her plea for a 
qualified electrician.

"Maybe there is a retired electrician who has recently moved to the 
area who could help us out, or maybe there is someone we just don't 
know about. Please give me a phone call at 428-5516 if you can help."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom