Pubdate: Tue, 25 Dec 2007
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: James Breckenridge

DETOX FACILITY FOR YOUTH A WELCOME ADDITION

THE EDITOR:

I had the distinct pleasure of watching council give approval to the
Spirit Bear Centre Society proposal for a detox/recovery facility for
female youth.

Personal experience has taught me that detox/treatment/recovery for
youth is non-existent in this area.

The citizens of the neighbourhood should not feel as though they have
been singled out.

The harsh, sad reality is that with the number of issues and thus
facilities needed to address and reduce Abbotsford's social problems,
all neighbourhoods in the city will be host to facilities.

Reality is that the need for recovery and transition facilities in
this city is deep and we want not only to put in place the structures
needed, but to attract the best people and societies to be running
these programs.

Bravo for council for approving this proposal and setting a precedent
for approving projects filling community needs and involving good people.

I would ask that council direct city staff to extend a welcome to
Spirit Bear and to facilitate any needs they may have.

I would also ask citizens who have the opportunity to both say "well
done" to council and lend support to Spirit Bear.

I do have a question/challenge for those who signed the petition
against this proposal, a paraphrasing of John F. Kennedy.

Ask not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for
you community.

What are you going to do to make this facility a success? They say it
takes a village to raise a child. It definitely takes a community to
reclaim a child or person from drugs.

This question/challenge is important not only for those of the
neighbourhood, but as a question/challenge for all citizens.

For in the answer lies the truth of whether Abbotsford is merely a
collection of buildings or a community.

James Breckenridge,

Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Derek