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“ Addiction can unexpectedly strike in any home and, when it does, the
whole family is thrown into turmoil. This program will give hope to families
in crisis and help young people reclaim their future. We believe this
program will save lives. ” — Parent
Support Group: From
Grief to Action
“Research shows that the longer a young person stays in treatment, the greater the likelihood they will remain drug and alcohol free when they return to the community. This project – the first of its kind in British Columbia – is an example of the community and government working together to ensure our young people receive the services they need.” — Health Minister George Abbott
Download a PDF copy of the Campaign Case Brochure, here>>
Long-term residential treatment results in a 71 per cent decrease in the use of drugs and a 61 per cent decrease in criminal behaviour.
Research shows that for every dollar invested in treatment and healthy activities, the community saves $12 on reduced crime and health-care costs.
The Crossing at Keremeos,
scheduled to open in January 2009, will be the first long-term residential treatment centre for youth, both boys and girls, between the ages of 14 and 18, in BC. Young people
will enter the program after withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, then
stay for six months to a year, depending on their needs.
Central City Foundation and From Grief to Action, a parent support and advocacy group, have partnered with the BC Ministry of Health and the Health Authorities to create this program. The Central City Foundation has purchased 58 acres in a secluded rural area near Keremeos, about 55 km southwest of Penticton, with existing buildings that will be renovated to meet the needs of the Crossing.
RESPONDING TO A CRITICAL
NEED
For Central City Foundation, this project started when
Board member Peter Spencer heard a radio interview with Rob Ruttan of From
Grief to Action. Peter
was moved by Ruttan’s struggle to find services for his own child
and other youth with addictions. The rest of our Board agreed with Peter
that Central City should help solve this critical problem.
“Central City Foundation has been helping people in need from the inner city for the past 100 years. We purchased the land near Keremeos in response to the very serious need in BC for services for youth and their families and in hopes of jump-starting a long-term residential treatment centre much like The Crossing will be when it is complete.” — Peter Spencer, CCF Board Member
BC is one of only two jurisdictions in Canada without a long-term residential treatment centre—a centre that would allow young people to stay long enough to recover and remain addiction-free.
Many young people challenged by addiction have complex problems and need help now. About half of young people with addiction use more than one substance, and a third have a mental health disorder along with their addiction. Many young people with addiction issues are estranged from their families and live on their own—on the streets, in shelters or in sub-standard rentals in unsafe neighbourhoods.
While BC Health Authorities offer a continuum of addiction services for youth—from detox services to counselling to short-term residential care—a critical gap exists when it comes to providing long-term residential care. Research shows that if youth with addictions remain in treatment for four months or longer, they have a much better chance of staying off drugs and alcohol in the future.
MANAGED BY A TRUSTED CANADIAN OPERATOR
“Before I went to Portage, I was worn out and
ready to give up. I had attended over 10 different drug and alcohol
facilities and yet
continued to live in the cycle of drugs—the street life, depression,
and self-destruction. The peer-driven model [at Portage], being with
kids my own age and having them be mentors and role models to me was
amazing. And then eventually being put in a position in which I could
role model to others was unbelievable! Portage gave me the tools to go
back out into the world self-knowing, confident and aware, never to live
in the shadows again.” — Lauren, age 18, Portage
graduate
Portage Program for Drug Dependencies will operate the Crossing at Keremeos. Portage is an internationally recognized Canadian organization that has been successfully treating young people since 1973, and operates similar programs in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
The program that Portage would offer at The Crossing has been acclaimed for its ability to permanently change addictive behaviour and prevent relapse.
TREATMENT THAT BUILDS SELF-RESPECT
AND COPING SKILLS
Young people entering the Portage program have chosen to undertake a
challenging journey towards growth and self-discovery. They are motivated
to find the strength to recover from addiction and reconnect with their
families and the community.
Young people will come to the centre after withdrawing from alcohol and other drugs in an existing clinical setting provided by the Health Authorities. They will stay in the residential treatment program for six months to a year, depending on their needs. The program offered emphasizes the concepts of self-help and positive peer influence within a caring environment. During their stay, young people develop improved self-esteem, self-respect, self-confidence and self-awareness. The program views addiction as a symptom of a life in crisis, and helps young people identify the issues that cause their substance use problems and healthy ways to address them. With the support of local school boards, young people have the opportunity to complete their high school education. Staff also offer vocational counselling and help young people develop the skills and work habits needed to find employment.
The Crossing aims to return young people to society with improved social functioning, a connection to their family and friends, and a plan for further education or employment. The Health Authorities will provide services to help with this transition. For youth with supportive families, the program's approach provides comprehensive family services. Group and individual sessions help parents understand and come to terms with the issues created by a drug or alcohol-dependent family member. In this way, the family becomes an added source for support to the young person in their process of recovery.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Health Authorities will provide an annual operating budget of $2.4
million to cover operational costs for the residential program and
community reintegration for program graduates. Central City Foundation
will provide the 58-acre property. However, another $6 million is urgently
needed to renovate and retrofit existing buildings, and in some cases,
for new construction. CCF is leading a capital campaign to raise these
additional funds.
Read more about the campaign or
DONATE
NOW >>.
