Adult & Teen Challenge Dryden Community Office Ministry Manager Steven Keesic/Facebook Page
A new program in Dryden is officially up and running for those struggling with addiction.
Ministry Manager of the newly launched Adult & Teen Challenge Dryden Community Office Steven Keesic was the Rotary Club of Dryden’s virtual guest on Wednesday.
“We offer a lot of resources for people under the age of 18,” explained Keesic. “One of the things we do is help them navigate the criminal justice system there’s lots of apprehension and anxiety that comes with that, so we offer support in court, anger management, we accept people on bail and help people on probation.”
Keesic adds the local branch also offers mentorship for youth, support for mental health and placement for community service, noting ‘Schmidt Greenhouses’ is on board to work with those needing to complete hours.
Renovations started at the 34 King Street building in October 2020 and the office just opened their doors to the public this week but already Keesic says they’re mind blown by how many people are asking for help, with a majority struggling with methadone.
“We noticed this problem and we want to get a short term program going. I’ve spoken with a couple people from the local methadone clinic about what this would look like and I’m in the process of crafting a letter for one of the individuals who have come here asking for help, so that he can ween off methadone and then enter a program where he can learn to live a sober and contributing life in society.”
Dryden’s Community Office hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with hopes to extend soon, as Keesic says they feel a sense of urgency for more long term support.
“The goal is for us to establish that 60 to 90 day program and then be a bridge for individuals outside of the community. We already are looking at certain properties because the need is so great, to have our own one year long treatment program. That’s something that typical a year to a year and a half after a community office has been established is what the next step is, so we hope to do that in the near future and it’s been discussed at our board meetings already.”
The Kenora District Services Board is one community partner who sits on the committee and Keesic adds they’re exploring other partnerships and are open to suggestions for how else they can help fill the gaps with their program in Dryden.
Adult support groups are also available with a Men’s Group Tuesday nights at 7 p.m., a Women’s Group Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. and a Concerned Persons Group for parents, loved ones and relatives of someone who is struggling.
Adult & Teen Challenge Groups are funded solely by their Super Thrift stores that was first established in Thunder Bay, with now multiple locations in Manitoba, private and individual donors.
72 percent of participants go through the program successfully.
