Pubdate: Tue, 11 Feb 2003
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Russ Akins
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

TEEN CHALLENGE GETS PRIVATE BOOST

An Abbotsford survey company - which wants to remain anonymous - has agreed 
to come to the aid of B.C. Teen Challenge and its bid to rehabilitate women 
addicts.

B.C. Teen Challenge has applied to rezone property at 4131 Lakemount Rd. - 
with an existing single-family home - for a rehabilitation centre that 
would house up to 12 women, taking them off the streets of Abbotsford where 
they work as prostitutes to feed a drug habit.

In December the proposal was lauded by the Abbotsford Downtown Business 
Association, which told council it "addresses our concern for the addict by 
moving them to property outside of town."

However, if council was to support the application, planner Geri Boyle said 
$8,000 is needed for legal surveys - money most councillors feel the city 
cannot afford in lean financial times, and in light of council's decision 
to eventually eliminate all grants.

While the concept is worthwhile, it is beyond the city's mandate to fund it 
with a grant, Coun. Bruce Beck recently told the Abbotsford News.

The survey company has "shown interest in wanting to do it pro bono," said 
Rev. Barry Beger of Teen Challenge, "but they don't want to be identified."

Other groups and individuals have expressed interest in helping out the 
group, after a story on their treatment home proposal on Lakemount was 
featured in the Abbotsford News. A similar program for addicted men is 
operating in Yarrow, said Berger.

Berger is confident that as a "faith-based organization," the power of 
prayer will see them through.

"We don't have that (the $8,000) in our budget, but we would never let the 
place die because of that," he said this week.

They plan to move the first resident into the house by March 15.

Even though council voted not to grant them the money, Berger has nothing 
but praise for the city's efforts.

"They've gone out of their way to get us in there. I have no beef with the 
city whatsoever."

B.C. Teen Challenge can be reached at 604-823-0133.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager