Shunda Creek Treatment Centre has secured the necessary funding to move to a new site and prevent the mental health and addictions program from being shut down.
The non-profit Enviros, which operates the program, has successfully secured funding to purchase a new site near its current location, west of Rocky Mountain House, thanks to the support of the province and Alberta Health Services.
“We are absolutely thrilled that we will be able to continue providing this invaluable program, and that young Albertans will continue to benefit from this unique and important treatment,” said Enviros CEO Hazel Bergen, in a statement.
Shunda Creek, a 10-bed wilderness-based therapy program for men aged 18 to 24, has operated for 13 years at a former work camp for young offenders on leased land held by Alberta Infrastructure.
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Trailers on the site were in poor condition and needed to be replaced, and an active search for an alternative site has been underway for more than a year by both AHS and Enviros.
“Enviros Shunda Creek provides a proven, successful service to young Alberta men, and we are very happy that the program will be able to continue at a new location. This is a great example of how working together can move mountains,” said Sherie Allen, senior operating officer with Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services’ Central Zone.
Enviros was also grateful to Alberta Infrastructure, which has supported and helped to maintain the current site, and supported Enviros as it looked for a new location.
Funded by AHS, the 12-week intensive program provides live-in treatment and support.
“Enviros has been a valued partner in providing addiction treatment for young adults since 2009. The Shunda Creek Treatment Centre provides a unique treatment opportunity for individuals with substance use disorder, and we are pleased that the program will be able to continue,” said Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
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Former clients recently set up a GoFundMe account in an effort to raise money to rescue the program they said saved their lives.
“We are grateful for the support of AHS, the provincial government, and our alumni, staff and supporters who believe so strongly in this program,” Bergen said.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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