Renovations are on track for the Red Deer Dream Centre to start accepting clients in the first quarter of 2022.
The former Lotus nightclub building, at 4614 50 Ave., is being renovated to become a 40-bed, Christian-based treatment centre for men.
Dream Centre co-chair Wes Giesbrecht said electrical and plumbing work is underway and drywall should start going up in the next couple of weeks. Work on the exterior of the building has begun. Elevators will be installed early next month, and fixtures for the kitchen have been ordered.
“Things are coming together. We’re really anticipating the whole renovation should be wrapped up hopefully by the end of December. We should be ready to roll for January,” Giesbrecht said.
He said a staggered opening is planned to ease into operations and address any challenges.
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Red Deer Dream Centre names executive director
In addition to Dr. Vince Aliberti recently being named the centre’s executive director, a second staff member was hired.
Paul Martin, an addictions and treatment counsellor who worked at Union Gospel Mission on East Hastings Street in Vancouver for 14 years, was recently hired as the director of client care at the Dream Centre.
“(Martin) brings a wealth of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our city so it’s a very welcomed addition to our group,” Giesbrecht said.
The focus of fundraising for the centre has switched from capital to operational funding. About $1.4 million has been raised in capital funding. Now $500,000 is needed to operate the facility next year.
For information on the centre’s Freedom Funders campaign visit rddc.ca/donate.
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Central Albertans discuss battle with addiction at Red Deer Recovery Day
Giesbrecht said organizations in contact with people dealing with addictions, like probation and counselling offices, are waiting for the centre to open its doors.
“We’ve had many conversations with many organizations. Everyone is just excited to be able to refer people to us.”
He said when it comes to addiction there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. People usually access treatment more than once.
“You have to be ready. There’s no program out there that’s going to help somebody that doesn’t want to help themselves.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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