ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR NEW APPROACH TO DRUG AWARENESS

Two Summerland youth-focussed organizations say their new initiative
takes a proactive approach to drug-use in the community.

The Penny Lane Bargain Outlet and Summerland Asset Development
Initiative have partnered to hire a drug and alcohol prevention
co-ordinator as part of the community's drug education program.

Penny Lane Bargain Outlet, which is operated by the Summerland Charity
Shop Society, provided the $55,000 grant for the new program, which
has been a goal for SADI for several years. This is the first year
Penny Lane -- a non-profit society that supports community youth
initiatives -- has had the financial resources to pay for the service,
said Michelle Stefan, the program manager with SADI.

Jody Meyer, an Okanagan-based drug and alcohol prevention worker,
counsellor and educator, will work with local schools, the Summerland
drug education task force and RCMP to promote drug awareness.

Currently the community has limited resources for drug and alcohol
prevention and counselling. Pathways Addiction Resource Centre
provides a drug and alcohol prevention worker two days a week and
there is a half-day a week drug and alcohol counsellor that works with
local youth.

"But we sort of thought that we would like to enhance those services,"
said Stefan, adding that the full-time co-ordinator will be able to
develop relationships with local youth and parents.

The program will both teach youth and adults about drugs and teach
skills they can use in real life situations, she said, adding that
placing more focus on prevention may reduce the need for counselling
services. While Stefan said other communities have similar programs,
Summerland is taking a different approach with their focus on youth.

"We're kind of starting from scratch," she said.

Meyer's duties will include writing a column for the Summerland Review
newspaper, making presentations to parents and youth and possibly
holding workshops for teachers at Summerland's middle and high schools.

He will also meet with schools to determine what the biggest concerns
are, create outreach programs with students and take part in youth
activities. Meyer will also provide one-on-one counselling for youth
and families.

SADI will be evaluating the program at the end of the year and
determine how it will continue. Stefan said they are hoping to
continue the program, but will need to secure additional funding.

Meyer's office will be located in the SADI unity youth club on 9117
Prairie Valley Rd. For more information on the program contact Meyer
or Stefan.