MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE

Health Minister George Abbott yesterday thanked the non-governmental
community agencies that helped the dream of opening B.C.'s first
long-term residential treatment centre for drug-addicted youth to come
true:

Central City Foundation bought the 23-hectare site 10 kilometres
from Keremeos -- the former Outward Bound School -- and donated it to
the project as a gift. They are also running a fundraising campaign to
renovate and refit the existing buildings.

The Portage Program for Drug Dependencies will supply its successful
treatment regimen and operate the new centre. It has been treating
young people since 1973 and operates similar programs in Ontario,
Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

From Grief to Action, a support and advocacy group created by
parents of drug addicts, was a driving force in getting the program
off the ground.