FOUNDATION OPENS DRUG REHAB CENTER

A drug rehabilitation center which offers both spiritual and physical care
to its patients was recently opened by the Sobriety Through Effective
Programming Foundation, Inc. (STEP), a non-profit, non-government organization.

The center's program enhances the likelihood of a drug abuser's permanent
recovery from addiction through healing on all levels AD physical,
psychological, social and spiritual. "Many drug users go through rehab,
kick the habit for a while then go right back to it because they haven't
dealt with root issues that drove them to drugs in the first place,"
observed Jimmy Firme, facility director of the facility.

"People get into drugs because of peer pressure, rebellion, and other
reasons. But, a root reason is spiritual depravity," explained Dr. Fernando
Lalana, medical directory president.

The rehab center is located in a quiet subdivision in Metro Manila and has
a homey, villa-style setting. It is called "Bet Hashem", a Jewish term for
"House of the Name" referring to Jesus Christ. It brings patients into a
"therapeutic community" environment where they undergo a rigorous program
of discipline and work responsibilities. This is tempered by prayer, Bible
study, fellowships, and counseling. The patients are also given art
lessons, vocational studies, and occupational and physical therapies. A
central goal is to help patients uncover self-destructive behaviors
andattitudes and renew their minds and spirits through constructive
activity and the healing power of an intimate relationship with God.

The program also includes intensive counselling for family members of the
drug dependents. "It's an integral part of the healing process," Dr. Lalana
explained. "Sometimes the root of their addiction is a dysfunctional family
atmosphere."

A critical part of the program is preparing the patient for re-entry into
society through work skills training, and home-schooling or distance
learning for out-of-school youths.

Several organizers of the STEP Foundation were also drug dependents who are
medical and health professionals deeply transformed by a personal
relationship with Christ. Dr. Lalana, an internist and cardiologist trained
in England. He used to be dependent on painkiller drugs which he took for
his migraine headaches.

Other organizers of the Foundation are Rocky Crisologo, vice-president;
Johnson Chan, director; Susan Rodriquez, program director; Mario Silva,
corporate secretary; and Nathan Fabros, anti-drug enforcer. A part-time
member is Dr. Francis Santamaria, a psychologist and an original member of
DARE.

Initially, the center is only accepting male patients. The facility is also
open for counseling for those dealing with drug dependents. The Foundation
can be contacted through the Bet Hashem at tel. nos. 932-3202, 9323216/18,
or 924-1797.