FOR SOME, 2000 IS A NEW YEAR -- AND A CHANCE

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Ken Grimes' resolutions for 2000 are a little more serious
than most: stay off drugs, get some job training and become completely
self-sufficient.

"2000 for me is a wake up call," he said. "It's a chance to become a member
of society and help another individual."

On Sunday, Grimes, 38, was in the right place to make pronouncements: a fair
dedicated to turning around the lives of those recovering from drug habits
and other serious problems.

The so-called "Recovery Rally" featured entertainment from singers and dance
troupes throughout the afternoon at a downtown mall.

But the main attraction was a group of booths offering advice to people for
a long list of serious problems, including poor diet, debt and mental
illness.

Organizer Pat Egan said the event was held on the first weekend of the year
partly to give people a chance to make a psychological break with past
troubles.

A "resolution wall," where visitors could write out their commitments to a
healthier lifestyle, stood at one end of the booths. "To be drug free," read
one resolution. Others, in children's handwriting, had a lighter tone. "To
smile more," said one. "No cursing," read another.

Grimes, 38, said he was addicted to drugs -- mostly crack and marijuana --
and alcohol for 17 years.

He was living on the street in July when he read about Y-Haven, a
comprehensive rehabilitation program for homeless men. He was accepted into
the program, and now, a few months later, he says his craving for drugs is
gone.

Next week, he said, he's heading to trade school -- his first formal
education in 20 years -- to train for a new job as a carpenter.

"I've been really looking forward to it," he said, smiling.

LeBaron McDonald, also formerly homeless, has been with the Y-Haven program
for a month. His goal for 2000 is to get a commercial driver's license
through the program.

"The year 2000 is very meaningful to me," he said. "It's a time when I have
to do what I've got to do to finish the program and then deal with life on
life's terms."

Don Korth, 64, who consulted with a nutritionist on Sunday, was also looking
for a change in lifestyle. Korth underwent angioplasty two months ago to
clear a couple of blocked arteries, but knows he still needs to change his
diet.

"I would just eat anything," he said. "I could go on this year like I did
before, but I'll just end up in the hospital again."