ADDICTS SENT OFF TO REHAB ON FARM

The Mustard Seed Street Church is opening a rural drug rehabilitation
clinic north of Victoria.

Organizers announced Monday they procured 32-acres of farm land in
North Cowichan that will support rehabilitation programs for people
struggling to overcome addictions.

"The hope is that the centre will be a place of healing; the animals,
the vegetables will all be part of that," said Rev. Chris Riddell,
project manager.

Hope Farm clients will chip in with the farm chores: growing
vegetables, tending fruit trees, and looking after some domestic
animals. In addition, they will be subjected to a daily routine that
involves exercise, prayer ministry and life skills training in areas
such as budgeting and food preparation. Organizers hope to provide
basic certification in business, mechanics and construction. Several
models similar to Hope Farm exist around the world, the closest being
in Langley.

Although the farm can accommodate up to 10 clients, organizers said
they will start with five.

Initially, it will cater to men only, but future plans for expansion
include servicing women with addictions.

"There will be a fairly comprehensive process by which a person
becomes part of the farm," Riddell explained.

To be eligible to participate in the program, clients must have
already undergone a detox program and be open to Christian ministry.
Some will be referred from other organizations, but all will be from
the Victoria area.

"Initially, we want to appeal to our community here. It takes them,
particularly the addicts, away from the environment that contributes
to their destruction."

Duration of the program is one year. Details regarding individual
payment for the program will be made on a case by case basis.

"There will be a cost, depending on the individual," said Riddell.
"Some of them have no resources."

He suggested some clients would cover room and board costs with social
assistance.

The farm is expected to be partially self-sufficient. Food grown on
the farm will be eaten by clients and money generated from farm
products will go back into the program. Any additional food items will
come from the National Food Sharing Program; donations made to the
Mustard Seed Street Church in Victoria will stay in the Capital Region.

The former dairy farm was purchased for $865,000 with funds
contributed by the community. The mortage is $400,000.

Organizers expect to have an annual operating budget of $200,000.