ADDICTION RECOVERY: HOME SEEKS EXPANSION

Wagner Hills, a non-profit addiction recovery facility in Glen Valley,
wants to increase its program to provide 50 beds.

An addiction recovery facility in Glen Valley wants to help more men in need.

Wagner Hills Farm Society wants to build two more dormitories, boosting its
addiction recovery program from 23 to 50 beds.

Wagner Hills has operated its non-profit, Christian-based program for adult
males with drug and alcohol abuse problems on its 44.47 acres at 8061 -
264th St. since 1981.

It is funded by private donations, government grants, and revenue from farm
operations.

"The 23 residents who live on the farm come predominantly for healing and
freedom from addictions," said Township planner William Ulrich. He said
more than 1,400 men have lived at Wagner Hills Farms for up to six months
at a time.

The residents help operate the farm through their recovery, raising beef
and dairy cows, pigs, and chickens, and cultivating three acres of
blueberries. They also work on a wood lot, a hay field, a large garden, a
greenhouse, and nursery for groundcover plants.

Councillor Howie Vickberg commented that facilities like Wagner Hills are
"desperately needed," throwing his support behind the proposal.

The public will be able to discuss the expansion plans at a public hearing.