IN HOPE, DRUG ISSUES BEING BATTLED AT MANY LEVELS

Binge drinking, date rape drugs, increased crime rates and many other issues
are currently receiving huge media attention at both the local and national
levels.

It seems everywhere we look there is yet another issue that causes us to be
fearful for our children's' safety, health and well-being. Parents are
worried for their children and they have every right to be. As a community,
we know these issues are not isolated to the bigger urban centers of
Vancouver or Surrey. We know Hope has its fair share of drug and alcohol
problems, crime and other issues to address.

But it is important to acknowledge that other small towns too, similar to
Hope in size; geographical base and economic stability face these issues on
a daily basis.

And it is also important to realize that Hope is attempting on many
different levels and through many different organizations, to address these
issues.

For example, did you know there is a School & Community Based Drug and
Alcohol Prevention worker employed by Hope Community Services (yes, that
would be me!)? My job is to educate youth on drug and alcohol awareness.

This is done through group education projects, individual counseling, peer
mentoring and many other avenues.

Hope Community Services also employs a Reconnect Worker who works with youth
on the streets and offers recreational activities on a weekly basis, a
full-time Alcohol and Drug Counselor (for adults & youth) and is currently
in the process of overseeing a brand-new Mentorship Program for youth in
need between the ages of 7-12. We have a group of dedicated members who sit
on the newly formed Drug and Alcohol Solutions Committee including
representation from School District 78, Free Rein Associates, Hope &
District Recreation Centre, Child and Youth Mental Health, RCMP, Hope
Community Services, the First Nations community and the District of Hope.
And last but certainly not least we have groups of devoted and impassioned
teachers, ministers, parents, concerned citizens, frontline workers,
counselors, professionals, business owners, YOUTH (Oh yes, youth and there
are many youth in Hope who are fighting the good fight, too!) and so many
others that I cannot possible list who are vital to Hope's daily struggle
with drugs and alcohol and their associated costs.

So before we create the list of Hope's troubles, let's remember those people
and organizations here in our community that do well for our youth, who
care, who believe and who will continue believing when others give up!
Remember, we always live in Hope.