TALLEVAST URGED: TOUR ST. PETE ARC

I am writing to express my sincere disappointment over concerns expressed
by Tallevast residents regarding the safety of the Salvation Army's South
Bay Adult Rehabilitation Center in Manatee County. I am also deeply
saddened and troubled that there are folks who have expressed disinterest
in touring the ARC facility in Pinellas County. If they were to visit, they
would discover the truth: that the ARC will not compromise the safety of
their children.

As a board member of the Salvation Army in Pinellas County for more than 25
years, as well as former principal of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg,
I find it difficult to understand why anyone would be against a facility
and a program that has impacted thousands of lives, both locally and
throughout the world, and will serve a major need in Manatee County.

As an educator involved with the school system for 42 years in St.
Petersburg, I understand parents' fears about protecting their children,
but I'd like to assure the residents of Tallevast that the ARC will not be
a threat to safety. Rather, the adult rehabilitation center adds a new hope
for those who are in transition between drug treatment and finding a useful
place in the general population as responsible citizens.

When participants for the program arrive at the ARC for admission, these
folks are well on their way to putting their lives back together again and
are free of intoxicating drugs, are in good physical health, willing to
commit to a minimum six-month period of rehabilitation and express a desire
to rebuild a lifestyle free of chemical dependency. The individual must
also admit themselves voluntarily to the ARC program.

I have been fortunate to spend many years being a part of a ministry
motivated by the love of God, and I have witnessed first-hand how it
strives to meet human needs in Christ's name without discrimination through
meeting the individuals the ARC has touched. I would be happy to meet with
anyone who would like to hear more about my personal experiences and
encourage everyone to take a courageous first step to come for a visit to
the ARC in Pinellas County.