The finishing touches are almost complete at the new addictions counselling clinic in Chilliwack.
Salvation Army Chilliwack Community Church opened Fireside Addiction Services last Wednesday, in its building on Brooks Avenue.
“We’re excited to be able to add addiction treatment to the range of existing services provided by The Salvation Army in Chilliwack,” said Fireside executive director Major Larry Farley. “We expect the program to be life-changing for those in need of it.”
The new Fireside facility has been in the planning stages for more than a year.
"The doors are now open and we've started building a client base," said Fireside counsellor Jim Ligertwood.
They'll be offering an intensive six-week addiction treatment program including group and individual therapy, with family support and evening workshops. Groups of eight to 12 people are being sought.
"We can see clients on a walk-in basis or by referral," Ligertwood said.
The idea for an addiction centre in Chilliwack to serve the Fraser Valley rose out of the ashes of The Salvation Army Miracle Valley Treatment Centre, a 172-bed residential rehab near Mission, which closed last year.
Major Bob Ratcliff, who was executive director at Miracle Valley and Ligertwood, program director, will undertake chaplaincy and counselling roles at Fireside. “While the new centre is non-residential, much of the programming is based upon philosophies which have proven successful for thousands of men who attended Miracle Valley over the years,” said Ligertwood.
The counselling will focus on motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioural therapy as well as 12-step philosophy, with a strong spiritual component. Evening workshops and lectures are planned for clients and community members.
Fireside Addiction Services can be reached at (604) 702-9879 for information or intake.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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