The Salvation Army is celebrating 30 years of addiction services to the community with special events on Monday and Tuesday next week at its Harbour Light Rehabilitation Centre on King Street.

On Monday, there will be an Open House between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to which all are invited, and on Tuesday at 12 noon there will be a ‘recovery relay’ hosted by the Harbour Light and Life Skills team. Anyone wishing to register should telephone 292-2586, and participants are asked to wear red “in support”.

The Salvation Army’s Dudley G. Butterfield residence on King Street opened in April, 1977 as a residence specialising in the rehabilitation of alcoholics, and was the light at the end of the tunnel for up to 20 homeless men.

Today, the residence has expanded its programme to include all forms of drug rehabilitation, and continues to be a light at the end of the tunnel for many males.

Described in the Army’s literature as “a place of new beginnings”, its philosophy accepts that chemical dependency is a treatable disease, and addresses the challenges wrought by addiction based on the spiritual, psychological, behavioural, social and physical condition of its residents.

The treatment programme provides an atmosphere where residents find support, understanding, guidance and healing, the goal of which is to reintegrate rehabilitated men into society.

The programme is divided into four parts: assessment and orientation, basic recovery, relapse prevention , and reintegration, and residents are expected to participate in all aspects. Failure to do so can result in dismissal.

There is also a strict code of conduct by which all residents must abide or be dismissed. These include possession of alcohol, drugs or pornographic material. Violence, vandalism and possession of weapons are also not tolerated.

Clients are referred to Harbour Light by several agencies, family and employers, and assessment is carried out by the Admissions officer.

Staff are trained addictions counsellors, and confidentiality is assured.

- Anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with gifts, but unlike those who agonise over making the perfect choice, the Salvation Army has a wish list. Specifically, it is looking for a 15-passenger commuter van, computers, a treadmill, 20 kitchen chairs and 25 chapel chairs. Please call 292-2586 to donate.