children, Fair Havens was established in 1992 through the joint efforts of the Bermuda Ministerial Association and Government, (which pays the rent to the building's owners, St. Paul A.M.E. Church). The Centre, can house up to ten women on a full-time basis and was initially only able to operate through donations from various churches. Run by executive director, Rosemary McNaughton, the facility maintains its ties to Christianity today through its church affiliations. The programme works closely with residents' families and to aid its success, it is recommended that they participate in 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.).

Women reach Fair Havens through a variety of routes -- some by self-referrals, some from Montrose Substance Abuse Centre, through probation, or Child and Family Services. Depending on their progress, women are eventually allowed out to visit families and to take up jobs in the community. Once they start to work, they are expected to make a donation for their keep. They are also responsible for every aspect of running the facility, taking turns with cleaning and cooking tasks, meal planning, compiling shopping lists, working out rotas and designating tasks. As of last March, a total of 69 people had passed through Fair Havens, staying for periods from six months to one year, with a two-year after-care programme, aided by an out-patient facility. So far,only nine people have been dismissed and only 33 have discharged themselves, resulting in a 50 percent success rate which ranks higher than national averages elsewhere. PHOTO Fair Havens executive director Rosemary McNaughton (second from right) with counsellor, Sonia Paynter (left), administrative assistant, Barbara Burchall and counsellor Gryneth Robinson (right) DRUGS SUPPLEMENT DGS