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Project S.T.E.P. Completes Fundraising Campaign for Local Youth Residential Drug Treatment Facilities
s.t.e.p. partners present cheque for $2.25 million to Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
Tuesday, January 10, 2012, Ottawa — This morning, the 12 partners in project s.t.e.p. marked another major milestone with the completion of their fundraising efforts for two new youth residential drug treatment facilities in Ottawa. Ottawa Police Chief Vern White, champion for project s.t.e.p. since its launch in June of 2008, presented a $2.25 million cheque to the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) in support of a brand new 30-bed facility in Ottawa's west end for Anglophone youth. In July 2011, $750,000 was also presented to Maison Fraternité for the construction of the Francophone residential facility in Ottawa's east end. In total, project s.t.e.p. has contributed $3 million to the building of local residential drug treatment centres, meeting 100 percent of its commitment.
"For years, youth have had to go to the United States or up north, away from family, to kick their drug addiction. Now, with these funds secured, we are one step closer to realizing the dream of having residential treatment facilities right here in Ottawa," said Chief Vern White. "This is a moment to celebrate and we cannot thank the generous donors enough for helping us reach our goal."
"I have wanted residential treatment for our youth for 20 years, and I tell you this is a big help in getting us started on the new facility" said Dave Smith, founder of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. "I would like to personally thank all the wonderful folks who contributed, pledged and worked to make project s.t.e.p. such a great success. I would especially like to thank Chief White, who works so hard to help people understand the need to get these young people the help they need."
Today's event also marked the end of the project s.t.e.p. fundraising activities for the expanded 30-bed facility for Anglophone youth. The balance of funds to build the permanent facility will be raised by the DSYTC Foundation. . The Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN ) recently approved the functional program for this facility, which will be built on the same land that currently houses a temporary residential facility for girls. In addition to their planning role, the LHIN is providing ongoing operational funding for the residential treatment centres and a portion of the school-based addictions program.
"The LHIN became involved early on, because it was clear that addiction-treatment services for youth needed boosting," said Chantale LeClerc, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Champlain LHIN. "The LHIN works to bring local communities, health agencies and other partners together to improve access to care. This project is a great example of how results can be achieved when folks collaborate. Congratulations to all who have supported project s.t.e.p. on reaching this critical milestone."
Project s.t.e.p., managed by United Way Ottawa, will now focus solely on the school-based treatment, intervention and education program in all area high schools and non-academic settings. The objective will be to continue to enhance the existing program and to extend its reach by serving more teens in our community. Building on project s.t.e.p.'s success, the lead partners including the Ottawa Senators organization, Sens Foundation, the four Ottawa-area school boards, Ottawa Public Health and the LHIN will continue to play an active role. The partners plan to announce the start the next phase of fundraising for the program in the coming months.
"In three short years, thanks to project s.t.e.p., we've increased this city's capacity to serve youth with addictions issues and to ensure that they get the help they need to turn their lives around, " said Chief White. "With the help of our donors, partners and the community, we will continue to raise funds to try to reach kids even sooner – before substance abuse problems arise."
Project s.t.e.p. partners include Premier McGuinty's office and the Province of Ontario, the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Health Canada, the Sens Foundation, the Cowan Foundation, Ottawa's four school boards, the Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health, the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Maison Fraternité and the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. Club Richelieu is also a partner in the Maison Fraternité renovations.
About Project s.t.e.p.
Project s.t.e.p. is our community's response to addressing the need for residential substance abuse treatment, education and prevention for young people. With the support of community partners, local champions and leaders, this campaign will raise the funds needed to support the development of a comprehensive substance abuse education and prevention program in our high schools and provide specialized treatment and counselling in a 24-hour residential setting. s.t.e.p. stands for support • treatment • education • prevention •
For more information about project s.t.e.p., please contact Martin Sampson at 613-683-3794 or msampson@unitedwayottawa.ca, www.project-step.ca
