A local program that helps young drug addicts has received a huge funding boost from the federal government.
Melody Acres is getting 250 thousand dollars over three years from the Youth Justice Fund.
The Partners in Process Equine Learning Centre operates at the farm just south of Rockford.
Program Director Melanie Gray says about a year and a half ago they started applying for funding as a pilot project.
The money will be used for treatment of young drug addicts who are already in the courts.
Gray runs a 12-14 session program with youth who suffer from drug addiction, and she says the turnaround is amazing.
She says within four sessions, she’s seen them come clean and want to help as mentors for other youth going through addiction therapy.
Bruce-Grey-Owen-Sound MP Larry Miller made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Justice.
He says it’s a unique program, designed to help kids make the right choices.
Miller adds it supports the National Anti-Drug Strategy, which is aimed at stopping illicit drug use, and helping those with addictions.
He says the government wants to clean up drugs, but they can’t do that by continuing to victimize the victims of drug abuse.
Gray is hoping the program can grow with the funding, and eventually become a model for similar programs across the country.
And Gray already has another potential partnership to help keep the teens on a clean path.
Local equestrian farm owner Daune (pronounced Dawn) MacGregor is suggesting that any of the youth in the program who develop a passion for horses be hired on farms in the area.
She says she always needs hired help, and it can help users stay clean.
