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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
November 2001 |
Substance abuse ministry expands to Montgomery County
By Matthew Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent
|
"Punishing people and putting them in prison isn't working." |
Trinity Mission is expanding its services in substance abuse counseling and repairing broken lives to Montgomery County.
The Mission, an outreach of Lafayette Trinity UMC, has been offered and accepted a 20-year lease at the Whitlock facility in Crawfordsville.
And Dan Taylor is thrilled about getting this project started.
Taylor, executive director, said the new facility will offer a Christ-centered way to help fight and beat substance abuse in West Central Indiana. The facility will house the only detox center in the area. The closest center is in Indianapolis.
Taylor started major construction in September.
Why Crawfordsville?
The offer to expand into Crawfordsville came at the request of Montgomery County officials. The county has a serious meth problem, as well as alcohol and drug problems.
The Mission was approached by judges, which resulted in almost three years of discussions. "God had to intervene with this," said Taylor.
The Whitlock property has a history of working with those in need. Whitlock was given to county officials to be used to help the poor and troubled, but has recently housed county offices. "It's going back to it's original intent."
When looking over the property, Taylor saw a marker on the grounds that quoted Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." That was a sign. "We knew then that God was with us," said Taylor.
After a positive affirmation that the community wanted this facility and Trinity Mission to come in, a deal of 20 years for $20 was established.
Help needed and wanted
According to Taylor, the high rates of substance abuse didn't happen overnight. "It's finally been recognized. It's always been there," said Taylor.
But with the increased awareness comes a choice: rehabilitation or throw the abuser in jail. Taylor said that the goal of Trinity Mission has always been restorative justice, where work is done not only to help restore the person to wholeness but also the community. "Punishing people and putting them in prison isn't working," said Taylor.
Trinity Mission helped about 200 people through its residential program, while guiding 700 to 800 people through various substance abuse services, all while serving Lafayette and Tippecanoe County.
When it was announced that the Mission was expanding into Montgomery County with the 50-bed facility, calls came in from communities around the state. "There's such a tremendous need," said Taylor.
Some light demolition has begun around the facility and plans are being finalized for a mid-summer 2002 opening. Once construction is done, the Mission will start looking for doctors, nursing staff and technicians to work at the center. "We want to provide the best possible drug and detox (services) the world has ever seen," said Taylor.
One of the challenges will be funding. Taylor expects that it will cost about $200,000 to remodel the facility, as the Mission does not accept government funding. All of the money has to be raised privately, as well as volunteers from area churches and groups who Taylor hopes will step up and help by volunteering labor or other services.
For more information on how to help with the center, call Taylor at Trinity Mission at 765/447-0271.
Last updated on 01/14/2004