Literally in the first hour after it opened Monday morning, The Annex had an individual come in seeking advice on addictions.
The Annex, an addictions resource centre affiliated with the Grace Cafe next door is a place dedicated to hope and freedom.
Director Don Trepanier says the centre, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon, will operate as a pilot project in the first year.
Trepanier is a trained counsellor who has worked for years at Teen Challenge Canada.
Trepanier stresses the centre, along with the other services available, will facilitate recovery treatment opportunities.
An estimated 21 per cent of the population will struggle with addiction at some point in their lives. Trepanier says the addictions resource centre will work with clients in areas of withdrawal management and peer support.
The Annex in its early days of operation will have a staff of three, however a second community support worker is likely to be added in the near future. The centre receives no government funding and relies on donations to operate.
You can access the addictions resource centre at 519-896-0080, email don@thegracecafe.ca or drop in at 321 Talbot Street between 8:30 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday.
Written by Ian McCallum
