Residents around Lloydminster may be hearing more about the Thorpe Recovery Centre. Along with new intensive treatment programs, the organization is looking to inform surrounding communities on the support they have to offer.

A couple of weeks ago Marketing and Development Officer Tricia Hunter and a residential addictions counsellor updated members of the Rotary Club of Lloydminster about the current status of the Centre. The changed focus on the intensive program will coincide with their alcohol and drug addiction services.

The facility has a range of recovery programs such as support for drug addictions, sex addictions and eating disorders. The core programs provide medically supported detox, residential addiction treatment, continuing care, and support programs.

Hunter says the facility is reaching out to other communities instead of solely Lloydminster.

“[We] let them know about our programming, but also what’s offered out here for families as well and definitely the need to get people through our detox program and our residential program.”

Hunter adds that the organization is actively involved Wainwright and Vermilion with communities donating an abundance of items needed at the facility.

Hunter says funding has seen a decrease at the center. She adds as the cost of necessities goes up the recovery centre has had to look into avenues to bring more money such as government grants.

“In our beds, we have four funded a month by the Alberta Government and we applied for a grant that gave us an additional four beds that grant is running out in a couple months so we are back down to four beds funded by the province of Alberta and one from Saskatchewan.”

Hunter adds the facility tries to reduce costs as much money as they can so they can help as many people as possible. Corporate sponsors fund some of the programs such as the Thorpkins Children’s Program, which gives kids aged 7-12 a platform to discuss addiction in their family and learn the process of understanding and recovery. Other programs are done by doctors referral or are paid by families seeking help for their loved ones. Funding also comes from donations and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

The Facility has its second annual Night Off fundraiser on May 1, 2019. The unique event is asking residents to buy tickets for $50 a “table” and just stay at home.

“Put your feet up and enjoy yourself. You don’t have to buy an outfit, get your hair, get a babysitter or making arrangements it’s just a commitment to spend time together as a family.”