Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada had a grand opening, celebrating the official launch of a community office on Saturday. The grand opening had a free community barbecue with hotdogs, snacks, and facepainting.
The new location, 1020 Main Street, will help ATC provide more services to people experiencing addiction and their families.
“This office serves the community to offer addiction support,” says Richard Halverson, Community Support Worker.
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Students of service
Adult and Teen Challenge integrates service into program curriculums.
“Every day, we make 560 sandwiches for the homeless and we also work in the thrift store,” says David Parker, ATC student.
Many staff at ATC are initial students of their program and later join the staff team. Halverson shares, “I’m a graduate of our in-residence men’s campus. I’ve been sober, free from addictions over six years now and working as a community support worker.”
Some students testify of how they have been able to use the gifts God has given them.
“I’ve been blessed with musical talents, and I’ve been using that to honour God,” says Ray Ducharme ATC student.
New life in Christ
ATC has an almost 70-year history of leading people to Christ.
“I found a relationship with God and following the way that God lives and reading the Bible everyday has taught me so much about myself,” says Parker. “It’s helped me change my life.”
Parker continues about his experience in the program. “To be able to work alongside guys that know God and they’ve completed the program, it gives you hope.”
Staff want people struggling to know help is near.
“There is hope. There are people that care and that’s why we’re here,” says Halverson.