Great resource

We’ve all seen the commercials on TV—you know, the one where two young children are looking down on their mother passed out on the couch in mid-afternoon next to a bottle of booze on the coffee table.
Or youngsters cowering in their bedroom at night while their parents scream at each other in an alcohol-fuelled argument.
The impact of alcoholism touches many people, not the least of which are children and teenagers, yet they’re often the forgotten casualties. Fortunately, that’s not the case here in Fort Frances, where the “Step With Me” Alateen group has been running for two years to help those aged 10-17 whose lives have been affected by another person’s drinking.
The group meets for an hour each Tuesday evening at the Church of the Holy Spirit, where young people can share their experiences, discuss their difficulties, and offer, strength, hope, and encouragement. They also learn the principles of the Al-Anon program (which is for adults), as well as Alateen’s “12 Traditions.”
The program isn’t just for those with family members whose drinking causes problems at home. Teens worried about their friends, or perhaps have lost a friend due to a drunk-driving accident, also are welcome to share their feelings and know that they are not alone.
The local Alateen group was started by two longtime members of Al-Anon who wanted to help the community through working with youths—and it seems to be working. In fact, some people from Kenora are coming here soon to see how the local group operates so they can start their own there.
With just one such group serving all of Winnipeg, Fort Frances and area is lucky—thanks to the drive and commitment of some local residents—to have such an excellent resource in place to help our young victims of excessive drinking.