The Morden Police Service (MPS), Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, and Adult and Teen Challenge presented at the drug awareness evening meeting in the Morden Collegiate gym Wednesday night.

Constables Scott Edwards and Devin Bell spoke about drugs found in the area. Crystal Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), marijuana, and cocaine are most commonly dealt with by MPS, but illegally sold prescription drugs are gaining popularity.

The event was organized by Kim Klassen, a mother who was asked by the parent advisory council to put the meeting on.

"I think with the Liberal government looking at legalizing marijuana, it's something for us as a community to talk about," said Klassen.

She appreciated the presentations given during the evening and spoke about a new focus for the event.

"We wanted to add something new; we invited youth this year. Our focus this year was to look at continuing the education and building relationships within this community, within families, and that's why we invited the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba."

Melissa Beaudry started as a counsellor with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) in January of this year. She splits her time between Carman and Morden. Beaudry offers support for young people who are involved with alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

"I love working with youth and giving them support and care as they seek change in their life," Beaudry said.

She shared that since starting in January, work has been "steady", but working with young people is unique because their minds are already changing.

"They have a lot of room to make those changes in their lives, so it can be a very exciting time to make those changes in concrete and visible ways," she said.

At this particular meeting, unlike others held in previous years, there was a local young man who had become addicted to alcohol and then Meth but has totally recovered. Eventually, David Penner, went to Milner Ridge Correctional Facility. He found his way to Teen Challenge in Winnipeg last September and, after the year-long program, graduated clean.

Adult and Teen Challenge started a small centre in Winkler earlier this year. Of all the men and women who enter their program, 40% are from Southern Manitoba.

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