St. Stephens Indian Mission is expanding on its Mission
Statement of "growing into a strong community of believers" by creating yet another much needed service to the community,
geared to alcohol and drug prevention. This program is one of the priorities parishioners surfaced a few years ago in
a needs assessment as very important to the spiritual health of the people on the Wind River. The program is not meant
to supplant or compete with similar programs. There will be a networking with other programs and agencies dealing with
alcohol and drug prevention.
Since this is a worthwhile, life-saving endeavor and a brand new venture, we will
take baby steps to achieve the program's purpose.
The focus of Circle of Healing Drop-in Center, as it is called, shall be on the holistic
integration of the body, mind and spirit for St. Stephen's Indian Mission staff, parishioners, and others.
The Center is located above the present CYO facilities in the building which had
housed the bakery, home economics and sewing room in days past. Further information will be announced as the program
develops.
For more information call Patricia Snook, Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug Prevention at St. Stephens
Indian Mission at 307-856-8664.
Services presently available include drop-in visits
for adults, individual counseling between 9 AM and 4 PM Mondays through Wednesdays, and talking circles from 7 PM to 8 PM
on Tuesdays and Thursdays. An on-site sweat lodge is available.
On January 10, 2007, Fr. Ron Seminara, SJ, pastor, blessed the area and one of the
Arapaho Old Men, Mr. Leonard Moss, Sr., offered a cedar blessing for the Center. Patricia Snook was present to answer
questions at the open house held after the 8 AM and 10 AM Masses on Sunday, January 14.
