Frontline Foundations, a peer-to-peer substance abuse treatment center exclusively for young adults, is coming to 605 Michigan Ave. in La Porte. Frontline is a faith-based and Certified Outpatient Treatment Provider with offices in Porter County and projected to open in La Porte County first quarter of 2015.
"The community of La Porte has been extremely receptive and we are encouraged by the area partnerships forged in bringing Frontline's evidence-based treatment to La Porte," said Frontline Founder and Executive Director Amber Hensell-Hicks.
In addition to individual treatment and peer-to-peer group counseling, Frontline will also provide an innovative Art Recovery program to La Porte County. Frontline's Art Recovery program is led by licensed substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, and professional artists exploring recovery-specific topics with a special emphasis on the 12-steps of recovery.
Hensell-Hicks recognizes that the combination of faith, treatment and community support is part of the solution against the epidemic of substance abuse in La Porte County.
"Frontline will provide Intensive Outpatient Treatment services in LaPorte to an estimated 100 young adults annually with a projected annual budget of $135,000," said Hensell-Hicks. "To date we have secured $55,000 to help support our first year of operations and building renovation. We are grateful to the partners who have supported our LaPorte start-up, such as The La Porte Mayor's Ball, Bethany Lutheran Church of La Porte Foundation, The Office of the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney, IU Health La Porte Hospital, The Unity Foundation of La Porte County, Carrie Garwood, and The Law Offices of Michael T. Sawyier."
"Our program has proven to be effective," continued Hensell-Hicks. "We believe that Frontline will be a benefit to the community because it's also cost effective. The second most common reason for people not to receive substance abuse treatment is the inability to pay for services."
The average age of a Frontline client is 22 years old and earns less than $10,000 — below the poverty line.
"The mission of Frontline, a 501(c) 3 organization, can be supported by making a tax-deductible contribution to a La Porte County treatment and operations fund," said Hensell-Hicks. "Frontline is also seeking donations of office furniture and art and office supplies."