News

December 8, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carol Carrithers, Vice President
Marketing and Communications
101 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-589-8615, ex. 1209

New recovery-focused, drug-free clubhouse
in Jefferson County for adolescents
is one of first in the country

The Louisville Adolescent Network for Substance Abuse Treatment (LANSAT), of which Seven Counties Services, Inc. is a major partner, has opened a recovery-focused, drug-free clubhouse for young people between the ages of 12 and 20. The clubhouse, 4822 Preston Highway, Louisville, offers a variety of recreational activities and support groups focused on helping adolescents reduce their substance abuse and/or maintain sobriety. The clubhouse is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the county that not only is drug-free but is focused on youth recovering from substance abuse. Clubhouse hours are 3-11 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

LANSAT is a partnership of private and public local assessment, treatment, and aftercare providers of substance abuse care. Partner agencies include Seven Counties Services, The Morton Center, Caritas Peace Center, Ten Broeck Hospital, the Ky. Department of Juvenile Justice, the Ky. Department of Community Based Services, and Jefferson County Public School's Safe and Drug Free Schools Assessment Center. In addition, many other community organizations that provide services and support to adolescents participate on the LANSAT advisory board.

LANSAT is funded through an agreement with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Besides the clubhouse, services include assessments, referrals to treatment, case management, treatment groups, and a resource library. Assessment costs are covered by insurance, grants, or Medicaid, and no one is refused an assessment if he or she does not have the ability to pay. For an assessment, call the LANSAT office at 502-736-3060.

Clubhouse activities

Participants eligible for free and/reduced price meals must have a complete application with documentation of eligibility information that may include a food stamp or K-TAP case number or names of household members and income information.

There is no cost to participate in groups/activities at the LANSAT clubhouse. All adolescents are welcome to participate in clubhouse activities; however, the efforts are focused on recovery and reducing/eliminating drug use.

There is no referral process, as the clubhouse operates as a drop-in center, complete with pool and ping pong tables, foosball, video games, tutoring, a computer lab with internet access; and as a place for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

In addition, the clubhouse offers some alternative support groups that are not 12-step focused and that address issues unique to adolescents in recovery.

The following groups are available at the clubhouse:

A youth leadership board provides a way for adolescents who want to take a more active role in the clubhouse. The board will help develop goals and guidelines, and help plan special events. LANSAT also welcomes community volunteers (age 21 and older) to assist in staffing the youth clubhouse. Volunteers supervise recreational and structured activities, and serve as role models and mentors to youth. Volunteers may donate two-four hours per week. Call LANSAT at 736-3060 to volunteer.

Seven Counties Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation. It provides planning, prevention, treatment, and supports in the areas of mental health, alcohol and other drug abuse, and mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. It serves Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties in Kentucky. Seven Counties is Kentucky's largest comprehensive mental health center, and one of the nation's largest. More than 1,400 clinical and administrative staff members provide services to approximately 28,000 persons each year.