Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada is urgently seeking financial support from municipalities, including Steinbach, to address a growing funding shortfall. The non-profit organization, which provides addiction recovery services, is facing a $750,000 deficit and is at risk of being unable to meet the increasing demand for its programs.
In a letter sent to Steinbach City Council, Daniel Emond, President and CEO, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Our mission, ‘To offer a full range of addiction treatment and recovery services with compassion and excellence,’ drives us daily to serve families confronting the challenges of addiction," Emond wrote. "But we face a significant in-year funding shortfall, nearing $750,000 by the end of October, which jeopardizes our ability to deliver these essential services."
Rising Demand and Limited Resources
The need for addiction recovery services in Manitoba has escalated, Emond says, especially after the pandemic. Adult & Teen Challenge has seen a 34% increase in the number of requests for help, with over 1,000 people seeking assistance annually, he reported, adding that the organization is struggling to keep up, operating at near full capacity in its residential programs and community outreach services.
"We’re receiving more requests than we can accommodate," Emond explains. "In Steinbach, for example, our in-residence facility is at full capacity, and we've had to turn people away due to staffing shortages."
With the demand growing, the organization is unable to provide timely help to those in need. "It’s difficult when a local business calls and says they have an employee who needs help, but we have to tell them there’s a wait," Emond adds.
The challenge lies not just in space, but in having the staff necessary to meet the need.
Financial Strain
Adult & Teen Challenge is asking local governments for immediate financial support. Emond pointed to the example of Winnipeg, where the organization’s property is designated as non-taxable, significantly reducing its financial burden.
In Steinbach, however, the organization faces $40,000 in property taxes each year, which is a strain on its resources.
“We’ve asked for a property tax break,” Emond said. “It just doesn’t make sense to be taxed like a for-profit business when we’re a non-profit helping people recover from addiction. Every dollar counts.”
Helping Indigenous Communities
Emond also noted an increase in requests from Indigenous communities, many of which have seen success through Adult & Teen Challenge's programs. He shared that one local Steinbach couple has been invited to regularly provide outreach to an Indigenous community, a partnership that has brought hope and healing to many families.
"The results we're seeing in Indigenous communities are powerful," Emond said. "We're seeing families change, and that is why we continue to fight for support. These communities need us now more than ever."
A Call for Support
As the holiday season approaches, Adult & Teen Challenge is hopeful that the community will respond to its urgent request for help. Emond encouraged anyone who can contribute, whether through donations or advocacy, to join the cause.
“We’ve increased our reach, we’ve expanded our services, but our donations have not kept up,” Emond said.
A Message of Gratitude
Despite the challenges, Emond remains optimistic. "One person at a time, one family at a time, we’re making an everlasting difference. Every donation, every prayer, truly matters."
He offers a message of hope, especially as the Christmas season nears: "Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported our work. Your contributions are changing lives, bringing freedom to families, and offering a future filled with hope."