for future growth.

After reaching its $500,000 target for a new centre, the Fair Havens organisation is looking to expand its operations even further.

Its new Verdmont Road, Smiths Parish centre will increase capacity to enable 18 women with drug or alcohol addictions to receive help -- but officials hope that is just the beginning.

Sandra Bain, vice president of Fair Havens Christian Care Association, indicated the additional eight units provided by the expansion could lead to more accommodation for women.

Receiving a cheque from Tyco International for $225,000 -- the largest single donation in the project -- toward the Verdmont Road project, she said the centre's goal was to continue to grow during the next five years.

"There are more than 18 chemically dependent women in Bermuda,'' she said.

"We are hoping to be open early next year and we are optimistic the Millennium will see us in there.'' And Fair Havens received a boost from Premier Jennifer Smith, who spoke of Government's commitment to ridding Bermuda of drugs, as the cheque was handed over by Mark Swartz, executive vice president of Tyco.

The donation follows a $150,000 donation from the Bank of Bermuda Centennial Trust.

Premier Smith said: "We are mindful of those people who suffer from the negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

"Drugs continue to be a serious problem within the community. We will assist, however our resources are limited. I am grateful to have this opportunity to stress the community's gratitude to Tyco.'' Work is expected to start in the autumn, converting the former Cabana site into self-contained apartments which the women will live in during a transitional stage, prior to their re-introduction into society.

The expanded facilities will enable Fair Havens to offer family programmes and parenting classes. Each unit is designed to allow the women to prepare to live independently again, with the assistance of resident staff.

Currently the association is based in Victoria Street, but is hampered by the size and location of the site.

The Cabana plans were given the go-ahead over objections to the scheme from neighbours.

Mrs. Bain said any fears over the centre had been overcome.

On target: The Fair Havens Christian Care Association is on line to build its new women's rehabilitation residence in Smith's Parish, thanks to a $255,000 cheque from Tyco International Ltd. Pictured, from left, are Tyco executive vice president Mark Swartz, vice president of Fair Havens Sandra Bain, and Premier Jennifer Smith.