Awareness Day walkathon are all remarkable in one way or another, the weekend walk to National Stadium will include a group of women who are very special indeed.

These women, who are all currently enrolled in the Fair Havens Christian Care Association programme, are making strides in self-improvement -- getting their lives back on track, fighting to rid themselves of the problems of alcohol and drug abuse.

Located in a house at the corner of Court and Victoria Streets, Fair Havens Christian Care Association opened its doors in June, 1993 and is now working with a number of women to overcome their addictions, in the island's first residential treatment programme for drug-dependent females.

The programme focuses on long term recovery and after care, and is based on the accredited Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step programme.

The Fair Havens treatment plan, administered by Bermudian Executive Director Gloria Cholmondeley Mills, has been reviewed by several independent health service providers who have given it high praise.

"Care, compassion and forgiveness are as central to the programme as clinical help and counselling,'' explained Fair Havens' public relations consultant Joan Ward.

"All residents are required to demonstrate a personal commitment to turning their lives around before they are accepted in the Fair Havens programme.

"This first step is an important one, and one that involves their moving through a personalised, seven-tiered rehabilitation treatment plan,'' said Mrs. Ward.

All residents of Fair Haven are required to participate in house cleaning and cooking duties and nutrition counselling, exercise and spiritual guidance are an integral part of a disciplined daily routine.

Residents also participate in counselling sessions both on and off the Fair Havens property.

"Being the first `live-in' facility of its kind on the island, Fair Havens is able to offer an important alternative to day counselling services or expensive residential treatment programmes abroad,'' said Mrs. Ward.

Executive Director Gloria Mills, who has 20 years experience working in the health services field in the United States, added: "The programme is vitally important to Bermuda. It has given us the opportunity to reach out to women in need, and help them turn their lives around.

"I am really proud of what we have accomplished here.'' Fair Havens has only been in full operation seven months, but has already achieved resounding successes with the women who have come under the care of Ms Mills and her team, as letters from those women clearly demonstrate.

"Fair Havens came at a great time for me,'' one woman in the programme wrote.

"My story goes like this: On October 11, 1993 when I walked through the doors of the Centre, I had hit rock bottom. I was bankrupt emotionally and spiritually.

"I had been using drugs and alcohol for over 22 years. Nothing mattered in my life except getting high.

"I had a good mother whom I now realise I was hurting -- as well as my daughter. But they never turned their backs on me. It was I who pulled away from them.

"I know deep in my heart that if it was not for Fair Havens I would not have made the progress that I have.'' A team of four full time senior professionals oversee care at Fair Havens, all of whom are highly qualified and have Masters Degrees in their respective fields.

These professionals are supported by a group of volunteers who are given orientation briefings. Each volunteer has a special role to play, weather it is providing transportation, administrative assistance or accompanying Fair Havens residents to meetings, church services or acting as companions and mentors to the women in the programme.

As one resident put it: "If it wasn't for Fair Havens I don't know where I would be, probably down at the co-ed prison as usual, because I've spent half my life there, going in and out, because of drugs.

"I've tried everything ... Going to meetings is OK, but people need to learn how to live, as well as learning how to stop using drugs.

"I pray to God that when I leave here, He will allow Fair Havens to keep on growing.'' Any one wishing to volunteer is encouraged to call Fair Havens. "The residents thrive on outside support,'' said Mrs. Ward. "They are encouraged by having mentors give them a new perspective on life.'' Up until Fair Havens' opening, women seeking help for drug and alcohol related problems, had limited choices.

For those who could afford it, resident-treatment centres abroad are available, but for many Bermudian addicts that option is too expensive to contemplate.

And day-counselling services available locally, while very effective in treating some addicts, do not offer the 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week, support needed by some recovering from years of alcohol and drug abuse.

However, the live-in treatment holistic offered by Fair Havens gives women an opportunity to escape from what is often a self destructive home environment.

According to a Fair Havens newsletter: "The residence gives them security as well as the support of others struggling through many of the same problems.

"It is a caring place, a place where women learn new skills and gain new confidence.

"A lack of self esteem is often the root cause of years of abuse.

Counselling, good food and loving guidance give the residents hope for a better, stronger future,'' the Newsletter reads in part.

"I now have a sincere desire to complete my education,'' one recovering addict wrote.

"Had it not been for Fair Havens and the people who made the opening of the Centre possible, none of this would have occurred.'' Women who are admitted and/or their families are asked to contribute to Fair Haves, which is a registered charity, but that is not, however, a condition of admission.

The annual operating costs of Fair Havens is estimated as $300,000 a year, with the lion's share (67 percent) covering staffing costs and the rest going on food, administration, utilities, education and training. All funding is provided through public donations.

Their Hamilton premises is owned by the Trustees of the St. Paul AME Church.

The Government, through the Department of Works and Engineering, has leased and renovated the building. The Ministry of Works also carry out routine maintenance on the premises.

Government's investment in the Fair Havens project represents an annual contribution of about $30,000 annually, and Fair Havens rents the house from Government at a nominal rent.

TOP JOB -- Fair Havens' Gloria Cholmondeley Mills.

DRUG SUPPLEMENT DRG