Native Project Caters To Troubled Youths

For some kids, it’s the only place they get a meal all day. Other teens go there for help with drug and alcohol addictions.

Services offered by the NATIVE Project, 1803 W. Maxwell in Spokane, range from the simple to incredibly complex. They cater to youth in several areas to promote drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles.

The organization focuses on youth drug and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention. Kids of all ethnicities find their way to the NATIVE Project in a variety of ways. They are referred by probation officers, the Department of Social and Health Services, schools, parents, and friends.

The non-profit organization began 10 years ago as a community effort by Native American people who were tired of children being “winners in the loser community,” said Toni Lodge, the agency director.

In other words, school drop-out rates were high, and so were many kids.

Clients in the outpatient substance abuse program range in age from 10-20 years old, with the average client 13-17 years old, said NATIVE Project Treatment Director Rob Watters. To become eligible for the outpatient program, teens must agree to certain stipulations, including no weapons or gang participation. “Then they either abide, or they don’t,” said Watters, who previously worked in the gang unit of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Clients come in all forms: from athletes, kids in student government and “high-functioning” teens to children of users, school drop-outs and kids with no role models at home. Lodge said chemical dependency doesn’t care who you are; it can happen to anyone. “It’s a disease,” she said.

“Some kids die on you — that’s the traumatic part. For some kids, substance abuse isn’t a stage they are going through,” said Lodge.

What makes it all worthwhile is “when you see the kids grow up and become part of the community. You see the kids of the kids and you learn from them,” she said.

NATIVE Project also provides adult treatment, family counseling/support, a Native American Youth Leadership Program and a hot meal for kids in need. Services are payable by medical coupons, private insurance and on a sliding scale fee, but nobody will be turned away because they lack money, Lodge said.

An Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, “Clean Teens,” is held each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the center. It’s a free and open meeting for teen and young adult alcoholics.

“I love seeing people get better and live to their potential. It’s a gift,” said Lodge.

NATIVE Project needs cases of cup-of-soups, crafts and art therapy supplies, snacks or microwavable food and tires for the program van.

To donate or for more information on programs, call 325-5502.