Mennonite colonies open drug treatment centre in Mexico

Nearly 3,000 people gathered here Feb. 15 for the grand opening of the 7,000 square foot Centro de Rehabilitacion, a drug and alcohol treatment centre for men.

The new facility, designed to accommodate up to 60 men at a time, is nestled in a picturesque Mexican rural hillside overlooking several Mennonite villages located some 20 kilometres northwest of the city of Cuauhtemoc.

A 60-voice Old Colony youth choir sang songs of hope and deliverance at the opening of the Centro de Rehabilitacion in Manitoba Colony, Mexico.

Once it is fully operational, the centre will employ two directors and a complement of paid and volunteer workers, including counselling, medical, maintenance, and kitchen staff.

The numbers at the opening exceeded all expectations, said MCC worker John Janzen in a written report. “It was an incredible experience to see and feel the high level of support and interest in this new work within the [local] communities,” he said. Only 900 people got to sit inside. The rest had to listen to the program from the courtyard.

Discussions for the construction of a treatment centre began in 2000. Near the completion of the building process, people within the community requested management support from MCC.

Last September, Janzen, a retired school superintendent from Manitoba, and his wife Ruth, agreed to a two-year MCC term. They offered support in establishing guiding principles for the centre, job training programs for local staff, the development of prevention programs, and writing job descriptions.

The treatment centre is a collaborative effort, says Mary Friesen, director of the MCC Low German Program. “Leaders in the different churches, including the Old Colony church, are working together for the first time in addressing a common goal.”

Although Mexican treatment centres are available for those suffering from addictions, the Low German Mennonites of Mexico have made only limited use of their services. Differences in historical background, faith and language have been difficult to overcome, says Friesen.

Staff at the new treatment centre in Manitoba Colony will treat clients in their own tongue. Most Low German Mennonite men speak Spanish, but most women don’t.

“Addiction is a problem that affects the whole family, and that means the healing process must include the women as well,” says Friesen.

Funding for the treatment centre will be provided by the local communities, churches and individual donors. The mayor of Cuauhtemoc made a 1 million peso ($100,000 US) presentation at the opening ceremonies and commended the Mennonite community for taking a bold step and for providing a Christian centre of healing and rehabilitation.

“I sensed a relationship of support and respect for the work the Low German Mennonites are about to start,” Friesen says.

Low German Mennonite communities have made a significant contribution to the local economy, resulting in good relations with the government.

The centre will begin accepting clients within the next few months. Inquiries have already come from several individuals willing to begin the long journey of recovery.

—Jonathan Tiessen, MCC Canada