Good Sam fundraiser is Friday

COEUR d'ALENE - The phone never really stops ringing at Good Samaritan Rehabilitation.

Since opening its doors eight years ago, more than 350 women and 50 men have completed the faith-based nonprofit's addiction recovery treatment program.

"It's nothing to get 30-40 calls a day," said Pastor Tim Remington, Good Sam founder and pastor of The Altar Church in Coeur d'Alene.

The organization has two facilities, one that houses seven women and another that serves 10 men and has been open for a year.

Both are east of Coeur d'Alene and have waiting lists.

"Because of the economics we are seeing a huge influx in opiates - oxycontin, hydrocodone, percocet," Remington said. "Our community is being hit really hard."

Terri Seymour, a volunteer and former mentor said those drugs have replaced meth as the drug of choice.

The 120-day program for women starts with 30 days of intensive treatment, including 12-step spiritual studies, finance classes, and a share in the household chores and meal preparation.

After 30 days, women move from the ranch into a mentor home for the completion of their residential treatment, if one is available.

Men receive the same kind of treatment, but stay at their facility for three months.

The cost for the women's program is $1,700, and for men it's $2,500.

"Many have no money," Seymour said. "Most of them come right out of jail."

The center measures its success in the number of program participants - 83 percent - who have never returned to the legal system.

Seymour said that there are 600 children whose lives have also changed for the better because their parents have completed the program.

It costs about $25,000 per month to run both facilities.

The funds come from donations and support from the community, things Remington is deeply grateful for.

"I was raised in this community. We work with every organization," he said. "I'd like to thank the community to be able to restore our community to good health."

Seymour is organizing Good Sam's third annual auction fundraiser, "Springtime Rhapsody."

Last year, the event raised $56,000 to help cover costs and help people win their fight against substance abuse, she said.

Tickets are on sale now for the Friday event at The Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.

Doors open at 6:30 and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with live and silent auctions and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $30.

Information: 664-6981