Temporary home
Lennon House opens its doors to people struggling with addictions
Dianne Young has finally realized her dream of opening a home for people struggling with addictions and mental health challenges.
“I definitely felt it was time,’’ says Young.
“I worked really hard over the last three years.’’
Young believes a facility like Lennon House, which opened on April 20 in Rustico, would have greatly benefited her 29-year-old son, Lennon Waterman, who took his life in November 2013 by leaping into the North River. She has long contended the province’s health-care system failed her son.
The Government of P.E.I. recently committed $350,000 to Lennon House to help with start-up costs and an initial capacity of seven beds.
Young says four women are already residing in the large building, which is the former
“They take a lot of care.” Dianne Young
home to the Belcourt Retreat Centre.
A total of seven women are expected to reside at Lennon House during the first six months of operation. Young hopes the number of residents will double after that time.
Young says fundraising is needed to pay for renovations to the third floor of the building, which was donated by the Diocese of Charlottetown.
The mission of Lennon Recovery House Association, which was established in March 2017 and named after Young’s late son, is “to provide a temporary home in a caring, healing community for persons recovering from addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders.’’
The association also sets out to foster a culture of self-respect and caring in an atmosphere of compassion, responsibility and accountability.
Young, who is currently the director of Lennon House, says the facility is staffed around the clock by two peer workers per shift. A program facilitator works during the day.
There are no counsellors, she adds, but staff will teach life skills to residents to help them live successfully with their addictions.
“They take a lot of care,’’ she says.
Young adds all safety protocols are being followed to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain). Residents remain on the property and all surfaces are regularly disinfected.