The “Chinook Society for Recovering Addicts” was formed in March of 2001 by a group of twelve step members that found themselves potentially without a meeting facility in which to hold their meetings. When they eventually found a facility they formed the Chinook Society for Recovering Addicts (CSRA) and started their search of potential groups to share that facility. Twelve step groups from Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous agreed to rent meeting facilities from the CSRA. The group then registered their name under the non-profit societies act and became a Registered Society with a Corporate Access Number in late 2001.
The original group was formed with the idea that a facility could be shared with numerous twelve step recovery groups all in one location which would enable them to meet the rental costs and ongoing maintenance of the facility. The original board of directors was made up of recovery groups members.
Our Board of Directors consists of elected members of office including Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, and Directors, each being a voting member and having a group conscious not governed by any one member. Each board member has a vested interest in there being 12 step meetings in Lethbridge. The Societies role is to ensure general maintenance to the facility and as landlord’s to the Recovery groups utilizing space in the facility.
In April 2006 the CSRA put forth an application to the Charities Act and were granted charitable status.
In March of 2007 the CSRA put forth an application to the Alberta Lottery Foundation for a matching funds grant (Community Initiatives Program) in an effort to purchase the facility we had been renting. Upon being successfully awarded this grant we then obtained the other half of the funds required through a mortgage with a local bank. This purchase will help to ensure that the citizens of Lethbridge and area have a safe location to hold meetings for individuals in recovery from an addiction for many years to come.
In January of 2008 the CSRA put forth an application to the Alberta Lottery Fund, again applying for a matching funds grant (Community Facility Enhancement Project) in an effort to update our current facility. In September 2008 we received confirmation that we been approved to move ahead with our Building Enhancement Project.
In July of 2010 the CSRA put forth an application to the City of Lethbridge for their Community Capital Project Grant to match the funds we had received from the CFEP. These grants in combination with the help of our supporters we completed our building renovation.