Courage to Change offers hope to the West Plains

Courage to Change, located at 13015 West 14th in Airway Heights, offers a unique service to the West Plains area as it helps with substance abuse treatment. The program provides intensive outpatient services along with assessments and an alcohol and drug information school.

The mission at Courage to Change is to have a person-centered approach to offer help with an individual's addiction through self-empowerment. The processes can help strengthen the individual, family and community.

Their services are open to chemically dependent individuals, those involved in child protection services, those in need of driving under the influence programs and others seeking recovery from substances.

"There was just a need to help serve our population," Angie Silva, the owner said. "This is set up so that people don't have to travel so far for treatment."

According to Silva, it depends on the sentencing and why a person is there regarding how treatment will work. As an example, an individual can usually start with two hour sessions for three days a week.

Silva started on the west side of the state, but has worked in this career field for a while now. She worked at Pine Lodge Correction Center in Medical Lake for 10 years before opening up Courage to Change in Airway Heights.

"It was a really great experience working at the prison," Silva said. "I learned so much. But I am very excited about my work here. It is more personal and smaller. I also love to mentor new staff because it is so important to have a mentor."

Silva has gotten her name out by being approved by the Spokane Municipal Court and can now be recommended in cases around the city. Silva also holds an "open door" on Wednesdays that allows people to come in to be assessed. Usually that service can cost more than $100, but Silva charges $60 for the test.

"We see what we can do to help," Silva said.

Courage to Change also helps with DUI services when people are told they have to be assessed after an infraction. This program helps with quick reporting in the community.

The business also hosts different support groups for men and women in the quickly growing area of Airway Heights.

"It is exciting to be a part of this growing experience," Silva said. "It is definitely needed."

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.