Package Liquor, Treatment Facility, Do Not Make Good Neighbors

December 7, 2006 – Omaha, NE Stephen Center in Omaha will be voicing concern at the Omaha City Council Meeting on December 12, 2006, regarding the recent liquor license application by La Purisima 5204 S. 28th St.  The license application includes a request for on sale and off sale of alcohol. 

The John L. Hoich Center for Recovery opened in July 2006 on the former site of the South Seven Bar which is located across the street from La Purisima. 
Executive Director Del Bomberger states, “While our strong preference is to have no liquor this close to the treatment center and emergency shelter, our primary concern is for "off sale" beverages. Allowing "off sale" beverages will simply be a disaster programmatically, and more importantly it will have a devastating effect on the lives of the individuals who come to the Stephen Center to avoid an environment in which drugs and alcohol are present. This application is not in the best interest of the community, our neighborhood, the Stephen Center and the lives of those who are making an attempt to get back on their feet and again become productive citizens.”

The Stephen Center was opened in 1984 as a safe and clean facility to serve men and women who have made a commitment not to use drugs and/or alcohol in order to improve the quality of their lives. In the 22 year history The Stephen Center has provided overnight shelter to men, women and children, recovery and mental health programs for individuals with a co-occurring diagnosis, transitional housing for HERO program graduates and case management to emergency shelter clients. The Stephen Center encourages the public to contribute nonperishable foods, clothing, toiletries and hygiene products. Monetary donations provide the most flexibility to purchase what is needed most and may be sent or delivered to The Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107.  Donations can be made online www.stephencenter.org.