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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

Growing up, I’d say I lived a pretty sheltered life.

Though sometimes being sheltered can have a negative connotation, for me it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

My parents taught my sisters and me principles tied to our faith that led us to avoid certain things that were harmful for our bodies. If you know me now, those principles have stuck. I don’t drink or smoke — I never have. I had never even heard of some drugs until I moved to Albert Lea after college and started writing about some of them.

In my time at the Tribune over the last 18 years, I have seen the effects of drugs and alcohol on people I write about regularly. Most of the time, these people have entered the court system because of actions they have taken stemming from their addictions, and they are now facing the consequences for those actions.

Outside of work, I have also seen people who are battling substance use addiction — even some family, friends and neighbors have had challenges with this issue. These interactions have put a personal face to the issue for me — these are people just like you and me with names, talents, hobbies and potential who are in the midst of something difficult to overcome.

With this in mind, I was eager to hear about the event last week at Grace Christian Church with community leaders and representatives from Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. Though I was not able to attend, I was excited to hear what took place as those in attendance built relationships and planted seeds with those from the organization.

According to George Marin, pastor at Grace Christian Church, there were a variety of people present that day, including champions in the field of health and wellness, law enforcement, real estate, business, development, chemical dependency, community relations, mental health, first responders and even some in elected office.

He said they presented their vision and extended the invitation to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge to establish a more regular presence in Albert Lea and shared their prayers and desires to one day have one of their facilities here.

He said in a Facebook post that based on Albert Lea’s position at interstates 35 and 90, he believes Albert Lea is positioned to be a great influence for people in the area.

Can you imagine? I have heard nothing but positive things about Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, and to have one of these facilities in our own community could be life-changing for so many.

Though something like this doesn’t happen overnight, I look forward to hearing where this conversation goes in the future.

I believe it can be one step, among others, in helping so many — providing an answer to a prayer for people who are searching for something for themselves or their loved ones.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.