NORTH SALT LAKE -- Life-Line, a non-profit family-focused treatment program for troubled teens, held a groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday for a expansion to house troubled teens overnight. Life-Line's expansion will be completed by the first part of November if the project stays on schedule. The residential treatment center, to be built by Ascent Construction, will give the rehabilitation facility the capability to assist teens that may not live in the Wasatch Front and that need a safe place to stay during their treatment. Life-Line is currently providing services to over 100 teens who are enrolled in the program. Usually there are about 80 teens in the facility. About 25 percent of those teens are from Davis County.

"This center will provide the necessary tools to help us continue to grow and give us the opportunity to help more people than ever," said Director of Administration Shane Petersen.

The mission of Life-Line is to "Rescue, Restore, and Rejoice" as they help children regain a sense of self-worth through freedom from their unhealthy behaviors.

Life-Line has provided the necessary intervention and professional family therapy to reunify thousands of families in the community, according to Peterson.

The Life-Line expansion will cost the company around $1 million. North Salt Lake City assisted in the loan process for the treatment facility.

The 7,300-square-foot addition will be able to house up to 32 teens. Officials anticipate an average of 16-24 teens will stay overnight at a given time, according to Peterson.

Life-Line has been in the community for the past 16 years.

"We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this dream a reality," said Peterson.

Every Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. families and the public are invited to get a feel for the program. The Life-Line center is located at 1130 W. Center Street in North Salt Lake.



sclarke@davisclipper.com