AFL-CIO golf scramble to benefit new detox center

MANSFIELD - The Mid-Ohio Area AFL-CIO Council will hold a golf scramble on Sept. 2 to benefit a new detox center scheduled to be constructed this fall at Catalyst Life Services campus.

A scheduled groundbreaking for Richland County's only detox center and a new residential facility for people seeking addiction treatment on Catalyst Life Services' campus is scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 27.

Once constructed, the facilities will expand the addiction services available in north central Ohio, as the area hasn't had an in-patient withdrawal management, or detox, facility since Crestline's Freedom Hall closed in 2004 after reductions in funding, the News Journal reported earlier.

Norm Shoemaker, president of the Mid Ohio Area AFL-CIO Council, formerly Crawford-Richland AFL-CIO, said all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the New Beginnings Detox facility. The golf scramble will be held at both The Woods at Possum Run, 1313 S. Main St., and Oak Tree Golf Club, 1440 Old Oak Trail, both in Mansfield.  Entry deadline is Aug. 30 or when all slots are filled.

Shoemaker said he hopes for a large turnout as the project is an important one for the community. The Mid-Ohio Area AFL-CIO Council covers seven counties including Richland County.

Registration is at 8 a.m. and shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Checks can be made payable to Mid-Ohio Area AFL-CIO Area Labor Council, Attn: Norm Shoemaker, P.O. Box 1234, Mansfield, Ohio 44901. For more information about the golf scramble, call 419-571-8728.

Shoemaker said sponsors of the golf scramble are ArcelorMittal and Modern Woodmen of America, the Mid-Ohio AFL-CIO Council and Grahams.

Catalyst Life Services, which already offers some withdrawal management services at its 13-bed crisis stabilization unit at 741 Scholl Road, will be the service provider for the facilities.