Indian Center hopes to stop generational alcohol and drug abuse

The Indian Center is partnering with Saint Monica's to open a nearly $400,000 family-oriented treatment program.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Indian Center, located on 1100 Military Road in Lincoln, was built 41 years ago. The building will see some changes soon, with a project nine months in the making finally breaking ground.

“We can try to eliminate future generations of drug and alcohol issues by making sure the family is responsive,” Indian Center board member Larry Weixelman said.

The Indian Center is partnering with Saint Monica’s in Lincoln to open a family-oriented substance-use disorder treatment program. The east wing of the center will see almost a $400,000 renovation. The program will serve Native
American women and their children. He says its important to keep families together in order to break generational drug and alcohol abuse in the Native American community.

“It keeps Native American women and their children together,” Weixelman said. “It is one of the first programs in the country to be established and follow that path.”

A 2018 national study by American Addiction Centers reported since 1974, Native American adolescents have consistently had the highest substance abuse rates compared to other U.S. racial and ethnic groups.

Weixelman along with other Lincoln residents are trying to break a generational curse.

“The Indian Center has been frankly down on its leg the past year,” volunteer John Yoakum said. “This will help breathe new life into the center which is needed in the community.”

Weixelman said the challenges the center has faced the past few years are being met. The Native community is not backing down.

“It’s a significant step forward to making sure the Indian Center continues to service the Native communities here in Lancaster County.”

If you are interested in volunteering to help with the project, you can head on over to the center’s website or call at (402) 802-3167.