What started as a dream became a reality in 2009.

Now, after two years of serving at-risk teenagers in Gordon County, the Clubhouse Program remains strong and is looking toward the future in a new location and under the direction of Family Intervention Specialists, Inc., a nonprofit, 501c agency.

The Calhoun Clubhouse will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 18. The public is invited to see what the staff provides at the new location, 301 Park Ave., and to talk about plans for the future.

The facility will feature a game room, pool table and a gaming system, a full kitchen and a group room and a doctor and nurse station.

For the past two years, Highland Rivers hosted the Clubhouse, a program which aims to guide youth though their substance abuse past by using what is known as the Seven Challenges concepts — serving approximately 50 teens.

But due to budget cuts, Highland Rivers eliminated the Clubhouse program as one of its services as of June 2011. Once the program was terminated, Carly Fountain, former director of the program, began working with the Family Intervention Specialists, Inc., based out of Hiram, Ga.

This connection helped revive the Clubhouse.

“Dr. David Anthony, CEO with Family Intervention Specialists, has taken it upon himself to fund and open a Clubhouse in Calhoun in order to continue treatment for the teens in Gordon County,” Fountain said. “The members will continue their Seven Challenges substance abuse treatment and all other recovery support and events.”

The Seven Challenges program is designed for substance abuse and substance dependent adolescents to motivate decisions and commitments to change, Fountain explained.

The Clubhouse serves as a place where adolescents, ages 13-17, and their “families can come to feel at home and participate in life-mending activities,” she said.

According to Fountain, the Clubhouse will be open six days a week.

“In addition to the Seven Challenges group counseling sessions, members will receive therapeutic recreational activities, educational and employment support services, peer and family support services and life skills,” Fountain said. “There are also aftercare and relapse prevention groups, counselor follow-up and linkage to external supports and services.”