Retreat life's work for Ardyth Clark

In the desolate yet serene hamlet of Leipzig stands a building so majestic that upon sight, it may take your breath away. The old bricks of rich red stand strong amongst the baron landscape capturing the attention of drivers as they head south on the windshield-chipping 657 grid road.

In 2007, the sale of this property, originally a convent, caught the eye of owner Ardyth Clark. She made the journey from Bashaw, Alta. where she was living at the time, to Leipzig to take a closer look. In July 2008, she became the owner of what is now the Leipzig Serenity Retreat, a drug and alcohol recovery centre. Six months after finalizing the sale, the doors to the retreat were officially opened and they welcomed their first client.

The retreat came about as part of a bigger dream of Clark's. In November of this year, Clark will celebrate a huge accomplishment: 30 years of sobriety.

"When I sobered up my children were six and nine. I felt like I was in trouble with everyone that I knew. I initially sobered up for the sake of my children. I loved the fellowship and the people I met in sobriety; it was at that time I began to stay sober for myself." Clark says.

"I attended AA regularly throughout the years, and have had a sponsor the whole time I have been sober. I did everything they suggested."

And it was early in her sobriety she realized helping others helped her. So, she began to help those around her in need, offering fellowship in the form of driving them to meetings, suppers and a place to go, which is referred to as practicing the 12th step she says.

When her kids were moved out of the house, Clark opened her heart and her home, keeping aside a place for those going through the program themselves, to stay.

When she ran out of room in her home, she, her husband and a friend built a cabin that held two beds, with heat and power, on her property in Bashaw.

"At that time," Clark says, "we had four additional people living with us and had run out of room. We decided that it was time to look for a larger house. That was the beginnings of the dream of helping people on a larger scale."

Then came Leipzig Serenity Retreat.

The Retreat offers a unique five-week residential drug and alcohol treatment program based on the 12-step philosophy. The program was written by Clark, with the help of Bruce Price, the retreat's primary counsellor whom himself has 20 years sobriety and a background in addictions counselling.

"We utilize both 12-step classes and an emotional wellness class, which deals with depression, anxiety, and negative core beliefs. These two classes complement each other, and give our clients a well-rounded program," says Clark.

"All our clients have access to individual counselling, daily if needed. We [also] offer detoxing with our registered nurse, as well as continued support via meetings, phone calls and emails after graduation."

Currently, a family counselling component is in the process of development and co-dependency modules and meetings are being added this month.

For the past two years, the retreat has also put on a full day music festival, with headliners such as Brad Johner and Sons and Tom Jackson. Proceeds raised go towards offsetting costs for someone in need of treatment who otherwise can't afford it.

Recently, Clark's dream to help has inspired yet another accomplishment. In July of 2013 the idea of publishing a book was thrown around. Managed by accomplished author and former client Irvin Kroeker, the book was set into action. The final step was realized this past year when the book was published on Dec. 2.

House of Hope is about Leipzig Serenity Retreat, and contains a compilation of personal stories from alcohol and drug addicts beginning the journey to recovery; most written by former clients. The book was edited by Kroeker and Jacqueline Hoffman, administrator at the retreat. Readings of the book will take place in local libraries in surrounding communities, with dates yet to be determined.

So when you see the majestic building, know that inside is a woman who has made an incredible impact on many lives just by helping; and that the heart of Ardyth Clark and the doors to Leipzig Serenity Retreat will remain open to those in need of a helping hand.