Officials with Pathway Family Center have narrowed their search to three sites in Porter County in which to open a teen drug treatment center.

The Indianapolis-based nonprofit treatment provider is looking at sites on Tech Drive in Burns Harbor, on U.S. 20 in Porter and on U.S. 30 in Valparaiso, said Chief Executive Officer Terri Nissley.

A discussion is also under way whether to purchase or lease a building, she said.

The selection of any site will require approval by local officials.

While the goal has been to open the facility by the end of August or during the first part of September, that may be pushed back by a month, Nissley said.

It was easier than expected to find potential sites, she said, but only half the $1 million needed has been raised. Some of the money will come from clients, she said, and there are plans for grants and fund-raisers.

"It's going to be no problem," Nissley said.

The county has contributed $200,000 in local income tax revenues toward the effort, the local Community Action Drug Coalition and an unnamed foundation contributed $100,000 each, and an additional $25,000 was contributed from the coalition's annual Walk Away from Drugs, according to coalition President and Pathway board member Dr. Mann Spitler.

Another hurdle is to find more local families to take part soon in the program, Nissley said. The program depends on peer mentoring, which means four or five local families are needed to start the program now so they will have treatment time under their belts when the center opens in Porter County.

There are currently two local families in the program, she said. Client assessments are under way at temporary quarters at the Duneland Health and Wellness Institute in Chesterton. To take part, contact Pathway at (800) 261-4605.