Where we come from

Commitment, belief and goodwill was enough for three friends to steer one of theirs clear off the worst.

Rehabilitation back in 1989 was not a common exercise; thus, in their effort to breathe life again in their addicted friend, they sought a simple solution: a tent, away from temptations, far from life’s challenges and stress; support starting building up little by little, with Bishop Guy Paul Njeim providing all required food supplies and aid.

Being a man of God, Bishop Njeim was a natural refuge for other dark souls seeking the light; the humble tent soon became the home of 9 young men who were joined by one simple goal: overcome their weaknesses for a brighter future. This humble individual initiative was but the cornerstone that led to the official foundation of Oum el Nour in 1990, driven by Bishop Njeim and supported by Mr. Gabriel Debbane and Mr. William Meskawi, as a Lebanese nonprofit,non-governmental social organization registered under decree n° 120/ad.

Ever since, Oum el Nour has developed its various programs, covering prevention, rehabilitation and integration, to become home for thousands of those willing to overcome their addiction and seeking proper guidance and support.

Mission
Oum el Nour is committed to serving individuals through helping them overcome their addiction, in order to attain a healthy society characterized by sustainable growth.

Among the most important values Oum el Nour adheres to:

Respecting individuals, regardless of their color, religion, creed, or social status

• Having a deep faith in divine providence as well as in the capacity of individuals to change for a better life

• Maintaining a high level of professionalism in dealing with others

• Benefiting efficiently from available resources in a way that conforms to transparency and accountability principles

 
Vision
Oum el Nour aims at gradually decreasing the addiction rates in Lebanon and increasing awareness of the various factors leading to such, as drug addiction has become an extensive problem, with destructive causes and consequences for individuals, families, and society.

Thus, it continuously endeavors to implement tested programs and set up new ones to welcome, guide, rehabilitate, accompany, and follow drug addicts. In addition to rehabilitation, Oum El Nour is highly active on the prevention and integration folds; such is possible thanks to its highly skilled staff who is able to comprehend and apply the latest scientific tools and methods, as well as adapt them to the Lebanese society's specificity.

Objectives
In accordance with its mission and its vision aiming to approach the problem of addiction as a whole, Oum el Nour strives to achieve the following objectives:

• Raise awareness on the psychological, health, and economic risks of drugs on individuals, families, and the Lebanese society, particularly the youth

• Welcome drug addicts, study their health and social conditions, specify their needs, work with them on defining priorities to overcome their addiction through Oum el Nour or other concerned parties

• Help drug addicts get treated through the rehabilitation program

• Support parents in their trial and accompany them in helping their children undergo treatment and prevention

• Help drug addicts get treated through the rehabilitation program

• Follow up on ex-drug addicts after their rehabilitation program, strengthen their immunity against drug addiction, and help them reintegrate society and become active members in it