'10 Years in the Making: The Rock Solid Refuge Story' premiered at theatres in Shaunavon and Gull Lake last night in front of a combined total of around 150 people.

The faith-based organization, which helps teenage males with life-controlling issues, has roots dating back a decade to when Justin Mizu developed addiction problems with crystal meth as a 16 year old.

Mizu - whose story is featured in the documentary - said he wanted to change his way of life - which started with smoking pot as a 15 year old, but quickly escalated - but had trouble finding somewhere that worked for him.

"It really seemed like there were no options for me to go to," he said. "I went to short-term detoxes, short-term rehabs, and really nothing was long enough for me to change my life, or to really instill new habits and a new way of living."

Mizu is clean now with a family, and was at the Shaunavon showing.

Herbert Seelam, who works with Rock Solid Refuge, said yesterday served well for illustrating how the organization - set up rurally northeast of Shaunavon - operates.

"I think a lot of people did know who we are, but kind of hearing those stories, they kind of see it in a broader perspective of who we are and how we help teenagers who are struggling with life-controlling issues. Even the people that support us don't really know the ins and outs. But this video is a huge awareness piece so people are able to know, 'wow, this is what you do,' and even for people to look back at the past 10 years."

Rock Solid Refuge currently has eight students in their program, and they've had six graduations this year.

The Plaza Theatre in Shaunavon, and the Gull Lake Lyceum Theatre put on the screenings for the public for free.

Seelam said because of the early success of the documentary, there was some thought about doing a showing for high school students around southwest Saskatchewan. But with the busyness of the holiday season, he figures they'll look into doing something come January or February instead.