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An Invaluable Service to Those With
Addictions
Diagnosed with chronic
depression and anxiety, and having been a drug addict for almost forty
years, Yvonne is now on a new path in her life. Currently sober and
receiving treatment, Yvonne would be at a different place in her life
had she not contacted the Drop-In Center. After completing detox,
Yvonne joined another Drop-In Center referral and affiliated program,
Project Recovery. Through Project Recovery, Yvonne received treatment
that addresses her addiction and mental state, including acupuncture for
her withdrawals and stress and group counseling sessions that meet twice
a week. The Drop-In Center even provided Yvonne with connections to an
agency so that she was able to attend a mandatory meeting regarding her
Social Security benefits. Based on the help and support that Yvonne has
received, she proudly explains that the
people involved are all “really good and really caring. It is more than
just their job. They will really help you.”
United
Way of Santa Barbara County is positively impacting the lives of
countless Santa Barbara citizens, like Yvonne, through its grant funding
of the Drop-In Center, a program within the Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Abuse (CADA). Through its support since 1980, United Way has
“helped this community, Santa Barbara County, with an invaluable service
by allowing the Drop-In Center to continue its mission,” said Stephan
Gonzales, Drop-In Center Director.
The importance of the Drop-In Center is not just in the numerous
services which it provides - it also the fact that these services are
“barrier free” and accessible to the public, meaning that they are open
to anyone who needs assistance. There is no other program in the county
and in surrounding counties that offers similar services. Partnering
with the community, United Way and the Drop-In Center are able to make a
difference in the lives of local citizens.
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