Our News
December 30, 2021
Greetings!
​
Much like 2020, 2021 challenged us personally and as a community. The pandemic continued to change our lives in ways too numerous to count. Although we are beginning to emerge from our homes to work and play, the most vulnerable among us are still at high risk – physically, financially, and psychologically.
​
The recovery community has been deeply impacted by the changes in how we live and work. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs is on the rise, as many struggle with loss of jobs, homes, and community.
​
We need one another. Recovery is not an individual effort; it takes place as we gather together.
​
Support4Recovery is proud to continue to support our community in recovery. We are equally proud to announce that, in the upcoming year, we plan to keep some old programs and are starting some new ones!
​
​
On September 7, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored Support4Recovery co- founder Tom Aswad for his many years of community service.
Highlights from 2021
Public Recognition of Tom Aswad (Co-Founder)
The impact of Support4Recovery, and one of our founders, Tom Aswad, was highlighted in early September, when the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors publicly passed a motion recognizing Tom for his service. The video included in this email is worth listening to; it is a moving tribute to the impact Tom has had on individual lives and on our community.
Support4Housing
Awarded a total of $177K in grants to 140 individuals, allowing them to secure safe and sober housing for an average of 2.3 months while seeking employment and attending outpatient treatment.
​
Seeds4Recovery
AOffered a virtual weekly program called Step Zero, which ensured that residents in recovery residences had ongoing access to support groups.
​
Social Media Expansions
Expanded the YouTube Channel and Instagram, to further our outreach and showcase our activities.
New Developments for 2022
Needs Survey
This Fall, we began an outreach effort (directly and through social media) to find out what the recovery community needs. We will use the information from the survey to develop programming in 2022.
Advisory Group
We are beginning to assemble an Advisory Group, with connections to others, to provide input and guidance on the needs of our community. They will guide us to develop programming in 2022.
​
Support4Housing
Now that the County housing grant program is solidly established, we will relinquish our Contra Costa County contract at the end of 2021. Shelter Inc, a local non-profit focused on preventing homelessness, will assume the role of providing grants to individuals coming out of treatment. We will continue to award housing grants, using donations from other sources, to individuals who might otherwise not qualify under the County requirements.
​
Focus on Hispanic Community
One of our new Board members, Pablo Martinez, is spearheading an effort to reach the Spanish-speaking recovery community. We are creating an outreach video, intended to increase awareness of, and participation in, Spanish-language addiction treatment. We are also advocating for more Spanish-speaking counselors.
All of these actions have been made possible, and continue to be made possible, because of the financial and advocacy support of our donors and collaborators. We would like to express deep gratitude to each and every one of you for being part of our mission.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Regards,
Anastasia Stephanopoulos
President, Board of Directors
