Recent News
- Celebrate your Trans loved ones today and every day -
Royal Palms LGBTQ+ residential treatment program has not only the pleasure but the honor of celebrating our staff successes. Sophia is one of those success stories that is worth sharing as she has walked through trials and tribulations to be the woman who she is today. Sophia adds so much value to Royal Palms, as she presents with a desire and approach that comes from a place of acceptance, love, sincerity, and education for our residents. Sophia has chosen to work in the field of substance use to help others like herself who not only struggle with addiction but through transitioning to a new life in so many ways.
Jacob Adrian Pifher was born June 9th, 1994.
“Living in a body that never felt right, going through life trying to fit in and be accepted, I was continuing to live a lie because I was afraid, and where I come from there was no one else like me. I didn’t have the support to “come out.” I finally made a decision that would change the rest of my life. A day after my 19th birthday, on June 10th, 2014, I came out to my family that I was going to start transitioning to a female. I had to explain to them that I never felt right. Being born a male, I never felt like this was the body I was meant to be in. My parents struggled with this concept of life and it was new to them. After I came out, I lost a lot of family members. I didn’t have any support aside from my therapist. I had to educate myself on how to take each step to transition, as no one had experience doing this before that I knew of, not even my therapist.
“Three months after coming out as transgender, I saved up money for the first time so that I could move forward to acquire a name change, legally becoming Sophia Nicole Pifher. This day I started living my true authentic life. One year later, I started hormone replacement therapy. The changes were indescribable, from emotions to physical changes – mind you I didn’t know anyone during this time to talk to about these changes I was experiencing. All I knew is I started feeling right - every step of the way. Six years and 10 months later, I am glad that every struggle has been a learning experience on how I can help others through the similar process. I love the person who I’ve became to this day.”
The Tobacco-Free Partnership Maywood/Montebello has created an infographic for Maywood retailers and community members to inform them of the newly implemented ordinance that prohibits the sale flavored tobacco products.
“I have been in recovery since April 19, 2014. I went through a lot of challenges in my life growing up around addiction. With the help of my Higher Power, I was able to overcome addiction, change my life, get my kids back, and have an amazing marriage. I chose to go to school to become a drug and alcohol counselor and graduated in 2019. Since then, I have been dedicating my life to helping people like me still suffering. I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better life and to have someone believe in them. I am that person who will always give people hope and be a positive role model in their life. Thanks to Social Model Recovery Systems for giving me a chance to work for this amazing company. I have been able to follow my dreams and help people. I am currently the Housing and Alumni Coordinator for Community-Based Housing. Due to having this position, I am able to see amazing miracles happen, like women and men getting their children back and striving to get their lives together. I am grateful for my life today and I am looking forward to my future. With my Higher Power's guidance, everything is possible.”
Congratulations to our newest certified SUD Counselor, Ruben Escamilla! He has worked hard and continues to serve our communities. We are proud of this big accomplishment on his journey as a SUD Counselor.
Dr. Yun Hee Anna Lee has achieved her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree from the University of Southern California (USC). We are extremely proud of her accomplishments and send her our warmest wishes on this huge milestone.
River Community's mission is to provide all residents with a safe and caring environment so they will feel secure, respected, accepted, valued, and included.
Our very own Mike Schaub, Senior Director of Community Relations, was recognized and honored today as this year's Joseph L. Galletta "Spirit of Recovery" Award Recipient.
Dr. Joseph L. Galletta was a man who touched many lives at some point on their road to recovery. He was truly an addiction treatment pioneer. He was one of the first physicians to become certified in the new field of Addiction Medicine in 1983. Dr. Galleta was a man of great generosity, giving freely of his time and resources for the simple reward of helping. On many occasions, Dr. Galletta provided services to countless individuals regardless their ability to pay and also provided his time servicing on the boards of various facilities and organizations free of charge. His trademark positive attitude and optimistic outlook was an encouragement to all who knew him.
Presented by Hemet Valley Recovery Center, this great honor was a tribute to both the amazing work done by Dr. Galletta and Mike Schaub, an individual who's work emulates such a spirit and dedication to the field of recovery.
Mike Schaub has been recognized today as a man who embodies and demonstrates a dedication to the 12 step philosophy, leadership in the recovery field, the encouragement of others, and the promotion of sober lifestyles.
Mike, thank you for your continued dedication and leadership! Congratulations!