Recent News
The Tobacco-Free Partnership Covina/West Covina, a program of Social Model Recovery Systems, was cordially invited by the mayor pro tem of Covina to present on the public health issue of secondhand smoke on October 20th, 2020.
Staff alongside our youth leaders presented the dangers of secondhand smoke, tobacco waste, and healthy alternatives to smoking. The images shared were taken during our virtual Summer Photovoice Art Workshops. Members of the Covina City Council strongly supported introducing a policy that would remedy secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. Members of our Stamp Out Smoke (SOS) Covina Coalition showed their support during public comment. Join us in celebrating the health and wellness of future generations who will hopefully breathe easier and live longer from these efforts.
To view the video:
1) Visit the website: https://covina.12milesout.com/
2) Click on the link to the October 20th 2020 meeting or copy and paste the link below to your browser:
https://covina.12milesout.com/meeting/4aec6a60-b2eb-4409-95cb-174565bd6f72
3) Click on “Presentation D” button and it will jump to our presentation.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages us to clean out our medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired medications. It also reminds us to properly store medications from unauthorized access and use. Visit bit.ly/DTBD2020 to find a collection site near you so you can dispose of prescription pain medications, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices in a safe and responsible way this Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Red Ribbon Week started after the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After Kiki’s death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community antidrug events, and pledging to live drug-free lives. For more information and to access the Red Ribbon toolkit, visit www.dea.gov/redribbon.
"I started my drinking career at 10 or 11 years of age. Once I got older, I thought that’s what grown adults did, until I started going in and out of jail, getting kicked out of my mom’s house, losing jobs, not being able to stay in relationships, and almost losing my life in a serious accident. I received treatment at Bimini and Rena B, but was discharged for drinking off the property and coming back drunk. Royal Palms was the last house on the block for me to where the light came on and I got a sponsor and started volunteering. Life began to change for me. The former Program Director at Royal Palms called me into his office, because he had gotten word that I was looking for a job. Royal Palms is a place that I truly love. My mission for every resident that walks into treatment here is to succeed, because if I can do it, they can also."
Some of our open positions include:
- Substance Use Disorder Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
- Medication Support Counselor
- Case Aide
- Case Manager
- Clinical Coordinator
- Group Facilitator
Check out our Employment page for more information.
"My life changed forever the day I walked into the doors of Mariposa. I was a 20-year-old girl lost and broken. I had no clue that the journey through treatment was going to help me in my future. The only goal I had at that time was to prove to the Department of Children and Family Services that I was a fit mother and worthy to have my child back in my care. I successfully completed 7 months of treatment at Mariposa and regained custody of my son. I transitioned into sober living and began volunteering at Mariposa. Mariposa was a safe haven for me, so therefore I stayed close by. I was too afraid to fall or slip back into active addiction. I expressed my gratitude through my hard work and dedication as a volunteer. I was offered a job at Mariposa and was in disbelief. 'How could a person like me, who did the things I did in my life be worthy enough for this opportunity?' Simple— a person believed in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself.
My start date was April 1st, 2008. It was no April Fools’ prank. I was blessed with an opportunity to give back to the community and through that process discover my potential. I became the Program Coordinator at Mariposa and worked there for 6 years. I left SMRS for a few years, to grow and ultimately expand my skill set. That did not last long…. I found my way back to Social Model Recovery Systems and began working at Bimini as the Program Coordinator and shortly after became the Program Director. Last year, I moved programs. I currently work at Rena B as the Program Director, and I am completely grateful for the immense opportunities that I’ve been given here at SMRS. I’m thankful for those who believed in me when I could not believe in myself… Thank you!
Today, I’m an Alumni and a Leader of Social Model Recovery Systems and have 13 years free from active addiction! It is possible for all your dreams to come true! I am grateful for my family here at Social Model Recovery Systems.
I leave you with this quote, 'You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.' – Maya Angelou."