The River Community, a residential treatment center for adults with co-occurring disorders and a program of Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), recently hosted its 25th annual Harvest Feast on November 21 under the guidance of Program Director Sarah Tostado.
This year’s celebration marked a significant milestone with an incredible turnout, as more than 300 people came together to partake in the festivities.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including residents from River Community, staff and participants/residents from other SMRS treatment programs along with their families, and community partners. The gathering served as a testament to the sense of community and support fostered by River Community and SMRS.
Notable figures in attendance included SMRS Board President Ulises Gutierrez, Board Member Yolanda Cordero, and Board Member Kristi Larsen. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and showcased the commitment of leadership to the well-being of the community.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the opportunity for attendees to explore the facilities through guided tours. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the effectiveness of the programs and the welcoming environment created by River Community.
Onyx
Attendees also witnessed an unconventional experiment—a horse making a special appearance. This unique addition wasn’t a mere spectacle; it marked the prelude to an exciting venture as SMRS gears up to launch Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
This new facet of treatment at SMRS will be overseen by Kelly Boardman, who has been certified in Equine Assisted Therapy since 2016. The decision to bring a horse to the feast was a deliberate step to introduce the community to the transformative power of equine therapy. Kelly believes in the effectiveness of this modality, emphasizing its ability to provide clients with an experience distinct from traditional therapy.
Clinical Supervisor Kelly Boardman with Onyx
“I feel this modality is very powerful as it allows the client a freedom and space quite different from traditional therapy,” shares Kelly. Having witnessed incredible breakthroughs and transformations in her experience in practicing equine therapy, she is eager to share this approach with the residents and participants at Social Model Recovery Systems.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an evidence-based complementary treatment modality that utilizes horses to assist in the therapeutic process. This form of therapy has been effective in helping individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, social and behavioral issues, and substance abuse, to name a few. Using horses in treatment provides an alternative to traditional therapy in a safe space and with a creature that is extremely sensitive to human energy. Individuals are able to “speak through the horses”, relate to behaviors they observe in the horses, build trust and relationships, and share difficult accounts of life experiences without perception of judgment.
The success of any feast is often attributed to the culinary prowess of those responsible for the meal. In this regard, River Community had a standout in its kitchen supervisor, Jami Lopez. Jami, along with the dedicated residents and other staff, worked tirelessly to prepare and cook a delicious array of dishes. The culinary experience added a special touch to the celebration, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
The festivities extended beyond the dining table, with a photo booth providing a source of joy for attendees. Laughter and smiles filled the air as people captured memorable moments, reinforcing the sense of community and shared experiences.
Adding a musical flourish to the celebration, the event featured a performance by the Revoluzion band. However, the highlight of the evening was when two of SMRS’ own, Kelly Boardman and PCADD Program Director Daniel Lugo, took center stage. Kelly’s collaboration with the Revoluzion band elevated the event, providing a memorable and uplifting moment for everyone present.
The River Community Harvest Feast transcended the boundaries of a typical community event, becoming a powerful symbol of unity, support, and celebration. It showcased the dedication of the staff, the resilience of the residents, and the commitment of the community partners.
As River Community continues to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with co-occurring disorders, events like the Harvest Feast serve as a reminder of the transformative power of community, compassion, and shared celebration.
