Pasadena Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence Grand Re-opening at New Location
On the 17th of July the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD), a program by Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) joyfully celebrated the reopening of its new, more spacious therapeutic center in central Pasadena. This event represented a moment for the organization enabling it to better cater to its clients and the local community.
The grand reopening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the facility led by staff members, and a comprehensive overview of the enhanced services now available. Notable figures present at the event were LA County Supervisor Katherine Barger, Health Deputy Anders Corey, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor Tim Wellman, and Assistant City Manager Nicholas Rodriguez.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing addiction and mental health issues. “I’m committed to increasing the public’s access to addiction and mental health treatment. A lot of suffering is being caused by addiction and mental illness, including the homelessness crisis our County is experiencing,” she stated. “We’re doing better on meeting the needs that exist, but government alone will not fix this. Collaboration with nonprofits like Social Model Recovery Systems is what will get people the help that they need and, more importantly, that they deserve. I love this program. I’m all in.”
Supervisor Barger added, “This site (PCADD) serves as a role model that we do care, and we take pride in the fact that we are here to help.”
PCADD Program Director Daniel Lugo highlighted the ongoing challenges of drug abuse, particularly the fentanyl crisis. “Drug abuse is not slowing down, especially with the fentanyl crisis tearing families apart,” Lugo stated. “We have individuals seeking treatment who are eager for help and committed to changing their lives. Our role is to provide them with the necessary treatment, tools, and support.”
Established in 1949, PCADD has been committed to building more resilient communities by providing support and education for individuals affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Serving than 400 participants annually, PCADD is one of 12 treatment programs operated under SMRS.
Additionally, PCADD runs the Full-Service Partnership (FSP) initiative, led by Program Director Ellen Striverson, and supported by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The FSP provides essential services for individuals with severe mental health issues, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric/medication support. This program also offers a broad range of comprehensive support for adults, including housing, education, job training, and case management, ensuring that all aspects of their recovery and well-being are addressed.
“I look to hire and bring people into our organization that have the personal passion it takes to bring us forward,” said Bruce Boardman, Chief Executive Officer of Social Model Recovery Systems. “When people get out of high school and are going into college, very few say, ‘I think I’m going to go into the substance abuse treatment field.’ This work takes personal passion.”
Mike Shaub, the Senior Director of Community Relations at SMRS, shared that the organization began about four decades ago in Los Angeles County. River Community, situated on 70 acres within the Angeles National Forest overlooking Azusa, was designed to address co-occurring disorders within residential treatment.
The grand re-opening event was a testament to the dedication and resilience of PCADD and its commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
For more information about our services, visit socialmodel.com, or call our CARE center at 877.507.6242.
AT SMRS, WE listen, WE understand. WE take action on helping any individual and their family overcome addiction and mental health challenges.
