As summer shines, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) seizes the season to deepen its commitment to transforming lives with compassionate and innovative treatment for substance use disorders and mental health issues.
At the core is the R95 Walkthrough initiative—a bold effort to meet the needs of the 95% of people with substance use disorders who aren’t receiving treatment. This initiative aims to reach those often left out by traditional treatment models.
The day began with a warm welcome from CEO Bruce Boardman, setting a tone of excitement and purpose. Following the opening remarks, the energy was lifted with a lively Kahoot game led by Community Relations Assistant Janelle Gollaba, bringing together participants in a fun and engaging way.
This was followed by the highly anticipated R95 Capacity Building 2E Customer Walkthroughs, where key leaders from across SMRS came together to share insights and updates on the R95 Initiative. Denise Hernandez-Felice, Senior Director, Treatment Services, highlighted the overdose crisis, emphasizing the need to reach the 95% of people with substance use disorders who aren’t receiving treatment. She stressed that the R95 Initiative is crucial for creating a more inclusive and accessible system, ensuring no one is left behind in their recovery journey.
The panel included:
- Vanessa Ramos – Program Director of Royal Palms
- Maria Reyes – Program Director of Bimini
- Christopher Abernathy – Chief Operating Officer
- Elizabeth Ello – Regional Director of San Gabriel Valley
- Bruce Boardman – Chief Executive Officer
- Carlos Aguilar – Program Director of Omni Center
- Gerardo Barraza – Program Director of Mid Valley Outpatient
- Daniel Lugo – Program Director of Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- Denise Hernandez-Felice – Senior Director, Treatment Services
Each panelist offered valuable insights, providing a thorough review of the initiative’s progress and the strategies needed to reach the 95% of the untreated population. Following the presentation, COO Chris Abernathy detailed the 3-year sustainability plan, highlighting the key steps to ensure the ongoing success and lasting impact of the R95 Initiative.
The day continued with the Service Award Presentation, a moment to honor the dedication and hard work of both board members and staff. CEO Bruce Boardman led the Board Member Awards, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in their service to SMRS. We were also excited to welcome Tim Hartley as our newest board member. Tim’s experience and commitment make him a valuable addition to the team, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for SMRS.
Next, the Staff Awards were presented by Program Directors, supervisors, and COO Christopher Abernathy, honoring the achievements and contributions of the organization’s dedicated employees.
A standout moment in this segment was the presentation of a special service award to CFO Tim Stevens, celebrating his extraordinary 35 years of service. Tim has been the backbone of the agency, offering steadfast leadership, guidance, and unwavering support through every challenge. His commitment and passion have not only driven the success of SMRS but have also inspired and uplifted everyone within the organization. As a reflection of his deep influence, Tim received a standing ovation from the entire audience. His legacy of dedication continues to shape the future of the agency, setting a standard of excellence for all.
The award presentations concluded with the Uncompromising Customer Service Award, presented by Senior Director of Community Relations Mike Schaub. This award recognizes outstanding dedication to client care, which is central to SMRS’ mission. This year, the award was given to James Murrell of the Omni Center. James has been a transformative leader at the Omni Center, known for his deep understanding of substance use disorders, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support for both residents and staff. His positive attitude, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to building a strong community have made him an invaluable team member and a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
The event wrapped up with a Q&A and Announcement session led by CEO Bruce Boardman, CFO Tim Stevens, and COO Chris Abernathy. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and hear about future plans and updates directly from the leadership team. This final segment provided clear insights into SMRS’ growth plans and commitment to expanding care, leaving everyone informed and inspired.
As we move forward into the summer months, SMRS invites everyone—staff, clients, and community partners alike—to join us in exploring diverse perspectives on how we can continue to transform lives through the R95 Initiative.
Our collective journey is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to reaching the 95% and leaving an enduring mark in the sphere of addiction treatment and recovery. The R95 Initiative is not just a program; it’s a movement—a movement that, with your support, will continue to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals this summer and beyond.
