Center Point

I believe in what we do. Both my wife & I have a great passion for Center Point Inc. and the work being done... “Changing Lives…Connecting Communities” ...... Giving children their Mommy & Daddys back

I arrived to center point 5 mo ago and didn't know the things that I know now, I was stubborn and thought that I knew a lot I am so very happy god put me in this program. I have learned a lot about myself and as well as my children centerpoint have so much to offer and I turned willing to recive every thing I have learned I I am now looking for work I have so much support every thing fell into place for me, my daughter is very healthy going to school everyday counseling and childcare Iam ready to see the world in a different way know

I came into Center Point on my own accord 4 and 1/2 months ago. At that time I had no idea what an impact this program would have on my life, as well as my son's. I have made many mistakes in my past and I reached a point where I had lost any hope for my future. I came into Center Point completely defeated and surrendered myself to this program. As difficult as this program is for myself and my son, I find that the major challenge lies within myself and my ability to take the initiative to make a positive change and allow growth within my mind, body, and soul. Center Point has given me this opportunity. I am extremely grateful for all the doors that are opening for me. As long as I get up every morning and I am willing to do the work that is expected of me, good things will continue to happen. I feel like a major transformation has occurred within me and I look forward to use the skills that I have learned while I have been at Center Point.

I have worked for Center Point for over seven years and have seen first-hand how this organization has helped improve the lives of many people. Operating as a nonprofit, there is always uncertainty that funding may not be secure for the long haul. Center Point has made strides in securing their future with smart business decisions; building connections and relationships in the community, as well as, within the field of recovery and; through faithful planning. They recognize that their existence as a human services organization is important to the community and the clients they serve, as such; they work hard to achieve success in everything they do.

On a personal note, I have not only been an employee of Center Point but have also been a recipient of their services. By believing in me and teaching me that I had something more to offer the world, they helped me believe in myself. This was integral to me changing the direction of my life. It has been said that to be good is honorable, but to show others how to be good is the highest honor and Center Point does embody this belief. I was able to completely transform my life and I know in my heart that the catalyst was Center Point. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to receive services from Center Point and the friends I found while there. For all these reasons, it is important to me that Center Point will always be available to others in need.

“The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw

My Nickolas Sarrigeorgiou I had to go to volunteer for a day,in San Rafael .
It was a great experience and a awakening how centers like that can change people's life's .
I will highly recommend for people to volunteer and save our community.
Center Point thank u . Keep doing great job!!!!!

My name is Katerina Daraki after a personal set back in my life I ask to volunteer in the center at
Lincoln ave. in San Rafael . It was a warm hearted experience .I never thought they are people in my lifetime so dedicated to improve others peoples life's .An amazing stuff all hard and soul
24/7 unconditional support and knowledge try to solve clients problems , and believe me they were a
Lots of that. I never before in my life I had to be and see how determine everybody in the center they are to have drug free and healthy mine environment and HELP clients to teach them how they can start leaving healthy LiFES. I always be grateful for the opportunity I had to be hands on for the center.
I will highly recommend for people to donate time or money it is all to an a amazing organization .
Katerina Daraki.

I was a client of Center Points after giving birth to my daughter, tox-positive, and having her taken away from me by CPS due to my drug and alcohol abuse. Without Center Point I would never have been able to really change my life to become the person I am today. I learned that I really wanted to be a parent, not the selfish, awful human being I had become. Center Point really stuck with me and helped me learn what I needed to learn about myself. I am 18 years clean and sober. My daughter was returned to me after I graduated Center Point and my son was able to come live with me full time a short while later. I am forever grateful to Center Point for giving me the ability to live the life I had wanted to live with my kids and others. Volunteering has become a big part of my life. Their After Care Program was and is just as important to me. I know that if I needed to go back today to discuss and work on something Center Point would be right there trying to help me figure it out. I often look up to the sky and thank Center Point for saving my family.

I am a certified substance abuse counselor, with over seven years experience working in the field of substance abuse treatment. My experience in working with Center Point has always been a positive one. From the professional demeanor of its employees, to the exemplary leadership role modeled by its executive staff, Center Point is a model for what an integrated substance abuse/mental health human services agency should look like.

I am so very grateful to have found an organization like Center Point. Not only have they made a huge difference in my family’s life, but I’ve see them do it for countless people in this community. Thank you!

My Story

I am a single mother of two daughters.
Before finding Center Point in 2010 I had been living in a motel for almost a year with my children.
I was referred to Center Point as it had a reputation for being “tough” and was a program that offered services that could benefit me and my struggling family.

I began attending groups that centered around topics such as Life Skills, Parenting, Anger Management, and Cognitive Thinking. I learned how to incorporate important concepts into my daily life, such as Integrity and Responsibility. Through the group process and writing assignments, I developed useful tools that have helped me to remain a sober, healthy, contributing member of the community.

Before entering treatment I had been unsuccessful in keeping any sort of stable housing or employment. At Center Point, I received support in Job Readiness and before I even left residential I had found a full time job. I am still working and continue to receive support from the program with money management, budgeting, and saving for the future.

But most importantly, my children’s lives have benefitted greatly from this experience. After my graduation in July 2011, I was granted full primary physical custody of both girls, and my CPS case was closed permanently. Center Point also helped guide me through court proceedings, and as a result I no longer have pending criminal cases, and my court probation had been lifted.

My kids have a stable life today, and I am a stable parent. Today I am an active member of the Center Point Alumni Association, where I can listen and share my experiences in the hope of reaching out and helping those addicts who still suffer. We also plan and organize clean and sober events in the community.

Again!!
I am so very grateful to have found an organization like Center Point. Not only have they made a huge difference in my family’s life, but I’ve see them do it for countless people in this community. Thank you!

I came to Center Point in 1997 after living on the streets of San Francisco and Marin using illicit substances. I was broken and had a tremendous amount of shame and guilt for abandoning my family. My disease had robbed me of all of my life goals and dreams. Coming to Center Point help me to become the women I always dreamed I could be. learning the Concepts (values) taught me that I am worthy and that I can be and should be accountable for my life choices. The treatment services Center Point staff provided me allowed me to make life altering changes. For that I am eternally grateful to the Center Point Organization. This month I celebrate 16 years of sobriety! Today I am a productive, tax paying member of society working with women and children whom lives have been impacted by the disease of addiction.

After 20 years of addiction and criminal behavior I ended up in jail several times and then prison had no real direction or value in life after coming to center point and applying the concepts in my day to day life I am very proud to say I am the complete opposite today I have value in everything I do my life is worth living I am a proud father and husband with solid direction in my life and I owe all of this to center point for allowing me to find out who I really am thank you

I was aware of Center Point and recommended that a friend of the family apply for treatment in the San Rafael men's program. This friend had been abusing various drugs for many years and had failed to complete any previous attempts at treatment. He had also refused to go to 12-step or other fellowship type meetings.

My friend went into the program about two years ago and stayed through to completion! He has remained drug-free ever since and still uses the "concept words" that he learned when he was at Center Point. Not only is he still drug-free, his family and friends all agree that he is more mature, more responsible and more accountable! We could not be happier for him or that Center Point exists!

After nearly a decade of abuse I ended up on the streets as a young teenager and turned to drugs. I spent the next 25 years addicted to drugs and all that came with it. Before coming to Center Point I had lost my wife and children my home and my freedom. My mental health condition was fragile to say the least.
After coming to Center Point I have completely changed my life, I have my children back, re married to a great women and about to be a grandfather. I have been educated in the field of addition and have a carrier that I am proud of. I work in the field as a program manager helping others get what was given to me.
I am forever grateful to Center Point.

By the time I made it to Center Point I was lost in my addiction so bad. I finally came to the point where I had no choices and I had to do something different. The six months in residential gave me a second chance at life. The continued aftercare allowed fir me to feel a part of as I grew in my recovery. Today I continue to use the concepts and tools Center point has given me. My life is more than I had imagined it would be.

Center Point has done so much for me! I am glad to have found the strength and courage to walk through those doors, and the courage to hold on to my seat no matter what! Although I really had no idea what was on the other side, I said to my self, better find out now, instead of later! I had never been to a drug rehab before!, lucky for me I picked the best one! Who knew that my 15 year drug run would come to a end on June 23 2009! I would have never guessed that I would be living in San Rafael!, I sure did not think I would ever give up getting high! Yet here I stand, okay let me rephrase that, here I sit! A clean and sober, responsible, caring, hard working, smart, employee /Alumni / with that same great laugh, Only now that I'm off the dope I can actually Here my laugh! What a great laugh it is! ,Thanks to Center point today and every other day I am accountable not only for my self but for my Center Point brothers and sister! All in time my boy all in time! I guess that was my first behavior modification Lesson! Wow a house full of men, what the hell am I doing here I thought, not to late I can just leave now doors are open! That was the addict in me saying lets blow this joint and go get high! I am very grateful for the lessons and skills that center point taught me. Not only did I stay there for the six months I was able to get my certificate. For someone who never finished high school, that was very rewarding and emotional ! I can finally say that I finished something! Ah hello only the most important test you will ever take in your life~! And that is the test to save your life!
I would like to say thank you to everyone at Center Point who made it possible for me to get the treatment that I needed! I would also like to thank them for giving me the brothers, sisters and friends that I never had, and the biggest bag that they make so that I may stuff it so full of all the TOOLS that I acquired! You must stay 50 paces ahead of the disease, If something should happen, you want to always have your tools right next to you! I sometimes wonder were I would be if Center point had not come in to my life. To sum it up in a nut shell, Center Point saves lives, reunites family's, helps with housing,
Center Point saved my life!
I am very proud to be able to call myself a Client, Alumni, and employee!

One of the greatest experiences if my life no rehab has ever helped me stay clean longer than 6 months I have over two years now

Second chances do not come very often in life. I mean like real second chances; second chances to be a better person, to do better things and have a better life. Most addicts, myself included, allow themselves to settle for less than what they are worth because they don't believe they deserve more. Center Point taught me to have faith in myself and to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my life is important and I do matter. I love the person I am today. Thanks to Center Point I have been given an opportunity, a second chance, to change who I used to be into who I want to be. The Center Point Concepts rule my life today and I try to live by them every single day. Thank you, Sushma for creating Center Point.

I cannot even begin to express what all Center Point has done for our family. My son was battling drug addiction and was in and out of rehabs. After being sent out to CA for rehab and relapsing he was arrested and was mandated to Center Point for a year. We lived on the other side of the United States and felt helpless. We are so fortunate that the Judge gave him the opportunity and sent him there. Center Point became his family and changed his life. He stayed on there and worked for them for a few years. Then went back to school studied advertising and they were so supportive. We cannot say enough about Dr. Taylor. Her life is helping others and the work she does is truly amazing. The help he received gave him the tools to turn his life around, and gave us back our son. And for that we will always be grateful.

"It's A Wonderful Life!" is an uplifting Hollywood classic movie of hope and redemption shot in the 1940s starring Jimmy Stewart. It's my favorite. But I also have a front row center seat in real life which I've occupied each and every day since 1996 as landlord of two of Center Point's residence homes in San Rafael, California. At both I've witnessed game changing comebacks in health and attitude of the residents themselves. And I've stood and cheered as each received their graduation diploma upon graduation... now well on their way to a "Wonderful NEW Life!" Dave Bartruff

Center Point was by far one of the most defining experiences in my life and I am eternally grateful for the help I received from this organization. I needed structured help to turn my life around and end a vicious spiral of addiction and crime. I had no idea how to stop, or even where to begin changing my life. It was my first and only attempt at treatment and I had no idea what to expect. At first it was awkward, strange, difficult and painful, but through this program, I got my life back. I was able to get a job and quickly excelled at that job to become a manager. I learned tools and skills that allowed me to "live life on life's terms." It was the most amazing experience one could ever have asked for. The residential program was only the beginning of the journey. They also provided aftercare services and basically, lifelong support and today I not only have a large group of friends that constitute my support group, but I also know that should I ever need anything, I can always count on the support of my Center Point family and Center Point as an organization. This program works! No matter what your age, race, creed, color, religion, political preferences, education, work experience may be, I have seen this program turn so many peoples lives around and reunited families. I was told when I came there to set goals as to what I want out of the program. I said I wanted to be free of my addiction, I wanted a job, I wanted a place to live, I wanted to get in touch with my family again. It only took 6 months for that to happen. Today I am pursuing my dream together with my partner and I couldn't be happier. My family got their son and their brother back and I got a life back. Truly the best investment of time that anyone can do for themselves.

Center Point is an outstanding organization that is absolutely committed to helping people, especially those with the most difficult life problems such us addiction, homelessness and criminal backgrounds. Their program empower participants battling the scourges of addiction, and teaches them how to become responsible members of our society. The WHOLE PERSON is treated and this makes for the best positives outcomes possible. I have been a community advisory member for the last 10 years, and I am proud to say that Center Point has me for life. I have never been this committed to any community based organization other than church, and I remain in awe of what they are doing in OUR community. I have personally witnessed the growth and change in some of their clients, and truly, Center Point saved their lives and in many cases the lives of the whole family, and the lives of their children. I have never been an addict, but I have learned so much about substance abuse populations, and I have developed a heightened sensitivity and deep compassion for those who are finding their way back to life. If I ever win a lottery, Center Point will get a few million because I so faithfully believe in their purpose, mission and goals.

Prior to attending Center Point I spent a great deal of my life involved with drugs and the criminal justice system.

Today I have been clean and sober over 20 years.I have completed my under grad and graduate degree. I work for a large behavioral health agency as a Senior Vice Presdent and without Center Point none of this would be possible.

Centerpoint is an incredible organization, working with a very difficult population, but they do miracles! I am a parent of a former client from Center Point Tulsa and I have wittnessed the miracles in many of lives of the women served by Centerpoint.They do an amazing job with an extremely limited budget. Also, Ms. Regina is a great addition to the organization. I Thank the Center Point board of directors and executives for bringing centerpoint to Tulsa.

While I have not specifically worked with the substance abusers for much of my career, I have worked with lower-income and underserved communities for many years. Center Point programs are extremely amazing and life changing; I wonder why more agencies don't implement their model. They have a medical clinic, vocational services programs, integrated behavioral health services (this is huge), and a very strong continuum of care. They change people lives and help them stay clean and sober, Center Point contributes to reduce crime in our communities, they reintegrate people back in our society, Center Point participants become responsible tax payers and contributors in our communities.. Keep up the good work!

Almost 13 years ago I. Came to Marin with my toddler and the clothes on our back to enter Center Point. Little did I realize then, that it would be one of the most life changing experiences of my life, I was a mess when I arrived here, but by the Grace of God and all the wonderful staff that pushed me and believed in me, I stuck it out and first completed the program, went to transittional housing and continued my journey, finally graduating in April of 2003. But my journey has not ended because recovery is a life long process. Today I have my own place, my daughter just began high school and I was Blessed with a wonderful new career, helping other single parents. I continue to attend aftercare meetings most every week and I am so grateful to CP everyday for helping me gain my life back.

I have had the experience of both being a graduate of Center Point (1992), as well as serving as a consultant to the organization. As a client, I received the best substance use disorder treatment of any program I ever attended (and there were quite a few), which led me on a path of sustained recovery. The staff at CP were professional, respectful, well-experienced, and highly competent and my treatment experience was tailored to my individual needs. I credit CP with having saved my life and I would highly recommend Center Point to anyone that needs assistance.

As a consultant who has worked with over a dozen of behavioral health organizations, Center Point ranks at the very top. It has unparalleled clinical, operational, and fiscal systems -- under the leadership of their CEO, Sushma Taylor, Ph.D. and her highly qualified management team.

I went through Center Point November 28, 2000. That was the best choice I have ever made. (Besides Marring my Husband)My life was a mess for many years. Today I have a wonderful husband, we bought a beautiful home 4 years ago, I have a job that I have held for 12 years. and two wonderful grand kids. Thank you Center Point for making this all possible.

After hearing several positive things about Center Point, and knowing friends and family member associated with the program, it really touched a special place in my heart. Seeing people change their lives to better themselves and to make a change. So time to time I will volunteer at events that some of the local programs have just to offer support to the clients and even the staff, it makes them put a smile on their face and reassures them that there's good people out there who can be complete strangers, who only want to help them with their choice to change and give a helping hand. They truly appreciate it and it feels good to know that you (the volunteer) are doing a good deed as well. Thank you Center Point for all your hard work and dedication.

I WAS A 30 YEAR OLD MOTHER OF 4 WHO HAD FELL INTO USING THE SUBSTANCE METHAMPHETAMINE TO RUN AWAY FROM RESPOSIBILITY AND WHAT I HAD PERCEIVED AS FALIURE. I felt lost, alone, scared, felt as though I were going insane. I did not know who I was anymore and was " sick and tired of being sick and tired." I was the victim of a very violent beating at the hands of my youngest child's (my son) father and that night was when I said to myself " It is time to get off the toilet, stop sitting in my **it and DO something about it" I knew I needed help and could not do it alone. I was in need of true empathetic, support. I was a "HEROIN BABY" born addicted to the drug. My mother and father where both heroin addicts at the time of my birth. My childhood consisted of foster homes, Juvenile incarcerations, group homes, teen pregnancy failed marriages etc.. I was reunited with my mother at age 2 1/2 I witness domestic violence in the home, was abused physically, and emotional by the man my mother married and grew up surrounded by much dysfunction. I had to find a place that I would be able to receive real "help" to deal with my demons from my past and recognize my own real worth, which I knew I had deep inside. I also knew that I was in need of taking a honest look at the "issues" I had to address and that without getting myself clean and sober I would not. I knew that I wanted to stop the cycle of abuse that had surrounded me for so many years and did not want my children to have to do the work that I should of done before bringing them into this world. They deserved to have a present, whole, independent, loving role model to look up to and respect. Center Point's Women and Children's residential program was just the place. I learned the true meaning of support, integrity and responsibility. I learned what empathy really was and that I was not in the need for sympathy, nor did I want it any longer. I was a compassionate, resourceful, strong mother and I WAS NOT A VICTIM ANYLONGER, NOR DID I WANT TO BE. I COULD BE ANYTHING I WANTED. Today I am proud to say that I have a little over 12 years without having to take a chemical substance to alter or run from life. I have a true family that supports me in the way a person whom is cared for truly is supported. I am able to give back my experience and the assistance to another women/mother in need of the same. My children have someone to look up to, a role model to admire and respect. Today I have broken the cycle that began so many years ago. I am grateful and committed to the Center Point family and I would recommend anyone that truly wants to change for the better for themselves and their families, that would love nothing more than to be free from thier skeletons and those chains that addiction from substances and other types bind you in, to not just consider, but pick that phone today and call Center Point 415 456-6655 . If you are a family member of a person who is still allowing their disease to hold them hostage and the rest of you, do not allow them to keep you in the binds of their disease, know that you are not to blame, or are you alone. I empathize with your pain and support you by telling you what I know you have heard several times from others if you really would like to support them, do not enable them. You can show and offer your support instead by giving to a program that truly is here for your family and would support you. Volunteer your time, donate what clothes you may have to those without, give money, any little helps to keep this program up and running,. I know the economy is hard, I too can not pay my rent due to recent disability but that does not mean if I have a dollar, even 5cents I would not give it to Center Point. If I had just one hope it would be that Center Point is available for as long as another person in need, suffering out there may need the assistance/guidance/support. Please give what you can and I would like to Thank you on behalf of all my Center Point family for the support that you do give. TO SUPPORT AND MAKE A CHANGE CALL 415-492-4444 TODAY

Center Point has been an incredible program that not only helped my husband but has been an integral part of making our family whole. Together my husband and I chose Center Point for his outpatient recovery program after his relapse over two years ago. I watched my husband as he looked indepth at who he was and the journey to the man he has become. The meetings, the one on one therapy and support he was and still is given, as an alumni, has shown what a truly great and dedicated recovery program that Center Point is. I would highly recommend this program to others.

I was mandated to Center Point in October 2007 to do my parole. All I cared about was doing my "time" at Center Point and then getting out as soon as I was allowed. Well here it is 6 years later and I'm still here......by choice! After completing the residential program I went to their transitional housing and then became an employee. I've been working at Center Point for over 5 years now, I attend the Alumni group weekly and I have the most wonderful group of people on my side! The CP staff believes in their clients and it shows! Between the staff and my peers and the people that are just starting on their CP journey......I have the most wonderful group of people to surround myself with! When I got to Center Point I had nothing.......now I have everything.....my family, wonderful friends, a place to call home, a job, a fun and active life, new hobbies and a smile! THANK YOU CENTER POINT.......FOR GIVING ME A LIFE WORTH LIVING!

I have never considered a treatment program as being an option for me getting my life back from addition. I had spent a majority of my life using drugs and running the streets. After having my son I knew that it wasn't about me anymore, and I had no idea where to begin building my life back. I was recommended Center Point and didn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity... It has been One year now and my life has made a complete 180, and now I have a future for both me and my son! Thank you Center Point and all of the staff for believing in me and supporting me through the tough transition, and giving me another chance at life!

From having a father who was a substance abuser that got treatment from Center Point, a step father who was a counselor at Center Point, and currently working for Center Point myself, I have had the chance to see how Center Point is a GREAT nonprofit in many different forms. I believe that Center Point gave me the empathy of individuals in treatment and recovery, developing a spirituality that is deeply rooted in living in the physical world, and giving me the integrity and pride that I didn't know I had in myself. Center Point changes lives everyday, and I am very grateful to be a part of that.

I came into Center Point as a client, a young woman at 21 years old with 6 years of heroin addiction under my belt. I had 6 drug felonies, and was facing 3 years in jail or prison by the time I was 20, and countless jail stays, detox and rehab visits. I was done with the life style of addiction, done with worrying about where I was going to sleep that night, or when I was going to eat next, and where and how I was going to get my next fix. I entered Center Point women's residential defeated after a couple times at attempting outpatient treatment. The professionals at Center Point knew that I needed more structure, I was not strong or stable enough for real life yet, so I came into residential treatment in June of 2012 after a month in jail for yet another drug charge. Center Point never gave up on me, they helped me through my emotions and feelings, my grief and loss issues, my self-worth and self-esteem problems, entitlement, procrastination, time management, money management, honesty, and so so much more. Center Point has taught me so much, not only about my addiction, but about myself and my behaviors and why I do the things I do. I give back to Center Point by helping the next addict and sharing my story, to make them realize that Center Point performs miracles.. I went from a homeless, heroin addict, prostitute, and felon; to a contributing member of society with a job through CP, housing through CP transitional living, and a better relationship with everyone around me, including myself. I owe Center Point my life, without them I would be in jail, prison, or dead. I cant believe how far I have come from where I was, and it is all thanks to Center Point Inc. and no one can take it away from me!

Center Point is an outstanding organization that is absolutely committed to change people lives. Their programs empower individuals and families battling the plagues of addiction, and teach them how to live a clean and sober life, and become proactive members of society. I have been a staff member for the last 7 years, but i was a client before that and I am proud to say that Center Point save and change my life, the work done by the staff and their CEO Dr. Sushma Taylor is remarkable and unique. I have personally witnessed the miracles of recovery in my own life and in the lives of others, and truly, CP has change many lives and brought many families together including my own.