Support4Recovery stands as a lifeline in the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Contra Costa County. As the only Spanish-speaking outreach program of its kind, we are dedicated to tackling the unique challenges surrounding substance abuse within the Hispanic community. Initiated as an extension of our existing services after an exhaustive research study in 2020, our program emerged from a deeply compassionate response to the barriers faced in accessing essential services, where language and cultural differences often pose significant obstacles.
Our journey commenced with an illuminating study that identified pressing needs and hurdles confronting the Hispanic community, frequently rendering them underserved in many aspects. These crucial findings were pivotal in spearheading the creation of the moving documentary, “Finding Hope in America,” funded by John Muir and Shadow Power Productions. This documentary shone a light on the struggles faced by this resilient community, inspiring change and advocacy.
Building on this momentum and supported by funding from Measure X and 141 housing grants over the past five years from John Muir, we unveiled The Hispanic Outreach Project. This comprehensive initiative aims to guide and facilitate access to crucial services with dignity and ease, especially addressing the dire shortage of dedicated treatment and detox beds for Spanish-speaking clients, with currently only 12 beds available for men and none for women.
Our mission is to bridge existing gaps through dedicated outreach, advocacy, and culturally informed support. We ensure that each individual is met with empathy and customized assistance, navigating their path to recovery. With continuous support and collaborative effort, we strive to expand our resources, fostering an inclusive environment where every member of the Hispanic community can find solace, support, and hope on their journey towards healing and empowerment.
Beyond recovery, Support4Recovery also provides essential assistance with obtaining legal identification from the Mexican consulate and the California DMV, information and guidance for family reunification, and child visitation and custody petitions. We offer Sober Living housing specifically for Spanish-speaking clients to promote culturally competent settings conducive to long-term recovery.
Our mission is to bridge existing gaps through dedicated outreach, advocacy, and culturally informed support. We ensure that each individual is met with empathy and customized assistance, navigating their path to recovery. With continuous support and collaborative effort, we strive to expand our resources, fostering an inclusive environment where every member of the Hispanic community can find solace, support, and hope on their journey towards healing and empowerment.
Beyond recovery, Support4Recovery also provides essential assistance with obtaining legal identification from the Mexican consulate and the California DMV, information and guidance for family reunification, and child visitation and custody petitions. We offer Sober Living housing specifically for Spanish-speaking clients to promote culturally competent settings conducive to long-term recovery.
Recognizing that not all individuals can access treatment facilities, Support4Recovery collaborates with Sober Living Environments (SLE) to offer transitional housing options. This ensures inmates have a supportive place to live as they work towards sobriety and prepare for reintegration into the community.
Successful reintegration into society is crucial for many former inmates, and Support4Recovery is committed to equipping individuals with essential tools needed beyond release.
Focus Groups
Our focus groups are fundamental components of our initiative, offering dedicated support tailored to both men and women:
The women’s group is specifically designed for Hispanic women aiding family members in combating addiction. It provides a safe space to access crucial resources, promoting mental health and support from other women who have successfully navigated similar paths. With support from Support4Recovery, women receive vital help in securing detox and treatment options in their native language, thereby ensuring a culturally competent setting. This approach significantly enhances the likelihood of long-term recovery.
Pablo Martinez is a tireless advocate for the Spanish-speaking recovery community and for improved access to alcohol and drug treatment. Born in Mexico, Pablo has not only experienced, but overcome the structural impediments Hispanics face when seeking addiction treatment, including personal, social, and structural barriers. Pablo was a counselor at Pueblos del Sol, the only Spanish-speaking detox and treatment center in Contra Costa County. He now leads the Support4Recovery effort to help drive the movement advocating for expanded treatment in the Hispanic community.
Pablo Martinez: Is a tireless advocate for the Spanish-speaking recovery community and for improved access to treatment. Born in Mexico, Pablo has not only lived, but overcomes the structural impediments Hispanics face in seeking treatment for addiction, including personal, social and structural barriers. Pablo is a former counselor at Pueblos del Sol, the only Spanish-speaking detox facility in Contra Costa County. He now leads Support4Recovery’s effort to help bolster the movement advocating for treatment expansion in the Hispanic community.
Ashley Lacey-Ontiveros is a dedicated Latin-American mother of two, who has been in recovery since 2022 and free from drugs and alcohol. Throughout her journey to sobriety, Ashley has achieved significant milestones, beginning with the closure of her CFS case in December 2023, leading to the reunification with her children full-time.
She is a graduate of “Restore,” a women and children aftercare program, and the S.P.I.R.IT. class of 2024. Ashley plays an active role in her community through her involvement with her home church, “New Hope Concord,” where she teaches a spiritual 12 steps program to women.
Dedicated to supporting others on their journey, she is leading the Hispanic Women’s Project with Support4Recovery. Through this initiative, she offers vital assistance by guiding women through residential treatment programs and translating group curriculums.
Her commitment extends to her role on the Child Abuse Prevention Spanish Speaking Council in Contra Costa County. Ashley is soon to begin workshops in jails specifically targeting Hispanic women, aiming to inspire hope through her lived experiences. Her passion remains steadfast in supporting and empowering Hispanic women, with a goal to create a positive impact and instill hope within her community.
Your support is invaluable. Whether through volunteering, contributing resources, or spreading the word, every effort bolsters our mission to empower and support the Hispanic community. Together, we can build a supportive network that enhances well-being and improves the recovery journey for many individuals in our community.