The Turning of a Page

After 41 years of service to the recovery community, and specifically to the men and women of Impact, Executive Director Don Faris is retiring from his role. Don will be sorely missed as both a leader and mentor.

Don first came to Impact as a resident in 1981, and, as he puts it, he never left. Since then, the scope of treatment here has changed significantly, but the foundational principle of 'one addict helping another' has remained constant and unaltered.

Christina describes her experience in her own words, saying she 'grew up at Impact'. Here, she acquired the tools and experience necessary to become a leader - an experience that fueled her desire to give back to this remarkable organization. Over the last 12 years, Christina has worked in various roles at Impact, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Associate Executive Director.

Christina's vision of a bright future, where Impact continues to help as many addicts and alcoholics as possible, is a driving force in her leadership approach.

Transmitting Hope by Example

Post-Incarceration Syndrome, or PICS, is characterized by a broad spectrum of social and psychological disorders, that is readily apparent in men an women that have had recent experience with the criminal justice system. In short, it is the direct result of a series of societal shortcomings that keep people on a one-way road back to prison.

It is a crisis that IMPACT is doing its best to address.

Under the direction of Assistant Program Manager David Moore, the PICS Group helps our population that has been through the criminal justice system to see the futility of a life lived by the claustrophobic notions that come with an institutionalized mindset.

More than that, the PICS Group works to provide opportunities for community service and higher education. Steadfast methods that have been proven to actively reduce likeliness of a return to a former life.

Impact & Pasadena: Community Partners

Impact and the City of Pasadena have been long partners in the missions of a cleaner, safer, healthier community. Spearheaded by Christina Gonzales and supported by multiple Pasadena Police Chiefs, the Building Relationships & Reducing Stigma in the Pasadena Community Program has been an amazing success.

This pilot program invites new police officers to be sent to Impact for a comprehensive full day of orientation. While there, they are presented with the unique way in which Impact approaches the idea of people-centered recovery. Attitudes that some of our clients might harbor about law enforcement are softened, while the officers are given an education in addiction and experience a break in the stigma of addiction.

This program is still in its infancy and is constantly expanding. Impact would like to thank former Chief of Pasadena Police, John Perez, for his foresight and a huge thank you to current Chief Eugene Harris for his support.