In May, the Adult Probation Department hosted their inaugural San Francisco Recovery Summit, aptly titled “Inspiring Change,” to celebrate leaders in public health and recovery services in San Francisco and the success of individuals in recovery. Alisea Wesley-Clark, THC’s Transitional Housing Program Manager, was awarded the Recovery Ambassador Award for her “steadfast commitment to recovery and working with others.” Alisea has helped facilitate the successful exit of over 160 participants from THC’s Transitional Housing Program since its establishment in 2015. In her personal life, Alisea founded Solutions for Women Empowerment, a nonprofit that seeks to build a community of support and provide opportunities for women in the Bayview—Hunters Point neighborhood.
Other Transitional Housing Department staff also played a role in the Summit. Richard Beal, the Associate Director of Transitional Housing, assisted with the event’s organization as a member of the Summit Advisory Panel. In addition to helping select honorees and presenters, he organized a comprehensive resource table for attendees. The table was hosted by Linda Grigsby, a Desk Clerk at the Drake Hotel, home of THC’s New Horizons Transitional Housing Program. Housing Planning Specialists Neal Aneja, Susie Mattos, Shakeyla O’Cain, and Robert Rogers, and Transitional Housing Administrative Assistant Rupert Estanislao all provided event support to help the Summit run smoothly.
The Summit featured keynote speaker Dr. Teri Delane and honoree Shirley Lamar who shared their personal experiences with substance abuse, journey as participants in Delancey Street, and current commitments to empowering justice-involved and low-income youth.
To conclude the Summit, a panelist of speakers representing the SF Department of Public Health, the San Mateo County Correction Health Program, Glide Harm Reduction Services, and Westside Community Services discussed substance use in Sn Francisco and debated current treatment methods and the role of government in mental health services. Despite differing opinions, panelists ultimately agreed upon the importance of addressing mental health in recovery goals and of improving outreach to those struggling with substance misuse.
The Summit positively engaged law enforcement, city leadership, non-profit agencies, and community members. THC is proud to have had our Transitional Housing Department play a role in this Summit and we look forward to the second annual event!