Our monthly news & updates | | |
What's Up?
If you have upcoming news or information you'd like to have us share in this newsletter, please contact our development office at jthomason@abcrecoverycenter.org. Our next newsletter will publish on October 1st, 2025. Please send your article requests no later than September 25th.
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A Message from the
Chief Executive Officer
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the warmth of July settles over the Coachella Valley, I wanted to take a moment to share an update from our team here at ABC Recovery Center and reflect on the journey we continue to embark on together. Summer often invites us to pause and appreciate progress, and here, we see remarkable progress every single day in the lives of those finding their path to recovery.
For over 60 years, ABC Recovery Center has stood as a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing an environment where individuals facing substance use disorders can achieve lifelong sobriety and return to the community as healthy, responsible individuals. This enduring mission is fueled by the incredible spirit of our clients, the tireless efforts of our compassionate staff, and the unwavering support of partners like The Harmon Recovery Foundation, who we are so grateful to have as our presenting sponsor for this year's gala.
We remain committed to our individualized, holistic, and multi-disciplinary approach across our comprehensive continuum of care – from detoxification and residential programs to intensive outpatient, sober living, and our essential family program. We know that addiction is a complex disease requiring deep compassion and integrated healing, addressing the whole person, not just the substance use. It is this belief, combined with a focus on fostering hope and strengthening family bonds, that defines our work.
Looking ahead, our annual gala, "A Beacon of Courage," on November 4, 2025, is fast approaching. This event is not just our largest fundraiser; it is a critical opportunity for our community to come together and directly support the life-saving programs that empower individuals to find courage and achieve profound transformation. Every dollar raised makes a tangible difference in someone's life.
To our dedicated staff, our steadfast supporters, our cherished alumni, and everyone who believes in our mission: thank you. Your generosity, your belief in second chances, and your commitment to shedding light on the path to recovery make everything we do possible. You are the heart of the ABC Recovery Center family.
With sincere gratitude and unwavering hope for the future,
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Chris Yingling
Chief Executive Officer
ABC Recovery Center, Inc.
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ABC Recovery Center Lights the Way with "A Beacon of Courage" Gala - Sponsorships and Tickets Available Now!
ABC Recovery Center is thrilled to announce its annual gala, themed "A Beacon of Courage," set to illuminate the Coachella Valley on November 4, 2025. We are proud to have The Harmon Recovery Foundation as the presenting sponsor for this highly anticipated event, which marks our largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the gala will directly support our vital recovery programs, offering life-saving treatment to individuals battling substance use disorders.
The evening promises to be inspiring and engaging, with nationally-renowned MC and Auctioneer, Kelee Lee Walton, at the helm. Guests will enjoy a special performance by sober comedian Beth Lapides, celebrated for her appearances on Sex and the City, Conan O'Brien, and UnCabaret. DJ Alex Harrington will also be there to keep the energy high throughout the night. Additionally, we are honored to recognize and celebrate John Dolan for his profound dedication to our community and unwavering support for our organization.
"A Beacon of Courage" attracts approximately 200 prominent community leaders, philanthropists, and business owners from across the region. It plays a critical role in our mission, as every dollar raised fuels ABC Recovery Center's comprehensive continuum of care. From detox and residential treatment to therapy and family programs, these funds enable us to create an environment where courage is nurtured, and profound transformation is possible. By joining us on November 4th, you become part of this essential work, investing directly in the health and well-being of our community.
Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired as we celebrate the incredible journey of recovery and reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier Coachella Valley.
For sponsorship and donation inquiries, please reach out to James Thomason, Director of Fundraising, at jthomason@abcrecoverycenter.org.
| | Each month, ABC Recovery Center provides our clients who have completed their treatment an opportunity to give their testimonial about their care. We encourage their honest assessment in hopes that it informs our care. Our mission is to guide recovery and to provide the best of care possible for those who are brave enough to make the journey to wellness. We are going to share these tesimonials with you in each newsletter, in hopes that we all learn a bit more about why our mission matters. | |
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For families impacted by a loved one's substance use, please consider attending the counseling that ABC Recovery Center provides.
| | | | For additional information please e-mail us at family@abcrecoverycenter.org | |
ABC Recovery Center Hosts Inaugural Employee & Family BBQ!
ABC Recovery Center celebrated its first-ever Employee and Family BBQ on Friday, May 17th, at the beautiful Civic Center Park. The event was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 staff members and their loved ones for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship.
The park was buzzing with energy as families enjoyed a variety of games, indulged in classic treats like cotton candy, popcorn, and refreshing snow cones, and simply relished the opportunity to connect. It was a heartwarming occasion where everyone got to share quality time, blending their home families with their dedicated work family. A huge thank you goes out to the organizers whose hard work and thoughtful planning made this inaugural event such a memorable and enjoyable experience for all!
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Every month, the ABC Recovery Center team identifies our Rock Stars. This is a peer designation which makes it even more special. Rock Stars are member of our staff who are going above and beyond the expectations of their positions. They are making our mission happen and are integral to the important changes we are helping our clients make in their lives.
Monthly, staff are included in the request to nominate a Rock Star. They are asked what inspired them to nominate their peer and are provided six criteria to select from that apply to their nominee. The survey is tabulated, and the winners are announced by Human Resources.
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Our May Rock Star was Veronica Ortega, pictured with her manager Magdalena Henley
Veronica was hired just one year ago in June, 2024. Veronica’s positive attitude, dedication to her work, and genuine compassion make a meaningful difference every single day. Her impact is felt not only by the people we serve, but also by everyone on our team. We’re grateful for her commitment and the warmth she brings to ABC Recovery Center.
| | Our June Rock Star was Claire Tommassino. Claire is one of our newest team members, hired September of last year, and she has already made a remarkable impact. Her positive attitude shines through in every task she's given, no matter how big or small. Claire truly embodies the spirit of teamwork that we value so deeply here at ABC Recovery Center. We're grateful to have her on the team! | |
ABC Recovery Center Tees Off for Charity at Cedar House Golf Tournament
ABC Recovery Center staff recently traded their daily roles for golf clubs, participating in a charity golf tournament to support Cedar House Life Change Center's vital expansion project. The event, held at the scenic Sierra Lakes Golf Club on May 17th, was a tremendous success, raising an amazing $47,708 to bolster recovery and healing initiatives in our community.
Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, the ABC Recovery Center team ultimately fell short this year. However, the spirit of camaraderie and dedication to a worthy cause prevailed. The Sierra Lakes Golf Club provided a beautiful course and ideal conditions, offering a welcome getaway from the desert heat. Pictured representing ABC Recovery Center were Jim Herndon (Physician's Assistant), Brandon Garcia (Maintenance), and Brock Jenikovsky (Director of Operations).
| | | Happy Birthday to our employees who celebrated birthdays in May and June! | |
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Connecting and Creating: ABC Recovery Center Hosts "Brushes & Business" Event
ABC Recovery Center recently hosted "Brushes & Business," a unique and inspiring networking event designed for professionals across the substance abuse and mental health fields. On June 10th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, clinicians, interventionists, peer support specialists, case managers, business development teams, medical staff, and more gathered at ABC Recovery Center for an afternoon of collaboration and creativity.
The event, proudly sponsored by Discovery Behavioral Health, ABC Recovery Center, RAD (Recovery Alumni of the Desert), and Solution Point Behavioral Health, offered a refreshing twist on traditional networking. Attendees enjoyed a guided tote bag painting session led by professional artists from Brushour Paint Classes, fostering connection through shared artistic expression. Beyond the painting, guests had ample opportunities for valuable networking, a delicious lunch, complimentary gift bags, and exciting raffle prizes. Everyone left with new connections and a renewed sense of community within the vital behavioral health sector.
| | | | This year, the Alumni Association is asking for you support in making a donation on the link provided so that our team can provide for the many children of our client's who desperately need some holiday cheer. Please click the button below to make a donation that will directly benefit these children. Thanks so much to everyone who helped to provide for such a wonderful evening. | |
Thanks to all in the community who generously support our mission
As one of Southern California's leading destinations for addiction treatment, ABC Recovery Center promotes wellness and healing for all stages of recovery. When we first meet the clients who arrive at our door, we don’t know what the future will hold. We welcome them without judgment and provide an individually tailored holistic and multi-disciplinary team approach that has successfully helped many others overcome their battle with substance use disorders. ABC is Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services, as well as being accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
ABC Recovery Center offers a full continuum of services for those who have made the decision to make significant changes to their lives. We offer the following programs: Detoxification (Detox), Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, and our Transitional and Sober Living Programs. We also provide a family program, perinatal services, and specialized groups for LGBTQIA constituents.
We are helping provide a future for over a thousand people a year, and that doesn’t include the number of people whose futures will be impacted when our clients are returned to them, sober and safe. We are here to provide them every opportunity to have the future they want.
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