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"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."
-Baháʼu'lláh
| | A MESSAGE FROM OUR C.E.O. | | |
Have you noticed that some people exude a light that brightens the lives of everyone around them? Above is a photo of our new Board President, Esteban Caldron, and Comerica’s VP of Philanthropy, Sonya Trac. They make me smile as they show how much they truly care about their communities. The 6th Annual Recovery Run is happening on Sept 20. Drs Reb Close and Casey Grover created this highlight on recovery and healing 6 years ago and we are still running! Follow the Yellow Brick Road as they light the path to sober living. Brittany’s story brightens my day with her big smile and moving story of healing. Please sign up for our Overdose Awareness Symposium in Soledad on August 21. Tom Mancini’s smile is contagious, and I will miss him dearly. Jim Lewis impacted the lives of many, many men in recovery. National Night Out is an annual event for law enforcement and community programs to meet families across the country and spread good will! We end this letter with Nancy Guzman, our Controller, who has been supporting our efforts for 10 years!
-Anna Foglia, C.E.O
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Every Step Matters:
Join us for the Recovery Run
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Sun Street Centers is thrilled to share that the 2025 Annual Recovery Run is set for Saturday, September 20, at the Veterans Administration, kicking off at 7:30 AM. This community run is more than just a race, it represents a powerful statement of hope, healing, and support for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD).
Our mission is to:
- Highlight the significance of treatment and recovery services
- Reduce the stigma surrounding SUD
- Promote the normalization of seeking help
The Recovery Run sends the message that everyone deserves a chance to recover and no one should have to face this journey alone.
We invite you, your family and friends to run, roll/push, or walk. You can also consider becoming a sponsor to help us broaden access to essential services.
Let’s move forward together in recovery. For more details on sponsorship opportunities or to register for the race, please visit our website: www.SunStreetCenters.org/RecoveryRun2025
| | Photos of Sun Street Centers Recovery Run 2020 | | |
Partners in Healing:
A Grant That Empowers Change
| | Sober Living Environment in King City, CA | | |
We are deeply thankful to announce that Sun Street Centers has received a $5,000 grant from Yellow Brick Road to support our Men’s and Women’s Sober Living Environments (SLE) located in Salinas and King City. These programs provide a safe, clean, and structured recovery environment for individuals committed to rebuilding their lives. It’s heartbreaking to see someone exit a treatment program with great intentions only to relapse soon after, often because their living environment does not support their recovery. Far too often, unstable housing erases months of hard work in an instant.
Our SLEs offer much more than housing, they provide vital services including relapse prevention, job development, financial literacy, recreational programs, support groups, case management, social model life skills, relationship development, permanent housing resources, and support for those who want to return back to school or take part in job training. This comprehensive support is often the difference-maker, giving our clients the stability they need to continue on the path toward long-term sobriety and success. We are grateful to our generous donors, like Yellow Brick Road, for making this life-changing work possible.
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Brittany's Journey to Renewal
at Hollister Residential Program
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On August 8, 2025, Brittany graduated from the Hollister Women’s Residential Program, this time, on her own terms. It was her second time through the program, and this round marked a turning point that would reshape her future. Brittany first entered the program in May 2024, during a period when she was trying to juggle it all, being the “perfect mother,” the supportive coach, and the dependable wife. From the outside, she seemed to have it all together. But behind the scenes, Brittany was running on empty. She had fallen into a cycle of giving endlessly to others while neglecting herself, and it eventually took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. That led her to seek help for the first time.
After completing three months in the program, Brittany returned to her hometown of San Luis Obispo. But not long after, a stressful situation triggered a relapse, and she found herself back in the grip of alcohol. What followed was a downward spiral, criminal charges, family breakdown, and a deep sense of hopelessness. Brittany hit rock bottom, and for a time, she no longer saw a reason to keep going.
| | “I had no desire to live. I had no desire to keep going on. I felt like I had reached the end and this was my only light, This was the only place I knew I could call.” | | |
But something shifted when Brittany reached her breaking point. Recognizing that she needed more than a temporary fix, she reached out to the staff at the Hollister Women’s Residential Program, who she considers her recovery family, and asked for another chance. This time, her focus was different, she was committed to healing not just for her family, but for herself.
| | “Your kids are not just going to come back to you. You have to work towards and understand that they have trauma they have to deal with too.” | | With unwavering determination, Brittany embraced the program fully. Along the way, she was baptized by Sunnyslope Church and began volunteering over 30 hours a week as a way to give back and reconnect with purpose. | | “This time around, I had to 100% listen and know that there is a purpose and there’s a reason behind everything they ask you to do. I think that’s why I am still sober and clean today.” | | Today, Brittany is thriving. She has transitioned into our Hollister Women’s Sober Living Environment, returned to school, and is on the path to becoming a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. Her journey from relapse to recovery stands as a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even when hope seems lost. We are proud of Brittany’s progress and honored to be part of her story. | | “I am really proud of myself because I was able to do it with all their support.” | | |
Coming Together for Change:
Honoring Overdose Awareness Day
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As we approach International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, our community has an important opportunity to come together, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversations around a growing concern, youth overdose trends.
In recognition of this global campaign, we’re inviting you to join us for the 2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Symposium on Thursday, August 21 at 6:00 PM at the Soledad Community Center. This free, community-centered event is dedicated to understanding the local impact of overdose, especially among young people, and exploring what we can do, together, to prevent future tragedies.
You’ll hear from a range of community professionals, including public health leaders, educators, and frontline responders, who will share valuable insights and lived experiences. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone who cares deeply about this issue, your voice and presence matter.
Let’s stand together in support, education, and hope. Together, we can reduce stigma, support healing, and save lives.
| To register for the symposium, please visit our website: www.SunStreetCenters.org | | Photos from 1st Annual Overdose Awareness Symposium in Salinas | | |
In Loving Memory:
Honoring Two Extraodinary Supporters
| | Tom Mancini, passed away on June 30. Tom, former Seaside City Council Member, was our Prevention Coordinator for the Peninsula in the early 2010s. He was passionate about preventing alcohol and drug use among teens and a strong advocate for our PARTS Coalition. Tom was dedicated to helping families and educating people on the dangers of misuse of prescription drugs and binge drinking. Along with his fellow coordinators, Dee Acosta and Gina Marin, and PARTS Chairs, Abra Tockerman and Jim Lugg, Tom advocated for many efforts throughout the county to bring awareness and reduce substance abuse fatalities. We wish his wife of 69 years, Merrilyn, his children and grandchildren peace, and thank them for sharing Tom with us at Sun Street Centers. | |
Jim Lewis passed away on June 24. Jim owned 7 & 9 Sun Steet which was Sun Street Centers’ Sober Living Housing for men for over 15 years. Jim continued to believe in rebuilding lives in sobriety and support men on their road to recovery up until his passing. In 2013 he was acknowledged with Sun Street Centers’ Luminary Award for his commitment to the men and his role in helping them achieve long term success.
| We are forever grateful for their support, and we will carry their legacy forward with purpose and pride. As we move forward, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and the inspiration they left behind. | | |
Building Safer, Stronger Communities:
One Night at a Time
| | South County Prevention Team, Denise Velasquez and Maria Camacho with City of Greenfield Mayor Robert White, Chief of Police Guillermo Mixer, Police Captain Andres Paredes, and members of the Fire Department. | |
On Tuesday, August 5, communities across Monterey County came together to celebrate National Night Out, a nationwide campaign that brings neighbors, law enforcement, and local organizations together to strengthen relationships and promote public safety.
Our agency was proud to be part of this important effort by participating in several neighborhood resource fairs throughout the county. With the help of our dedicated staff and enthusiastic STEPS Youth Leaders, we joined residents to share valuable resources, support community connection, and have meaningful conversations about building healthier, safer neighborhoods.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the numerous law enforcement agencies and city partners who played a role in organizing and hosting these events. Your collaboration truly makes a difference, and your dedication to community engagement is greatly appreciated.
It was inspiring to see so many families, youth, and community members come out with the shared goal of making our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more united. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and we look forward to continuing this important work, side by side with our community.
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Spotlight Excellence:
Local News Feature
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We're proud to share that Nancy Guzman, Sun Street Centers' Controller, was recently featured in the local Monterey County Weekly Meet the Women in Business insert!
Nancy has been a dedicated member of our Finance team known for her reliability and leadership. Beyond her professional role, Nancy brings a commitment to excellence and is always willing to help those around her. Her recognition is well-deserved, and we’re excited to see her contributions acknowledged by the wider community.
Thank you, Nancy, for all that you do, you truly make a difference every day!
To view full insert on MC Weekly Digital Newspaper (pg. 21), click here
| | | | Recovery • Counseling • Education • Prevention | Since 1968, Sun Street Centers has been providing the most comprehensive and effective services for education, prevention and recovery of alcohol addiction and drug abuse. Relying on a proven social model developed by our founders, Martin and Nancy Dodd, as well as the compassion and experience of our staff, we welcome all individuals and families to hope, heal, share and thrive with a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle. | | | | |
