"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work."

-Colin Powell

A MESSAGE FROM OUR C.E.O.

The magic of dreams coming true begins with the decision to try. The Huntington Recovery Center is the result of many people giving, caring, working to realize this dream. (You know who you are!) My heart is full when I see the King City and Hollister moms in recovery being appreciated on Mother’s Day. Student Leaders realize their dreams of graduating and taking the next steps to their futures. Hopefully, the leadership they have shown at SSC will guide them. James shares his story and what Father’s Day means to him; this is a must read. Thank you sharing your insights, James! I feel exuberant and satisfied at accomplishing the difficult task of acquiring, fundraising, and building the new center in Salinas. An effort that started by Martin and Nancy Dodd with a dream to try, the leadership of Anne Leach and our Board of Directors, the commitment of Lou and Roberta Huntington and ALL of our community donors, the skills of WRD Architects and Avila Construction, but mostly, inspired and fueled by men and women in recovery and teen and parent advocating prevention. A true labor of love! 

-Anna Foglia, C.E.O

Building Hope Brick by Brick:

New Recovery Center Set to Transform Lives

What started as a vision, is now a dream come true! We just celebrated the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Huntington Recovery Center, marking the construction completion of the center. This event represents the launch of an exciting initiative aimed at supporting men, women, and youth within our communities. During the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to tour the new center and meet the passionate team responsible for this project. Several heartfelt remarks were shared, reminding us all of our dedication to this mission.

As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and anticipation for the positive changes the Huntington Recovery Center will bring. This center is more than just a facility; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community collaboration and support. With your continued involvement and enthusiasm, we are confident that we will see lives transformed and stories of resilience and recovery unfold.

A heartfelt ‘Thank You’ goes to Lou and Roberta Huntington and all the generous donors whose contributions brought the Huntington Recovery Center to life—not just for us, but for the families and community members eager to rebuild their lives! Together, we are building a brighter future, and we are so grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Chris Huntington, David Werner and Kevin Beach

Anna thanking Lindsey O’Leary from Health Department

Representatives from Zoe Lofgren and Robert Rivas 

Jacqueline Gall stands under photo of Martin and Nancy Dodd

Stephen Lyon, Shawn Capps, Michael Avila and Mike Avila

Gloria de la Rosa, Anna Foglia, and Dennis Donohue

Resilient Hearts:

Honoring the Mothers in Recovery

Mother's Day lunch at King City Women's Residential Program

Graduating with Heart:

High School Graduates Making a Difference

Jocelyn, Yared, Carolina, Leyah, Chikamso

As graduation season comes to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the high school graduates who participated in the Safe Teens Empowerment Project (STEPS Program). Your commitment to this program has played a vital role in raising awareness about substance use in various impactful ways. Whether you took part in a resource fair, a park clean-up, facilitated a vaping presentation, or simply attended a STEPS meeting, your contributions have made a significant difference in your community.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have met each and every one of you. As this chapter of your life comes to an end, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. The leadership you have demonstrated shines through the work you have done to combat teen substance use. We are confident that you will continue to advocate for a healthier and safer future, no matter where your journey takes you.

We wish you all the best in the years ahead. Always strive to be your best self and never allow anything or anyone to hinder your goals and dreams.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Jocelyn Cardenas

Soledad High School

Leyah Acevedo

Soledad High School

Yared De Jesus

Soledad High School

Viriana Estrada

Everett Alvarez High School

Vanessa Gonzalez

Alisal High School

Carolina Orozco

King City High School

Chikamso Elelleh

Soledad High School

A Father's Strength:

Recognizing Recovery & Family

“If you love your kids, you will change and do anything for your kids. It’s not easy trying to change your life. I get it, there are problems. But stay focused. Once you loose your focus, it is easy to veer off.” 

James is a proud alumnus of the Salinas Men’s Residential Program who completed the program in December of 2024. He and his high school sweetheart share five children, whose ages range from 8 to 25 years. Growing up, James was taught valuable lessons about fatherhood from his own father, who demonstrated the importance of being present, loving, caring, and supportive. His mother began dealing with the devastating effects of substance use causing James to develop a strong resolve to avoid falling into the same pattern.

However, as time passed, he found himself drawn into gangs, selling drugs, and frequently in and out of prison. At 35, while selling drugs, curiosity led him to try his own product, which eventually spiraled into heavy use and risky behaviors. During these challenging years, James often felt absent and unable to physically be there for his children.

"As fathers we have to be there. When I was in the street, when I was in prison, I was a father, but I wasn’t a father."

Upon joining Sun Street Centers, James was able to analyze his situation and identify the underlying issues that needed addressing in order to move forward. He entered the program in October of 2024 and graduated after 60 days, equipping him with the tools necessary to maintain his sobriety.

One significant challenge he faced as a recovering dad was being away from his family when he first started the program, particularly from his two older sons. Concerned about their choices and potential to follow in his footsteps, James felt a deep sense of responsibility for their health and safety. While in the program, he regularly called home and learned that one of his sons might require his attention to avoid serious issues. Consequently, James left the program briefly to help guide his son out of a potentially dangerous situation but returned just 20 hours later, determined to continue his recovery.

"By me trying to change my life around and doing the program, along with getting two jobs, those things are what it means to be a father. I’m there for my children, providing for them. We may not have everything, but just us being together, that’s what it means being a father."

As a parent, James is also proud of the positive aspects of his children’s lives. He expresses pride in his oldest son and his achievements. Throughout James's periods of incarceration and absence, his eldest son faced immense pressure to support his mother and siblings. James emphasizes his desire to always be there for his children, helping them navigate life’s challenges. Yet, he has also learned through his experience at Sun Street Centers that it is essential to allow them to learn independently. He believes in guiding them toward making the best decisions while being ready to support them in times of need, even if they stumble.

Recovery is a challenging path, especially with loved ones relying on you. For James, achieving recovery was driven by his own determination and willingness to change. He also acknowledges the significant role his wife played in his journey, providing unwavering support during his darkest moments. A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff at Sun Street Centers for their guidance in helping him rediscover himself.

His journey continues to evolve, marked by the lessons learned and the lives touched along the way. James story is a reminder that no matter how far one may stray, it is never too late to find the way back home.

“Shout out to anyone still out there in the streets struggling. They may not see that there is hope, I’ve been there. If you are in the situation, there is hope!”

Celebrating Freedom:

The Significance of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America, Union forces liberated enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and throughout Texas. More than 250,000 African Americans seized their freedom through this executive order, marking the day as Juneteenth or Freedom Day.

For the nearly four million newly liberated individuals, education represented a vital first step toward self-sufficiency. Between 1861 and 1900, over 90 institutions of higher education were established for African Americans, aiding them in achieving their aspirations and dreams.

Juneteenth celebrations, both then and now, honor the continuous struggle for human rights and equality. Today, Juneteenth not only commemorates African American resilience and accomplishments but also preserves historical and community traditions.

Galveston dock workers, year unknown. Dockworkers in 1863 were among the first to hear the announcement about freedom.

The first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation Lincoln shared with his cabinet in July 1862 was written in his own handwriting. 

Lincoln University is the nation's first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) on April 29, 1854

Recovery • Counseling • Education • Prevention

www.SunStreetCenters.org