Volume 8 | July 2023
Our monthly news & updates
Happy July 4th!

It's Summer alright!

We're getting ready for our inaugeral Oasis of Hope Gala! Please plan on celebrating with us as we commemorate our 60th year of service and all the lives we've touched along the way.

We are also sharing a few renderings of our new facility! We are expecing to break ground in early 2024. The new facility will be adjacent to our current facility on land that ABC already owns. This is getting super exciting now that we have renderings and have an idea of what we can expect.

Read further for information on our upcoming events, funding news, and all the goings-on at ABC Recovery Center.

If you have upcoming news or information you'd like to have us share in this newsletter, please contact our development office at [email protected]. Our next newsletter will publish on September 1st, so please send your article requests to Maureen no later than August 20th.

A Message from the
Chief Executive Officer

To All ABC Recovery Center Family and Supporters,

As you can see above, we have included artist renderings of our Expansion Project. Having these renderings assists us in sharing our story and in bringing our future to life. I share about this project in every newsletter because it's going to be transformative for ABC and our clients when completed.

We have made significant progress over the past month. Our Lot Line Adjustment was approved by the City of Indio’s Planning Commission and City Council. We are currently in the process of recording the final map, and executing our Funding Agreement with the Department of Healthcare Services. The architect is working on the actual design drawings. Once complete, they will be submitted to the City for plan check. After this process is complete we will break ground. We estimate we will have a groundbreaking ceremony in the beginning of 2024, so be on the lookout for information regarding the ground breaking event.
This newsletter shares more about our upcoming gala, but I wanted to encourage everyone's participation in the Oasis of Hope Gala taking place on November 3rd, 2023. We have been planning all year and feel confident that this is going to be our best gala ever. We hope to have everyone’s support. If you have questions about how you can be involved, please reach out to Maureen, [email protected].

Everything we do is in support of our mission. We build to increase our capacity to help more people recover from Substance-Use Disorders. We produce these events to assist in creating revenue and awareness for all we do, and to thank others who make an impact on our community (Like the Harmon Recovery Foundation). We cannot do all of this without the support from our community. We are all connected.

I also want to thank the Gala Committee who have been taking their personal time to help produce this event and celebrate ABC's 60th Anniversary! We will share more about our committee in our September newsletter.

All of us here at ABC Recovery Center hope to see you soon. Either at one of our events, or while supporting something you are involved in. Stay cool out there everyone!
With Sincerity,


Chris Yingling, CEO
ABC Recovery Center
We are proud to introduce our inaugeral . . .
Our 2023 gala will be held on November 3rd,
at the Indian Wells Golf Resort Pavillion
Honoring Robin and Bill Harmon
Presenting Sponsors of the Oasis of Hope Gala

Harmon Recovery Foundation
Founded by Bill and Robin Harmon in September 2010, The Harmon Recovery Foundation is a non-profit organization created to support drug and alcohol dependency treatment programs. 

The Foundation's inception can be traced to Bill's desire to share the hope and insight he's gained from his personal experience with alcohol addiction and his subsequent 30-year road to recovery. Robin has provided Bill with the strength, understanding and support he and their family needed to get to the other side, finding wellness for themselves, and then helping other families do the same.  

Bill and Robin Harmon are committed to bringing attention to the needs of the recovery community by promoting an understanding and empathy for addiction, and providing resources to facilities who address these needs.

Introducing our Gala Co-Chairs

Marlene and Gil Ruttenberg
Gil has been in the automotive industry since 1998, and he has been with his current company, Ken Garff Automotive, since 2012. He started as a floor manager and worked his way up to sales manager, general sales manager, and finally, general manager in 2018. As the general manager of Honda of the Desert, Gil is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the dealership's operations. He is committed to providing excellent customer service and building strong relationships with customers and employees alike.

In addition to his work at Honda of the Desert, Gil is also dedicated to giving back to the community. For the past 3 years Gil has partnered with his Toyota sister store and NBC Palm Springs to donate $1000 to a server of the week, a program that recognizes outstanding service in the hospitality industry.
Gil's journey as a cancer survivor is a testament to his strength and resilience. He has faced and overcome one of life's toughest challenges and has emerged with a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for life. Gil's experience has inspired him support others facing similar challenges.

Marlene has had a successful career in real estate, starting in escrow back in 1999 before obtaining her real estate license in 2015. She is the broker/owner of Desert Properties Realtors, which has been nominated for Best of Desert 2021 and 2022. As a realtor, Marlene is committed to serving her clients and providing them with exceptional service and expertise. As the She-EO of Desert Properties Realtors, Marlene is passionate about helping people achieve their real estate goals and is known for her professionalism, honesty, and integrity.

Marlene is not only a successful real estate broker and owner but has also made a name for herself as an accomplished author. She has co-authored two books that have become Amazon bestsellers in multiple categories, demonstrating her desire to grow and stretch herself. Her books offer valuable insights and practical advice on various topics, including real estate, entrepreneurship, and growth. Marlene's desire to help women tap into their full potential led her to pursue a Mindset and Lifestyle Strategist Coaching Certification in September of 2020.

Marlene continues to challenge herself and commits to her own growth through various Mastermind Groups. Marlene is the VP of the fastest growing networking group in the desert, Desert Elite Referral Partners and a member of "The Desert Dolls" constructed of 7 elite women in real estate and design with a desire to empower other women within the real estate community.

In addition to their successful careers and family life, Gil and Marlene also enjoy pursuing various hobbies and interests. They are passionate about travel and have explored many different parts of the world, immersing themselves in different cultures and cuisines. They also enjoy going hiking and taking in the beautiful scenery of their local area and beyond.

Gil and Marlene enjoy attending music festivals and concerts together. They appreciate a wide range of music genres, and attending live performances is one of their favorite ways to unwind and connect.

For the last six years Gil and Marlene have also embrace the idea of Dating your Spouse, as they commit to every Tuesday night is date night #tuesdaysaremeantforus

Together, Gil and Marlene balance their successful careers with their family life, spending time with their six children and four granddaughters. They are active members of their community and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Through their diverse interests, Gil and Marlene embody the importance of balancing hard work and dedication with personal pursuits and passions. Their commitment to both their careers and personal lives is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and zest for life.

ABC Recovery Center is so appreciative of Marlene and Gil's embrance of our organization and their support of our inaugeral Oasis of Hope Gala. Gil has been a board member at ABC for about 18 months. We are so fortunate to have them both lending their talents in leading the way for this important inaugeral event during this momemtus sixth decade of service.
There will be special pricing for gala tickets for our ABC Recovery Center Staff.
Please reach out to Maureen for details. [email protected]*
The Riverside Latino Commission on Mental Health held its 1st Annual Walk for Mental Health Saturday, May 6, at the Coachella Veterans Memorial Park. The event is aimed at raising awareness about mental health and promoting the idea that a healthy mind leads to a healthy life with the slogan, “Mente Sana, Vida Sana.”

The free event was an opportunity for individuals to walk together and show their support for those struggling with mental health issues.

ABC Recovery Center joined in promoting and participating in this walk to demonstrate our commitment to mental health as a dual diagnosis facility where mental health is part of our holistic care as we care for those with substance use addiction.

Seated at our information booth is Alexis Pollard and Riley Anderson.
ABC Recovery Center supports other recovery organizations recognizing that all boats rise when we can lend a hand collectively. ABC sponsored the Cedar House's 4th Annual Golf Classic Friday, June 16 at Jurupa Hills Country Club.

Playing for ABC was Brock Jenikovsky, Howard Ennaco, Jim Herndon and Hubert Rose.

Cedar House in San Bernardino is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, as ABC celebrates our 60th anniversary. Cedar House provides much of the same services as ABC with a continuum of care for those in recovery.

Congratulations Cedar House! 
Grief Support Group
Grief can be complicated, but finding help shouldn’t be. Here at ABC Recovery Center we will be providing a safe, judgement-free space for support and encouragement, no matter the nature of your loss. We acknowledge that not everybody understands.

Please join us for an evening of education, support and processing on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. There is no cost for this service.

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Spiritual Center at ABC Recovery Center
Annual Report
If you haven't seen our Annual Report, please click on the link below:
Family Program
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 [email protected]
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.
Our April Rock Star is David Proctor. Says David's manager, "David is kind, compassionate and always willing to help, in any area. He has a great since of humor and a calming presence for both clients and colleagues." David has been a member of the ABC team for about 6 years.
Pictured is Kelly Ryan, Family Manager, David Proctor, Outpatient Counselor, and Ally Anderson, Director, Programs.
Our May Rock Star is Alexis Pollard! Alexis is the best of the best! Here a just a few comments from those on our team who nominated her for May's Rock Star:
Marci Berry – "She is always ready to lend a helping hand and aways has a smile on her face."
Jorge Reyes – "Very hard worker and helps others."
Brock Jenikovsky – "Willingness to support the team."
Arlene Lopez – "Sweetheart, and helpful and team player."
Tim Ashton – "Friendly, helpful and efficient."
Ernest Casteneda - "Offers wavering support to her coworkers and anywhere needed."
Pictured is Joe Knyvett, Michael, Lopez, Lisa Wolfe, Everett Walker, Ally Anderson, Chris Corney, Alexis Pollard and Jorge Reyes
ABC Recovery Center Alumni Association News

Below is the ABC Alumni Association's offical logo! Look for it in the future to identify alumni news and events.
Pictured: Andrea Courreges, Alumni Association President, Ashely Hinesley, Vice President.
ABC Alumni Committee Members Brenda Hughes, Eloise Black and Angel Munoz.
The Alumni of ABC Recovery Center have plans in the works for the rest of this calendar year. The Alumni Breakfast is on the first Sunday of the month, here at ABC Recovery Center.
A big "Thank you" to the owners of La Quinta's Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ellie Koch Tropple and Jeff Tropple. Their thoughtful generosity in providing cakes for us each month helps us recognize and celebrate those in our organization who have been given another year, and a second chance at life.

Thanks so much Ellie and Jeff and thanks to your amazing team.
June Birthday celebrant David Proctor
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.

ABC Recovery Center's Core Values
We Value. . .
An organizational culture and delivery of service promoting the belief that no one life is more important than another. We value every person, every client as an individual and respect their journey providing dignity, and empathy to everyone seen and served.

Those who are like-minded and adhere to the science that addiction is a disease and those challenged with this disease deserve compassion, encouragement and every opportunity in attaining a new beginning. 

Our work towards an organizational future when we will have the capacity to open our doors to anyone who will need our services without concern for compensation.

The search for and incorporation of leading therapies, treatments, and care models that provide our clients the greatest opportunity for successful sobriety.

The unlimited courage of our clients who seek treatment, for their life-affirming decision to say, “no more” and taking difficult steps that will be life-changing.

All those who encourage and support our clients and help shepherd them on their life-long journey, as we extend our care by incorporating family members whenever possible. 

The time, education, training, effort and sacrifice of the employees at ABC Recovery Center, as they administer care to those we serve, often under difficult circumstances. Each one serving ethically and bench-marking our industry’s highest standards.

The fostering of teamwork and the creation of a culture that encourages collaboration rather than competition. Everyone on our team is an integral cog in the wheel, in support of our client's recovery. 

The support of our donor community, whose contributions we steward with the utmost care.

The legacy of all clients served and how their journey further affirms our dedication and informs our service.