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by Calvin Johnson and Cedric Akbar, Co-Founders, Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc., an African American formerly incarcerated owned and operated non-profit
Getting grounded is our way of proceeding at this moment in time. Positive Directions Equals Change’s service delivery model is designed to support program participants living in poverty to achieve economic stability and mobility and be present, positive and responsive community members.
Our approach to delivering services through the pandemic as first responders was meeting folks right where they were and helping them to get and remain sober. Now, we are facing a triple threat with viral infections, influenza and COVID-19, compounding substance abuse and mental disorders. It’s our faith in the process and years of experience in the field that gives us the leverage to lead and learn in 2023.
Let’s get ready to pivot this year! As recently noted by the federal agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): “Substance use and mental disorders can make daily activities difficult and impair a person’s ability to work, interact with family and fulfill major life functions. Mental and substance use disorders are among the top conditions that cause disability in the United States.”
This year, PDEC will reimagine prevention and early intervention strategies to reduce the impact of substance use and mental disorders in San Francisco communities. Our goal, to arrest drug addiction in San Francisco through specifically tailored, responsive, longer termed client services with intensive case management. We will bring increased focus on hybrid-in-person and virtual-dedicated services on-demand, with constant people engagement and empowerment.
Our success is made possible with the collaboration of staff, volunteers and community partners working together on one accord. We take this opportunity to thank our staff and volunteers who gave of themselves each and every day for being someone we can always count on!
Our goal, to arrest drug addiction in San Francisco through specifically tailored, responsive, longer termed client services with intensive case management.
We are so grateful for all of your hard work. It’s rare to come across people who are so dedicated and trustworthy. In 2023, we strongly encourage our teams to continue participating in our professional development training series as we level up for our clients, families and the communities we serve.
We take this opportunity to thank our community partners who enable our critical work. The services we provide would not be possible without the support, participation and assets of the community sites we partner with. Each site provides us with a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the needs to better serve our clients.
Positive Directions’ solution to problem solving in the area of substance abuse and mental disorders is not a one size fits all approach, but individually tailored assessment, programmatic referrals and services that meet clients’ needs: culturally specific, Spanish speaking, women’s empowerment and justice involved men. Check out some of the flagship programs below.
Resource network of Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc. and Westside Community Services
TRP Academy: Call for Intake to 415-735-2970. A therapeutic teaching community facility and program open to all justice-involved men in San Francisco. TRP’s priority population are individuals who are on probation, state parole, federal probation or those released on pretrial.
Billie Holiday Stabilization Center: 93 Sixth Street, San Francisco, Calif. Call for Intake to 628-688-0686. A program open to all justice-involved adults in San Francisco struggling with addiction or other behavioral health challenges, who are seeking longer term treatment as well as those being released from San Francisco County Jail.
James Baldwin House: Call for Intake to 415-401-0199 (referral only). Mental health and substance abuse transitional housing.
H.E.R. House: Call for Intake to 415-431-9000, ext. 1047. Residential substance abuse program for women.
The Gathering: 245 11th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA. Fridays Only 7:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Description: The largest City support group, a sharing and caring environment. All are welcome!
The Minna Project: Call for Intake to 415-874-9077 (referral only). Mental health and substance abuse transitional housing with clinical and case management services.
Ma Casa (monolingual Spanish speaking): Call for Intake to 415-401-0199. Transitional housing offering substance abuse prevention and case management services.
No Violence Alliance Project (NoVA): Call for Intake to 415-401-0199. The Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc. NoVa Project is in conjunction with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, a voluntary opportunity to change your life if you have served time in jail over the past five years for burglary or violent crime. With a NoVA intensive case manager, participants set goals to take control of your life’s direction.
Our House: Call for Intake to 415-401-0199 (referral only). Substance abuse and mental health transitional housing with intensive case management.
Sisters Circle Women’s Support Network, Inc.: Daily classes offered at 1140 Oak Street, San Francisco from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. A weekly class offered at the Community Assessment and Services Center (CASC) Building, 564 Sixth Street, San Francisco. Contact number 415-261-2944. Sisters Circle is a transformative intervention program designed to educate and empower women to overcome the barriers of homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, incarceration, chronic illness and trauma histories. We help women to gain employment, housing and apply to school or training programs. We also host events and provide needed supplies, such as COVID-19 supplies, hygiene kits, clothes and household goods.
Solutions for Women: Weekly services on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Contact number 415-572-2873. Solutions for Women is committed to the empowerment of women. We support and connect them to resources, encourage emotional wellness and promote education. We provide the community with weekly support groups for women, monthly collaborative events, annual wellness retreats and mentorship. Support group discussions revolve around everyday life and how to utilize coping skills to survive successes and/or hardships. Everything discussed is confidential; groups are jointly facilitated by founding members who are trained in group facilitation, motivational interviewing and de-escalation.
Westside Crisis Center: 245 11th Street, San Francisco. Drop-in from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mental health and assessment services with a pharmacy component.
Westside Methadone Clinic: 1301 Pierce Street, San Francisco. Call for Intake to 415-563-8200. Methadone maintenance and detoxification treatment services.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Positive Directions Equals Change, a community-based organization in the Bayview, offers classes and support groups each day of the week. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at 415-401-0199 or email our team at recoverycorner@pd4life.org. The schedule is pictured and all are welcome.
