Epiphany Launches Intensive Outpatient Program
Earlier this year, in partnership with San Francisco Family Treatment Court, Epiphany launched its Outpatient Program to better meet the needs of those affected by substance dependency in San Francisco.
The program is designed to provide an intensive level of care for those seeking to extend their recovery treatment beyond a residential setting. While any San Francisco County resident seeking treatment may qualify for this program, it also supports those who have already completed 90 days of residential treatment with an aftercare plan focused on relapse prevention and building life skills to help each person achieve long-term success.Our outpatient treatment is a structured part-time program designed to accommodate education, employment, and family obligations during recovery. Participants will be paired with a substance abuse recovery counselor who works
" As desperately as I need help with my recovery, I desperately needed to be home to take care of my four children. Outpatient allows me to do both."
-Joselyn
Current Outpatient Client
to develop a unique and individualized treatment plan and coordinate support services and evidence-based groups that will aid in long-term recovery. The twophase, 6-month program aims to help participants attain a substance-free, healthy, self-sufficient lifestyle through an intensive treatment plan. It includes frequent sessions and intense interventions such as individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy, parenting skills, addiction education, and case management to help participants access additional programs and services beyond just addiction and recovery treatment such as housing and employment. Individual treatment and therapies are provided to ensure each participant receives the best care needed on their recovery journey. We are thrilled with the addition of this important program as it ensures Epiphany can continue to be a force of healing and hope for more women and families.
LaVerne Reiterman Honored with St. Louise de Marillac Award
At this year’s Benefit Party & Show, we honored Epiphany League member Mrs. LaVerne Reiterman with the St. Louise de Marillac Award for her over 20 years of selfless service and unwavering dedication to the Center. St. Louise de Marillac, the patron saint of social workers, co-founded the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in 1633. Recipients of the Award are, like St. Louise, deeply committed to Epiphany Center and the Daughters of Charity’s mission of service and have selflessly served the agency for over 7 years. On behalf of our Governing Board, the Epiphany League, our staff, and our families, Congratulations to Mrs. Reiterman!
27th Benefit Party & Show
Raises Over $120,000 For Epiphany's Families
On Thursday, February 29th, the Epiphany League 27th Annual Benefit Party & Show blasted off from The Family in Downtown San Francisco to raise essential funds for Epiphany’s life-saving services. The theme, ‘One Giant Leap’, celebrated the tremendous resilience and achievements of the brave women in our programs. It reinforced the message that every step toward recovery is a giant leap forward in the building of brighter futures.
Since its inception, the Benefit Party & Show has raised over $2,500,000 to ensure Epiphany can meet the ever-changing needs of the more than 250 at-risk families we serve each year. Thanks to the generosity of this year's supporters, over $120,000 was raised for the Agency - a portion of which will directly support this year's Fund-A-Need goal: $75,000 for the installation of a new surveillance system to make our building an even safer place for our families and staff.
Guests enjoyed an outstanding live musical performance, dancing, and an online silent auction while gaining a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission. That included an in-person testimonial by recent Epiphany graduate and current Step-Down resident, April, who courageously told her story and how she’s made ‘giant leaps’ forward while participating in 6 of our 8 programs.
Thank you to our Party Chair, Celina Tomori, for organizing another successful event and to Matt Callahan and Jeffo O’Sammon for orchestrating another phenomenal show. A big round of applause to our incredible, all-star cast, musical director, scriptwriters, producer, orchestra, and crew for their musical talents without whom the show would not go on. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to our compassionate Epiphany League members, sponsors, volunteers and supporters who help us transform the lives of so many. Because of you, Epiphany Center is able to continue its 171-year-legacy of strengthening families, empowering women, and ensuring that their children will have hopeful futures.
a. Paul Foster, Brenda MacLean, Don Maclean| b. Angella Kiens, Brooke Stout, Celina Tomori, Amy Wu, Marie Bordeleau| c. Victoria Stewart Davis, Nathan Cotham, Matt Callahan | d. John and Adrienne Murphy | e. Steve Weil, Elizabeth Weil Shaw, Melody Lendaro | f. Michaela Ahmadi, Lisa Gulezian | g. League Member, Pam McKulla
Photos by Scott Wall Photography
Dear Friends of Epiphany,
As you look through this issue of FOCUS, you will see how blessed we are at Epiphany Center. The pictures and articles highlight the joys and successes we have enjoyed these past six months. Like all newsletters that you receive from the organizations you support, the pictures can go only so far. They tell you facts, but the emotions and feelings have to be imagined from what you see and hear. When you read Mia’s story of how she went from using marijuana at the age of 8 to her completing Epiphany Center at 30, you are left to imagine the pain and struggles of those years, as well as the sense of joy, relief and gratitude she feels living a sober life in order to be the Mom to her little girl that she didn’t have herself.
On Wednesday evenings, former clients are welcome to come back for supper. I usually eat with our clients on Wednesdays and overheard former clients saying how they feel like they are coming home when they come here. One alumna told me she would go out of her way to drive by because being here had changed her life. I think of the
analogy of a life preserver being thrown to a drowning person. We have the life preservers, but each woman has to grab on to it with all her strength and determination. With your help we supply the tools for sobriety, so the women can do the work.
The success of our Benefit Party & Show and Mother’s Day Luncheon reflect diligence, hard work, caring and love of our League members and those, like you, who support our events and our ministry for those God sends us.
At the Benefit, we honored Mrs. La Verne Reiterman with the St. Louise Award. Unlike agencies that give annual awards, we save the St. Louise award for an extraordinary individual who has shown exceptional dedication to the Center and our women. La Verne is 98, still drives and attends all of the League meetings, and is always on the committee to plan, pick up and serve the food for special luncheons with our women throughout the year. She lovingly shares her wisdom and encouragement. She exhibits all of the Epiphany Center Vincentian values, especially Respect, Compassion and Advocacy.
I thank God for LaVerne Reiterman and for each of you.
Gratefully,
Sister Betty Marie Dunkel, D.C. Executive Director
Celebrating Mothers Luncheon Raises Over $70,000
On Wednesday, May 8th, the Epiphany League hosted its 16th annual Celebrating Mothers Luncheon at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The sold-out, yearly fundraiser provides a meaningful way to celebrate the women in our lives while also raising much-needed funds to support the women served by Epiphany Center's recovery programs.
Thank you to our Party Chairs, Brenda MacLean and Adrienne Murphy for organizing a beautiful and successful event. Thank you to Matt Callahan, who, once again, led and energized the crowd to raise their hands to donate to this year’s Fund-A-Need. A huge round of applause to our incredible Epiphany League members, Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers whose support ensures Epiphany Center is able to continue its legacy of helping families heal and thrive. It was certainly an afternoon to remember, as we celebrated exceptional women everywhere. We were reminded of the many reasons why we give our service and support to Epiphany Center's families. Spring is a powerful time of growth and renewal--what a perfect spring day to remind us just how much change is possible, together. We couldn’t do it without Y-O-U.
From all of us at Epiphany Center, thank you!
a. Martha Hughes Collen Knopf, Christine Peterson, Meredith Lyons, Elizabeth Hachman | b. Chairs: Adrienne Murphy, Brenda MacLean | c. Carla Graham, Dr. CarolynScott, Diane Sutton | d. D’Arcy Owens, Nancy Moyle, Betsy Jaques | e. Marie Murphy, Elizabeth Smith
ST. JOSEPH – ST. ELIZABETH
100 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, California 94118
In Mia's Words
Every year, at our Celebrating Mothers Luncheon, an Epiphany graduate bravely tells her story of addiction - an important tool for sustained recovery. This year, Mia, a graduate and current resident of Epiphany Step-Down, proudly stood in front of guests to courageously share her journey.
When I came to Epiphany, I'd been struggling with addiction for 20 years and was ready to change my life for myself and my 7-week-old daughter, Amina. Growing up, my mother's love was eclipsed by addiction. I was abused by her boyfriend which led me to drugs at age 8. At 11, I witnessed the murder of a friend. Haunted by the horrors, sleep became fraught with nightmares and dread. I sought refuge in methamphetamine. With each hit, I felt the tendrils of addiction tighten their hold, ensnaring me in self-destruction. For years, everyday was a battle. It wasn’t until I became pregnant that I decided to rewrite the narrative of my life. Epiphany is more than a rehab. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could rebuild. One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my recovery with parenting. At Epiphany, knowing that my daughter was well cared for allowed me to focus on my recovery without guilt or distraction. The road to sobriety has not been easy but with Epiphany's support I persevered. I found the courage to confront my demons and emerge stronger than ever. I’m grateful to Epiphany for showing me that recovery is possible and that no matter how dark the night, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to lead you home.
To read Mia's complete remarks, please visit www.theepiphanycenter.org/in-herwords-mia
