Source: Palo Alto Weekly (California)
Section: Sidebar to Cover Story
Contact:  http://www.service.com/PAW/
Pubdate: Wed, 23 Sep 1998

FREE AT LAST SERVICES

Structured Treatment Programs

Outpatient programs: Two are offered--a day treatment program, with 35
slots for men and women over 18 years old, requiring 20-30 hours per week;
and an evening Spanish-language program, with eight slots available.

Walker House: A six-bed residential treatment program for single women that
focuses on independent living skills.

Malaika House: A 14-bed residential treatment program for women with
children under 6.  It has the same structure as Walker House, but with
additional focus on family recovery.  Healthy parenting techniques are
taught in conjunction with substance abuse recovery.

After Care Program: Graduates of the structured treatment programs receive
a "lifetime membership" support system, including weekly meetings and
periodic social events.

Prevention and intervention programs

Neighborhood Recovery Center: A drug-free drop-in center with couches,
snacks, TV and information. Twelve-step meetings are available twice a day.
A youth drop-in center is available for men and women ages 16-25. Street
Outreach Program: Provides intensive education services in the areas of
substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention. Outreach includes contacting
families, home visits, street contacts and group presentations. A mobile
health van, offering services that include testing for HIV, sexually
transmitted diseases and tuberculosis, is provided in conjunction with the
San Mateo County Public Health Division.

Emergency assessment and referrals: Through drop-in centers and outreach
teams, referrals are made to connect people to treatment centers and other
social services, including shelter, clothing, food and medical services.

Court-mandated programs: Early intervention for substance abusers sentenced
by the courts to attend Free At Last programs.

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