In 1972, a group of concerned Santa Cruz citizens set out to help the unserved homeless and addicted in our community. They began by counseling on the street and providing shelter in their own homes, but eventually expanded to their present day facility on the West side. For the last four decades, they have quietly offered affordable drug and alcohol treatment to tens of thousands, as well as millions of nutritious meals to needy children, families and individuals, and hundreds of thousands of shelter nights for families with children.
As the oldest family shelter and addiction treatment program in our area, New Life Community Services (New Life) has grown to become a well-established family of services throughout Santa Cruz County. In addition to the state licensed alcohol and drug treatment program and family shelter, New Life also operates Stratton Counseling Services which provides affordable counseling to individuals and families at a satellite location. New Life also provides training for local university and graduate students who are seeking certification in addiction counseling or licensing as Marriage and Family Therapists.
Last year alone, New Life provided over 10,000 days of residential treatment to more than 200 clients; over 2000 days of shelter to more than 100 client families with children; and over 112,000 meals out of its kitchen. New Life depends on a staff of just 6 full-time employees, 20 part-time employees and 15 volunteers to carry out its mission.
New Life is accessible and affordable in comparison to other treatment providers. While the average 30-day residential treatment costs a minimum of $8,000 in Santa Cruz County, New Life’s treatment is affordable for those with even minimum wage jobs and no insurance. Due to a subsidized sliding scale, full residential treatment for six months including meals, housing, counseling and education costs less than $900 per month for an individual making minimum wage. Clients can continue their full-time jobs while participating in treatment. New Life effectively utilizes both traditional and evidence-based substance abuse treatment strategies, all integrated with the 12-step community.
New Life uniquely focuses on families with children whether providing shelter services for a desperate family or simply keeping an entire family together during treatment so each member can receive the professional counseling they need.
Current economic conditions have dramatically impacted New Life’s budget which is supported heavily from the Santa Cruz community. With significant cuts in traditional state and county programs, New Life has become an even more important safety net for families, individuals and children who have few options for assistance. During the months of November and December, New Life is conducting its annual Call to Care Campaign.
This year, New Life needs additional contributions to help meets its operating budget for next year. Currently, New Life has a $24,000 challenge grant that will double all contributions up to that amount before January 1st. Your tax-deductible contribution, made at www.CalltoCareCampign.org will go a long way in allowing New Life to continue to provide these critically needed services.
Families in crisis often just need temporary housing in a safe and caring environment in order to get back on their feet, and you can be a part of that. How exactly will a contribution help? Generous contributions in any amount will allow an individual or family to begin a New Life, built on a long-term solution — not a quick fix.
Even small donations will help cover costs for food, clean bedding, hygiene products, and a warm environment during the winter.
If the public is interested in learning more about New Life, asking questions, or touring its facilities, there are bi-weekly open house events that consist of a one-hour walk and talk presentation. At these open house events, participants will hear from a board member, a successful graduate of our program, and also receive a behind the scenes guided tour. You may visit New Life’s website for more information on attending an open house at www.NewLifeSC.org or call (831) 427-1007 for more information
This holiday season, you can also buy your Christmas tree from New Life Community Services and support those in recovery. Come select your top-quality Christmas Tree with the family at this non-profit event. The lot will be open from Nov. 26th to Dec. 25th at 3020 Thurber Lane, Santa Cruz about 1 block East of Dominican Hospital on the corner of Soquel & Thurber. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM.