St. Anthony Foundation to Receive Community Award as Part of the 3rd Annual Recovery Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:
Sally Haims | Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
(415) 254-5884 | SHaims@stanthonysf.org

The foundation’s Father Alfred Center recognized for its exceptional work in the recovery and re-entry community

WHAT: St. Anthony Foundation’s Father Alfred Center is being recognized with a community award for its outstanding work for recovery and reentry. The Father Alfred Center is a free, year-long residential recovery program that empowers men who have no income or resources with the tools to overcome addiction and the support to establish healthy and productive lives. The program offers primary medical treatment, job training through St. Anthony’s Workforce Development and Transitional Employment program, medically-assisted treatment (MAT), individual therapy, evidence-based group counseling, peer support through the Companionship Model, technology access, and case management services.

WHO: San Francisco Mayor London Breed; San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey; Community Advocate Tom Wolf; Tenderloin Housing Clinic’s Director of Transitional Housing Richard Beal; St. Anthony Foundation staff, including members of the Father Alfred Center team and graduates of the program

WHEN: Friday, August 18, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Boeddeker Park, 246 Eddy St., San Francisco, CA 94102

WHY: St. Anthony Foundation, committed to providing pathways to stability for thousands of San Franciscans in need annually, has been a long-standing beacon of hope in the community. St. Anthony’s Father Alfred Center provides hope for men who are overcoming addiction and substance use, and the program has been a proven model of success for recovery and reentry into society. In fact, several graduates of the program have been, or are now currently, employed by St. Anthony’s in a variety of positions, including management roles.

Additionally, St. Anthony Foundation offers essential and life-changing services, including the renowned Dining Room, Free Clothing Program, Hygiene Hub, Medical Clinic, Tenderloin Technology (and Computer) Lab, Resource Center for social services, Transitional Employment, and many others. As one of the most complete portfolios of direct social services in the city, St. Anthony Foundation serves as the hands below the safety net.

“Our Father Alfred Center changes lives, and we’re grateful for this award. The program is a proven model, and hearing the abundance of success stories of men who have graduated, accepted job offers, obtained housing, are providing for their families, and are maintaining long-term sobriety is a testament to the impactful work of our team,” said St. Anthony CEO Nils Behnke.

“Today serves as a powerful reminder that our past doesn’t define our future and each day sober is a victory worth celebrating,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “The recovery community in San Francisco is a resilient beacon of hope, and St. Anthony Foundation is a critical component to helping so many find their path to a healthier tomorrow.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Haims, 415-254-5884

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individual photo opportunities and interviews are available with permission during the day of the event. Future, ongoing opportunities may also be available if requested. Please contact Sally Haims and the St. Anthony’s Communications Department.

Below is the program agenda for the Recovery Day event:

• 12:00 pm: Host Emcee Richard Beal Opening Statement (Lunch Being Served) & Acknowledgement of Sponsors
• 12:00 pm-12:10 pm: Opening Remarks Mayor London Breed
• 12:10 pm-12:30 pm: Opening Speaker
• 12:30 pm-12:50 pm: Award Presentations
• 12:50 pm-1:10 pm: Officials/Community Leaders
• 1:10 pm-1:30 pm: Keynote Speaker Supervisor Matt Dorsey
• 1:30 pm-2:00 pm: Singers Dee Dee Simon & Charles (2 Buck Chuck) Boomer
• 2:00 pm-2:30 pm: Raffle
• 2:30 pm-2:40 pm: Entertainment
• 2:40 pm-3:00 pm: Closing Acknowledgements

About St. Anthony Foundation

In the Tenderloin’s struggle with poverty, addiction, and mental illness, St. Anthony Foundation has been a beacon of consistency, companionship, and caring for more than 70 years. We provide our guests with a range of services—from a place to rest or take a shower, clothing, and addiction recovery, to meals, medical care, and workforce development. At St. Anthony’s, we take a different approach, one that delivers meaningful results — Hope. Stability. Renewal.

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