McAlister Institute’s eighth annual Miracles of Recovery Luncheon on May 20 at Coasterra on Harbor Island promises to raise awareness and funds to support the battle against drug addiction, and its stigma, and to provide critical resources to those in recovery.

For 40-plus years, McAlister Institute has been a vital part of addiction recovery in San Diego County, offering evidence-based, compassionate care to individuals and families. Since its founding in 1977, McAlister has grown to become one of the region’s largest providers of alcohol and drug treatment services, helping over 19,000 people annually through 23 diverse programs. These services include prevention, intervention, outpatient and residential treatment, as well as sober living support.

One of San Diego County’s largest substance abuse treatment providers, McAlister’s services represent a continuum of care spanning prevention, outreach, intervention, education, outpatient treatment, residential treatment, and sober living.

The luncheon, starting at 11:15 a.m. at the upscale Mexican eatery at 880 Harbor Island Drive, will offer a unique opportunity for McAlister’s staff, donors, individuals in recovery, and community supporters to come together and celebrate the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide essential alcohol and drug treatment services.

Of the upcoming luncheon, Marisa Varond, McAlister’s CEO said, “One of my big hopes is that we share more about what we do with more people, so they know help and hope is available.”

Varond added there continues to be a great need countywide for McAlister’s services and expertise. According to the American Medical Association, 90% or more of those needing substance abuse disorder treatment never get it. Lack of access to care, lack of screening, and the stigma of addiction are all factors combined to create the existing treatment gap.

Of McAlister’s programming, Varond noted: “Ours was one of the first programs in the County that allows women to live alongside their children when they’re receiving treatment. To this day, we still serve pregnant and parenting women and young people. We also have adult programming with seniors. We try to cover the entire lifespan.”

Besides being one of its signature fundraisers, Varond noted the luncheon allows the institute to reconnect with its supporters. “It’s an intimate event, a gathering of many of the people that help make this work possible through our partners and their donations,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for us to not only break the stigma of addiction but to reach out to every family that needs treatment and let them know they’re able to receive it.”

Regarding how luncheon proceeds are to be used, Varond said: “Currently, we are building a new campus to create a wider front door to treatment. Our biggest goal is that, when people don’t know where to turn for help or hope for a loved one, they know they can come to McAlister, and that we can find the right place for everyone.”

For additional information, visit mcalisterinc.org.

MCALISTER INSTITUTE

McAlister Institute has earned recognition as one of San Diego County’s leading resources for the compassionate care and treatment of individuals and families suffering from addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. Founded in 1977, the institute dedicates itself to having a positive impact on all those who come for aid, helping restore them to more productive and meaningful lives.

Institute founder Jeanne McAlister is a pioneer in addiction recovery. As a recovering alcoholic, she has used her experience to build an agency founded upon empathy and hope and dedicated to serving those who suffer. She has constantly advocated for responsive and needed treatment services and developed programs that have adapted and grown to meet the needs of San Diegans.

Photo courtesy of McAlister Institute