Dear Friends and Colleagues: A chapter has closed, a page has turned, a new day is dawning, a stone has rolled (and any other metaphor that signifies change) for me and my family. As some of you know and many may have heard, I have resigned from my position at The Fellowship Center. I was hire on March 4, 1984, so that may give you some idea of the many reasons that led to my decision. What is more important is that I am healthy, my family is healthy (brilliant and very good looking, too) and that TFC will continue to be a premier social model entity in our constant effort to bring people out of the throes of addiction. How do I know this? Well, for one I personally hired each employee working at TFC. Here is the team I left in charge of one of the oldest recovery facilities in Southern California: Rick Peterson, the CFO is now the also the acting CEO. Rick initially was on contract “just for a while”. He saw the good work we do, and decided to stay. A former CPA and owner of a small, successful business he co-founded, Rick has vast knowledge and experience in all things money-wise. Ray DiCiccio, MSW and social modelist extraordinaire, is the program manager and a person who is fully aware of the needs of TFC to merge and succeed with healthcare reform and has the experience of community based agencies and knowledge of county, state and federal mandates that will ensure TFC is on par with what is required of them. Kristl Rugg, my former executive assistant, knows firsthand my vision of the center and assisted proficiently in co-creating the center we have today. She gives a steady balance of enthusiasm and professional support to whomever she assists. Ed Caldroni, Addiction Specialist, is now the longest term employee and carries the torch of the past lighting the way to the future of The Fellowship Center. Carlos Moreno, Addiction Specialist, has intake and admissions down to an art form. A dedicated and selfless person, Carlos knows from experience what the participants of the center need. Michael Hemat, Addiction Specialist, is a brilliant therapist and has the knowledge and skills to insure counseling staff stay stable and healthy. Tasha Rolka, Addiction Specialist, keeps a special balance with her coaching, counseling and life experience to enable the participants of TFC to regain the self-worth and dignity. Jim Chestnut, Addiction Specialist, brings a wealth personal experience along with a bright and energetic attitude that motivates the participants to seek recovery, Jack Boyce, Addiction Specialist, MFT intern, brings the needed family dynamic and vast spiritual, legal and relational skills to both staff and participants. Rob Anderson, Addiction Specialist, brings his rich experience of working with diverse populations in recovery, treatment and spirituality to the participants and staff. Phillip Russell, Addiction Specialist, brings his experience working with special populations, medical detoxification and understanding of the contribution of medicine has on the addicted person. Lacee Gibbs, IT Assistant has the capacity to easily merge the constantly changing world of the internet into practical use so that every TFC employee will better understand the benefit of having a workstation available. Gavin Lantry, Food Services Manager, has the compassion for the person who still suffers along with the expertise and commitment to have the most beneficial foods available for those in early stages of recovery. Roark Crimm, Asst. Food Services Manager not only assists Gavin to bring his dream of a perfectly functioning, organic kitchen into being, but is invaluable as a person who is literally a “jack of all trades”. Rory makes MacGyver look like a fish out of water. Tim Rieches, Maintenance Supervisor, has a commitment to TFC that will insure all buildings, equipment and vehicles are in good working order no matter what time or money is available. Of the many other reasons I know that TFC will continue to be a leader in the industry is the dedicated board of directors. They know the importance of community involvement and are keen strategists that will insure the policy development needed for the staff to fulfill the mission of the agency. So, The Fellowship Center is in very capable hands and it has been an honor beyond description to be part of such a lifesaving entity for all these years. I want to personally thank my wife Amanda and my children, Sean, Marissa, Julia and Greyson for all their support and love throughout the years and all the wonderful people I have come to know and love throughout the state in the field of substance use disorders. The work is necessary, vital and life giving. May peace and serenity always find you at the end of your day. With gratitude, Paul Savo
Posted on: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 01:04:51 +0000
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