2008 National Conference

www.aadapinc.org
“People Need People”
Thank You To
Our Supporters!
National Asian Pacific American Families
Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA)
2008 National Conference
Photo Credit: Dr. Ford Kuramoto
By Dr. Ford Kuramoto, National Director of NAPAFASA
F
ifty-seven staff of AADAP participated in the 20th Anniversary
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse
(NAPAFASA) National Conference, June 5-6, 2008 at the Sheraton
Gateway LAX Hotel, Los Angeles. Mike Watanabe, NAPAFASA Board of
Directors Member, participated in the conference program. The featured
speakers included Dr. Terry Cline, Administrator of the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in
Rockville, MD; Dr. Westley Clark, Director, Center for Substance Abuse
continued on page 2
Left to right, Alicia DeLeon-Torres, New National Director/NAPAFASA; Dr. Terry Cline, Administrator/SAMHSA; Barbara Benavente,
Supervisor/Guam-Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Dr. Eduardo Hernandez-Alarcon, Deputy Director-National Coalition Institute,
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA); Darrl Inaba, Clinical Manager/Genesis of Asante Health System; Dr. Ford Kuramoto, National
Director/NAPAFASA
AADAP Is Proud To Announce The First
Walter Douglas III Award
By James Stinson, Therapeutic Community Director
Volume 33, Issue 5, August/September 2008
NAPAFASA 2008 Conference......................1
AADAP Presents1st Walter DouglasIIIAward..3
Showtime 2008 Is Here!........................... 3
2008 Youth Fest.........................................5
110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence 6
Congratulations toXochilthBaca & her family!6
Congratulations to’08 Olympic Academy Grads 7
AI-Impics: Changes Do Take Place............ 7
Donors........................................................8
www.aadapinc.org
A
ADAP has a long time history of
“Changing Lives and Saving
Families.” Walter Douglas III was
one of those people. Walter was a
member of Therapeutic Community’s
first graduating class of 1978 and
went on to achieve many personal
milestones. AADAP is overjoyed to be
able to launch an annual award for the
most outstanding graduate in Walter’s
name. This honorarium brings attention to the struggles and accomplishments of the people we work for.
I never cease to be amazed by people who commit to recovery and complete treatment. For those of you who
have never dealt with an addiction you
may not truly understand, “what’s the
big deal?” I think about being in a relationship with someone with whom you
feel that you can’t live with and can’t
live without. All you have is a lot of
confusion, frustration, doubt and
standstill in your life. If you can relate,
then you have begun to understand the
dilemma of being addicted to drugs.
Most people are able to see the
destruction that drugs and their negative habits bring into their lives. The
real test begins when you ask yourself
how to change; how do you take a
negative and turn it into a positive?
How do you begin to change your life
around when you have lived this way
for so many years?
My experience has taught me that it
takes a lot of courage along with faith in
someone or something to show you
the way. Walter Douglas III was such a
man. He epitomized what we’ve all
been working towards. Walter lived by
a concept that has been very successful
in recovery and that is, “In order to
keep it, you have to give it away.” This
continued on page 3
August/September 2008
Rice Paper
1
NAPAFASA
2008 National Conference
Continued from page 1
2
Rice Paper
August/September 2008
Community Anti-Drug
Coalitions of America
(CADCA); the
NAPAFASA Problem
Gambling Technical
Assistance Project,
HIV/AIDS research and
education and culturally competent prevention, treatment and
recovery programs.
The plenary sessions
featured SAMHSA leaders and staff, National
Institutes of Health scientists and community
Left to right: Frederika Keating, Youth Worker; Paulina Hong, Executive
leaders. Dr. Larke
Assistant; Susan Park, Prevention Director and Emilie Dearing, former
Huang, SAMHSA and Chairperson of the NAPAFASA Board are beautifully dressed in their culDr. Kyu Rhee, National tural attire at the 2008 NAPAFSA Conference
Center for Minority
Equalization Member Dr. Judy Chu (a former
Health and Disparities, NIH discussed the colcounselor at AADAP) and Blong Xiong, City
laborative work they are doing to eliminate
Councilman, Fresno. These officials were folhealth disparities.
lowed by a closing statement by Emilie
Kelii Wong of AADAP participated in the
Dearing, NAPAFASA Board, Fairfax, VA; Katy
session on Recovery along with Kalani
Tupua, Chair, Pacific Island Substance Abuse
Kahalioumi, Marimed Foundation, Hilo, HI;
and Mental Health Collaborating Council,
Sean Spriggs, Waianae Men in Recovery,
Pago Pago, American Samoa and Alan Shinn,
Honolulu, HI; and Bill Mousser, Hina Mauka
Honolulu, HI.
Treatment Center, Kaneohe, HI.
The conference proceedings, PowerPoint
Dave Okimoto, former Chair of the
presentations and videotapes of all of the
NAPAFASA Board, King County United Way,
workshops and plenaries will be made availSeattle, WA; Gwen Foster, The California
able, primarily through the NAPAFASA webEndowment, San Francisco, CA; and Bill
Wong, Consultant to the Bank of America, dis- site at www.napafasa.org.
cussed private sector funding issues and
opportunities.
Mandy Johnson, Integrated Behavioral
Health Project, Los Angeles, CA; Wayne
Sugita, former AADAP staff and Acting
Director, Los Angeles County Alcohol and
The Rice Paper is a bimonthly publication of the
Drug Program Administration and Alan Shinn,
Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Inc.
Chair of the NAPAFASA Board of Directors
Karl K. Nobuyuki, Chairman
and Executive Director of the Coalition for A
Reverend Dr. Kenneth Uyeda Fong, Vice Chairman
Drug-Free Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, discussed
Kenneth Kasamatsu, Treasurer
issues and models for the collaboration
Sue Oda Omori, Secretary
between substance abuse and primary healthSaundra Bryant, Member
care services.
Jean Shigematsu, Member
Jeff Mori, Executive Director, Asian
Dr. Thomas Yamamoto, Member
American Recovery Services, San Francisco,
Mike Watanabe, MSW, President & CEO
CA; Alan Shinn, Honolulu, HI; Vaka Faletau,
Management Team:
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Alliance,
Arnel Dino, Development Director
Los Angeles, CA; Floyd Mori, JACL,
Byron Shinyama, Olympic Academy Director
Washington, DC; and Dr. Caleb Otto, Senator,
Daisy Asis-Nakanishi, Employment Access Director
National Congress, Republic of Palau, Koror,
Dean Nakanishi, Administrative Director
discussed a wide range of AAPI substance
Glenn Andres, Outpatient Director
abuse policy issues and action steps.
James Stinson, Therapeutic Community Director
The closing luncheon on June 6 featured
Jose Esqueda, Youth and Family Program Director
several elected officials including John
Susan Park, Prevention Director
Chiang, State Controller; Assemblymember
Rahimah Shah, Editor-In-Chief
Ted Lieu (Torrance), State Board of
Mike Nakayama, Graphic Designer
Adcraft Business Mail, Printer
Photo Credit: Dr. Ford Kuramoto
Treatment; Dennis Romero, Acting Director,
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; Dr.
Larke Huang, Senior Advisor to the
Administrator of SAMHSA; Dr. Garth Graham,
Director, Office of Minority Health, Office of
the Secretary HHS; Dr. Timothy Condon,
Deputy Director, National Institute on Drug
Abuse and Floyd Mori, National Director,
Japanese American Citizens League in
Washington, DC.
Over 200 conference participants came from
as far away as the Republic of Palau, Guam,
Federated States of Micronesia, American
Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall
Islands. As usual, the Conference drew a
strong delegation from Hawaii including Maui,
Molokai, the Big Island and Oahu. The conference theme focused on substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery for Asian
American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific
Islander populations on the Continental US,
Hawaii and the Pacific Island jurisdictions. A
special “Talk Story” session was held on Friday
afternoon June 6, for Pacific Islanders in those
three regions to share their personal stories,
programs, resources and strategies. AADAP
also offered tours of its facilities for conference
participants.
On the evening of June 5, a NAPAFASA
General Meeting and Elections were held.
AADAP Prevention Director, Susan Park was
elected Secretary of the NAPAFASA Board.
The AADAP staff who were presenters in the
conference program included: Glenn Andres,
Young Baek, Borann Heam, Ieti Leaea, Fred
Payo, Cheryl Toledo and Kelii Wong. The
AADAP Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Project was featured in a workshop with the
two other AAPI grantees, Hamilton-Madison
House in New York and Asian American
Recovery Services in San Francisco.
The NAPAFASA Conference Planning
Committee expressed its deep appreciation to
the AADAP volunteers who helped set up the
registration and publications tables, videotaped workshops and plenary sessions, and
assisted in many other functions. The AADAP
staff who were volunteers included: Carol
Almeda, Amalya Anneyan, Daisy AsisNakanishi, Eunise Asis-Poblete, Richard Bis,
Tom Chic, Jon Fukuda, Borann Heam, Paulina
Hong, Hyobin Hwang, You Mi Jo, Rudy
Kamadinata, Davina Kim, Ieti Leaea, Javier
Manio, Michelle Martin, Dean Nakanishi,
Dawn Omori, Susan Park, Rahimah Shah,
Terron Shaw, Jeanne Shimatsu, James Stinson,
Francis Tan and Kelii Wong.
There were 13 workshops on June 5 including a presentation by Dr. Eduardo HernandezAlarcon, National Training Institute,
People
Need
People
www.aadapinc.org
Photo credit: S.Mirador
Showtime 2008
Is Here!
By Arnel Dino, Development Director
O
n Saturday, September 13, 2008, AADAP, Inc. will be holding its
annual “Showtime 2008” concert benefit at the 1,300 seat historic
Alex Theatre in Glendale. The Aloha- themed concert will include
an award presentation, raffle, silent auction, and a dessert reception
like previous years. The performers include Filipino American
entertainer Jasmine Trias, who rose to fame placing third in American Idol
Season 3, Hoku Hanohano Award winning group Na Kama from
Honolulu who feature a unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music with
a contemporary feel; also performing is, Keali’i O Nalani, an award-winning halau from Southern California.
Jasmine Trias is a 23 year-old Filipino American singer and entertainer who was the third place finalist on the third season of American
Idol due in part to tremendous call-in support from her native state of
Hawaii. She has released two albums; one in the United States and one
in Asia. After Trias’ appearance on American Idol, her fan base grew
into a phenomenon having won millions of fans in the United States
and millions more in foreign countries. Trias has done commercials
and billboard ads for companies ranging from McDonald's to Bench
Clothing. Also, she has done various commercials in Hawaii discouraging smoking, drinking, and drug use.
Trias has headlined tours in Manila, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and
Guam. Jasmine topped online radio and Internet radio stations charts
with her singles, “I’d rather,” a Luther Vandross cover, “Excuses” and
“Sana Lagi.” In 2006, Jasmine was nominated for Favorite Hip-Hop
and R&B video for her video “Lose Control” at the MTV Pilipinas
Video Music Awards. Recently, she also appeared in the Black Eyed
Peas music video, “Bebot.”
Hoku Hanohano Award Winning group, Na Kama showcases a
unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music with a contemporary
touch, has been in entertainment for 10 years. Still moving forward,
dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian music of the past, composing new Hawaiian music for today, and continuing to evolve into the
future as still one of Hawaii’s most promising and enduring entertainers of Hawaiian music. Best known for their smash hit rendition of
“Nani Wai‘ale‘ale,” listeners of Hawaiian music immediately bared
Walter Douglas III Award
Continued from page 1
is what Walter did up until the very end of his life.
Walter Douglas III was an AADAP graduate
who overcame a life of heroin addiction through
the AADAP Therapeutic Community. He achieved
a model recovery against all odds and went on
to make a tremendous contribution to AADAP’s
development as an Outpatient Counselor,
Outpatient Coordinator, and then Outpatient
Director. Despite the pains, struggles, and
rewards, none of these set Walter back.
Choosing to not be judgmental and never a victim, he understood that it was up to him to
determine his own path.
Walter Douglas passed away on February 10,
2007 and left an inheritance for his adopted family, AADAP, in order to continue work in the community. To honor the memory and contributions
www.aadapinc.org
witness to the impressive growth and maturity in Na Kama’s sound
and incredible energy.
In 2005, Na Kama became complete in sound and stage performance.
With the coming of third member, Danny Naipo, Na Kama released
their third recording, “Kamakolu,” in 2006, which won the 2007 Hoku
Hanohano Award for “Hawaiian Language Performance.” This achievement in Na Kama’s career gave certain assurance that they were able to
produce a sound worthy of acknowledgement in the Hawaiian music
industry.
Founded in the spring of 1991 by Keali’I Ceballos in Los Angeles, the
Keali’I O Nalani halau currently has about 200 members both male and
female ranging in age from keikis (children) to kupunas (grandparents).
Some of the students have also branched out to form their own halau,
including one that started a halau in Japan.
Keali’i Ceballos, a nationally recognized master teacher (Kumu) of
ancient and contemporary hula, has a deep cultural understanding of
Hawaii informs and inspires both his creative vision and his technical
realization of this art form. Keali’i inherited his knowledge from his
mother and legendary teacher Cissylani Ceballos. While Halau Keali’i O
Nalani is not located on the islands, dancers and chanters aspire to
integrate the Spirit of Aloha into their Los Angeles based lives. The students of Keali’I Ceballos are looking forward to sharing their Aloha and
give back to the community with their performance at Showtime 2008.
In addition to these amazing performers, a Raffle Drawing will
take place with a Grand Prize of two-round trip tickets from Los
Angeles to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific. In addition, there is a first
prize of a 42’ Plasma TV provided by Miyakwawa, Movessian, and
Associates, Inc., 2nd Prize of a Las Vegas vacation package provided
by The California Hotel and Casino and 3rd Prize of an iPod Touch
provided by Benefit Planning, Inc. Winners need not be present at
Showtime to win.
With these amazing performers and raffle prizes, AADAP hopes you
can join us for another successful Showtime! For more information on
Showtime 2008 please visit www.aadapinc.org or call AADAP at 323293-6284. We hope to see you there!
he has made, AADAP has created the Walter
Douglas III Award. This award is established to
give recognition to those who follow in the footsteps of Walter. We will always remember Walter
as his legacy lives on.
This year the committee has selected Mr. Toshio
Takeshita as the recipient of the Walter Douglas
Award for his achievements in recovery and resocialization. Toshio grew up in San Francisco in
the 70’s. He was raised in a Japanese American
family with his two sisters and brother. He did well
in school, participated in sports, along with the
boy scouts and attended church regularly. Toshio
experimented with drugs in high school. His
addiction accelerated during college and he was
forced to drop out of school. After selling all his
life possessions, filled with immense shame and
physically beat down, Toshio made his call to
AADAP. He entered AADAP in 1988.
In 1990, Toshio graduated AADAP with a fresh
new start. Toshio explains that one of the main
things he learned in those two years in the TC
was to set goals and complete them no matter
what. He expressed that is how he has continued
to stay on track.
Toshio has led a successful career at Sparkletts
for over 17 years and has now advanced to a
Managerial position at Aramark. While at
Sparkletts, Toshio completed his Bachelor’s Degree
in Business Administration. Over the years, Toshio
has been a role model for clients in the program as
he consistently donates supplies and makes it a
point to come around the TC. We always know that
Toshio is a phone call away when we need a hand.
Toshio explains that it is important that he always
remember where he came from and giving back is
just a part of recovery.
AADAP would like to congratulate Toshio on his
life long journey of living a drug free life and to be
the first honoree of the Walter Douglas III award.
August/September 2008
Rice Paper
3
FAMILY MATTERS
Photo credit: Frederika Keating
Family Matters is an open forum for everyone to participate. Because AADAP is committed to the family concept, we
invite all of you to share your ideas and thoughts. You can write AADAP c/o of Rahimah Shah or call her at AADAP.
The Prevention Unit, Youth and Family Programs, Olympic Academy staff and youth cross their own racial and cultural barriers to unify as one team.
This Year’s 2008
YOUTH FEST
Was THE BEST
By Jenifer Harris, Community Organizer
P
emphasized team work and self-awareness. This activity required the
participants to work together to reach their goals. Each participant had
to first write a short-term and a long-term goal on an index card.
Afterwards the participants placed their index cards away from their
group and tried to reach them. Once everyone obtained their goal each
person read one to the group.
Of course, no event is successful without food. Subway box lunches
were purchased for all of the participants with an array of choices. There
were plenty of turkey, cold cut trio, roast beef, tuna, and veggie sandwiches to go around.
After lunch and taking the group picture everyone headed to the beach
for an obstacle course. Each team was required to complete a series of
obstacles in the shortest amount of time. The winning team received the
satisfaction of knowing that they beat everyone else. What better prize is
there? Once the obstacle course commenced everyone was allowed to
spend some time at the beach.
We wrapped up the day with lots of fruit and trail mix for snack, got
everyone in a circle and did a few thank you’s. Everyone received a goodie bag with lots of wonderful treats and went home.
The Prevention Staff would like to thank all of the staff who participated and the committee, which included Carol Almeda, Maria Pena,
Marin Yann, Alex Garcia, and Jenifer Harris.
Photo credit: Frederika Keating
revention’s Youth Fest on June 27th, 2008 encouraged youth to be
empowered through a day filled with positive activities that focused
on teamwork, skills building, food, and fun.
Youth Fest was a very successful event. There were over 130 youth at
the event from the Prevention Unit, including Youth Outpatient,
Community Prevention, Youth and Family Programs, and Indochinese
Youth Community Center. Youth and staff from Olympic Academy participated as well.
The day began with a continental breakfast and a few morning activities.
All of the youth and staff were divided into fifteen groups comprised of seven to eight people and given groups based on a specific animal.
The first activity was called “Landmine Activity” and focused
on team building, communication, and memorization. The youth
were required to get across a 7x7 square pattern on the ground
moving one space at a time. The object of the activity was to get
all team members across.
The second activity was called “Airplane Trust Walk.” The
objective of this activity was for the youth to experience trust,
communication, teamwork, and cooperation. This had to be the
funniest of all of the activities. There were some youth in each
group that were designated to be blind, mute, have no legs, or
have no arms. The premise of the activity pointed out that their
plane had crashed and people were injured. The goal was for
everyone to get across the river.
As staff is nearby to support, the youth encourage each other through a team buildThe third activity was called “Reach for Your Goals” and ing activity.
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August/September 2008
Rice Paper
5
FAMILY MATTERS
Family Matters is an open forum for everyone to participate. Because AADAP is committed to the family concept, we
invite all of you to share your ideas and thoughts. You can write AADAP c/o of Rahimah Shah or call her at AADAP.
Freedom Day: PINOY STYLE!
By Carol Almeda, Community Prevention Organizer
Photo credit: Rahimah Shah
O
The Filipino Committee stands together with pride. Left to right, front row: Patty Abrantes, Olympic Academy
Coordinator; Carol Almeda, Community Organizer; Belen Baculanta, Accountant; Cheryl Toledo, Community
Organizer; Romina Peralta, Controller; Daisy Asis-Nakanishi, Employment Access Director; Eunise Asis-Poblete,
Special Deliveries Coordinator. Back row: Eddie Tagle, Accountant; Javier Manio, Former Employment Access
Counselor; Jimmy Nocon,Drug Court Counselor; Richard Bis, Community Organizer; Joey Baltazar, former
Therapeutic Community Counselor; and Francis Tan, Networking Technician.
What came next was a panel
discussion on the topic “What
makes you a Filipino/FilipinoAmerican?” Joey Baltazar of TC,
Cheryl Toledo of Prevention and
Francis Tan of the Administrative
Unit composed the panel who
willingly shared their experiences and perspectives in searching for their Filipino roots and
identity. Once again, Cheryl
Toledo came up front and
asked some female members
of the audience to join her
as she demonstrated the
various uses of the “malong” ( a tubular sarong
cloth that is traditionally
worn by tribes in
Southern Philippines);
from that of being a headdress to that of being a
wrap for the newborn.
Towards the final
stretch of the program,
Jimmy Nocon of the
Olympic Academy,
Cheryl Toledo shares a graceful and
became the congenial
traditional Filipino dance while using the
facilitator of games which
“malong,” which is a batik sarong cloth.
Photo credit:
Rahimah Shah
n June 12, 2008, the
Community Room of the
Corporate Office buzzed with
activity as AADAP family gathered
to celebrate the 110th anniversary
of Philippine Independence. This
happens to be one of several
events the agency has in its holiday calendar as a way to recognize
ethnic diversity within its immediate work environment.
Spearheaded by the Filipino
staff who formed themselves
into a committee, the program
that was put up for that day
provided a montage of the history of struggles against colonialism, of the rich cultural heritage as manifested in the songs,
dances, and attire that were presented and more especially in
the food that was served and of
the resilient character of the
Filipino as seen in the games
that were played and the jokes
that were delivered.
Hosted by Richard Bis of
Prevention and Patty Abrantes of
the Olympic Academy, the program commenced with the
singing of the national anthem
by the committee members who
seemed to have been instantaneously organized as a choral
group. This was followed by the
group’s second song number
which was the rendition of the
most popular patriotic song
“Bayan Ko” (My Country). Carol
Almeda of Prevention traced the
historical events that culminated
in the establishment of the First
Philippine Republic on June 12,
1898, which signified independence from three centuries of
Spanish colonialism.
have been adapted from featured
mainstays in what is now the
most popular game show in the
Philippines and regularly aired
over The Filipino Channel (TFC)
in the US. Prizes were given to
winners which consisted of
products popularly sold in
Filipino stores like mango-flavored crackers.
Of course, for the grand finale,
everyone was treated to a sumptuous “merienda cena” (heavy afternoon snack which is almost like
dinner) consisting of “lechon”
(roasted pig), “sinangag’ (fried
rice), “tapa’ (fried, marinated beef)
and scrambled eggs. For the
drink, it is the Filipino perennial
favorite “sago and gulaman”
(sugar cane juice with tapioca and
seaweed jelly). On behalf of the
Philippine Independence Day
Committee, we hope that we have
given you a day to remember!
The AADAP family wishes Xochilth Baca, her husband, Tony, and
their entire family warm congratulations on their new bundle of joy!
6
Rice Paper
August/September 2008
www.aadapinc.org
Residents’ Corner
The resident's corner is a regular feature in the Rice Paper. It is written to give the
reader a bird's eye view of recovery and treatment in the T.C. and O.A.
Class of 2008
By Richard Y., Graduate of Olympic Academy High School
Al-IMPICS: Changes
Do Take Place
T
he 35th anniversary of Al-IMPICS held at
Compton Community College on May 17, 2008
was an important day. The three months of unified hard work and commitment finally paid off for the
clients of Drug Court, the adult Therapeutic
Community, the women of Day Treatment and
Outpatient when they all stood together as an AADAP
family. Al-IMPICS is a celebration of wellness and
sobriety. This is a fun-filled day bustling with sporting
events, group performances, entertainment, support
development and social networking. Individuals
and/or families in recovery are able to experience a
more positive and life enriching process from substance abuse.
This year’s theme event was “Dancing to the Tune
of Recovery.” With that, the AADAP family shook,
dipped, and screamed as they danced to the artist of
Andre 3000 song titled “Hey Ya!” The Polaroid picture
was definitely shaken as they amused the crowd and
had the judges standing in amazement. It is a picture
www.aadapinc.org
Richard Y., 2008 OA Graduate, hugs his proud grandmother during his
graduation ceremony. We wish you the very best as you continue your
studies in your newfound life, Richard!
in my mouth and the dance was filled with excitement. Everyone had a
great time and I look forward to the next graduating class of 2009.
Presently, our other graduate, Rashaan is employed at Red Cross, and
Edgar is attending Los Angeles Community College (LACC). I am attending Santa Monica College.
Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates; Rashaan Ki.,
Edgar P., Ray T., and Richard Y.!
that will bring back great memories for all of us.
Congratulations to all the participants, especially to those who
brought home some medals. In addition, congratulations to the
family for winning the best uniform contest. Excellent job! We
knew that with the commitment and dedication from clients,
along with patience and guidance from staff, this would all be
possible. Everyone involved witnessed something very incredible that day. It was not the slam-dunks, the quick feet of a
sprinter, the killer spikes, the “Dragon,” the shaking and dipping,
but instead the living and walking proof gave true hope to
believe that change is very possible.
Photo credit: OA Staff
By Jimmy Nocon Drug Court Counselor, and Iris Boyce,
Therapeutic Community Counselor
Photo credit: OA Staff
I
f I could describe the class of 2008 in one word, it would have to be the
word, opportunity. After a hard and long year of working like mules,
the graduates of ’08 finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. One
of the biggest accomplishments of my life is earning my diploma. I felt
like I just started a new chapter in my life.
In the past, I would never have thought about graduating high school
but I have been given the opportunity to make something positive out of
myself. I have the opportunity to do anything I want. It seems as though
the abstract painting of my life became a little bit clearer. I consider myself
lucky for everything that has happened in the past year, including the
wonderful graduation that I really enjoyed.
If I were in the past, I wouldn’t have seen the graduation as an opportunity. I made a lot of sacrifices in my life to be here as of this moment.
One of the choices I would make is when I didn’t go to events with my
family, such as family barbeques. I would get high on marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, or crystal meth instead of trying to change my life
for a brighter future.
The graduation was a memorial event for everyone. The food melted
Not only did the Residents have a wonderful time participating in the Lotus Festival
Dragon Boat races at Echo Park Lake, but they also came in 2nd place!
Congratulations on your 2nd Place trophy, T.C.!
August/September 2008
Rice Paper
7
THANKS TO ALL THE DONORS FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008!
AADAP GREATLY APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT
UNITED WAY
$ 6,456.17
$5 - $99
Anthony & Florence Kikuyuma
Richard Toguchi
Albert C. Lum, Attorney
Robert Shimatsu
Bosseba Kong
Nancy Gohata
Lewis Kawahara & Akiko Takeshita
AADAP is a substance
abuse rehabilitation center.
If you or anyone you know
is struggling for help,
please contact us at
(323) 293-6284.
$100 - $499
Fred & Eiko Sakuda
Constructual Family Therapy Marshall Jung
$500 - $ 999
Sierra Health Services through John Okita, in the
name of Michiko Yamamoto
AADAP, Inc.
2900 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90016
Telephone: 323-293-6284
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
If you would like to
make a tax-deductible
contribution to AADAP,
please use the enclosed
donation envelope or visit
us at www.aadapinc.org.
8
Rice Paper
August/September 2008
www.aadapinc.org