September 23 at 9:24pm

Interfaith Celebrates Growth, Outreach and Success at 2016 Annual Meeting

Nancy Sasaki, Executive Director of Alliance Healthcare Foundation
Nancy Sasaki, Executive Director of Alliance Healthcare Foundation

On Tuesday, September 20th, Interfaith celebrated another year of growth and success at our 2016 Annual Meeting. Nearly 400 guests gathered at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oceanside for a two-part meeting.

During the first hour, guests were welcomed by Greg Anglea, Executive Director, and heard a review of Interfaith’s year, the announcement of a new Recovery and Wellness Center, funded by a $1 million grant from the Alliance Healthcare Foundation, and congratulated local couple Tom and Dorothy Hawthorne, recipients of this year’s Saemi Award.

Debbie Snyder, former Interfaith client, with her husband Joe
Debbie Snyder, former Interfaith client, with her husband Joe

Before the announcement of the new Recovery and Wellness Center, former Interfaith client Debbie Snyder spoke about her experience overcoming addiction. When the Escondido Police and Child Protective Services knocked on her door eleven years ago and took her son out of her home, Debbie realized that it was imperative to start on the path to sobriety – for both her own and her son’s health and safety.

“Once I started going through my recovery process, I realized that I could be the person my parents raised me to be,” said Debbie.

After graduating from Interfaith’s Transitional Housing Program, Debbie returned to the classroom and has since earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. Today, she is a professional substance abuse counselor and is on track to earn her doctorate in just over a year.

david-annual-meeting
David, a current TYA student, speaks on behalf of Interfaith’s Youth Programs

During the second portion of the meeting, guests were invited to take a “tour” of Interfaith. Attendees were invited to visit seven different stations, hosted by Interfaith staff, volunteers and program graduates, to learn how to get involved in our programs and services, including:

  • Nutrition and Basic Needs
  • Self-Sufficiency and Employment Services
  • Veteran Services
  • Senior Services
  • Youth Services
  • Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
  • Housing

Interfaith thanks all of the community members, volunteers, donors, city officials and funders who attended our 2016 Annual Meeting. We look forward to continually sharing our successes, accomplishments and growth with you!