Former Drug Addicts on Path to Prosperity

A program of the Salvation Army-San Bernardino assists men who are recovering from drug addiction by providing them with an education. The men usually take their academic and vocational courses at San Bernardino Valley College, but could do so elsewhere.

San Bernardino, CA (PRWEB) September 16, 2006 -- More than 150 men, all former drug addicts, have found a way to get their lives back on track through a program created by The Salvation Army, San Bernardino.
“Most men who have had a substance abuse problem have not had an avenue to properly educate themselves to have success in life,” said Major Russell Fritz, chief officer of The Salvation Army-San Bernardino Central Valley. “We provide them with that opportunity.”

While Path for Prosperity also provides the men shelter, counseling, and support from other men, the most important component is providing them education.

“Most of them are enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College,” Fritz said. “They go through 18 to 24 months of training at Valley College, and leave the program with an associate degree, or a trade. That will help them earn a good living and stay out of trouble.”

The men take both academic and vocational courses.

“We have graduates who are going on and securing a bachelor’s degree,” Fritz said. “Others are working in various positions. Two are city inspectors.’’

Some of the men don’t already have their high school diplomas, so Path to Prosperity helps them first obtain a General Equivalency Diploma through San Bernardino Adult School. A few men have already had two or more years of college before they enter the program, and in those cases may attend a university instead.

“Even if the men have already been to college, drug abuse likely will have taken them out of the work force long enough they will need refresher courses at Valley College or somewhere else,” Fritz said.
Path for Prosperity has been working with men the last five years, and more than 90 percent have successfully completed the program.

To raise money for this program, The Salvation Army is putting on a fund-raising breakfast Friday, September 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at The Salvation Army Headquarters, 746 W. Fifth St. The program will recognize Program Director Ron Watts, and include remarks by San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris, Major Fritz and several graduates of the program.

To make a reservation for the breakfast, call (909) 884-2364.

###