Pubdate: 02 Oct, 1999
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 1999 Mercury Center
Contact:  http://www.sjmercury.com/
Author: Kaye Ross, Mercury News Staff Writer
Note: Kaye Ross may be contacted at  or (408) 920-5083.

TREATMENT CENTER MARKS 30 YEARS OF GIVING HELP

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of former drug addicts, homeless and indigent 
people are expected today on the Great Lawn at Treasure Island to celebrate 
the 30th Anniversary of Walden House, the treatment center for people 
struggling with substance abuse and its associated problems.

Founded in the city's Haight-Ashbury district in 1969 as a home for 
troubled kids, Walden House now reaches over 2,500 men, women and children 
daily.

"Walden House is full of success stories," said Walden House President 
Alfonso Acampora. "One of our alumni is now the mayor of a small town in 
Illinois.

"The program helps people overcome issues that led them to addiction -- by 
instilling honesty and self-confidence, graduates are encouraged to attain 
their dreams."

Recently the organization has been selected by the California Department of 
Corrections to duplicate its highly successful programs in prisons. The 
result has been significant decreases in the recidivism rate of its 
participants.

Compiled from staff and wire reports by Mercury News Staff Writer Kaye 
Ross. Contact her at  or (408) 920-5083.

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