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. - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder