GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER, SENATOR FEINSTEIN, MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, AND OTHER CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS HONOR ECHO MALIBU.

ECHO MALIBU, Treatment Center was honored in a private ceremony on Monday, October 3, 2005 in a Presentation of proclamations, letters of gratitude and certificates of recognition from a wide cross section of California’s elected officials. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator Diane Feinstein, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villagaigosa, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles City Council, Members of the California Senate and California General Assembly recognized ECHO MALIBU Treatment Center for leadership provided during National Alcohol and Drug Sobriety Month.

Working in conjunction with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the US Department of Health and Human Services and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, ECHO MALIBU provided leadership in the planning and implementation of multiple events for National Alcohol and Drug Sobriety Month. Events included an extensive series of drug and alcohol education and outreach efforts to parents, teachers, youth and families throughout Southern California.

Commending ECHO MALIBU’s performance, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated in a written letter, “California is only as great as those who step forward to serve others. With tremendous humanity and dedication, you (ECHO MALIBU) have invested your time and efforts in the betterment of your fellow citizens. I commend you for your leadership and extend my appreciation for your involvement in so many worthwhile causes. Your efforts help make California a better place for families to live and thrive.”

In accepting the honors Dr. Jeffrey Nalin, Executive Director of ECHO MALIBU Treatment Center, http://www.echomalibu.com stated, “We always welcome any opportunity to do prevention work. Our ultimate hope is that we can reach youth and families early enough that they can avoid developing chemical dependency issues. ECHO’s primary function is to treat alcohol and drug addictions when they occur, but if we can prevent the addictions from occurring in the first place, it’s all the better.”

ECHO MALIBU WELCOMES NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS
ECHO MALIBU is delighted to report the on-going growth of our professional staff. We welcome the following new members to our team.

Karmen Kamla holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Central Florida and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica University. She has served as a counselor at the St. John’s Juvenile Facility, as a class room teacher and as the Director of the John Thomas Dye School. She joins the ECHO team as a Clinical Intern.

Katy Oksas holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is currently earning her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She has served as a group home counselor as well as a public educator for the Women’s Crisis Center in Salinas, California. Katy joins the Clinical Intern team at ECHO MALIBU.

ECHO MALIBU RESIDENTS ENJOY WARM RECEPTION AT POETRY READING
On October 19, 2005 the residents of ECHO MALIBU participated in a poetry reading at The Ugly Mug Cafe in the city of Orange. Each of the residents read their work to a sold out audience. The youth were delighted to have the opportunity to read along side poets, who’s work they have been studying including Rachel McKibbens and Victoria Chang.

According to ECHO poetry therapist, Leslie Tuchman, MFT, this poetry is about much more than meets the eye. “This is about giving young people a voice. It allows them to express emotions that they have been avoiding through drug and alcohol use. Poetry therapy provides a Milue through which clinical information can be gleamed and built upon.”

ECHO Poetry teacher, Rachel Kann of Emerging Voices, organized the event. Regarding it’s success she stated, “An opportunity to do a public reading is really just icing on the cake. It provides the youth with an opportunity to experience success, build self esteem and get positive feedback for expressing themselves in a creative, socially appropriate way.” She went on to say “And they are amazingly gifted writers.”

ECHO MALIBU DONATES TREATMENT FOR YOUTH IMPACTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA. At the request of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), Echo Malibu has had the privilege of donating treatment to youth impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Collectively, NAATP membership has contributed more than $5 million in chemical dependency treatment services to thousands of Katrina’s victims.

In a recent press release NAATP’s President and CEO, Dr. Ronald J. Hunsicker stated, “When a crisis of this magnitude hits, and there is no funding available, it’s critical for the private sector to take action.”

Cole Rucker, CEO of ECHO MALIBU stated “. We are consistently impressed with NAATP’s leadership under the direction of Dr. Hunsucker. We are proud to be associated with such a progressive organization and grateful to have been given an opportunity to participate in our own small way.”

He went on to state “This effort has added to the understanding that each of us has regarding this National Tragedy. We have each grown from hearing the stories of youth first hand. And on the lighter side, one youth has taught our chef to make some fantastic Cajun dishes.”