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Safe Refuge

Our New NameSubstance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach earned a reputation of excellence during our three-plus decades – serving individuals in Southern California who were struggling and had few options at a most difficult time in their lives. We have always been known for our service to the under-served and with our new name we continue along this path of SAFE REFUGE.
Nothing else has changed – the same dedicated individuals are operating Safe Refuge and the same programs are available.
Our new name was chosen after many months of reflection on just what our organization is all about. We changed our name to reflect our broadened scope of service beyond only substance abuse treatment and recovery. Indeed, helping men and women face their challenges without drugs or alcohol remains our primary focus, but we offer much more, providing a full continuum of care often culminating in employment. And we believe our new name gives all of our audiences – clients, government funding agencies, community partners, volunteers, donors and sponsors – positive feelings of inspiration and hope.
We hope you agree that clients who come to us indeed find a
Safe Refuge.

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About UsSafe Refuge is a place where people who are struggling can come to discover a supportive and caring recovery community. We take pride in our open arms approach, where people from diverse backgrounds can seek, and find, the help they need. We do not discriminate in any way and, in fact, are sometimes found as a last resort by those seeking help.
Our primary funding comes from government agencies designed to help those in need. Our treatment center is licensed and certified by the State Department of Health Care Services. We are accredited by the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for residential and outpatient treatment and community housing for those seeking drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation, including those with a criminal justice history.
We differ from many organizations you will encounter because of our specific, government-funded programs for the homeless, veterans, parolees, HIV/AIDS patients, single women and men with children and co-occurring disorders. Each professionally developed and implemented treatment plan is unique to that individual.
Our difference also comes from our family-oriented residential campus in Long Beach, California. We have 11 houses and 2 apartment buildings on one city block that houses 89 clients in our State Licensed & Certified beds, where clients obtain ongoing treatments that includes group and/or individual counseling. We also offer alcohol- and drug-free housing for those who complete treatment and wish to spend more time in a Safe Refuge.
For a full list and description of our services, please review this section of our website below.

Who We ServeSafe Refuge assists a wide range of underserved clients with a full spectrum of programs designed to help them rebuild their lives and move them to self-sufficiency. Our services encompass housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families; outpatient group and individual counseling; private, individual counseling; and job training and employment services.
Eligible clients include:
• Low-income and homeless individuals
• Veterans
• Individuals with a substance abuse diagnosis
• Individuals living with HIV/AIDS
• Adults with co-occurring disorders
• Male and female parolees
• Pregnant women and women with children
• Men with children
• Batterers and victims of domestic violence

Staff MembersKathryn Romo
Executive DirectorKathryn Romo is Executive Director of Safe Refuge, responsible for leading the vision and steering day-to-day operations of the organization, including budgeting and fiscal management. She has been with the organization since 1998, beginning as an administrative assistant. She went on to become administration manager before finally assuming the leadership role of executive director in 2005.
Ms. Romo supervises program managers and unit supervisors and assures that the organization conforms to all state licensing and certification regulations, the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and specifications of all government and private foundation contracts. She also interacts with state, county, federal and other regulatory representatives and personnel.
Working for Safe Refuge is a labor of love for Ms. Romo, who says, “It gives me great satisfaction to see those who are suffering come through these doors and transform into happy individuals. Safe Refuge truly cares about helping individuals change and giving them hope.”Jennifer Lundahl, M.S., LMFT
Clinical DirectorIn her role as Clinical Director, Ms. Lundahl ensures that all aspects of programming, administration and evaluation are implemented in a culturally and linguistically competent manner, and that programs meet stated goals and objectives. Ms. Lundahl oversees the clinical and administrative staff, as well as drug and alcohol counseling interns, associate master level therapists registered through the Board of Behavioral Sciences and is also in charge of the electronic health record system.Ms. Lundahl has been with Safe Refuge since 2009 and earlier was employed at an agency that provided therapy to adolescents, substance abusers, and clients on probation and parole. She has prepared students at Long Beach City College to become drug and alcohol counselors and served as a program coordinator of a therapy program for middle school children expelled from school.
A licensed marriage and family therapist, Ms. Lundahl has a bachelor’s in human services and a master’s in marital and family therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is a member of Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology, and Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor SocietyArthur Romo
Marketing Director/Community OutreachAs Marketing Director/Community Outreach, Arthur Romo is sometimes viewed as the “face” of Safe Refuge. He takes an active role in the surrounding community, building strong ties with local governmental agencies, homeowners associations and the community at large. He oversees outreach to community providers and individuals in need, is Safe Refuge’s liaison with jails and prisons, and attends provider fairs. Mr. Romo also supervises Safe Refuge’s intake department and contracts. He is a member of the Los Angeles Sober Living Coalition and the Rose Park Homeowners Association.Robert Walker
Facility DirectorIn his role as Facilities Director, Robert Walker supervises the facility and its staff members, enforces policies and procedures with clients, conducts regular inspections of the properties and carries out ongoing interventions with clients
Mr. Walker has been honored by the community on several occasions, but his proudest award is being named “Most Improved Person” in the community.

Treatment ServicesSafe Refuge provides a comprehensive array of drug and alcohol treatment, recovery and housing programs, matching every individual with the treatment program that best meets his or her needs. We provide affordable treatment to the Southern California community, including special programs for low-income and homeless individuals. Contact us for more information about our special programs.
Programs include:• Residential Treatment
• Outpatient Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient
• Supportive Housing
• Supportive Services
• Aftercare ServicesResidential TreatmentOur residential program provides therapeutic activities in a home-like community setting. Residential treatment varies from 30 days to 180 days (or more, as needed). Our residential treatment facilities and programs are licensed and certified by the State Department of Health Care Services, and nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
To qualify for our residential treatment program individuals must have a substance use disorder.
We offer residential services to:
• Those who have Medi-Cal.
◦ If an individual does not have Medi-Cal our Care Coordinators and Peer Navigators will be happy to work with you to apply for Medi-Cal while still accessing our residential treatment program.
• Veterans who are served through the Long Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center and Veterans referred through the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program.
• Private pay.Outpatient TreatmentOutpatient treatment services vary in intensity and duration. We offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend programs. Our professional staff helps each client develop a treatment plan and problem list to fit his or her individual needs.
Special outpatient programs include:
• Relapse Prevention. Intended for those who want to remain drug-free and sober after treatment, Relapse Prevention requires 1½ to 3 hours per week.
• Intensive Outpatient treatment is a more intensive program, requiring 7 days per week, 1½ to 3 hours per day.
• Anger Management. Intended for those who need help in how to control their anger.Some outpatient clients elect to live in Safe Refuge’s Community Housing, or Recovery Bridge Housing while they access supportive outpatient services at our nearby treatment campus.Safe Refuge’s outpatient treatment programs are certified by the State Department of Health Care Services and nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).Supportive HousingAffordable supportive housing is designed for people who complete primary treatment and want to live in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. Clients include low-income and homeless people, whom we accommodate through a variety of special programs.
Transitional housing generally encompasses six months to one year or more. Many people elect to remain in transitional housing for two or more years while they access our supportive services.
Our facilities, located close to the treatment center, include one-, two- and three-bedroom furnished apartments for men, women and families. Wheelchair and ADA-accessible apartments are available.
Safe Refuge’s housing program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Contact us for more information.
Supportive ServicesThe treatment approach at Safe Refuge is comprehensive and holistic. We offer a wide array of professional and supportive treatment and recovery services:• Counseling and Recovery Groups
• Assessments and Treatment Planning
• Care Coordination and Referrals
• Vocational/Rehabilitation Services
• Educational Activities
• Recreational and Social Activities
• Parenting/Family Services
• HIV/Aids Services
• 12-Step Meetings
• Drug and Alcohol Testing ServicesAftercare ServicesIndividuals who complete our treatment programs are eligible for up to one full year of supportive aftercare services, including relapse prevention, crisis counseling, on-the-job training, job placement assistance and housing search assistance.Our Alumni Group, which includes people who have completed primary treatment, hosts recreational and social events throughout the year. Alumnae also help newcomers adjust to the treatment setting.

HousingRecovery Bridge Housing-RBH
Clients can access RBH housing but must participate in Medi-Cal outpatient or intensive outpatient services. If clients don’t participate in these services, they will not be permitted to use RBH for housing.Transitional housingParticipants must be employed, enrolled in job training, or engaged as volunteers in the community while living in transitional housing. Safe Refuge provide six months to one year in a furnished, alcohol-and-drug-free apartment. Residents can take advantage of conveniently located outpatient services designed to help them stabilize after treatment, prevent relapse and rebuild their lives.Long-term housingResidents must be employed while living in Safe Refuge’s long-term housing. Safe Refuge provides at least two years of housing in a furnished alcohol-and-drug-free apartment. Outpatient services are available to help prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety.
Housing for special populations (click here)
• Low-income and homeless individuals
• People with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse
• Women with children
• People with a criminal justice history
• People with co-occurring disorders
• Veterans

Housing for special populations• Low-income and homeless individuals
• People with HIV/AIDS
• Women and/or men with children
• People with a criminal justice history
• People with co-occurring disorders
• Veterans
Low-income and homeless individuals
• CalWORKs Residential Treatment: This treatment program is for eligible CalWORKs non-custodial parents.
• Residential recovery services and/or specialized recovery services for parenting men and women.
• Probation or Parole: Probation and/or parole residential treatment services are available for men and women who have been through the criminal justice system. When treatment is completed they are eligible for outpatient services and community housing.
Women With Children
• Housing for Women with Children: Transitional and long-term housing for pregnant and parenting women with young children. Supportive services available on a residential and/or outpatient basis include:
◦ Drug/alcohol education and counseling
◦ Case management and referrals
◦ Relapse prevention
◦ Vocational services
◦ Pre-natal, postnatal and maternal health services.
◦ Parenting skillsPeople with a Criminal Justice HistorySafe Refuge is one of the largest and most experienced providers of substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services for criminal justice populations in the greater Long Beach/South Bay area of Los Angeles County. We have been assisting parolees and other criminal justice populations for 28 years. Services include drug/alcohol treatment and recovery, and re-entry programs such as employment readiness and placement services.All criminal justice program participants benefit from needs assessments and care coordination to help them transition back into the community, as well as educational, behavior-change and skills-building services; correctional counseling; life skills training; and peer support.People With Co-Occurring Disorders• Housing for People who have co-occurring disorders:  For people with a co-occurring disorders of addiction and mental health challenges who have completed a primary drug treatment program. Eligible residents may continue to meet with their co-occurring care coordinator and attend support groups on an outpatient basis. Crisis counseling is available, as well as crisis intervention and medication management by a consulting psychiatrist.
• Emergency housing and basic living support services (BLSS) to homeless adults with co-occurring disorders.U.S. Veterans• United States Veterans Administration: Substance abuse treatment, transitional housing and supportive services for homeless and indigent veterans, including homeless veterans who are dual- and triple-diagnosed with co-existing substance abuse, mental health and medical diagnoses.
• Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans Services: Serves veterans in need of transitional housing and support services who are dual- and triple-diagnosed with substance abuse, mental health and medical diagnoses. Veterans are referred through the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program.
• Veterans Overcoming Homelessness program: Long-term transitional housing program that includes substance abuse treatment, recovery services, and a full continuum of vocational, educational, and other supportive and skills-building services, plus access to mental health and medical care for triple-diagnosed veterans. The program addresses the needs of homeless veterans served by the Long Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center.

CounselingOur counseling services may be included into a client’s substance abuse treatment program or utilized independently of drug/alcohol treatment.Fees are calculated on a sliding scale, based on ability to pay. Call us for an assessment and to find out how your treatment may be funded.Specialized Outpatient GroupsWe offer morning, afternoon, evening and weekend outpatient groups to help our clients maintain long-term recovery, improve interpersonal relationships and develop new skills for living. Some groups meet requirements for offenders referred by Long Beach probation and the local courts. Each group is led by a trained facilitator. Individuals may participate in outpatient services for up to one year.Parenting Education (52 weeks): Program meets requirements for court-ordered participantsRelapse Prevention: Aims to prevent drug/alcohol relapse by recognizing early warning signs and risky situations.Commitment to Change: Learn effective ways in which to handle change with ease.Framework for Recovery: Avoiding self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.Self-Esteem: Defeating inner critic and feeling better about self.Self-Improvement and Change: Identifying ways to improve one’s self and make the changes necessary to live a more fulfilled life free of drugs and alcoholLife Skills: Learn to implement the skills necessary for full participation in everyday life.Building Healthy Boundaries: Setting and maintaining personal boundaries.Court-referred programsSafe Refuge is certified by the County of Los Angeles to provide drug and alcohol education and/or counseling services for offenders referred by Long Beach Probation and the local courts.PC 1210 (formerly Proposition 36/Offender Treatment Program): Substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration for first- and second-time nonviolent, simple drug possession offenders. The comprehensive process includes assessment, treatment, probation supervision and regular progress reviews by the court.Child Abuse Prevention (PC273.1) (52 weeks):  Parenting Education (52 weeks): Program meets requirements for court-ordered participants.Domestic Violence (52 weeks): The batterers’ program – meeting Los Angeles County Probation Department guidelines – is designed to stop domestic violence by holding the batterer responsible for violence in a relationship. The victims’ group empowers individuals to break free of the abusive cycle.Deferred Entry of Judgment (PC1000) (20 weeks): First-time drug offenders can have their original charge dismissed by successfully completing the program and staying out of trouble.Anger Management: Clients can be ordered for any amount of time, some are 52 weeks, some are 26 weeks and some are 12 weeks. Teaches people to identify problem anger and gain skills to overcome the problem. Meets requirements for court-ordered participants.Private, Individual CounselingThe following private counseling services are available by appointment daily:• Individual, family and significant other counseling
• Drug/alcohol counseling
• Domestic violence counseling
• HIV/AIDS counseling

If you are interested in a rewarding career, please contact our human resources department to inquire about job openings and indicate the position you are seeking. You may fill out the form below and return by email or call us at (562) 987-5722.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome your inquiry.Open Positions at Safe RefugeUnfortunately there are no open positions at this time. Please try again later.

FAQs1. Do I have to be a California resident to receive treatment at Safe Refuge?No, our treatment programs are open to all people who want to recover from alcoholism and drug abuse.2. How do I get started?When you contact us at (562) 987-5722 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time), we will conduct a free, confidential assessment that will determine next steps.3. How do I pay for treatment?Safe Refuge will conduct an assessment to determine if you qualify for government funding. We also accept Medi-Cal, private payments and credit cards.4. How will I know which program or treatment is best for me?A trained staff member will interview you by telephone or in person and conduct an assessment to determine what services meet your immediate treatment needs.5. I have tried drug treatment programs before, and they have never worked for me. Is it worth it for me to try again?Yes. Sometimes it takes more than one attempt to succeed. Each program is different
and each time you attempt this, you are different too. Don’t give up!6. What is your success rate with your clients?It is difficult to track all clients who leave the program after successful completion, but the records we do have shows that approximately 75% remain clean at least for the first year.7. I am being discharged from another treatment program. Can I get additional help from yours?It is very possible this can occur -- please call our intake department at (888) 476-2743 for an assessment.8. Do you help people with substance abuse combined with mental health problems?Yes, Safe Refuge has been serving people with co-occurring disorders for more than two decades. Because many people with drug or alcohol problems also suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, our counselors are trained to work with dual diagnosis clients.9. What kinds of credentials do your counselors have?Our counselors are drug and alcohol certified; we also employ Marriage and Family Associates who are registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences.10. Do you serve the LBGT community?Yes, our programs are inclusive, allowing persons from all backgrounds to receive our services. In addition, we do have a program focused on issues specifically relevant to the LBGT community.11. Do you have a program for veterans?Yes, we have programs specifically designated for homeless and indigent veterans, offering substance abuse treatment, transitional housing and supportive services.12. What happens to my children if I enroll in treatment?We can accommodate women and/or men with children in our programs. Safe Refuge offers, residential and outpatient treatment, housing, and family case management.13. How long has your agency been providing treatment services?Safe Refuge began providing substance abuse treatment services for men, women and families in 1988. We have received recognition from clients who have successfully completed our programs as well as from the funding agencies that allow us to continue providing services to the underserved.14. What is the cost of your alcohol-and-drug-free housing?The cost of housing is based on a sliding fee scale, according to each person's ability to pay. Some special housing programs may be funded, in part, by the County of Los Angeles. We can discuss your individual situation with you.15. Are counseling services available for family members?Yes, Safe Refuge realizes the importance of involving the entire family. Counseling for spouses and significant others and on-site 12-step support groups for family members.16. How can I donate to your organization?We appreciate all support. Simply click on the Donations button on the home page and go to Donations, where you can make a donation now, or call us at (562) 987-5722 or 888-476-2743.

Our Sponsors and PartnersThe phrase “it takes a village” has become something of a cliché, but the fact is, it DOES take a village. At Safe Refuge we are so grateful to the companies and organizations that have chosen to lend us their support. Their contributions to Safe Refuge are significant and valued. Please see the logos of our sponsors and partners below. If your organization would like to assist our mission, please give us a call at (888) 476-2743 or email us at info@asaferefuge.org We look forward to hearing from you.

DONATIONS TO SAFE REFUGEAt Safe Refuge, we are proud to provide help to all who wish to help themselves, and we are fortunate to receive funding from a variety of governmental and institutional sources. These grants ensure our basic survival and enable us to help individuals who often have no other place to go.But there are many reasons why we need additional support from our surrounding community – from corporations, local businesses, community residents, service clubs, religious groups, foundations, and more.No one left outsideThis additional support ensures that our quality of care is uncompromised and that no one is left outside our doors because they cannot afford to pay.Some of our supporters have experienced the tragic effects of alcohol abuse or drug addiction, either personally or through a family member, co-worker, or friend. They recognize that an effective treatment program can allow a struggling individual to turn his or her life around.Some of our benefactors have not had personal experiences, but they recognize the huge toll, both financial and social, addiction takes on society – and they choose to support our efforts to change lives, one life at a time.Donate HereWhether you are already a Safe Refuge supporter or are new to our organization, we welcome and appreciate your interest. You may contact our office to gain more information about donations to Safe Refuge.