After thirteen years, the idea emerged of starting an organization that was not church connected, but oriented toward the whole community. This organization would serve a more diverse client base. The organization would follow the same successful model as Lifestyles Ministries, broaden the client base and venture into other areas of need in the community. Thus was born Lifestyles Recovery Center, Inc. With lots of help from the board members, the organization was incorporated in February of 2001. An office was secured and the work began. From the beginning the goal has been to help free of charge those who are often the most vulnerable and neglected in our community. The actions that have been carried out to date have contributed to the accomplishment of that original goal.

Lifestyles Recovery Center is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation that deals with the problems of drug and alcohol addiction and anger management. Utilizing group sessions and individual counseling, Lifestyles has success in aiding those with addiction problems. The Twelve Steps Model, used by Alcohol Anonymous, is used successfully to attack these problems. Other nationally recognized programs have also been used such as Healing for Damaged Emotions, Relapse Prevention, HIV Prevention. In addition, Lifestyles Recovery Center conducts HIV workshops and has had success in expanding the knowledge of low income people in the community. This has been done utilizing funding from mini-grants and private donations. Great success has been made with the cooperation of the predominately black churches in the area.

Lifestyles's Executive Director, Ms Karolyn L. London, herself a recovering addict, has dedicated her life to helping others deal with their problems with drugs and alcohol abuse. Ms. London has a Psychiatric Technician license and has worked for fourteen years at Atascadero State hospital with drug addicted and HIV infected inmates. She is American Red Cross certified as a HIV/AIDS instructor. Ms London has been counseling and conducting classes since 1988. She has worked hard without compensation to change addictive behavior that leads to unproductive lives. During this period she has attended continuing education classes at the University of California on drug and alcohol abuse and received certificates of completion. Ms. London is well versed in the area and is a tireless advocate for preventing the spread of HIV. She was recently presented with the Steller Grad award for her untiring effort by Cuesta College.

Mr. Eddie London a member of the board of directors is also involved in the day to day operation of the corporation. Besides serving as the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. London conducts workshops on HIV prevention. Mr. London has an extensive background in teaching. He taught sixteen years at Oxnard College and has degrees in electronics, economics and a MBA from Pepperdine University. He holds a lifetime teaching credential. Mr. London is certified by the American Red Cross as a HIV/AIDS instructor.

Lifestyles Recovery Center also has the services of a registered nurse and a social worker as needed. In addition Lifestyles Recovery Center draws on the expertise of outside agencies, such as Drug and Alcohol Services, Paso Robles Youth Task Force, Department of Social Services, local churches, and North County Preventive Alliance, to accomplish the goals of the organization. Lifestyles Recovery Center also utilizes its talented board of directors who have extensive professional, academic and business experience.

Lifestyles Recovery Center's goal is to serve the underserved in our community. This is done without cost to those who need our service. Donations and volunteers make this possible. The support of the community is necessary to insure that these services continue. Please call Lifestyles Recovery Center at (805) 238-2290, or e-mail us at info@lifestylesrecoverycenter.org for more information on how you can help this important work.