Story of Michael
Michael is a former Marine who served in Afghanistan, and nearly died two after his 11th heroin overdose. The Cali PARC program is helping Michael get ready to return to real life. “It has helped me get back to my old life, the way I was when I was younger,” he said. “It is bringing my confidence back, the motivation, my positive attributes I had in high school and the Marines.” [CLICK PICTURE FOR MORE ON MICHAEL]
Story of Andrew
Andrew is a former marine who fought in Afghanistan, and receiving a handful of commendations and medals, including two Purple Hearts and a combat action ribbon with valor. He credits his time at Cali Palms with bringing him back to his true interests — especially music. Andrew played bass guitar in a band when he was younger. He also raced dirt bikes. “We have group therapy throughout the day, and also strength training,” he said. “We also practice Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, and ride on the bicycle trail. It’s a little less structured than the average rehab place, and I was worried at first because I thrive in a structured environment. But the world isn’t structured and this place gets you ready for that. You are never really fully taken out of the real world here, and you stay busy.” [CLICK PICTURE FOR MORE ON ANDREW]
Story of Zach
Sniper Army Specialist Zach served in Afghanistan. He had praise for how the program helped him regain his mental balance, and allowed him to heal himself. “Here, you can find your own structure,” he said. “The physical workouts mean you can embrace more than you would with just books. I am getting back to how I felt before I deployed. I was strong and fit and ready to take on the world.” [CLICK THE PICTURE FOR MORE ON ZACH]
Story of Rob
Rob gives credit to the California Palms program for saving his life. The program has done wonders for Rob, it helped him reunite with his daughter, and sparked a passion for writing poetry and rap songs. [CLICK THE PICTURE FOR MORE ON ROB]
