Beit T’Shuvah 2011-2012 Capital Campaign
Honoring Our Past Building Our Future
“In the place where the repentant stand, even the most righteous cannot stand.” (Brakhot 34b) True to its name, “The House of Repentance,” Beit T’Shuvah is built on the notion that every human being, without exception, is owed a chance at redemption. At Beit T’Shuvah we help to redeem those who have lost their way as a result of addiction.
4850 clients, 8000 family members, hundreds of volunteers and 79 current staff members have ensured that Beit T’Shuvah’s dedication has never wavered. We continue to respond to the needs of all communities.
Lake Street
Over the years, Beit T’Shuvah has evolved into a unique organism.
It is the only rehab in the world where former and current residents comprise 90% of its staff. It is one of only six gambling programs in the nation recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice. It is a training ground for recovering residents to reenter the working world across ten different industries. It is the only rehab in the world to house a marketing agency within its walls. It is the birthplace of a nation-wide Prevention Program and an original Musical Theatre production, “Freedom Song.” It is a synagogue where High Holiday services welcome 800 congregants and weekly Shabbat services host 300. It is one of the only treatment facilities in the world that will never turn away a troubled soul because of an inability to pay.
Our walls, teeming with growth, are also bursting with need. In order to accommodate our evolution, we must expand our physical space. And it can’t just be any space— it must be one that pays homage to our humble beginnings, fosters our diverse community, and provides sacred space for sacred work.
Lake Street
What We Are: A Respite for the Wayward Soul When residents check into Beit T’Shuvah, they are emotionally exhausted and spiritually defeated. Once safely immersed in our community, residents are provided with an
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abundance of resources to recoup, rejuvenate, and recover.
A Paradigm of T’Shuvah The primary pillar of our philosophy is that every person has the obligation to return to righteousness. We stress humility, transparency and willingness, ultimately leading to redemption.
Training Grounds for a Life of Integrity We provide residents with the tools and experiences that lay the foundation for a more meaningful life. We offer an array of creative programs, vocational training, internship opportunities, and educational services to help residents recover their passion and discover their purpose.
A Thriving Epicenter for Passion, Connection, and Creativity Our Shabbat services can be described in one word: uplifting. Featuring a full band of residents, alumni, therapists, and cantors, along with a community choir, congregants of Temple Beit T’Shuvah are encouraged to express gratitude or simply sing along.
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The Hunger Withi Women’s Music Level 1 & 2 withPsychiatry Fellows Day-patients with with Nikki and Residents with Laura Karen and LukeL1-2 Music with Adam What We Do: A Taste of Our Programs Tikkun Olam with Theatre Junkies Surf Therapy Level 3 with Dean Aaron Michael with Kelly Freedom Rock with Men’s Process with Relationship with Surf Therapy is a unique program that challenges residents to face the waves and paddle out. For both experienced surfers and beginners, L1-2 with DonMeditation O with Victora Money with Kenn Shai the program starts off with a brief meditation followed by a dive in the water. Yoga with Shlomit Sarah Creative Writing with L3 with Harold Relationships wit Art Journals with Groups Joan is an in-house Body Image BTS Communications marketing agency founded byCareer an alumnus of the program. BTS Communications hires talented resident Harriet Stephanie L1-2: TriggersProblem Gambling Level 3 Career interns, providing them with vocational training across the marketing field. Our recent Cutting Edge Grant from the Jewish Community L3: Career Proces Young People wth CGA with Carrie Process in Career B with Kathy Foundation of Los Angeles enables us to train 50 interns over the next three years. Group Charles BArt Jam with Scott Center Women’s Issues Men’s Issues C wi Young People with Knitting with Gail Parenting (Coed) B with Nessa and Crystsal BTS Music Program allows residents and alumni to get together to practice, record, and even produce music. Ronnie B L1-2 Big Book with Dean Karen L3: Early Sobriety w Susan & Leonard Nimoy Career Center counselors residents back into society by Men’s discussing jobRecreation options, schooling, and other L1-2: Getcarefully Realguide Study with with Harold Creative Writing with Victoria vocationalCarla services. At the Center residents areBenji helped to pursue theirL3 passions in a manner benefitting their recovery. Relapse Spirituality withPrevention with DBT with Lindsay Prevention with Men’s Issues A with Shira Jessica and Matt Partners in Prevention assists residents and students throughout the country. We share our stories and empower children with our message. Intuitive EatingLuke and Yael Ellen Grief and LossWomen’s with Issues C w We continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from the schools, camps, and synagogues that have been through the program. Problem Gambling with Ellen Freedom From Moshe Yael L1-2 with Luke Gambling withFreedom Jerry and Robin Women’s Heschel Study wit Song is a seven-year-running original musical theater production. Based on original material by alumni and performed by Women’s Art RecreationRabbi Mark and Sh Personal Relapse Prevention: residents, the hour-long performance details the heartache of addiction juxtaposed with a Passover Seder. Gambling withTherapy Gail with Judy Empowerment with House MeetingSober Eating with Victoria L3withwith Men’s Art Therapy Elaine L1-2treatment withcenters Harriet Right Action Gambling Program, partnered UCLA, isKelly one of the few government approved gambling in the country. L3 with Irwin The Flow State with Judy Level 3 have with and Shai Residents accessFrancie to specialized gambling groups, Gamblers Anonymous meetings, as well as the drug and alcohol treatment program. Gambling: The Bra with NessaWomen’s CollageL3 with Adam and Faye with Victoria BTS Thrift Boutiques,Issues our very Men’s own thrift stores employ andB trainwith residents in an introductory setting. Book We serve theStudy Los Angeles Issues with AdamretailBig Women’s Acupuncture with providing fashionable furniture at discount prices. with Irwin Nessa L1-2 A community with byNessa and clothing and with Wendy and L3: Process with L3: Process with Brandon Week inShlomit Dana Review: Me Jen David Nutrition with 35+ with Alicia with Adam Men’s IntimacyE.D. Writing with Shlomit Gambling: Honesty Gambler’s 12-Step
Our Challenge: Spreading Our Message
Exponential Growth In 1999, when we had 34 residents, our current location met our needs. Today Beit T’Shuvah houses over 120 residents and maintains a growing waiting list. The lounge, cafeteria, synagogue, and patio are routinely utilized for group therapy sessions and individual counseling. This lack of specialized space undermines the therapeutic effectiveness of our facility as well as our residents’ privacy and wellbeing.
We are the only institution that combines Jewish principles, the 12step program, and psychotherapy in our treatment. We have created a sustainable and replicable program from which every community can benefit. We are an important training ground for addiction counselors, psychotherapists, clergy, and educators. Our ability to provide this training will be greatly enhanced in the new space.
Ability to Pay
Spiritual Recovery Currently, there is not enough seating available for all who attend our Shabbat services. Our renovation plan doubles the chapel’s size to accommodate our burgeoning congregation. We also aim to move away from the claustrophobic, institutional feel of our current narrow,
Seven out of 10 Beit T’Shuvah residents attend our program at little or no cost. We are uniquely committed to never deny our services, regardless of ability to pay. To continue this, we need the support of our benevolent community of donors.
windowless hallways to create open space with natural light.
Our Fearless Leader Jill Black, Capital Campaign Chair, is optimistic and energized by the massive scope of this undertaking. “Our campaign is rooted in individuals who have a personal connection here and who recognize Beit T’Shuvah’s value as demonstrated by our success rate,” Jill notes. “There’s not a soul out there who hasn’t been touched by this sort of social philanthropy — that alone is the security that we will reach our goals.” The proof is in the pudding: before this campaign officially launched, supporters had already pledged significant contributions. But we still need you— Jill’s justified courage and your generosity will carry us through to our goal.
Bricks and Mortar, Spirit and Soul Join us in our 2011-2012 Capital Campaign to create the physical space that reflects the spiritual recovery that takes place within. We strive for congruency and transparency at Beit T’Shuvah, presenting ourselves the way we truly are. As our sacred work continues to grow, our grounds can no longer sufficiently express and support the sanctity of the life within. Like the addict who neglects his body and through recovery comes to appreciate his appearance, Beit T’Shuvah has developed a plan to match our outside appearance with the holiness of our inside work. With the money raised, we will: Add four new clinical offices and two new spiritual counseling offices for an additional 1200+ hours of individual counseling a month. Add three conference rooms, a 7800 square foot park, and three new lounges for increased recreation and facilitation of 30 additional therapeutic or creative groups per week, totaling 1800 group hours a month. Build a Family Education and Counseling Center for the thousands of family members who come to us for guidance every year. Construct a new, enlarged chapel to accommodate all residents, families, members, and guests. Expand our kitchen into an 850 square foot Culinary Arts Center to provide vocational training in cooking, baking, and catering. Improve the teen outreach program with tutoring services, an after-school drop-in center, a diversion program, and two offices for the Prevention Program. Build the central offices for BTS Ventures, a hub to centrally manage all of Beit T’Shuvah’s current social enterprises (i.e. BTS Catering, BTS Communications, BTS Post Production, and the BTS Thrift Boutique).
Sacred Space for Sacred Work Bricks and Mortar Undeniably ambitious, GMPA Architects, Inc. plans to integrate our existing facility with the new acquisition next door to create a distinct and dynamic space. This breathable design functionally connects the two buildings. We will create an open and soothing interior, cultivating the peacefulness required to heal the soul.
Spirit and Soul The most striking feature is the wraparound graphic screen adorned with abstract, tree-like elements. This façade smoothly references the Eitz Chaim, the Tree of Life. An apt symbol for recovery, this metaphor for the Torah appears in Proverbs, saying, “It is a tree of life to them… and happy are those that hold fast to it."
This translucent screen offers residents privacy from the street while breaks in the canvas still provide ample daylight. Inside, a unique, paneled-wall treatment allows layers for lighting and creates a holistic feel. Movable and folding walls create multi-purpose rooms that continually evolve, expand, and contract. A glass-enclosed staircase leads to the mezzanine, forming an uplifting transitional space.
The Finishing Touch GMPA Architects, Inc. has chosen eco-friendly materials to uphold our responsibility to the environment. The result is a healthy and serene healing atmosphere that fosters mindfulness, calmness, stress reduction and a sense of wellbeing.
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Words of Support On behalf of myself, the board of directors, and all those that will benefit
Everyone deserves a second chance. Beit T’Shuvah performs a heroic service
from your help, we THANK YOU deeply for considering to support this
by providing that opportunity for individuals struggling to free themselves from
campaign. Addiction today is a very serious and inescapable issue in our
the chains of addiction. The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles is
society and the need for treatment continues to grow. For this reason, we
keenly impressed by the organization’s innovative BTS Communications marketing
are expanding our recovery center to adequately and universally serve all
agency. This groundbreaking social-service model integrates vocational training
those that walk through our door.
in marketing and advertising into the recovery process, along with Beit T’Shuvah’s
- Annette Shapiro, Chairman of the Board.
Jewish spirituality and values. Nothing underscores our support more than a recent $250,000 grant to help make possible this vital work. Long may Beit
We Jews say “L’chaim – To Life” when we lift a glass of wine. But the
T’Shuvah thrive!
truth is that no place celebrates life like Beit Tshuvah. Beit Tshuvah saves
- Marvin I. Schotland, President and CEO, Jewish Community Foundation of Los
lives. And not once in a while, but daily, hourly.
Angeles
Beit Tshuvah reaches the souls of those who struggle and gives them the strength to find purpose and the courage to live.
It's a joy to watch your small child grow up, though it also means you need to
- Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Senior Rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom
buy them a new set of clothes. Beit T’Shuvah is bursting the seams of its existing facilities, and while that's incredibly exciting, it also means they need our help to
The Jewish Journal always pays close attention to Beit T'Shuvah's
get to the next stage. Please help us in the growth of Beit T’Shuvah’s mission to
many diverse and creative programs, from paths to spiritual recovery
heal families and save lives.
from addiction, to boxing-match fundraisers, to dramatic theater. It has
- Donald S. Passman, Board Member
consistently been one of the L.A. Jewish Community's great resources. - The Jewish Journal Editorial Staff
Joyce Brandman Joyce Brandman has followed her late husband’s philanthropic spirit into a nurturing relationship with Beit T’Shuvah. Her generous gesture of $3 million coming from the Saul Brandman Foundation financed the lion’s share of the new building. The Foundation’s altruism not only makes our muchneeded expansion possible, but it has also spiraled into a chain of gifts by others. “There was no reason for me not to do it,” Joyce affirms. “The Foundation had the money, and I was just doing what Saul would have done.” The Foundation has provided ample support to Beit T’Shuvah over the years, but nothing as magnanimous as this. “The need is greater than we know,” Joyce said. “I’m sure once this project is complete, I’ll be able to do more.”
Gavi’s Story
Michael’s Story
When Gavi showed up at Beit T’Shuvah, she was struggling with
Michael was a liar, a gambler, and a thief.
both addiction and anorexia. After she got clean, she was still
At least, that’s what his father called him. After being caught stealing
battling a severe eating disorder, and at the time, Beit T’Shuvah
from his best friend’s company to sustain his gambling addiction, Michael
did not have a comprehensive ED program. “I went to Harriet’s
found Beit T’Shuvah. “It is the best thing that ever happened to me,
office” Gavi says, “and I told her, ‘I can’t stay here- I will probably
and I’ve grown a lot.” Michael boasts. “I understand that people make
die.’” Within days, Harriet partnered with Dr. Susan B. Krevoy, a
mistakes that we have to recognize and deal with as they come.“ In Beit
leader in the field, to create the full-fledged program that saved
T’Shuvah’s kitchen, his stellar work quickly earned him an internship.
Gavi’s life. Today, a recovering and bright-eyed Gavi is developing an
Today, Michael has his plate full. He is training for a security company,
educational prevention program for eating disorders. “This project is
hopes to continue his culinary internship, and has his first performance
a compilation of a lot of people’s true experiences… helping young
in ‘Freedom Song’ in September. “In the past everything I tried was
women deal with the issues of being adolescent females in society
unsuccessful,” he reveals, “and finally, I’m succeeding at something.”
today.”
Stephanie’s Story “I’m a nerd. I get excited about making things more efficient,” Stephanie giggles about her job in the Development Department. Nicknamed the ‘Queen’ of Raiser’s Edge (their database system), Stephanie has proven an invaluable asset to Beit T’Shuvah. And Beit T’Shuvah has been her most valuable asset. A professed criminal and drug addict, Stephanie navigated the ‘pill-mills’ of Florida, forging MRI scans and burglarizing pharmacies. A practiced perfectionist, Stephanie now uses her skills for her healthier side. “I have the greatest bosses… they are genuinely invested in me and care about me.” Moreover, Stephanie is rebuilding trust with her family. Her reunion with them on Thanksgiving 2011 marks her one-year sober birthday.
In the Business of Saving Souls for 25 Years The philosophy and mission of Beit T’Shuvah over the last 25 years can be summed up by a single phrase: All human beings have the ability and the right to change their lives. Spreading T’Shuvah has been the crux of our mission since our inception. Our founder, our staff, our board, and our Rabbi have exhibited extraordinary passion and drive to redeem each soul who walks through our doors. But many more need our help. We invite you to join us in fulfilling our purpose.
Lake Street
Our Committed Staff & Board Members Chief Executive Officer, Founder Harriet Rossetto, LCSW
Alternative Sentencing Coordinator Carol Newman
Chief Operations Officer Rabbi Mark Borovitz
Prevention Director Doug Rosen
Chief Financial Officer Faina Geller
Creative Director BTS Communications John Sullivan
Development Director Nina Haller
Director BTS Post Production Aaron Delug
Development Associates Ali Ditlove Barbara Friedman
BTS Ventures Business Manager Jesse Goldberg
IT Director, Temple Director Rachel Lurie
Career Center Counselor Alison Goldberg
Clinical Director Kathy Marks
Program Facilitator Harold Rothstein
Family Program Director, Assistant Clinical Director Adam Mindel
Intake Coordinator Martin Snyder Jen Damon
Spiritual Counselor, Cantor Yeshaia Blakeney Rachel Goldman Neubauer Choir Director Laura Bagish Director of Maintanence Craig Miller
President Annette Shapiro Chair, Board of Directors Bill Resnick, M.D. Board Officers Warren Breslow, Chairperson Emeritus Nancy Mishkin, Chairperson Emeritus Emily Corleto, Secretary David Ruderman, Treasurer
Board of Directors Donald J. Berghoff Lynn Bider Samuel Delug Jon Esformes John Fishel Mel Gagerman Jeffrey Glassman Robert Gluckstein Carolyn Gold Beverly Gruber Salli Harris Steven Karash Dr. Susan Krevoy Dr. Gady Levy Diane Licht Virginia Maas Bradley H. Mindlin Donald S. Passman Joan Praver Ed Praver Heidi Praw Avi Reichental Richard Schulman Ronnie Stabler
Lisi Teller Howard Wallach, M.D. Brad Wiseman Hal Wiseman (z’l) Robert Wiviott Jill Black Zalben Honorary Board Members Sheldon Appel Blair Belcher Kohan Robert Felixson (z’l) Herb Gelfand Brindell Gottlieb Shelley Kozek Chuck Maltz Cheri Morgan Mike Nissenson Jan Rosen Craig Taubman Greg Vilkin