Sun Street Centers

Overview

Sun Street Centers is a nonprofit organization located in Monterey County, California, focused on preventing alcohol and drug addiction by offering education, prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The organization is classified under the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) as a Human Services — Multipurpose and Other nonprofit with a focus on Half-Way House (Short-Term Residential Care) services[1][2].

Mission and Services

The mission of Sun Street Centers is to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families at all income levels, aimed at preventing suicide and overdose. Among its services, the organization offers substance abuse prevention programs, particularly targeted at high school students to address the growing issue of fentanyl-related overdoses. In recent years, Sun Street Centers has been involved in mentoring high school leaders in campaigns against unintended overdoses[2].

Programs

Sun Street Centers operates several programs, including:

• Prevention Services: The organization provides these services to thousands of young people and their families in multiple schools and youth programs across Monterey County. In fiscal year 2023, it served 8,169 young people[2].
• Community Recovery and Resource Centers: Established in several locations, these centers offer community education, prevention, and advocacy services. Currently, they are operational in Salinas, Seaside, Greenfield, and King City[3].
• The Road to Success: A pre-diversion program for first-time youth offenders, aimed at preventing school expulsion and entry into the juvenile justice system by offering substance abuse intervention, counseling, and community service[5].
• Men’s Residential Program: Offers residential drug and alcohol treatment with additional support services like family empowerment counseling[3].

History

Sun Street Centers was founded by Martin and Nancy Dodd in the Salinas Valley, initially offering men’s residential recovery services at a refurbished labor camp. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, establishing various programs and partnerships. In 2022, it celebrated 40 years of service and opened a new sober living environment in King City, the Huntington House[3].

Governance and Finances

Sun Street Centers is governed by a board of directors comprising professionals from various backgrounds. The financial operations are documented through Form 990 filings, which show that the organization primarily generates revenue from program services and contributions. In recent years, the organization has maintained a strong asset base with significant investments in employee wages and executive compensation[1][4].

Impact

Sun Street Centers has made significant contributions to the community by providing essential services aimed at combating substance abuse. Its youth-targeted initiatives have been particularly impactful in addressing fentanyl-related issues, marking it as a crucial player in Monterey County’s health and social services landscape[2].

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/946138701 [2] https://www.montereycountygives.com/nonprofit/sun-street-centers/ [3] https://sunstreetcenters.org/about/our-history/ [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-6138701 [5] https://sunstreetcenters.org/prevention/the-road-to-success/