Atop Cobb Mountain, Hilltop Recovery Services, the only residential treatment services in Lake County, was a place of hope, change and reinventing the human spirit. The Valley Fire ripped through 12 of 15 buildings at the facility as clients packed and evacuated in five minutes. Hilltop has been serving men seeking recovery from substance addiction for 13 years, housing as many as 60 people at a time.
Following the catastrophic blaze, Hilltop was able to relocate to an area in Lucerne where they operate an Intensive Outpatient Program (in the Lucerne Community Clinic) and Sober Living Homes. Upon contact to Department of Health Care Services to discuss our ability to continue to provide uninterrupted services we were informed that they have never had a residential program capable of continuing to operate after a major natural disaster with the only goal in mind being to meet residents’ needs. They immediately granted Hilltop Recovery Services an Emergency License Status with authorization to provide certification services at the Intensive Outpatient Program location.
The need for recovery services is crucial, according to Dr. Robert Gardner, “Lake County is the California county with the most opportunity for improvement, as is it the poorest and the one with the biggest drug and alcohol problems. “Hilltop” is recognized as a program that does an exceedingly good job. Retired Air Force General Dan Woodward said he was inspired by the stories of the people who staff Hilltop who have vowed to be strengthened by their loss.” Gen. Woodward who was also former Vice President of General Dynamics, one of the nation’s largest defense contractors added “Hilltop is a leader in helping those whose lives have been damaged by addiction. Recognizing the need, other caregiving organizations as far as a hundred of miles away have provided assistance, as the Hilltop team has relentlessly worked to provide uninterrupted services to its patients.”
The buildings were reduced to ash and the sewer, water and power infrastructure were destroyed. Six employees were also displaced at this time, and they have all worked endlessly to focus on the needs of our residents and the local community. Residents of the facility joined in helping other agencies in need with both displaced animals and setting up fund raisers. We are very grateful for the help and support we have received and the continued donations that have allowed us to move forward. We are proud to be members of the Lake County Community.
Hilltop Recovery wishes to acknowledge Nationstar Mortgage for helping us secure an interim facility, Hazeldon Foundation for the donation of educational materials, The Outsiders of Salvation, the Moose Lodge, Danielle Willfong, Tina Howe for helping our men get their applications done through FEMA, The Lucerne Senior Center, Kelseyville Lumber, The Clines, Vintage antiques, Jed Steele, Ryan Scones, Colin Davis and so many other wonderful individuals and organizations that have assisted us in making the best out of a difficult situation.
Hilltop provides $90,000 per year in full scholarships and $120,000 in partial scholarships to Lake County residents.
Lori Carter-Runyon is the Executive Director of Hilltop Recovery Services.
