Sunrise House

SUNRISE HOUSE came into existence in September, 1970,in response to the youth drug problem and expressed needs of the young people in our community. Seven agencies banded together through a joint powers agreement to provide the resources to form the “Salinas Area Youth Drug Information Crisis Center”. The Salinas Union High School District took the lead in cooperation with the Salinas Police Department, Probation Department and Juvenile Hall in developing a forceful educational program on drug abuse. The “Center” was funded by the City of Salinas, Salinas City School District, Hartnell College, Monterey County Office of Education and local service organizations. On July 9, 1970, the first regular Board meeting of the “Salinas Area Youth Drug Information/Crisis Center” was held at City Hall. At this meeting it was decided the “center” would be located at 310 Capitol Street, Salinas. The City of Salinas did the initial cleanup of the site, and on September 18, 1970 the Salinas Area Youth Drug Information Crisis Center formally opened. On November 20, 1970 the board of directors approved the name “Sunrise House”.

The agency has many programs to serve the community including Never Alone (support group for teenage survivors of sexual molestation), Youth Alternative to Violence (a 12 session program for teens who have trouble controlling their anger), Seven Challenges (a class devoted to working on decision making skills), and the Teen Clothes Closet.

Sunrise House exists for the purpose of reducing the use of drugs/alcohol by young people and the misuse or abuse of drugs by all people in the community it serves. The program’s mission further includes the promotion of family unity, community education concerning drug abuse in cooperation with schools and other community agencies/groups, the development of prevention related to strengthening the family, drug abuse prevention, and juvenile delinquency.

Provide Free counseling services to the community