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ABOUT US

Our organization began with the goal of supporting African Americans transitioning from treatment facilities to their communities after incarceration by fostering a familial environment that encourages recovery. Since 1993, we have expanded our efforts, bringing together hundreds of individuals in our local communities and helping justice-involved people rebuild their lives, unlock their full potential, and achieve their dreams.

OUR JOURNEY

2021

2020

2018

2011

2010-2013

2005

1997

1996

1994

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1993

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Established TRP Academy for reentry transitional and supportive housing, the Billie Holiday Stabilization Center, and the Minna Project, which provides transitional housing for dual diagnosis.

Launched HER House, the Positive Directions Equals Change Women & Children Family Reunification Transitional House.

Celebrated twenty-five years of community service at our 25th Anniversary Gala.

Cregg Johnson, co-founder and program director of TRP Academy, was honored with the national Jefferson Award for Community Service.

Positive Directions Equals Change faced a challenging period in our history due to a loss of resources, exacerbated by an economic downturn and a shift by the City and County of San Francisco from an abstinence-based program model to a harm reduction approach. During this time, mental health services took precedence over substance abuse treatment. In response, we reassessed and restructured our service delivery model, realigning it with our core values.

Opened the first Positive Directions Equals Change Transitional House at 1633 Newcomb Avenue, San Francisco, California.

Established the Positive Directions Equals Change Outpatient Drug Treatment Program at 2111 Jennings Street, San Francisco.

Earned certification from the state of California as an Outpatient Treatment Provider.

Received 501(c)3 non-profit status.

Launched The Gathering support group at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House.

1992

Our vision started with 40 graduates from the Delancey Street Foundation coming together to form an African American Men’s support network.

OUR IMPACT

20,000 +

100 +

8

10,000 +

LIVES CHANGED

VOLUNTEERS

FACILITIES

FAMILY REUNIFICATIONS

OUR CORE VALUES

GOD

We believe this journey is as much spiritual as it is physical, mental, and emotional.

RECOVERY

Staying sober is our foremost priority and a fundamental part of our lifestyle.

PDEC

No one can thrive alone; our individual strength comes from the support we give each other.

FAMILY

We’re dedicated to fostering a supportive, nurturing community where everyone feels valued and connected.

OUR STORY

On October 23, 1993, 28 African American men, recent graduates of the Delancey Street Foundation—a non-traditional treatment facility emphasizing self-sufficiency, accountability, and strong work ethics—formed a support group. This marked the beginning of our lifelong journey towards lasting sustainability. We initially gathered at Lee and Gwen Boone’s home in the Bayview area of San Francisco to discuss how we could continually develop and enhance the skills needed for employment and personal fulfillment. Our goal was to create a support network that would connect individuals facing similar challenges and support ongoing recovery from incarceration and drug abuse. Data showed that a significant number of Black men completing the program struggled with sustaining sobriety and faced high recidivism rates due to personal, sociological, economic, and lifestyle factors. Our support group model effectively addressed these emotional and personal struggles experienced post-graduation. Recognizing the impact of our work and its benefits for our families and community, we decided to extend our support network to include men, women, and individuals of all races, religions, and backgrounds. We organized fundraisers, hosted community events like clean and sober dances, and BBQs, creating a brand and expanding our reach. Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc. emerged from our desire to address community needs through strategic and collaborative efforts. In January 1994, during a monthly meeting, Cregg Johnson and Cedric Akbar were tasked with formalizing our vision, mission statement, membership structure, and organizational framework. Initially focusing on outpatient treatment, our services evolved to include case management, substance abuse treatment, transitional housing, and employment opportunities. Our mission is to foster personal and social responsibility within the community, tackle long-term issues related to drug abuse and incarceration, and support individuals and families in achieving successful recovery and reducing destructive behavior. Our first office was at the United Council, 2111 Jennings Street, San Francisco, where we began outpatient services in May 1994, offering Life Skills, Health Education, Resume Writing, and Substance Abuse classes. Despite the small space, it served its purpose with gratitude and humility. Two years later, we moved to 4716 Third Street, building a reputation in the Bayview Community for supporting the formerly incarcerated and those with substance abuse issues. In 2010, we relocated to 1633 Newcomb Avenue, San Francisco, and continue to build on the vision of our founders and all who joined us. Over the past 30 years, PDEC has become synonymous with collaborative community partnership in San Francisco. We have successfully assisted families with reunification and served thousands with criminal and substance abuse backgrounds. Our mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1993, and our future is bright. Despite numerous challenges, we have shown resilience, character, and hope, and there is much more to our story.

THE LEADERS

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Calvin (Cregg) Johnson

Co-founder

Cregg Johnson is a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in the evolution of Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc., a community-based non-profit serving the Bayview-Hunters Point area. As a San Francisco native, Mr. Johnson is a change agent, disruptor, and trailblazer in the recovery community. He actively challenges and confronts systems that marginalize and overlook disenfranchised communities, accepting the risks and uncertainties of such advocacy. He is dedicated to providing a non-judgmental space where individuals can be their authentic selves, believing that being real, vulnerable, and humble fosters personal growth and character.

 

As the Program Director of the Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention (TRP) Academy, Mr. Johnson leads a culturally responsive, peer-led, abstinence-based therapeutic community and transitional housing program for justice-involved clients in San Francisco. With extensive experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors, he has managed intervention programs that redirect individuals from the criminal justice system to treatment, supported successful community reintegration after incarceration, and provided training and consultation to the criminal justice system. His commitment lies in promoting recovery-oriented, integrated, and culturally responsive services that uphold dignity, respect, and meaningful community inclusion.

 

Cregg Johnson is a trailblazer and guide, renowned for his ability to help individuals find their voice and direction. He has been honored with "The Jefferson Award for Community Innovators," recognizing his outstanding community service and visionary leadership.

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Cedric Akbar

Co-founder

Cedric Akbar serves as the Executive Director of Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc. and the Director of Forensic Services at Westside Community Services. He is also a member of the San Francisco Adult Probation Department’s Community Advisory Board, the San Francisco Local Homeless Coordinating Board, and the City and County of San Francisco’s Community Corrections Partnership, where he contributes his expertise in substance abuse treatment. Cedric is a respected thought leader in the Bayview community and the broader Bay Area.

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In his professional role, Cedric oversees eight reentry programs, including the Positive Directions TRP Academy, the Minna Project, the Billie Holiday Stabilization Center, and HER House. His work is marked by his ability to forge strategic partnerships that enhance operational efficiency, support recovery and prevention, reduce criminal justice system involvement, and promote public safety. His collaborative approach has strengthened community alliances and established a service model that delivers specialized evaluation and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders who interact with the criminal justice system.

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Cedric’s leadership is focused on advancing recovery service delivery through teaching, learning, and research, improving public health and well-being, and fostering civic engagement for a more just and ethical society.

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A devoted servant of Christ, Cedric has dedicated decades to serving the people of San Francisco. He is passionate about bringing healing to those marginalized by addiction and the criminal justice system, helping many individuals achieve healthier self-perceptions, overcome addiction, and pursue their dreams.

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Westside Community Services

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Sisters Circle Women Support Network, Inc 

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San Mateo Adult Probation Program

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​Sheriff’s Department 

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California Department of Correction Parole Division

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Salvation Army/Harbor Lights

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San Francisco Adult Probation

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TAP 1380 Howard Street

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

DONATE

Be a part of our mission to nurture healthier communities across the Bay Area.

GET INVOLVED

Join us by volunteering, becoming a mentor, or partnering with PDEC!

CONTACT US

Reach out to us at contact@positivedirectionsequalschange.org

or simply fill out our contact form!

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