On October 23, 1993, 28 African American men who were recent graduates from Delancey Street Foundation, a non-traditional treatment facility that teaches self-sufficiency, accountability and a strong work ethic, formed a support group. At the time, we embarked on a life long journey to create lasting sustainability. We met at Lee and Gwen Boone’s home in the Bayview area of San Francisco, to discuss how we were going to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfillment. Our goal was to create a support network and sounding board to connect those who faced similar challenges and to continue our fight from incarceration, drug use and abuse. The data revealed a disproportionate number of Black men who had completed the program were not sustaining their sobriety and the probability of recidivism linked to personal, sociological, economic and lifestyle factors was prevalent. The support group model was effective to address the emotional and personal struggles we had experienced once we became graduates of Delancey Street. Several months after graduation, recognizing the impactful work and extended benefits not just for us, but for our families and the community, we strategized about how we could give back to those who may have been affected by past behavior. Our close-knit support group was expanded by allowing others; men, women and those of all races, religions, colors, or national origins to become members. We also began to do fundraisers, sponsoring clean and sober dances in the community, inviting families and community members to BBQ’s, feeling grateful for what we were doing, making a brand and name for ourselves, but we wanted more. Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc. was an evolution of our desire to work within the community to identify its needs, find resources (internal and/or external) to deal with these needs in a strategic and collaborative manner. During one of our monthly business meetings in January 1994, Cregg Johnson and Cedric Akbar were chosen to formalize our collective vision, organizational mission statement, membership structure and business formation. The initial formulation and service offerings was based on an out- patient treatment program that morphed into case management, substance abuse treatment, transitional housing and employment opportunities. The mission of Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc., is to promote a philosophy, a set of principles, and a program that inspires personal and social responsibility within our community. To address long-term community needs, barriers, and solutions that will reduce the incidence of drug abuse and incarceration in our neighborhoods; and to deliver services to assist individuals and their families to succeed in treatment and recovery from drug addictions and reduce destructive behavior. PDEC’s first office was at the United Council at 2111 Jennings Street in San Francisco. We began outpatient services there in May of 1994, where we taught Life Skills, Health Education, Resume writing along with Substance Abuse classes. Although we had a small space it served its purpose, (gratitude, humility). Two years later, we moved into our own place located at 4716 Third Street and began to build a reputation in the Bayview Community for serving the formerly incarcerated and those with substance abuse backgrounds. In 2010 we moved our location to 1633 Newcomb Avenue, San Francisco, and as of today, we continue to do what the Founders, as well as those who joined us along the way. The name PDEC had become synonyms through the City and County of San Francisco as a collaborative community partner. Over the last 30 years we have had the opportunity to assist families with reunification, serve thousands of men and women with criminal and substance abuse backgrounds at high success rates. The organization has reached a milestone. Our strategic planning process has shown that the organizations’ mission is as relevant today as it was in 1993. The future is bright. There is so much more that we can tell you about our journey, of course there was a multitude of barriers that were put forth, in and out of the organization. But we were gracious and rose above it all. Resiliency, Character and Hope!