TREATMENT CENTER MARKS 30 YEARS OF GIVING HELP

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of former drug addicts, homeless and indigent
people are expected today on the Great Lawn at Treasure Island to celebrate
the 30th Anniversary of Walden House, the treatment center for people
struggling with substance abuse and its associated problems.

Founded in the city's Haight-Ashbury district in 1969 as a home for
troubled kids, Walden House now reaches over 2,500 men, women and children
daily.

"Walden House is full of success stories," said Walden House President
Alfonso Acampora. "One of our alumni is now the mayor of a small town in
Illinois.

"The program helps people overcome issues that led them to addiction -- by
instilling honesty and self-confidence, graduates are encouraged to attain
their dreams."

Recently the organization has been selected by the California Department of
Corrections to duplicate its highly successful programs in prisons. The
result has been significant decreases in the recidivism rate of its
participants.

Compiled from staff and wire reports by Mercury News Staff Writer Kaye
Ross. Contact her at kross@sjmercury.com or (408) 920-5083.