One of our corporate declarations states…we believe in volunteerism and will provide opportunities for both our clients and staff to be of service in the community…
For the past few years, Northbound has partnered with the Costa Mesa Firefighters Association and Costa Mesa Fire Department in support of their “Santa Letters” project (www.santaletterscmfa.org). Started in 2000, “Santa Letters” is an outreach program which provides opportunities for the firefighters to give back to the community they serve. Here’s how it works:
Through the generosity of corporations, retail businesses, local residents and firefighters, “Santa Letters” brings the firefighters and community of Costa Mesa closer together by sharing the joy of Christmas with families in-need and their donors. “Santa Letters” offer donors, who have been paired with a family, an opportunity to ride along with Santa and the firefighters on fire engines to meet their family in person on delivery day in December. The results of this program include many moments of genuine connection between people; both donors and families enjoy heartfelt tears and smiles — profound gratitude on both sides for making the meaning of Christmas come alive.
Winston Churchill once said, “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I’ve always loved that quote, and it tells me that the firefighters involved in this project are making a great life for themselves and improving the lives of many others.
For Northbound to be a part of this wonderful and necessary effort is both heart-warming and gratifying. It’s about sharing our time and treasures and it’s about service, fellowship, and experiencing the true spirit of the season.
Happy holidays everyone!
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
