
Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing neurological disorder. The Mayo…
Version Date: February 01, 2019
Friendly Hand Foundation (“Company” or “we” or “us” or “our”) respects the privacy of its users (“user” or “you”) that use our website located at https://friendlyhousela.org/, including other media forms, media channels, mobile website or mobile application related or connected thereto (collectively, the “Website”). The following Company privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) is designed to inform you, as a user of the Website, about the types of information that Company may gather about or collect from you in connection with your use of the Website. It also is intended to explain the conditions under which Company uses and discloses that information, and your rights in relation to that information. Changes to this Privacy Policy are discussed at the end of this document. Each time you use the Website, however, the current version of this Privacy Policy will apply. Accordingly, each time you use the Website you should check the date of this Privacy Policy (which appears at the beginning of this document) and review any changes since the last time you used the Website.
The Website is hosted in the United States of America and is subject to U.S. state and federal law. If you are accessing our Website from other jurisdictions, please be advised that you are transferring your personal information to us in the United States, and by using our Website, you consent to that transfer and use of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. You also agree to abide by the applicable laws of applicable states and U.S. federal law concerning your use of the Website and your agreements with us. Any persons accessing our Website from any jurisdiction with laws or regulations governing the use of the Internet, including personal data collection, use and disclosure, different from those of the jurisdictions mentioned above may only use the Website in a manner lawful in their jurisdiction. If your use of the Website would be unlawful in your jurisdiction, please do not use the Website.
“Non-Personally-Identifying Information” is information that, without the aid of additional information, cannot be directly associated with a specific person. “Personally-Identifying Information,” by contrast, is information such as a name or email address that, without more, can be directly associated with a specific person. Like most website operators, Company gathers from users of the Website Non-Personally-Identifying Information of the sort that Web browsers, depending on their settings, may make available. That information includes the user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, operating system, browser type and the locations of the websites the user views right before arriving at, while navigating and immediately after leaving the Website. Although such information is not Personally-Identifying Information, it may be possible for Company to determine from an IP address a user’s Internet service provider and the geographic location of the visitor’s point of connectivity as well as other statistical usage data. Company analyzes Non-Personally-Identifying Information gathered from users of the Website to help Company better understand how the Website is being used. By identifying patterns and trends in usage, Company is able to better design the Website to improve users’ experiences, both in terms of content and ease of use. From time to time, Company may also release the Non-Personally-Identifying Information gathered from Website users in the aggregate, such as by publishing a report on trends in the usage of the Website.
A “Web Cookie” is a string of information which assigns you a unique identification that a website stores on a user’s computer, and that the user’s browser provides to the website each time the user submits a query to the website. We use cookies on the Website to keep track of services you have used, to record registration information regarding your login name and password, to record your user preferences, to keep you logged into the Website and to facilitate purchase procedures. Company also uses Web Cookies to track the pages that users visit during each Website session, both to help Company improve users’ experiences and to help Company understand how the Website is being used. As with other Non-Personally-Identifying Information gathered from users of the Website, Company analyzes and discloses in aggregated form information gathered using Web Cookies, so as to help Company, its partners and others better understand how the Website is being used. COMPANY USERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WEB COOKIES PLACED ON THEIR COMPUTERS SHOULD SET THEIR BROWSERS TO REFUSE WEB COOKIES BEFORE ACCESSING THE WEBSITE, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT CERTAIN FEATURES OF THE WEBSITE MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WITHOUT THE AID OF WEB COOKIES. WEBSITE USERS WHO REFUSE WEB COOKIES ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RESULTING LOSS OF FUNCTIONALITY.
A “Web Beacon” is an object that is embedded in a web page or email that is usually invisible to the user and allows website operators to check whether a user has viewed a particular web page or an email. Company may use Web Beacons on the Website and in emails to count users who have visited particular pages, viewed emails and to deliver co-branded services. Web Beacons are not used to access users’ Personally-Identifying Information. They are a technique Company may use to compile aggregated statistics about Website usage. Web Beacons collect only a limited set of information, including a Web Cookie number, time and date of a page or email view and a description of the page or email on which the Web Beacon resides. You may not decline Web Beacons. However, they can be rendered ineffective by declining all Web Cookies or modifying your browser setting to notify you each time a Web Cookie is tendered, permitting you to accept or decline Web Cookies on an individual basis.
We may use third-party vendors, including Google, who use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) together to inform, optimize and serve ads based on your past activity on the Website, including Google Analytics for Display Advertising. The information collected may be used to, among other things, analyze and track data, determine the popularity of certain content and better understand online activity. If you do not want any information to be collected and used by Google Analytics, you can install an opt-out in your web browser (https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/) and/or opt out from Google Analytics for Display Advertising or the Google Display Network by using Google’s Ads Settings (www.google.com/settings/ads).
We may share aggregated and Non-Personally Identifying Information we collect under any of the above circumstances. We may also share it with third parties and our affiliate companies to develop and deliver targeted advertising on the Website and on websites of third parties. We may combine Non-Personally Identifying Information we collect with additional Non-Personally Identifying Information collected from other sources. We also may share aggregated information with third parties, including advisors, advertisers and investors, for the purpose of conducting general business analysis. For example, we may tell our advertisers the number of visitors to the Website and the most popular features or services accessed. This information does not contain any Personally-Identifying Information and may be used to develop website content and services that we hope you and other users will find of interest and to target content and advertising.
We may use hyperlinks on the Website which will redirect you to a social network if you click on the respective link. However, when you click on a social plug-in, such as Facebook’s “Like” button, Twitter’s “tweet” button or the Google+, that particular social network’s plugin will be activated and your browser will directly connect to that provider’s servers. If you do not use these buttons, none of your data will be sent to the respective social network’s plugin provider. So for example, when you click on the Facebook’s “Like” button on the Website, Facebook will receive your IP address, the browser version and screen resolution, and the operating system of the device you have used to access the Website. Settings regarding privacy protection can be found on the websites of these social networks and are not within our control.
As defined above, Personally-Identifying Information is information that can be directly associated with a specific person. Company may collect a range of Personally-Identifying Information from and about Website users. Much of the Personally-Identifying Information collected by Company about users is information provided by users themselves when (1) registering for our service, (2) logging in with social network credentials, (3) participating in polls, contests, surveys or other features of our service, or responding to offers or advertisements, (4) communicating with us, (5) creating a public profile or (6) signing up to receive newsletters. That information may include each user’s name, address, email address and telephone number, and, if you transact business with us, financial information such as your payment method (valid credit card number, type, expiration date or other financial information). We also may request information about your interests and activities, your gender, age, date of birth, username, hometown and other demographic or relevant information as determined by Company from time to time. Users of the Website are under no obligation to provide Company with Personally-Identifying Information of any kind, with the caveat that a user’s refusal to do so may prevent the user from using certain Website features.
BY REGISTERING WITH OR USING THE WEBSITE, YOU CONSENT TO THE USE AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PERSONALLY-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION AS DESCRIBED IN THIS “COLLECTION, USE AND DISCLOSURE OF PERSONALLY-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION” SECTION.
We may occasionally use your name and email address to send you notifications regarding new services offered by the Website that we think you may find valuable. We may also send you service-related announcements from time to time through the general operation of the service. Generally, you may opt out of such emails at the time of registration or through your account settings, though we reserve the right to send you notices about your account, such as service announcements and administrative messages, even if you opt out of all voluntary email notifications.
Company will disclose Personally-Identifying Information under the following circumstances:
• By Law or to Protect Rights. When we believe disclosure is appropriate, we may disclose Personally-Identifying Information in connection with efforts to investigate, prevent or take other action regarding illegal activity, suspected fraud or other wrongdoing; to protect and defend the rights, property or safety of Company, our users, our employees or others; to comply with applicable law or cooperate with law enforcement; to enforce our Terms of Use or other agreements or policies, in response to a subpoena or similar investigative demand, a court order or a request for cooperation from a law enforcement or other government agency; to establish or exercise our legal rights; to defend against legal claims; or as otherwise required by law. In such cases, we may raise or waive any legal objection or right available to us.
• Third-Party Service Providers. We may share your Personally-Identifying Information, which may include your name and contact information (including email address) with our authorized service providers that perform certain services on our behalf. These services may include fulfilling orders, providing customer service and marketing assistance, performing business and sales analysis, supporting the Website’s functionality and supporting contests, sweepstakes, surveys and other features offered through the Website. We may also share your name, contact information and credit card information with our authorized service providers who process credit card payments. These service providers may have access to personal information needed to perform their functions but are not permitted to share or use such information for any other purpose.
• Business Transfers; Bankruptcy. Company reserves the right to transfer all Personally-Identifying Information in its possession to a successor organization in the event of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy or other sale of all or a portion of Company’s assets. Other than to the extent ordered by a bankruptcy or other court, the use and disclosure of all transferred Personally-Identifying Information will be subject to this Privacy Policy, or to a new privacy policy if you are given notice of that new privacy policy and are given an opportunity to affirmatively opt-out of it. Personally-Identifying Information submitted or collected after a transfer, however, may be subject to a new privacy policy adopted by the successor organization.
You may at any time review or change your Personally-Identifying Information by going to your account settings (if applicable) or contacting us using the contact information below. Upon your request, we will deactivate or delete your account and contact information from our active databases. Such information will be deactivated or deleted as soon as practicable based on your account activity and accordance with our deactivation policy and applicable law. To make this request, either go to your account settings (if applicable) or contact us as provided below. We will retain in our files some Personally-Identifying Information to prevent fraud, to troubleshoot problems, to assist with any investigations, to enforce our Terms of Use and to comply with legal requirements as is permitted by law. Therefore, you should not expect that all your Personally-Identifying Information will be completely removed from our databases in response to your requests. Additionally, we keep a history of changed information to investigate suspected fraud with your account.
Company uses the Personally-Identifying Information in the file we maintain about you, and other information we obtain from your current and past activities on the Website (1) to deliver the products and services that you have requested; (2) to manage your account and provide you with customer support; (3) to communicate with you by email, postal mail, telephone and/or mobile devices about products or services that may be of interest to you either from us, our affiliate companies or other third parties; (4) to develop and display content and advertising tailored to your interests on the Website and other sites; (5) to resolve disputes and troubleshoot problems; (6) to measure consumer interest in our services; (7) to inform you of updates; (8) to customize your experience; (9) to detect and protect us against error, fraud and other criminal activity; (10) to enforce our Terms of Use; and (11) to do as otherwise described to you at the time of collection. At times, we may look across multiple users to identify problems. In particular, we may examine your Personally-Identifying Information to identify users using multiple user IDs or aliases. We may compare and review your Personally-Identifying Information for accuracy and to detect errors and omissions. We may use financial information or payment method to process payment for any purchases made on the Website, enroll you in the discount, rebate, and other programs in which you elect to participate, to protect against or identify possible fraudulent transactions and otherwise as needed to manage our business.
Company contractually prohibits its contractors, affiliates, vendors and suppliers from disclosing Personally-Identifying Information received from Company, other than in accordance with this Privacy Policy. However, third parties are under no obligation to comply with this Privacy Policy with respect to Personally-Identifying Information that users provide directly to those third parties, or that those third parties collect for themselves. These third parties include advertisers, providers of games, utilities, widgets and a variety of other third-party applications accessible through the Website. Company neither owns nor controls the third-party websites and applications accessible through the Website. Thus, this Privacy Policy does not apply to information provided to or gathered by the third parties that operate them. Before visiting a third party, or using a third-party application, whether by means of a link on the Website, directly through the Website or otherwise, and before providing any Personally-Identifying Information to any such third party, users should inform themselves of the privacy policies and practices (if any) of the third party responsible for that website or application, and should take those steps necessary to, in those users’ discretion, protect their privacy.
We take the security of your Personally-Identifying Information seriously and use reasonable electronic, personnel and physical measures to protect it from loss, theft, alteration or misuse. However, please be advised that even the best security measures cannot fully eliminate all risks. We cannot guarantee that only authorized persons will view your information. We are not responsible for third-party circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures.
We are dedicated to protect all information on the Website as is necessary. However, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Personally-Identifying Information by keeping your password confidential. You should change your password immediately if you believe someone has gained unauthorized access to it or your account. If you lose control of your account, you should notify us immediately.
Company may, in its sole discretion, change this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any and all changes to Company’s Privacy Policy will be reflected on this page and the date new versions are posted will be stated at the top of this Privacy Policy. Unless stated otherwise, our current Privacy Policy applies to all information that we have about you and your account. Users should regularly check this page for any changes to this Privacy Policy. Company will always post new versions of the Privacy Policy on the Website. However, Company may, as determined in its discretion, decide to notify users of changes made to this Privacy Policy via email or otherwise. Accordingly, it is important that users always maintain and update their contact information.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) protects the online privacy of children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect or maintain Personally-Identifying Information from anyone under the age of 13, unless or except as permitted by law. Any person who provides Personally-Identifying Information through the Website represents to us that he or she is 13 years of age or older. If we learn that Personally-Identifying Information has been collected from a user under 13 years of age on or through the Website, then we will take the appropriate steps to cause this information to be deleted. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 13 who has become a member of the Website or has otherwise transferred Personally-Identifying Information to the Website, please contact Company using our contact information below to have that child’s account terminated and information deleted.
California Civil Code Section 1798.83, also known as the “Shine The Light” law, permits our users who are California residents to request and obtain from us, once a year and free of charge, information about the Personally-Identifying Information (if any) we disclosed to third parties for direct marketing purposes in the preceding calendar year. If applicable, this information would include a list of the categories of the Personally-Identifying Information that was shared and the names and addresses of all third parties with which we shared Personally-Identifying Information in the immediately preceding calendar year. If you are a California resident and would like to make such a request, please submit your request in writing to our privacy officer as listed below.
Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems include a Do-Not-Track (“DNT”) feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference not to have data about your online browsing activities monitored and collected. Because there is not yet a common understanding of how to interpret the DNT signal, the Website currently does not respond to DNT browser signals or mechanisms.
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. IT IS OUR LEGAL DUTY TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) By law Friendly Hand Foundation is required to ensure that your PHI is kept private. The PHI constitutes information created or noted by us that can be used to identify you. It contains data about your past, present, or future health or condition, the provision of health care services to you, or the payment for such health care. We are required to provide you with this Notice about our privacy procedures. This Notice must explain when, why, and how we would use and/or disclose your PHI. Use of PHI means when we share, apply, utilize, examine, or analyze information throughout the course of your treatment; PHI is disclosed when we release, transfer, give, or otherwise reveal it to a third party outside of Friendly Hand Foundation. With some exceptions, we may not use or disclose more of your PHI than is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the use or disclosure is made; however, we are always legally required to follow the privacy practices described in this Notice. Please note that we reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and our privacy policies at any time as permitted by law. Any changes will apply to PHI already on file with us. Before we make any important changes to our policies, we will immediately change this Notice and post a new copy of it in the office. You may also request a copy of this Notice from us, or you can view a copy of it in the office. HOW WE WILL USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR PHI. We will use and disclose your PHI for many different reasons. Some of the uses or disclosures will require your prior written authorization; others, however, will not. Below you will find the different categories of my uses and disclosures, with some examples. Uses and Disclosures Related to Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations That Do Not Require Your Prior Written Consent. We may use and disclose your PHI without your consent for the following reasons: 1. For treatment: We can use your PHI within Friendly Hand Foundation to provide you with mental health treatment, including discussing or sharing your PHI with staff members, your physicians, psychiatrist, psychologist, and other licensed health care providers who provide you with health care services or are otherwise involved in your care. Example: If a psychiatrist is treating you, we may disclose your PHI to her/him in order to coordinate your care. 2. For health care operations: We may disclose your PHI to facilitate the efficient and correct operation of daily operations. Examples: Quality control – we might use your PHI in the evaluation of the quality of health care services that you have received or to evaluate the performance of the health care professionals who provided you with these services. We may also provide your PHI to my attorneys, accountants, consultants, and others to make sure that we are in compliance with applicable laws. 3. To obtain payment for treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for the treatment and services we provided you. Example: we might send your PHI to your insurance company or health plan in order to get payment for the health care services that we have provided to you. We could also provide your PHI to business associates, such as billing companies, claims processing companies, and others that process health care claims for my office. 4. Other disclosures: Examples: Your consent isn’t required if you need emergency treatment provided. Part of the admissions packet contained a Release for Emergency Medical Treatment which will be utilized in an instance of medical emergency. Certain Other Uses and Disclosures Do Not Require Your Consent: We may use and/or disclose your PHI without your consent or authorization for the following reasons: 1. When disclosure is required by federal, state, or local law; judicial, board, or administrative proceedings; or, law enforcement. Example: we may make a disclosure to the appropriate officials when a law requires us to report information to government agencies, law enforcement personnel and/or in an administrative proceeding. 2. If disclosure is compelled by a party to a proceeding before a court of an administrative agency pursuant to its lawful authority. 3. If disclosure is required by a search warrant lawfully issued to a governmental law enforcement agency. 4. If disclosure is compelled by the patient or the patient’s representative pursuant to California Health and Safety Codes or to corresponding federal statutes of regulations, such as the Privacy Rule that requires this Notice. 5. To avoid harm. We may provide PHI to law enforcement personnel or persons able to prevent or mitigate a serious threat to the health or safety of a person or the public (i.e., adverse reaction to meds). 6. If disclosure is compelled or permitted by the fact that you are in such mental or emotional condition as to be dangerous to yourself or the person 7. or property of others, and if I determine that disclosure is necessary to prevent the threatened danger. 8. If disclosure is mandated by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting law. For example, if we have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. 9. If disclosure is mandated by the California Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting law. For example, if we have a reasonable suspicion of elder abuse or dependent adult abuse. 10. If disclosure is compelled or permitted by the fact that you tell us of a serious/imminent threat of physical violence by you against a reasonably identifiable victim or victims. 11. For public health activities. Example: In the event of your death, if a disclosure is permitted or compelled, we may need to give the county coroner information about you. 12. For health oversight activities. Example: We may be required to provide information to assist the government in the course of an investigation or inspection of a health care organization or provider. 13. For specific government functions. Examples: We may disclose PHI of military personnel and veterans under certain circumstances. Also, we may disclose PHI in the interests of national security, such as protecting the President of the United States or assisting with intelligence operations. 14. For research purposes. In certain circumstances, we may provide PHI in order to conduct medical research. 15. For Workers’ Compensation purposes. We may provide PHI in order to comply with Workers’ Compensation laws. 16. Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. Examples: We may use PHI to provide appointment reminders. We may use PHI to give you information about alternative treatment options, or other health care services or benefits we offer. 17. If an arbitrator or arbitration panel compels disclosure, when arbitration is lawfully requested by either party, pursuant to subpoena duces tectum (e.g., a subpoena for mental health records) or any other provision authorizing disclosure in a proceeding before an arbitrator or arbitration panel. 18. If disclosure is required or permitted to a health oversight agency for oversight activities authorized by law. Example: When compelled by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate or assess my compliance with HIPAA regulations. 19. If disclosure is otherwise specifically required by law. Certain Uses and Disclosures Afford You the Opportunity to Object: Disclosures to family, friends, or others. We may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other individual who you indicate is involved in your care or responsible for the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. Retroactive consent may be obtained in emergency situations. Other Uses and Disclosures Require Your Prior Written Authorization” In any other situation not described above, we will request your written authorization before using or disclosing any of your PHI. Even if you have signed an authorization to disclose your PHI, you may later revoke that authorization, in writing, to stop any future uses and disclosures (assuming that we haven’t taken any action subsequent to the original authorization) of your PHI by us. These are your rights with respect to your PHI: A. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI: In general, you have the right to see your PHI or to get copies of it; however, you must request it in writing. If we do not have your PHI, but we know who does, we will advise you how you can get it. You will receive a response from me within 30 days of my receiving your written request. Under certain circumstances, we may need to deny your request, but if we do, we will give you, in writing, the reasons for the denial. We will also explain your right to have the denial reviewed. If you ask for copies of your PHI, we will charge you not more than $.25 per page. We may see fit to provide you with a summary or explanation of the PHI, but only if you agree to it, as well as to the cost, in advance. B. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI: You have the right to ask that we limit how we use and disclose your PHI. While we will consider your request, we are not legally bound to agree. If we agree to your request, we will put those limits in writing and abide by them except in emergency situations. You do not have the right to limit the uses and disclosures that we are legally required or permitted to make. C. The Right to Choose How We Send Your PHI to You: It is your right to ask that your PHI be sent to you at an alternate address or by an alternate method (for example, via email instead of by regular mail). We are obliged to agree to your request providing that we can give you the PHI, in the format you requested, without undue inconvenience. We may not require an explanation from you as to the basis of your request as a condition of providing communications on a confidential basis. D. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures We Have Made: You are entitled to a list of disclosures of your PHI that we have made. The list will not include uses or disclosures to which you have already consented, i.e., those for treatment, payment, or health care operations, sent directly to you, or to your family; neither will the list include disclosures made for national security purposes, to corrections or law enforcement personnel, or disclosures made before April 15, 2003. After April 15, 2003, disclosure records will be held for six years. We will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list will include disclosures made during the time of your stay with Friendly Hand Foundation. The list will include the date of the disclosure, to whom PHI was disclosed (including their address, if known), a description of the information disclosed, and the reason for the disclosure. We will provide the list to you at no cost, unless you make more than one request in the same year, in which case we will charge you a reasonable sum based on a set fee for each additional request. E. The Right to Amend Your PHI: If you believe that there is some error in your PHI or that important information has been omitted, it is your right to request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information. Your request and the reason for the request must be made in writing. You will receive a response within 60 days of our receipt of your request. We may deny your request, in writing, if we find that: the PHI is (a) correct and complete, (b) forbidden to be disclosed, (c) not part of our records, or (d) written by someone other than Friendly Hand Foundation. Our denial must be in writing and must state the reasons for the denial. It must also explain your right to file a written statement objecting to the denial. If you do not file a written objection, you still have the right to ask that your request and the denial be attached to any future disclosures of your PHI. If we approve your request, we will make the change(s) to your PHI. Additionally, we will tell you that the changes have been made, and we will advise all others who need to know about the change(s) to your PHI. F. The Right to Get This Notice by Email: You have the right to get this notice by email. You have the right to request a paper copy of it, as well.
If you have any questions regarding our Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer at:
Friendly Hand Foundation
Attn: Privacy Officer
347 S Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Email: info@friendlyhousela.org
Phone: 2133898810
Read the latest articles from Friendly House:
Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing neurological disorder. The Mayo…
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health explains that meditation is a mind-body activity intended to promote relaxation, help people cope with illnesses, and improve well-being. More specifically, meditation is defined…
Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. The American…
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Email: info@friendlyhousela.org
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Terms of Use & Privacy Policy
Christina Simos is a leader, connector, and a disruptor to the status quo. As a student at Arizona State University in the 90’s, Christina founded Students Against Discrimination (S.A.D.). This group held the largest social justice rally on ASU’s campus and was responsible for creating social justice policies and changes that still stand today. She graduated with a BA in Journalism and was recognized by her alma mater and various organizations including the Lambda League for her work.
In June of 2005, Christina entered the Friendly House as a resident. There she was mentored by Friendly House’s former Executive Director Peggy Albrecht and quickly immersed herself in the recovery world. “Peggy mentored me, loved me and helped me be the woman I am today. I never left this house because it saved my life.” Over the last 17 years Christina has been the alumni coordinator, alumni president, secretary of their women’s AA meeting, helped produce various Grateful Hearts fundraisers and has remained a fixture in the recovery community. She currently is a Board of Directors member of the West Hollywood Recovery Center, LGBTQ+ Association of Mental Health Professionals, the National Association of Treatment Providers Board of Directors and is on the NAATP DEIB committee. Christina is also known for her singing and her love of dodgeball.
In 2013 Christina started working in treatment as a detox technician. Over the last decade she has held a variety of jobs, learning every aspect of the treatment industry from HR/compliance, management, admissions, marketing/business development to operations. As Director of Operations, one of her proudest achievements was helping a well-functioning recovery environment become a first-class treatment center through the creation of policies, acquiring licensures and ASAM certification, and ensuring that the staff was as inclusive and diverse as the population served.
In April of 2021, Christina returned home to the Friendly House to take on the role as Admissions and Business Development Manager. In January of 2022, she became the 4th Executive Director of the Friendly house and is one of the few women of culture to hold an Executive level position in this industry.
Dr. Patrick lockwood grew up in a small southern missouri town, enculturated with classical southern and midwestern values like honesty, integrity, and the “neighborly” way of relating to people. He completed his b.A. In psychology at the university of missouri, then moved to l.A. To earn his doctorate of psychology at tcspp.
Dr. Lockwood has worked for non-profits, treatment centers, and has been a part of a number of startups over the past ten years. His background in community interventions began before he even graduated from the university of missouri where he successfully co-authored a grant creating a virtual intervention to help parents on campus become more connected and develop a supportive community while working at parentlink, a division of the university’s college of education.
Dr. Lockwood has trained with experts in the field of addiction treatment and has worked at every level of the treatment industry. He is currently an adjunct professor at california lutheran university, teaching future clinicians about clinical skills, addiction, and research analysis. He also has a podcast on youtube about topics related to mental health, wellness, psychology, and neuroscience called “the psychology checkup.” finally, dr. Lockwood is the author of “the fear problem,” a book integrating the neuroscience and evolutionary psychology of our fear process to explain why we get triggered by politics and other “hot topics.”
Stacy Cohen, MD is a double board certified general and addiction psychiatrist, licensed in Nevada, New York and California. She completed her residency training at the University of Chicago and Rush University, where she was the chief of reproductive psychiatry, and her addiction fellowship at UCLA Medical Center.
Prior to founding The Moment, Dr. Cohen was the Medical Director of several large addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles area, which included all levels of care including detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment. She has been involved in community education regarding mental health treatment and has published medical literature on a variety of mental health topics. She currently holds a teaching faculty appointment at UCLA.
Dr. Cohen founded The Moment after feeling frustrated with the fragmentation of mental health care in the outpatient setting. She believes the best treatment comes from a collaborative approach. Thus, she created a community of top-notch mental health professionals working together in a shared space.
By approaching mental health issues from biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, Dr. Cohen creates the truly integrative approach necessary to build lasting recovery from complex conditions. She offers private sessions for medication management and/or psychotherapy as well as consultation and referral services to help determine the most appropriate recovery programs for you and your loved ones
Liz Folie, LMFT, has a B.A. in International Relations from The University of Southern California and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC’s Rossier School of Education. She did her post-graduate study at the renowned Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, working in both the adolescent and adult tracks. Liz has since worked in outpatient substance use and mental health treatment as a Group Facilitator, Individual Therapist, and Program Director. In 2020, Liz co-founded Academics Anonymous Supportive Housing, which assists students at The University of Southern California access recovery services. Liz has also served as a guest lecturer at USC on collegiate substance abuse and on leading group therapy sessions in a treatment setting. In her private practice, Liz currently sees adolescents, adults, and couples and specializes in substance abuse, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, and sexual identity discovery. Liz has interned with the well-known therapist and author Dr. Dan Siegel, helping him update the third edition of his foundational book on Interpersonal Neurobiology, The Developing Mind.
As a sober woman committed to helping other women, I am proud to be a member of the Board of Directors at Friendly House. Having personally experienced the devastation of addiction, I am dedicated to ensuring that other women have access to the support and resources they need by using my voice and influence to make a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery. Being part of this special community is my way of giving back and making sure that no one has to face the challenges of addiction alone.
15 years in the financial services industry with Fidelity Investments. Research and analysis and helping clients achieve their financial goals. Director of Business Development for Digital Media startup FanRocket. Winning clients for online marketing tv like series/product placement. Board member and fundraiser for Boston Youth Moves, a pre-professional dance training program that produced dancers for Alvin Ailey Company and others.
I am a passionate advocate for women’s health and wellness. With a background in social work, I carry a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing women struggling with addiction. I am committed to providing the support and resources necessary for lasting recovery for the women of Friendly House.
Martin first met friendly house in 2022 through Rika Broccoli. Influenced by Rika’s philanthropic passion towards women’s recovery, Martin was inspired to follow suit. Martin’s own family has battled addiction, some recovered, while others are still active and hopes to her sales, HR and business development acumen contributes to Friendly House’s mission and growth for another 70 years.
My mission is to preserve Friendly model and expand its reach to make recovery accessible to women of all shapes, ages, and ability. I was very close to the late Executive Director, Peggy Albrecht, the major reason for my affiliation from 2011 to present. This position has chosen me, equipping my soul with a sense of duty to honor the founders and continue the mission. Women in need should have a safe place to go so that they may find a sense of purpose. Friendly House is a special model where women can get their lives back and become a proud member of society.
I have eleven years as a professional specializing in addiction treatment including more than seven years with Friendly House in various capacities including Operations Manager. I’ve been on both sides –– as a resident who achieved sobriety twelve years ago –– and as on-site leader who understands what it takes for our residents, regardless of their financial resources, to achieve their primary objective to get sober. I have seen and directly experienced the compassionate top-tier treatment that Friendly House has to offer to every individual who becomes part of our family. The long-term viability of Friendly House is an imperative to me. It is a distinct honor to be on the Board of Directors of such an exemplary organization.
Kaley is the Director of Operations at Friendly House managing the day to day functionality of the facility. A British native, and alumnus of Friendly House, she has a profound love and respect for the program and its mission. In 2014, Kaley began working in the field of recovery specializing in helping women suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. She has been a part of the Friendly House family as a resident, Grateful Heart, residential/detox technician, operations manager and now as Director of Operations.
Emily is a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC II). She has been working at the Friendly House since May 2021. She is passionate about working with those that identify as female and non-binary. Emily had her own struggle with addiction and began working in treatment in 2013 at Beit T’Shuvah where she helped develop their Extended Care Program. She spent two years working for The People Concern with the unhoused population. Her service work connected clients to social services programs, and provided education on harm reduction and medication assisted treatment (MAT). Emily is committed to social justice and activism. Punk rock and cats are also her passions.
Allegra is an Associate Clinical Social Worker. She earned her master’s in social work at Smith College in 2019, and her first master’s degree in women and gender studies from San Francisco State University in 2008. Allegra worked as a high school literacy specialist in the Bay Area for six years prior to becoming a clinical social worker/psychotherapist. She is a Los Angeles native, and has dedicated her professional life to community and family services. She is psychodynamically trained, trauma informed and emphasizes the intersection of culture, gender, and sexuality in her clinical practice.
Nina Firooz (she/her) has been working in the recovery field for the last decade, and co-specializes in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC adults. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology LGBT Specialization from Antioch University Los Angeles, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Florida. Nina began working with Friendly House in 2022. She supervises the MFT Associates and Drug & Alcohol Counselors, and provides in-service training for clinical, administrative, and support staff. She was previously the Clinical Director of La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center.
Rachel is the Admissions Manager at Friendly House and is responsible for overseeing all areas related to Admissions. She has been working in the field of mental health, trauma, and substance use since 2014. She has managed a detox facility and held a leadership role as a Recovery Technician for residential treatment facilities. She has gained a wealth of knowledge related to the needs of people who are recovering from substance abuse, and struggles with mental health. As our Admissions Manager she uses this knowledge to connect with women and provide a safe space to begin their healing. Her dedication has been fueled by starting her own journey in sobriety at 19. Having this personal experience, Rachel is able to understand the courage it takes to reach out for help.
As an alumnus of Friendly House, Julie knows first-hand how critical quality treatment is in the process of recovery. In 2011, with the help of the Friendly House staff, the 12-step program of AA, the love of her partner, and the friends she made in the house, Julie was able to build a solid foundation in her own journey of sobriety. As an educator with 25 years of classroom experience, Julie has learned to face challenges and obstacles with grace and dignity. When she left the teaching profession, she was determined to find her next passion. Julie knew she wanted to work in the non-profit sector, and it had always been her dream to someday work at the place that had set her free. In 2018, the opportunity became available. Julie currently works as the Director of Operations.
Justine Gomez is the Administrative Coordinator at Friendly House. She is responsible for overseeing and managing all administrative duties. Justine began working in the field of recovery as a residential and detox technician in 2017. She has specialized in working with women who struggle with substance use disorder. As a woman of culture, who is in recovery herself, she brings her personal experience as well as prior professional experiences to the Friendly House family. She uses this experience to provide excellent care for each woman who steps through the doors, and to help Friendly House achieve its mission statement.
Sheryl is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, CCAPP. She began working as a Substance Use Abuse Counselor at Pasadena Recovery Center in 2012 after overcoming her own struggle with addiction and quickly realized that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others find the same happiness she found through recovery. This motivated Sheryl to enter graduate school where she earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Addiction from Antioch University in 2020. Sheryl began working at Friendly House as a Substance Use Abuse Counselor in 2018 and has since taken on the role of Program Director. She is passionate about helping woman and their families overcome the disease of addiction and puts her heart and soul into accomplishing this goal.
I had heard of the miraculous stories of sustained sobriety from a multitude of Peggy Albrecht Friendly House alumni for over 22 years. However, I began my personal association with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House about 9 years ago after losing both of my brothers to the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I began attending the weekly Thursday dinner and women’s meeting. I found a renewed sense of purpose and hope the more involved I became with women who were desperately seeking sobriety, as well as, a new way of living.
My goal is to use my existing professional and personal relationships to increase individual, corporate and community support to assist Peggy Albrecht Friendly House in their efforts to help as many women as possible find treatment and conquer the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.
I’ve worked in the recovery field since 2007 and have also been the recipient of treatment services. I know how important it is to have access to good care by committed providers. Service is the foundation of my personal recovery. If not for those women who came before me I would not be the woman I am today. The Friendly House mission is so important and dear to my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity so serve and give back what was freely given to me.
I have been clean and sober for 32 years from heroin and cocaine addiction. My dedication to recovery and my commitment to making sure that women are afforded a safe, non-judgmental space within which to transform their lives has led to me directly serving on the Board of Directors for Peggy Albrecht Friendly House; for it is only from this seat that I feel I have the opportunity to truly make a difference.
As a sober woman with over 21 years of sobriety I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the community.
Peggy Albrecht Friendly House is a perfect fit for me. Being the oldest woman’s rehabilitation facility in the world, I would love to see us grow and stand out among the big institutions out there.
As a sober person myself, I know how important it is to support our community and to give others the help I was given. Working with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House allows me to be of service for not just a cause but directly with women that I believe in.
I have been on the Board since 2000 and was Board President for 3 years. I got involved with the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House because some of my friends were involved with the house. Also, I learned more about Peggy Albrecht Friendly House when I was helping my sister seek recovery.
I have been involved with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, in different capacities, for the past several years. Peggy Albrecht Friendly House’s historic mission, to help woman recover from the deadly disease of alcoholism and addiction, is extremely close to my heart. I am honored to be a part of this life changing and life-saving organization.
I am associated with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House because I am committed to the rehabilitation and growth of women who are attempting to rebuild their lives despite the devastation that addiction can cause. This organization is the best in the business. I believe in the mission of the house and will do all I can to help bring it to fruition.
I came to learn about the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House through fellow board member Maryann Murphy. Peggy Albrecht Friendly House’s mission, to help woman recover from the tragic disease of alcoholism and addiction is something I have come to learn more about over the past year even though I have had friends who have devastatingly suffered from this disease. I am honored and grateful to be a part of this incredible organization and hope to carry on the life saving mission
From personal experience to professional, I have been in the addiction treatment business for many years. I know first-hand we would not be where we are as an industry without the hard work of those who strive to serve.I have admired Friendly House and its mission to help women for a long time, and I want this organization to grow and thrive at this critical time, to continue to raise the standards in our industry. For me, there is no higher honor to serve on the board for such an outstanding organization.
Marcia Harrow has offered Friendly House over 25 years of continued service as a volunteer and Board Member. We are proud to say that Marcia has now attained the status of Emeritus Board Member. We thank Marcia for her continued involvement, friendship and support of Friendly House.
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