The Crossroads Foundation, an organization that serves women battling substance abuse orders countywide, recently held a musical fundraising event on July 13 in Jamul. Established in 1957, Crossroads holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the region, with a deep-rooted relationship with the San Diego community with a holistic approach to recovery.
Crossroad Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Purdie said Crossroads is the first female recovery center in San Diego, and the second in the state of California.
“We treat women with alcohol and drug issues,” she said. “We are fully MediCal funded and rely on donations from the community. We offer drug and alcohol education, as well as life support such as financial education. We emphasize reuniting women with their children and their families. We have a great program here and we are fortunate to have a board of directors that is very active with our organization.”
Purdie said from Jamul, it was wonderful having the event back in her hometown. It was held at the home of Annmarie Sundquist, the president of the Crossroads Foundation.
“She has hosted this event for the past six years,” she said. “All the proceeds go to support the Crossroads Foundation. What is nice is that it is all female artists. We had three great performers, and all of the women from the house were there, so all the residents were able to attend. Our last performer was the Mercedes Moore, just voted best jazz singer in San Diego. Everyone got up and danced, as well as the residents. It was great seeing them have such a good time. We brought in more than $4,000 for Crossroads, which was exciting.”
Purdie said every little bit of funding helps and it was wonderful seeing people supporting Crossroads.
“We appreciate any community involvement and any community participation,” she said. “Anything to help our residents get back on their feet and be able to give back to their families.”
Purdie said all services at Crossroads are in-house.
“Women come to our program first and do anywhere from three to six months with our program. Then they graduate from our program, and we typically send them to outpatient and sobor living, unless some choose to go back home,” she said. “It is a very smooth transition. We work very well with our community partners. It is a continuation of care, which is what we believe in.”
Purdie said Crossroads serves women from all over the San Diego region, with some women coming from outside of the county as far as Arizona.
“The only prerequisite is that you have an issue with alcohol or drugs. If you do not have Medi-Cal, we can help you get it. Our care workers work with everyone to help them get MediCal,” she said. “We also have family therapy here. We do physical activities. We participate in community events.”
Purdie said Crossroads has its largest event coming up on Sept. 20, its 37th Annual Pasta and Jazz at the Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station at 5:30 p.m.
“The theme this year is ‘Roaring 20s Black Tie,’ so it should be a lot of fun,” she said. “There are always great auction items, lots of fun people, great jazz music, and all the proceeds go to Crossroads. It is a great event, and it is extremely important in helping the house. Tickets are already available for this event. You can purchase tickets at our website. If you cannot attend, you can always make direct donations at our website.”
Purdie said for women who need the help Crossroads provides, they can call (619) 296-1151. Crossroads is open 24/7 and staff are available for any calls at any time. She said another way is on the website by clicking the “Get Help” button.
“I am an alumnus from Crossroads. Back in 2005. It is a wonderful program. It is safe and warm. They really take care of you and love you here. I am honored and grateful to work for them, and look forward to many years ahead,” she said.
For more information, visit www.crossroads4recovery.org.
