Working to save lives, break the stigma of addiction, and to show that recovery works, the McAlister Institute is holding its largest fundraiser to provide vital treatment for individuals and families impacted by addiction at the Institute’s 12th Annual Walk for Sobriety on Sept. 21, starting at 8 a.m. at NTC Park at Liberty Station.
McAlister Institute CEO Marisa Varond said the annual walk has continuously grown over the years and expects more than 50 community partners at its resource fair and well over 600 walkers.
“This walk is a celebration of lived experience, family members, and the community at large coming together to celebrate recovery and folks that are living and providing an example of what sobriety can do in their lives,” she said.
Varond said McAlister has worked in the community for a long time and is known for its work, but the organization does not work alone.
“We have many other organizations that are providing similar services or offering other support. This is our opportunity to gather together and showcase all the resources that are available for individuals who are impacted by substance abuse,” she said.
McAlister Institute has a strong presence in East County and South Bay, and Varond said it is still expanding its services. Since 1977, it has grown into one of San Diego County’s largest alcohol and other drug treatment providers. The Institute’s 24 programs represent a range of care that spans prevention, outreach, intervention, deferred entry programs, outpatient treatment, short-term residential, long-term residential, and sober living.
“We are expanding our outreach throughout all the regions because one of the sad realizations is that only six percent of people get the help that they need. We are looking at innovations to have treatment out in the community where people are living, and what they need. We are doing our best to expand beyond the four walls of treatment rooms,” she said.
Varond said she is excited as they have acquired a facility to expand services as early as 2026.
“We are also in what we call our evolution,” she said. “Jean [McAlister, founder] has stepped down, but not out, and I had the honor of stepping into the role as the Institute’s chief executive officer.”
Varond said if people missed the online registration for the event, there will be day-of registration beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, visit mcalisterinc.org and click on the Walk for Sobriety tab.
