History of the Organization

 

The Palmer Drug Abuse Program (hereinafter referred to as PDAP) is a spiritually based, non-sectarian, three-part family program for teenagers and young adults, who express a desire to find an alternative to drug and alcohol abuse and addiction; for parents who seek solutions to family and personal conflicts arising from drug and/or alcohol use by a family member.  There is no charge to anyone who comes to PDAP for help.  Anonymity is guaranteed.

 

Palmer Drug Abuse Program had its beginnings in 1971 in Houston, Texas, at the Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.  Today, there are several affiliates in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. However, each one is autonomous. Locally, PDAP had its start on October 1, 1979, through the leadership of St. Thomas and St. Bartholomew Episcopal Churches.  In 1980 the Board of Trustees, representing broad segments of the community, was established; by-laws were adopted; PDAP's state charter was granted and the letter of tax exemption from the Internal Revenue Services was received.  PDAP also hired its first staff.  On March 3, 1980, PDAP began its effective program of providing free services to South Texas. 

 

PDAP is staffed with highly qualified drug and alcohol abuse personnel.  All must serve an internship with PDAP, successfully complete the Training Program of PDAP-National, or an equivalent accredited college or university, and be certified by the Texas Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.  Moreover, PDAP personnel must meet the highest personal, moral, and ethical standards.  In addition, each staff member is committed to a life of total sobriety and to growing spiritually.

 

The Board of Trustees, elected representatives from South Texas, meets monthly to transact the business of the organization, set policy, and secure funds for the efficient running of the Program.  Between monthly meetings, the Executive Committee and designated committees carry on the business of the organization.

 

The Executive Director, who also functions as a senior staff member, directs the day-to-day affairs of the Program, overseeing the staff, offering Twelve-step recovery services to group participants, and performing the necessary administrative, education, and public relations functions.

 

Throughout the years PDAP has been involved in several prevention and education workshops. The most recent is the Families in Recovery retreat and workshop. This is a two day event located in Leaky, Texas at the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp. The workshop is geared towards families being in unity during the course of a loved one being addicted to drugs/alcohol. This is a yearly event and is attended by over 200 individuals.

 

 Other prevention and education workshops PDAP has been involved in are:

 

  1)         "Developing Capable People," a prevention workshop offered to parents, teachers and other adults who work with young people to encourage self-esteem, build family strength, and develop self-responsibility.  PDAP was able to introduce this workshop to the entire Corpus Christi Independent School District and to Region II which represents other school districts. PDAP sponsored two of these community workshops where over 2,500 people were introduced to the Developing Capable People concepts.

 

  2)        Project ADEPT (Alcohol & Drug Education in the Parishes of Texas), a project to teach and equip the parishes of South Texas on how they can treat drug and alcohol abuse problems in their congregations.  Over 50 churches were introduced to these concepts.

 

  3)        Resolving Personal Conflict Workshop, a week-long workshop by Dr. Neil Anderson which PDAP sponsored and was attended by over 500 people.

 

  4)        PDAP sponsored the HomeBuilders Marriage Conference for three years.  Over 1,200 married couples have attended these most effective workshops. Our goal with the marriage conferences was to strengthen the families of South Texas.

 

  5)        PDAP provides workshops to area corporations entitled, "Taking Action:  Substance Abuse in the Work Place" and made presentations to over 1,600 supervisors and managers so far.  This workshop is extremely informative and effective in helping managers to identify what to look for and how to create and implement a drug-free workplace.  Information is also given to them on what parents can do to keep their homes and children drug-free.

 

All of the workshops and conferences are over and above the on-going services PDAP provides to the community.  Also, PDAP has established a satellite office in the Kingsville area five (5) days a week.

 

Since opening its doors, this amazingly cost-effective program is saving minds and often even lives and has served over 20,000 clients.  The Palmer Drug Abuse Program is truly fulfilling its ministry of healing and service in South Texas.