New Web Site was created that features Friendship House program information and development updates.

New Services were created and funded by grants in mental health, criminal justice, and community planning, to round out Friendship House's continuum of care.

Development efforts proceeded successfully with the securing of several new and renewed funding streams. After the tenants left, demolition of the old building was completed.

Groundbreaking for the New Building was held on September 13, 2002, with the Honorable Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., Board President Ron Rowell, and Executive Director Helen Waukazoo breaking new ground with golden shovels. American Indian spiritual person Steve Darden conducted ceremony and prayers, and Tom Phillips officiated. There were over 200 people in attendance, including our esteemed and very proud Board of Directors, staff, clients, alumni, and members of the American Indian community, funders and donors, and many government, agency, and community supporters. A proud day for our agency, the American Indian community and the recovery community!

Construction on the New Facility began July 2003.

Computer systems were completely upgraded, resulting in significantly improved accounting, reporting, and communication.

Native American Health Center became our new landlord for Friendship House American Indian Lodge residential program for women with their children. We continue our several successful collaborative efforts with NAHC, including, but not limited to, mental health services, grant projects, and clean and sober community events.

Annual Families in Recovery Celebration was held in June 2002, honoring American Indian Veterans. Peterson Zah, former President of the Navajo Nation was keynote speaker. Code Talker Thomas Begay (Navajo) and his wife, along with many American Indian veterans of WWII, Korean, Viet Nam, and Gulf wars were honored guests. Over 500 individuals and families in recovery attended the daylong event.

Executive Director Helen Waukazoo was appointed by National IHS Director Dr. Trujillo to a small committee of urban and tribal American Indian leaders for the purpose of developing federal budget recommendations. Recommendations by Director Helen Waukazoo and her fellow committee members resulted in an increase in total funding for urban American Indian programs from 2.5% last year to 5% this year.

Staff Training & Traditional Counseling included, but was not limited to: Incorporating Cultural Values Into What We Do, Professionalism and Ethics; Agency Growth and Transition; Customer Service; Safety and Emergency Procedures; First Aid & CPR; Nutrition & Meal Planning; Policy Changes; Dual Diagnosis; Transference & Counter-Transference; Pharmacology of Prescription Drugs; Child & Domestic Abuse; Cultural Sensitivity; Diversity Training; Earthquake, Fire, & Emergency Preparedness; Sexual Harassment in the Workplace; and Case Management.

Personnel: 3 staff members celebrated 25 years or more of service to Friendship House. We are proud that 13 of our employees were skilled and qualified enough for promotion to higher positions within our agency.

Board of Director's Trainings were held on the topics of Update of Corporate By-Laws; Non-profit Insurance Requirements; Revision % Development of Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Core Functions & Core Values; Strategic Plan Update & Development; and Legal Issues Related to Serving on a Board of Directors.

Accounting Department & Financial Policies upgraded to keep up with agency trowth and development. Organizational upgrade succeeded in centralizing all intake and billing operations.

Health Education Coordinator position was created and funded with grants.

Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner 2002 was attended by a record high of over 400 American Indian individuals, families, elders, and children. At this annual clean and sober community event we counted our many blessings!

Toy Drive 2002 succeeds in providing 150 gifts to American Indian children, thanks in part to the San Francisco Foundation and Indian Health Service of the State of California.

Annual Christmas Community Dinner 2002, the last clean and sober community event of each year, was more successful than ever, with over 500 people in attendance. Age appropriate toys fro the toy drives were given to each child. Also, thanks to Nadya Bratt, 100 senior baskets were presented to elders.

Client Participant Satisfaction Survey Findings consistently reflect high satisfaction for the quality of services.

Outcome Findings reflect significant improvement for alumni and residential graduates for abstinence from drugs and alcohol, employment, and legal problems; greater life satisfaction, increased spiritual awareness, and increase tendencies to seek and follow professional advice.

Research Indicators of Program Success show that clients leaving residential treatment and aftercare programs are committed to abstinence from drugs and alcohol abuse., The majority of them find gainful employment and resolve their legal problems. They report greater life satisfaction, and are more likely to seek spiritual help as well as help from professionals and friends. They report less psychological distress, less depression, and fewer stressful events in their day-to-day lives. They have fewer somatic complaints, report less guilt. Finally, they report greater understanding of their American Indian heritage and culture, and acknowledge Friendship House's efforts in helping them to understand and feel connected to their tribal affiliations.