Nestled in a niche on "C" Street, Chula Vista, California, is South Bay Pioneers, a residential facility that has helped over 9000 men and women get their start in the 12 Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Although not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous, it strongly endorses the fundamentals and principles on which that program is based. South Bay Pioneers provides the person in recovery with a two-fold facility: a residential facility and an arena within which to hold and attend meetings and have occasional social gatherings.
South Bay Pioneers was founded in September, 1961, and received its charter as a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization in 1962. Although it is registered with State and Federal authorities, it is not funded by the State or Federal Government. South Bay Pioneers is self-supporting through its own efforts. Some contributions/donations are received from 12 Step groups holding regular meetings at the facility, Contribution Clubs, organizations, and major businesses from the private sector. All donations made to South Bay Pioneers are tax deductible.
Behind the Scenes
South Bay Pioneers is governed by a Board of Trustees (7 members) comprised of local business professionals who oversee the entire operations, and a Board of Directors (9 members) comprised of former residents and individuals who have been associated with this organization for a number of years. The Board of Directors are involved with the day to day operations and maintenance of the facilities.
The house staff includes a resident Manager, a day Assistant Manager, a night Assistant Manager, two cooks, and a dishwasher. This staff are the only paid employees.
Also contributing to the public relations aspect of the South Bay Pioneers is the Ladies Auxiliary. These women have been instrumental since the beginning, and have accomplished innumerable tasks from making curtains for the entire house to serving dinners every Saturday night. Their fundraisers include annual yard sales, occasional bake sales, dances, theatre nights, etc. The monies collected by these women are used to buy Christmas gifts for the men of the house each year, as well as furniture and furnishings for the men’s quarters and the house.
The present facility was literally built in 1975/76 by an eclectic group of people composed mainly of the local supporting members, both male and female, who provided a wealth of materials, construction equipment, and labor, much of which was either donated freely or at cost by community merchants, including the U.S. Navy Seabees.
This house has facilities for 24 men. A new resident receives room and board for a nominal fee and may stay at the house for up to a year. Residents are required to attend AA meetings, and are assigned various house duties. Employment searches are encouraged as well as contact with the local Vocational Rehabilitation Department in an attempt to once again become valuable citizens in the community. Through daily contact with other recovering alcoholics, many of these men are able to accept their disease, recognize that there is hope, and strive for a better life for themselves and their families.
A full kitchen serves approximately 500 meals a week to house residents as well as people attending some 14 AA and Alanon meetings held at the house on a weekly basis. It is a very casual atmosphere, which lends itself to helping the recovering individual re-associate with others as he readjusts back into society.
