Palm Desert, Calif., (March 27, 2024) – As part of a commitment to address the current fentanyl crisis, News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented a $45,000 Impact Grant to ABC Recovery Center. The nonprofit organization provides comprehensive support and recovery programs for individuals with substance-use disorders.
With fentanyl overdoses on the rise, the grant will fortify ABC Recovery Center’s ability to respond to emergencies related to this lethal substance by enhancing its onsite education and training. The nonprofit is building a Learning Center within its facility to further train staff and equip participants with information about the dangers of fentanyl and other addictive drugs.
“Our staff has reversed fentanyl overdoses in the parking lot because people find themselves in immediate need and turn to us,” said Chris Yingling, CEO of ABC Recovery Center. “The complexity of the fentanyl crisis requires continuous training and preparedness.”
Since 2017, ABC Recovery Center has grown from 28 to 76 dedicated professionals. Staff members undergo extensive training to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. The Learning Center will bolster this training regimen. The Berger Foundation grant will retrofit an existing space in the administration facility. The dedicated space will allow the nonprofit to offer education, skill development and resource dissemination to staff as well as to clients and their families.
“ABC Recovery Center has boots on the ground addressing the fentanyl crisis, which is a community issue,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “The new Learning Center will provide a resource that will foster education that can empower people to help others and help themselves.”
Established in 1963, ABC Recovery Center has grown to include 24 buildings, with plans for additional expansion on its 12 acres in the coming years. The organization offers a range of programs, including full-time residential treatment, outpatient services, and transitional living arrangements, catering to the needs of about 130 clients at any given time.
“We know that the fentanyl problem will get worse unless we raise awareness about the issues of this highly addictive, deadly drug,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2. News Channel 3 aired a 30-minute town hall special on March 24 called “Combating the Fentanyl Crisis” hosted by Karen Devine. The informative program, organized by Women Leaders Forum, can now be seen on kesq.com.
“We know that the fentanyl problem will get worse unless we raise awareness about the issues of this highly addictive, deadly drug,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2. News Channel 3 aired a 30-minute town hall special on March 24 called “Combating the Fentanyl Crisis” hosted by Karen Devine that is scheduled to repeat on Saturday, March 30 at 9 a.m. The informative program, organized by Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley will be on kesq.com starting Monday, April 1.
The Berger Foundation is presenting Impact Grants through a partnership with News Channel 3. Representatives from both entities look for local 501(c)3 nonprofits to recognize for their outstanding work to improve people’s lives and help those in need. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” Beyond the funds, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across a variety of News Channel 3’s platforms including News Channel 3 News at 4 and kesq.com. To learn more about ABC Recovery Center, call 760-342-6616. To learn more about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.
About Gulf California Broadcast Company
Gulf California Broadcast Company owns and operates five TV stations in the Palm Springs market including the local ABC affiliate (KESQ) and CBS affiliate (KPSP). GCBC is committed to providing the community with local news and information along with the connectivity that brings people and organizations together. As part of this ongoing commitment to the community, GCBC is proud to partner with the Berger Foundation to present the Coachella Valley Spotlight, which supports local charities.
About the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is a private foundation that generously supports educational and other charitable projects.
