Covid-19 Visiting Update
In an effort to protect our clients and staff, New Directions has initiated restrictions on all outside contacts. During this time, residents are not permitted to leave the facility except in an emergency. Visiting, family groups, H&I meetings and church attendance {the onsite Fellowship Church is temporarily closed) suspended.
These are unfortunate consequences of the pandemic. However, by limiting the possibility of Covid-19 spread, we are able to continue to operate.
New Directions is slowly accepting participants. They must be referred here by authorized sources. At admission, new participants are quarantined for 4-6 days, may not interact with others, meals are served in rooms and other precautions are observed.
We thank you for your understanding in this difficult time.
Passing of New Directions Founder, Rolleen McIlwrath
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Judge Rolleen Kent McIlwrath on April 15, 2023. Judge McIlwrath was the driving force behind the establishment of the New Directions substance use disorder treatment facility in 1992.
Beginning in the late 1980s, Rolleen was deeply disturbed by the increasing number of men and women who appeared before her court for drug and petty theft charges. They were arrested in downtown Stockton, booked into San Joaquin County jail, and often released the very next day. This revolving door of addiction, associated crime, and the resulting steep human and financial tolls, prompted Judge McIlwrath and her peers to seek innovative solutions for addiction.
Judge McIlwrath rallied fellow judges, particularly Judge Anthony Lucaccini, members of law enforcement, elected officials, San Joaquin County and City of Stockton administrators, and members of the business community, to develop a more effective, realistic, and humane alternative to incarceration for drug-related offenses.
After numerous meetings, visits to other communities, and extensive research, the committee developed the Alcohol and Drug Alternative Program, later modified to become the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program. The aim was to educate addicts about their disease and help them break the long-standing cycle of addiction and the crime that often enables that addiction. This program ultimately became known as New Directions.
Since beginning operations in 1993, New Directions has helped thousands of men and women reclaim their lives, their health, their families, and their dignity.
This all began with the vision, persistence, and compassion of Rolleen Kent McIlwrath. She will forever remain in the spirit of New Directions. We are committed to honoring the memory of Judge McIlwrath each day by serving, educating, and providing hope and encouragement to those we serve, ultimately resulting in healthier, more productive, and happier families in San Joaquin County.
Thank you, Rolleen.
Board of Directors, Staff, Clients
Passing of George Feicht, August 19, 2020
It is with great sadness that we report the death of founding member George Feicht. George enjoyed a distinguished career helping people in their fight to overcome their addictions. George helped the concept of New Directions become reality.
George spent many years with the San Joaquin County Office of Substance Abuse as an administrator. He was also instrumental in the process of establishing the San Joaquin County Drug Court along with Judges Rolleen Mcllwrath, Anthony Lucaccini and many other community members.
George had the passion to share his substance abuse knowledge with others. He taught many people from the community about addiction at San Joaquin Delta College and the University of the Pacific. Those students in turn have helped countless others learn about and overcome their disease.
George had time for everyone. Every question. Every story. He helped make the lives of thousands of San Joaquin County citizens healthier, happier and more hopeful. His constant smile and kind words of encouragement were always appreciated.
George will not be forgotten.
The Board of Directors, staff and many clients of New Directions will carry on the legacy of George Feicht. Our condolences are extended to his wife, Frances, and his children, Rachelle and Kim.
Dale Benner Executive Director