Gene Johnson is a man with a dream and he’s willing to go out on a limb to make it become a reality. His mission is simple, to establish a residential rehabilitation program here in the Valley. What’s standing in his way is money. He needs to raise some pretty serious capital to put his plan into action.
A recovering addict himself, Johnson seeks to help what he calls “lost souls with nowhere else to go.” He wants to help them regain physical health and mental clarity as well as develop a relationship with Christ which will keep them on the straight and narrow. To do so, he plans to open the first residential rehab facility in Sonoma Valley that is Christ-centered and dedicated specifically to disadvantaged men and women.
He’s been in touch with pastors throughout Sonoma garnering advice and, he hopes, their support. A few of them include: Jim Hill of the Glen Ellen Community Church; Rich Gantenbein of St. Andrew Presbyterian; Mike Powers of Church of the Nazarene-Sonoma; and Tim Arensmeier of Faith Presbyerian.
Gantenbein thinks Johnson’s idea is “terrific. But, the devil is in the details. Gene needs a way to make this work economically and a plan for recovery as well.”
Johnson believes he’s got it covered. Before anything can happen, he needs to raise the money to purchase a property and open his facility. He’s got some stimulus funding set aside for nonprofit housing and he’s selling raffle tickets for a scooter he will give away in early June. You can find him rain or shine with his brand new blue scooter in front of local merchants like Starbucks, Safeway, Whole Foods, Ben & Jerry’s and Sonoma Valley Bank. He’s also hoping the pastors will appeal to their congregations. His goal is around $50,000.
Johnson’s plan is to open the facility in the spring. A men’s facility first and then a separate women’s home down the road, literally and figuratively.
“Everyone in Sonoma has been so helpful and supportive. I feel like I was brought here for a reason and this is it,” said Johnson.
To purchase a raffle ticket or make a donation, contact Johnson at 228.2056 or send mail to P.O. Box 308, Sonoma.
