Salvation Army Hosts 2nd Annual Tacos, Tunes, and Treasures

SAN BERNARDINO >> The Salvation Army San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) hosted its second annual Tacos, Tunes, and Treasures event at its San Bernardino location to help raise funds for the program. For $10, members from around the community enjoyed two hours of "terrific tunes" from local bands, "transformed treasures" and gift baskets that were given away at a silent auction, and a taco plate with banana chocolate chimichanga dessert. Lieutenant Regina Verdugo, administrator at the San Bernardino ARC, said the goal of the day was to raise a minimum of $10,000. The proceeds will help remodel the men's day room where they have the opportunity to socialize with one another. “Just fix things up because we want it to be nice for our men so they feel comfortable so that they can re-acclimate into regular society, especially those that have been in prison for a long time," Verdugo said. Verdugo and her husband Victor, also an administrator, have been overseeing the San Bernardino ARC since July 2014. The San Bernardino ARC is a six-month, free-of-charge program for men seeking rehabilitation from substance dependence. Several resources are offered to the men through the program, according to Verdugo. There is a full-rounded curriculum that is offered, along with a 12-step program to help get them off the drugs and alcohol. "(It's) a structured program that helps them think through decisions when they're back out there," Verdugo said. Bible study and chapel are also offered at the San Bernardino ARC. Verdugo added that they simply present the Gospel to the men. "We never force it on them, but we believe that inside change is important, as well," she said. Work therapy helps give the men job skills so they have the opportunity to jump back into another field when they leave the program, so that they can provide support to either themselves and/or their families. Counseling, process groups, parenting classes, drug and chemical dependency education, behavioral management, and different partnerships with other community members and colleges in the area are more of the resources available to the men through the ARC. Verdugo said there is much more. At Tacos, Tunes, and Treasures, sponsors from the community donated through ticket sales and silent auction purchases to the cause. Alumni from the program and advisor council members were also present to raise funds for the ARC. To discover more about the Salvation Army and ways you can donate or help, visit their website or call the San Bernardino ARC at 909-889-9605.