The Ridge House is a wonderful place to be a part of and I want to thank all of you who have made me feel welcome over the past few months. While I have only been on staff since August, 2006, I have known of the quality and reputation of the Ridge House for many years. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who walk through the doors every day and tell me they’ve been a part of the Ridge House for 10, 20 and even 25 years.

While the Ridge House has been through many changes over the years, we constantly strive to maintain our original focus and mission. We are seeking Kairos board participation and are concentrating on ensuring that our faith based model for prisoner re-entry endures. We are also adding outpatient meetings, specialty treatment groups and DUI schools at all levels.

The Ridge House will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2007 and we will be working hard on spreading our word. We are planning a celebration and fundraising event in the spring and hope we can count on your participation. We are also looking forward to the Ridge House’s second quarter century. New ideas and programs will surely enhance the programs that have succeeded over the last 25 years.

Starting in January the Ridge House will be selling gift certificates or scrip. This program will allow you to purchase gift cards from many national retailers and restaurants through Ridge House and we will receive a percentage of each purchase as fundraising income. We will let you know when this program is in effect and post the available gift cards on our website. You will also be able to purchase your gift cards at our website with your credit/debit cards and we will ship you your gift card. If you would rather purchase the gift cards in person we will be selling them at the Ridge House main offices at 900 West First Street. By purchasing gift cards at Ridge House you will be raising funds while you do your regular shopping and eating out.

In closing we would like to thank all of you that made this a wonderful year at the Ridge House. We truly believe that without your support many of the services we provide to our clients would not be possible. Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Sincerely,

Steven Burt
Assistant Director

The Ridge House open house and christmas party was held on Wednesday December 13. We had a great turnout and a great time. One of Ridge House's relief house managers, Jonathan, provided DJ service for the event, and everyone who attended helped with food. Daniel Crump and Erin Warrell, both residential counselors planned and executed a wonderful event.

Among those in attendance were Ridge House clients, Ridge House staff and their family members, Ridge House Board members, members of the Kairos community, representatives from Senator John Ensigns office and many others who support Ridge House throughout the year.

We would also like to thank all of you who anonymously donated wrapped gifts for our clients and children of our clients. Because of these gifts many of the people we serve will enjoy the spirit of the season come Christmas morning.

At gatherings like these we are reminded of the tremendous community support for Ridge House and we are grateful. Thank you and happy holidays.

On Monday, December 4 Ridge House was recognized as a community grant recipient by the Rotary Club of Reno. Ridge House was awarded monies to help male clients obtain vital medical services.

Dan Drinan, Steve Burt and Brandon Jared attended the Rotary Club of Reno meeting and luncheon which was held at Harrah's convention center.

The Ridge House would like to graciously thank the Rotary Club of Reno for their assistance.