Testimonials
Male - 2011
I am very grateful to the Alert Program and especially to Araceli for helping me to firmly face my fears and my issues related not only to alcohol, but to stress, coping mechanisms, self-esteem, values, and responsibility for my life. I adamantly believe the program is effective, educational and constructive, and most importantly, able to advise students in ways to help not only refrain from repeating the same mistakes, but to also help us reach our own personal goals. It was a very rewarding experience. Thank you so much!
Male - 2011
As I have now finished my four month program I wanted to take this time to thank you and your staff for an incredibly positive experience stemming from a very negative experience due to driving under the influence of alcohol. I learned that this truly can happen to anyone although most of us think otherwise. Your programs are intelligent, relevant and effective for people of all economic, social and cultural backgrounds. I had a unique opportunity to meet, interact and learn from many people that I normally wouldn't.
In particular I would like to make recognition to, and give my deepest thank you and respect to, "my" counselor Araceli. I was fortunate enough to be with her through the videos and specifically requested to be with her during counseling. She is single-handedly the force that drove the positive response from everyone in our group. Everyone. There is no one that was in both groups in four months that cannot walk away from being influenced by Araceli positivity. Her honest, direct, personal and kind approach is priceless. She knows how to make people feel safe and open up.
So, unfortunate situations can end up being fortunate after all! I am a much better person, now being intimately educated on alcoholism, and so are all of my co-students.
Male - 2011
Letter to Riverside County Department of Drug and Alcohol Treatment
I contacted The Alert Program and spoke with the Director. I explained my situation and from that first phone call then my intake interview and each week when I attend class I have had nothing but a most positive uplifting experience. From the start they have been clear and concise about what was required and have communicated all aspects of those requirements in a way that is both professional and understanding.
Their strict adherence to attending AA meetings on schedule forced me back to a program that had limited success for me in the past. However, the required AA Meeting attendance coupled with what I consider an excellent class curriculum taught by a team of dearly talented professional counselors has had the most powerful effect on my commitment to my continued sobriety through both my continuation of Alert Program Classes and especially AA.
Not only have I not missed a single class in 27 weeks, but perhaps for me most importantly, have continued to attend AA Meetings long after completing my required 18, now on average of 5 times a week. I have embraced AA unlike never before. I firmly believe this would not have been the case without the help of the Alert Program and its experienced and compassionate staff who have guided me throughout this time.
I say without reservation that I believe the Alert Program and its staff have saved my life and I wanted you to know that.
Male - 2010
I wish you and your staff the best always and thank you for all of the guidance I received while I was in your program. I would like you to give a special "Thank you" to Linda B. for being there for me.
Female - 2010
...I'd like to commend Linda B.. She did a real good job with a rag-tag bunch like us, and when we'd settle-down enough for her to talk, she'd come forth with all kinds of good thoughts, insights, guiding ideas and professional-level caring for those that wanted to listen. Her experience and extensive education made her a valued teacher in my book ... for which I am very grateful, and is a credit to your Alert Program. Although I at first regretted having deserved this necessity, I came to see it as a gift in the form of a welcome wake-up call. I therefore enjoyed every class as an opportunity to learn. Linda's able leadership, kind guiding hand and thorough knowledge of the subject matter were there to meet every students needs and has earned my unsolicited praise.
Male - 2010
Letter to Riverside County Department of Drug and Alcohol Treatment
During the month of March 2008, I got a DUI on my way from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Since I am from the state of Ohio, I was not able to stay and go through the Courts and begin my Alert Program until January, 2009. Since I'm a "Snow Bird" from Ohio, I'm only in California for the winter, therefore, it's taken me two winters to complete the program. I just finished the program and the reason I am telling you all about this, is to give a lot of PRAISE to Ms. Stewart, Director of the Alert Program in Palm Springs. Ms Stewart was very helpful in working with me to schedule my classes and take care of my "leave of absence" when it was necessary for me to go back to Ohio.
Thanks to Ms. Stewart and her wonderful staff of Alert Program Counselors, My experience was a pleasant one, rather than one of dread. I am very thankful and indebted to Ms. Stewart and all her counselors who showed their compassion and genuine concern for my well being.
Male - 2009
I wanted to write a letter to you and your staff acknowledging yourself along with Linda B. and Linda S. who were my counselors during my program stay with the Alert Program.
To say the least, I was not thrilled to be in this DUI program. As the weeks went by and I got to know and share with your staff and other fellow participants my life stories, it got a little bit easier to understand the progression of my addiction…
Linda B., was very easy to talk with and share emotions and feelings with. She not only allowed me to be open about my life, but also was open about her life and where her addictions took her and where she is today. Through the weeks and months of this program and through the help and guidance of your staff, I am proud to say I am sober today because of their help. I want to thank the Alert Program for choosing to have such a caring and professional staff in Palm Springs.
Male - 2009
Just wanted you to know that both (Linda's) are very dedicated people. There is just a lot of variety of people and they do well dealing with each one. I will say that I feared a lot from this incident and I appreciate and see things so much differently now. I wish you all the best.
Female - 2008
Dear Jacque and Linda B. & Linda S., Just wanted to say thank you all for making such a difficult time, manageable with your kindness and helpfulness - and humor - I am very grateful for your assistance to accommodate my travel for work and I really appreciate it. Thanks!
Female - 2008
I just wanted to thank you for being so kind and helping me help myself. …You made the situation a little less painful.
Female - 2007
Thanks to all at the Alert Program for all your concern & truth. Your efforts make CA a safer place to live!
Male - 2007
Thank you for making this whole experience as painless as possible. This DUI incident really made me aware of what some of my issues are and how to go about dealing with them. You're a life saver!
Female - 2005
Letter to Riverside County Department of Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Just this week I completed The Alert Program drinking driver program in Palm Springs. Needless to say, like the others in the class, I did not enroll into this program on my own volition., On November 17. 1997 I drank in excess and drove under the influence of alcohol.
...I was embarrassed by my DUI conviction. To the programs' credit, it is and the class attendees' are fortunate to have Ms. Stewart as one of its instructors. She helped me realize that I was not alone and that as long as I had the right attitude, I would benefit from the program. She was right.
It has been a great experience attending Alert Program classes, it was very informative. Thank you very much for placing me in the Alert Program.
Male - 2004
Thanks again for your patience and understanding . Had a blast in class and I am that much wiser now because of it.
Male - 2004
Jacque - One of the positive things that have come out of the whole DUI mess is you! Your classes have been both informative and very interesting and have inspired me to take a good hard look at myself. Thanks for your interest and making it all fun and educational.
Male - 2003
Just a fast note to say… You certainly helped me appreciate the dynamics of my alcoholism. I left with more tools to help me stay sober. I appreciate you and your program.
Male - 2003
There's nothing more valuable to me than the time I spent listening and talking in your classrooms - thank you so much.
Female - 2002
I would like to express my extreme gratitude for suggesting the Ranch to me - and listening to my story and being a good teacher and guide. The difference in my personality now and from last May when I first came to you is like night and day, You are a blessing. Thank you.
Female 2001
It's not only apparent you care about what has happened to the people in your class, but what will happen to them once they leave. This caring comes across in all of your counselors and interacting with them is a very uplifting experiences. Thank you for everything.
Female - 1999
I felt compelled to write you this note not only to thank you for all of your assistance and care but also to inform you that without your presence / classes, I wouldn't have gained any relevance or knowledge, You made the experience beneficial. Thanks ever so kindly for your imparted wisdom and within you all the best in your endeavors If there is anything I can ever do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Female - 1999
Greetings from Maui - I'm doing much better because of you and your program. Thank you so much for all you have done - you've really helped me turn my life around!
Male - 1998
… Jacque has been a real motivator and inspiration to us all. Don't Drink and Drive!
Male - 1997
Thank you for assisting me in recognizing my problem with alcohol - I have learned the reality of this problem and been able to face the need to rehabilitate myself. That effort has begun with your tremendous and genuine efforts each Wednesday and for the last 16 weeks. I appreciate your knowledge and your method of sharing that knowledge. You create such an enjoyable environment in which to learn - keep up the wonderful cause - I am better today and will continue to get better each and every day going forward. With much appreciation.
Male 1997
Dear Jacque, You have been a wonderful instructor - thanks for being such a positive influence in my life. Even though we have only known each other for a short period of time, you really made a difference by talking and sharing with me and also being an example of what sobriety has to offer, you gave me more than you will ever know…
Female - 1995
I want to thank you and Jerry Campbell for doing a great job with the program - it was a learning experience I will never forget.
Male - 1994
Having attended my last class on New Year's Eve, I must say I feel as though I'm starting 1993 off on the right foot thanks to you!!!
I feel as though my classes with you have given me an entirely different attitude about a number of things. For example, I began your class with a "why me? This is embarrassing....". I completed your class thinking, "Thank God I was caught before I hurt someone!" I feel as though I owe you a great deal and will never be able to extend to you the appreciation you so rightfully deserve.
Female - 1993
Thank you for being an integral part of the needed changes in my life.
Male - 1993
… Thank you for the classes I attended. I really did learn a lot, especially how to cope with stress both good and bad. As much as I hated to get up Wednesday morning to attend those classes, it left me with something each week to think about as I went about my daily work and at-home routines. You are very intelligent and are performing one heck of a good service to everyone no matter if they think so or not. It was very interesting to hear some of the things that people did as they bared their innermost feelings and ideas. You are a credit to your career and I applaud you.
I just felt I had to let you know that I appreciate everything your drinking driver program did to help me and in a way hated to see the end come, even if I had to pay for it. It was a very expensive lesson but it will certainly make me think in the future. Thanks again.
Male - 1992
…I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation, I hate to admit it but I will miss attending your classes. I've grown to have a lot of respect for you and what you stand for. Thank you for (hopefully) saving lives and saving people from injury.
Female - 1992
Merry Christmas - Thank you so much. I'm still sober and going to college now. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.
Female 1992
Dear Jacque, I can't thank you enough for all you help and support. You've been a real ANGEL. You and all the counselors have made my experience in the Alert Program a much more pleasant experience vs. one of dread. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.
Male - 1991
Thank you for your generous teaching and the wonderful gift of being able to do it with a bright outlook.
Male - 1991
You contribute to our world with your gifts of patience, Knowledge, and understanding. You seek the inner light in each of your students, and they are blessed. You foster the development of each one - understanding that intelligence cannot always be measured by ways of man. You teach one day at a time , Knowing that students have good days and bad, and with this act of love, You contribute to their spiritual growth. Thank you for your contribution to our world.
Female - 1990
Thank so much for your time and understanding - it means a lot to me.
Male - 1989