I would like to take a moment to introduce myself.
My name is John Banks and I have worked in the field of recovery for almost 17 years. I
entered treatment while employed with Lucky Stores Inc. and completed an out-patient
program through my employers E.A.P.
After nine months, I went to work as a volunteer at
the Access Treatment Program located in Visalia, California. I began training with Sue
Steinbach and Melinda Mauro who were both Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The program's
medical director was Robert Rameson who passed away in a plane crash and will be missed
for the rest of my life. He was a true inspiration in my life and the type of role model
anyone would admire.
During my time with this employer, I conducted
chemical dependency groups, family night therapy, and almost all intakes. I later became
the Clinical Director until the program closed. I applied for and received my C.A.S.
(Certified Addiction Specialist) license during this time.
I went to work for the Alcohol Center for Teens in
Tulare, California, as a behavior modification specialist and a child-care worker. I also
helped to organize a family night program which was a success not only for the families,
but the clients as well.
Working for Lucky Stores part-time, I was injured on
the job and through rehabilitation entered the College of Sequoias to obtain my A.A.
degree in Liberal Arts. I transferred to Fresno State to obtain my B.S. degree in Social
Work until my wife underwent some significant changes that refocused the obligations in my
life. It was at this time that I went to work for a local church and started the 12
Steps to Freedom in Christ program. I offered an out-patient program that was free of
charge to any one in the community. It then became necessary to close down the ministry
for a period of time. The Clean Slate program opened up within a few months and
operated completed under church leadership. The goal of this ministry was to assist
individuals with recovery, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and replace dignity in the
lives of people in need. I made a decision to close the ministry on October 10, 1999.
I have since applied for a business license and
non-profit status to open the Family Recovery
thru Education & Empowerment program.
In the past 13 years I have assisted over 12,000
people with problems in their lives. Unlike most get rich schemes, the ministry was
designed to be self-supporting. Although it fell short in doing so. The time and effort I
have spent making this a great ministry was just a small part compared to God's love and
compassion felt through those people who were touched by this ministry.
