EBRCO

Sonia Marie Reed is a beacon of resilience and transformation in the East Bay! Once a mother of three navigating the stormy seas of homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence, Sonia's journey took a pivotal turn during her time in incarceration, where she found hope and healing. Today, she stands tall as the program manager of the IHOT team at Bonita House, Inc., empowering individuals in recovery with her profound empathy and lived experience. An advocate for personal growth, Sonia earned her COSER certification from Merritt College and became a certified peer support specialist and registered drug and alcohol specialist through the Brining Institute. Her passion for community shines brightly as the co-founder and Board Co-Chair of the East Bay Recovery Community Organization. Sonia's commitment to service transcends her roles, reflecting a lifelong dedication to uplifting others and fostering meaningful connections. Join her in transforming lives and creating brighter futures!

Vincent Garrett (he/him) is a lifelong East Oaklander, a recovering addict with 24 years clean and a formerly incarcerated person, free since 2000. Although he dropped out of school (due to his addiction) he managed to earn a GED. After getting clean, he returned to school for a few semesters but dropped out and picked up a trade as a Sound and Communications Technician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 595. After receiving his certificate and becoming a technician, he was forced to stop due to lack of jobs during the Great Recession. After working a few years and trying to hold a steady job, he decided to return to school where he earned 4 business AA’s and transferred to UC Berkeley the following year. After earning a BA in Sociology from Cal, he applied for grad school at the University of San Francisco, and three years later earned an MA in Organization & Leadership. Today, he currently works at Laney College as staff for a program for formerly incarcerated students. He is currently a member of the Bay Area Systems Impacted Consortium; a member at-large with the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network. He is currently the President of the Alameda County Community Corrections Partnership Community Advisory Board and a cofounder and current Treasurer of EBRCO. He also is a DJ playing gigs on the weekend with his limited spare time.

Michael Garcia-Picazo (he/him) is a Bay Area native with family roots in the Mission District of San Francisco. Growing up in Union City, he attended Hillview Crest Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Middle School, and James Logan High School. He has been a grassroots organizer in the Bay Area since the age of 12, building deep connections with various community groups and organizations. Michael is a former board member of Faith in Action East Bay, Oakland Community Organization, and Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization. He also served as a Community Council Member of Union City Family Center. Passionate about breaking down the stigma and barriers in behavioral health, Michael advocates for increased community services. On September 2, 2022, he tragically lost his fiancée to a fentanyl-laced drug overdose. In recovery since May 2, 2023, Michael is committed to his ongoing therapy and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to address trauma and mental health challenges. Michael currently serves as the Director of Behavioral Health and Vice-Chair of the Board for the nonprofit Together We Stand, striving to create a better society. His dedication to the community has earned him numerous recognitions, including: Recognition from Faith in Action East Bay, Achievement for Outstanding Community Organizing by the National Association of Social Work, Recognition for Outstanding Community Service by The Union City Family Center, The Youth Warrior Award by the Carlos Presente Host Committee of H.O.M.E.Y. Michael’s skills and knowledge are instrumental in supporting, pushing, and inspiring the community toward a better future.

Carole Copeland is a retired high school teacher/administrator from Washington, DC who is grateful to now be living her life-long dream in film and television. Her credits include various projects in both film and television. In 2020, she was selected as one of 6 producers from hundreds of applicants to produce a Womens’ Weekend Film Challenge short with an entirely female crew. A few recent feature film projects she has worked on include, You Married Dat, and Survival, both screened at the ABFF and PAFF 2022. Most recently, her short film, Brownies won multiple awards! She has currently founded a new nonprofit program called Recovery Media; which teaches filmmaking to survivors of trauma. As an EBRCO member, she is leveraging her experience having organized and created recovery clubhouses in Florida and Georgia.

Minister WillaDeana Winchester-White is a dedicated public servant with over 25 years of experience in administration, finance, community engagement, case management, and program development, implementation, and assessment. During her civil service career with the County of Alameda, she held key positions within the Health Care Services Agency, Library Administration, and Social Services Agency, where she played an instrumental role in advancing community-based programs. With over 20 years of intensive street outreach, advocacy, and training, Minister Winchester-White has established herself as a leader in the field of case management and social services. Her expertise as an accomplished grant writer and gender-based violence advocate has been pivotal in supporting vulnerable populations. In 2024, she retired early from Alameda County to found FAITH-4 Ministries, a holistic service provider focused on psychosocial, socioeconomic, physiological, and spiritual wellness. Through her ministry, she continues to serve her community with passion and purpose. A proud multigenerational Oakland resident, Minister Winchester-White is deeply committed to her faith, her community, and her love for both people and animals.

Sabrina is a talented, eager, and dynamic advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. Sabrina is a direct service expert across a wide range of public systems, including housing, medical, carceral, and mental health. Sabrina also has experience as a parent advocating for her son’s needs within these systems. Sabrina’s strong interpersonal and communication skills enable her to work with people across the spectrum. Sabrina is currently a case manager and substance use navigator at HEPPAC, an HIV prevention program in Alameda County. She helps link participants to medication assisted treatment and the many wraparound services that can support their success and be life-saving. Sabrina speaks with an honest and genuine voice, guided by her own lived experience and journey. Sabrina has won the G.G, Greenhouse Community Hero Award as well as the Alameda County D.A. Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of Outstanding Contributions to the Recovery Community. She has brought a fierce determination to provide support and a neverending belief in the strength of reaching out to help each other up after we have climbed up.

Lola Pratt has worked with the underserved community as a Community Outreach Coordinator and Peer-to-Peer Advisor with Alameda County throughout the pandemic, as well as a Berkeley Community College Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Ambassador. Previously, she has served as an IHSS Facilitator/Trainer with Alameda County Public Authority and Care Partners where she participated in the team that was Awarded the CSAC Challenge Award. Lola is an Army Military Veteran and understands the unique challenges of Veterans. In addition to Peer-to-Peer work, Lola has done extensive advocacy and outreach about Advanced Care Directives. A California Notary Public, Distinguished Toastmaster. She is passionate about giving back to her community.

Josiah Pratt is a native of the Bay Area, husband, father and grandpa. He has been in recovery for over 15 years. He started his recovery journey at the East Oakland Recovery Center (EORC) when it was in Foothill Square and remained a member when the EORC moved to the Eastmont Towne Center in 2013. He was there when the EORC closed its doors to the 12 Step community in 2019. He has since moved to Stockton and is a member of a new home group called Surrender to Live in a recovery clubhouse in Stockton. He is also on an H&I (Hospitals & Institutions) panel bringing recovery to those who cannot make outside meetings. His saying “No Matter What” means he will always remain vigilant, staying clean regardless of any life circumstance. His family is his Rock and dominoes are his game. He is always learning, growing and being of service where needed and now, as a member of the East Bay Recovery Community Organization, can help bring a new recovery clubhouse to the area that helped him change his life around.

Arthur Shanks is a luminary in the world of community activism, a third-generation torchbearer of social change, and a dedicated advocate for a holistic approach to well-being. His exceptional work spans a diverse spectrum of critical issues, including workforce development, housing, peer work, violence prevention, mental health, criminal justice reform, and the groundbreaking concept of "8 Dimensions of Wellness." Hailing from a lineage of community activists, Arthur Shanks inherited a legacy of compassion and a tireless commitment to bettering the lives of those in his community. Inspired by the tireless efforts of his predecessors, Arthur has blazed his own trail, dedicating his life to effecting positive change. Arthur Shanks stands as a paragon of inspiration and positive change. His holistic vision of well-being, his unwavering dedication to social justice, and his relentless pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate society have made him an exceptional leader in the realm of community activism. His legacy serves as a testament to the boundless potential of human kindness and commitment to the betterment of all.

Josiah Pratt is a native of the Bay Area, husband, father and grandpa. He has been in recovery for over 15 years. He started his recovery journey at the East Oakland Recovery Center (EORC) when it was in Foothill Square and remained a member when the EORC moved to the Eastmont Towne Center in 2013. He was there when the EORC closed its doors to the 12 Step community in 2019. He has since moved to Stockton and is a member of a new home group called Surrender to Live in a recovery clubhouse in Stockton. He is also on an H&I (Hospitals & Institutions) panel bringing recovery to those who cannot make outside meetings. His saying “No Matter What” means he will always remain vigilant, staying clean regardless of any life circumstance. His family is his Rock and dominoes are his game. He is always learning, growing and being of service where needed and now, as a member of the East Bay Recovery Community Organization, can help bring a new recovery clubhouse to the area that helped him change his life around.