Support Passion Projects in Recovery

New Initiative from the newly-formed Sonoma Foundation for Behavioral Health

Inspired by Olympia House

10823 Valley Ford Rd.
Petaluma, CA 94952
donate@sfbh.org

April 28, 2025

Since the formation of Sonoma Recovery Services, LLC and the opening of Olympia House (OH) in 2012, we have always wanted to find unique ways in which we could help people struggling with behavioral health disorders beyond traditional residential and outpatient treatment. In our work it became clear that people in recovery required more than treatment but also needed to find connection and community in order to be successful in the long term. As a result we recently formed a not for profit organization, Sonoma Foundation for Behavioral Health (SFBH) and are ramping up programs that foster healing, empowerment, and connection among those navigating the journey of recovery.

We are pleased to report that in 2024 we provided this type of program through the Andrew Conti Workshop (ACW). ACW is a creative workshop for people trying to heal from addiction and mental health struggles. It was designed to help individuals process emotions from events and experiences in their life that may be too hard to express through words alone. The workshop was named in honor of Andrew JJ Conti, an alumni of Olympia House, who was also an artist, and utilized artistic expression as part of his active recovery. Tragically, Andrew passed away in the summer of 2023. His mother, Kathryn Keats a performance artist herself, worked with Dr. Senadhi Parakrama to develop the workshop and its first production, a play called Roofing. Originally written by Andrew, Roofing explores universal human experiences magnified by addiction, mental health challenges, and the search for self-forgiveness and acceptance. With clarity and a sober mind, Andrew began writing Roofing, but was unable to finish it. Kathryn and Senadhi adapted the screenplay into a script for a theatrical play which was performed at the end of the ACW workshop. The entire cast of the production was in recovery, reinforcing the workshop’s mission of healing through creative expression. The 10 week, 9 person workshop held performances to sold out audiences at the Marsh Theater in Berkeley and the Poly Klaas Theater in Petaluma, in spring of 24.

While the focus of the workshop is not addiction or mental health challenges, but rather the strength that comes from working together, the impact on participants in our inaugural run last year was profound. The experience offers a chance for participants to reflect on their individual journeys, celebrate their resilience, and find new ways to express themselves creatively. Most importantly, it allows them to experience a sense of belonging, which we know is vital to long-term recovery.

Today we write to request your support in funding an expansion of this exciting and impactful opportunity. This summer Sonoma Foundation For Behavioral Health and the Andrew Conti Workshop will be launching their second workshop- a 12-week program to develop a series of one-acts, fully created by the cast, and to be performed at the end of September. We believe that by investing in this project, you are not only helping individuals gain the skills to engage creatively and productively but also contributing to the healing of an entire community. The power of art to bring people together and facilitate deep personal transformation cannot be overstated, and your support will make this transformation possible.

We are seeking financial support to ensure that no individual is barred from participating because of an inability to pay. While we ask participants to contribute what they can, we recognize that many individuals in recovery may face financial hardship. Your generous donation will help us provide scholarships, ensuring that every person who wants to participate has the opportunity to do so, regardless of their financial situation.

We would be deeply grateful for your contribution to this meaningful initiative. Donations of any size will make a significant difference in ensuring the success of this program. If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can support this important cause, please feel free to contact us directly at donate@sfbh.org.

Thank you for donating here! And thank you for your consideration and for your ongoing support of the Sonoma Foundation for Behavioral Health. Together, we can help individuals in recovery build a future rooted in community, strength, and hope.

Warm regards,
Sendahi Parakrama

President,
Sonoma Foundation for Behavioral Health

P.S. Your gift can truly make a difference. Please consider a donation today to help us provide scholarships for this transformative project.

One Acts Workshop

Support Passion Projects in Recovery