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Vision Statement: J24 is a catalyst for change, changing the world one day at a time and one life at a time. Mission Statement: To provide a safe haven 24 hours a day for the alcoholic and substance abuser where they can recover from the disease of alcoholism and substance abuse. In turn, our goals are specific objectives that relate to specific time periods and are stated in terms of facts.

Description:
J24 offers crisis intervention, counseling, referrals, food, room and board and clothing to clients until they are ready to be reintegrated into the community. These services are given in both English and Spanish. What most distinguishes J24 from traditional drug treatment centers is the fact that these services are provided in Spanish as well as English, free of charge, and are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

History:
For 16 years, Jóvenes 24 Hrs. A.D. Inc. (J24) has been providing free rehabilitation services in Spanish, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the Latino population in Queens. Founded by Jose Morales, a recovering alcoholic with 23 years of sobriety was launched in 1991 to serve the large numbers of Latinos in Corona, Queens who were addicted to alcohol and had no access to treatment.

Jose Morales has experienced first hand the consequences of alcohol addiction. After losing his home, his family, and his job as a factory manager in Mexico to the disease, Jose entered an Alcoholics Anonymous treatment center in 1982. The center provided Jose with shelter, food, and a safe environment that allowed him to fight alcoholism and regain his self-worth. Jose has been sober for the 23 years since.

In 1986, Jose came to the United States with the goal of learning more about the philosophy and founder of AA in the US as well as to earn and save money to begin his own business in Mexico. While living in Corona, Queens, Jose was struck by the high concentration of alcoholics living in the streets. His community members had no access to treatment services that were conducted in Spanish and offered at low or no cost.

In response, Jose began meetings in Spanish for alcoholics at the restaurant where he worked as a waiter in the hours following his shift. Faced with an increasing demand for help from local addicts, Jose decided to create a shelter to offer the same services that had helped him to regain his life. With the help of four friends from Mexico who entered rehabilitation with him, in 1991 Jose open the doors of J24 and rented the basement of a building to offer food, shelter, and meeting space to community members seeking recovery.

In 1996 J24 moved to a one family house, purchased by Jose with his personal credit, savings and help from other members and incorporated J24 and in 2001 received its 501(c) (3) status as a nonprofit organization. In August 2005 J24 purchased a brand new 2 family home in Corona, Queens and converted it to meet the needs of its clients. Today, J24 continues to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has served over 4,100 clients, funded only by the modest voluntarily contributions of its participants and community.

Contact people:

Torres Miguel, Chief Executive Officer, (718) 458-0108, (email) Christina Mulligan, Director, Community Outreach, (718) 458-0108, (email) Hector Martinez, Program Manager, (718) 458-0108, (email)

Address:

33-19 101st Street Corona, NY 11368 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the number 7 train to 103rd Street Corona Plaza, then walk to 34th Avenue, make a left on 34th Avenue and walk to 101st Street, make a left on 101st Street. Take the Q66 bus to 102nd Street and Northern. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 103rd Street Corona Plaza,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Q66, 1 minute walk