May 1, 1957 December 22, 1957 January 21, 1960 November 17, 1961 December 1961 December 1979 December 9, 1982 July 1983 September 1983 June 1987 April 1992 February 14, 2003 June 15, 2005 July 4, 2005 April 1 , 2006

Crossroads was officially founded. 

The first woman resident moved into Crossroads at the original location of 3334 Fifth Avenue, San Diego.

Bernice Morris, founder of Crossroads Foundation, was named San Diego’s “Woman of the Year”. The King’s Daughters of San Diego, Inc., donated money to purchase the current Crossroads location in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. Crossroads hosted its first Open House to the community.

Helen Hann became the Executive Director of Crossroads in 1979. She was often considered to be a pioneer for women in recovery as she was willing to take risks and trudge new territory for the benefit of women. She was instrumental in educating the public on women’s issues regarding alcoholism throughout San Diego County and the State of California. 

Helen increased the services and scope of Crossroads by opening the first three-quarter house.  This three-quarter house was an important step for the residents in bridging the gap between the recovery home and independent living. Helen retired in December 1990. 		Pete Wilson, the 29 th mayor of the City of San Diego, proclaimed December 9, 1982, “CROSSROADS FOUNDATION DAY” in honor of Crossroads’ 25 th anniversary. Ross Robbins joined the Board of Directors in 1983 and dedicated much of his life to Crossroads. Ross strongly believed in the Crossroads’ mission and made it a top priority in his life.  Ross was President of the Board for three separate terms and was instrumental in recruiting volunteers and rallying the community for the benefit of Crossroads.  Pasta & Jazz 2000 was dedicated to his memory with Mayor Susan Golding declaring October 13, 2000, “CROSSROADS FOUNDATION DAY” in his honor. Many “FORs” (Friends of Ross) were also in attendance at this very special event. Faith Gates served Crossroads in many capacities.  She began her commitment to Crossroads in 1983 by volunteering to oversee residents’ activities on weekends.  Faith was then hired by Crossroads and worked as the Resident Manager, then the Program Director and became the Executive Director in 1992.  Faith willingly helped countless women rebuild their lives and was a mentor to many.  Faith retired in April 1997, but remains devoted to Crossroads by facilitating groups as a volunteer. Crossroads held its first annual “Pasta & Jazz” fundraiser, based upon an inspiration of Bill Robinson, an active Board member.  Bill was extremely dedicated to the success of this event.  He carefully selected the pasta recipes and made several trips south of the border to get the perfect serving bowls.  Several days prior to the event, he worked with Board members and residents in the kitchen to supervise the cooking of the pasta and the special sauces.

Maria Costello, current Executive Director for Crossroads, has a passion for helping women in recovery.  In addition to her formal education in the field of alcohol and drug treatment, she sought wisdom from those who have paved the way in recovery services. When Maria became Executive Director in 1997, her first action was to re-establish the three-quarter house in a location close to the main house. 

In 2002, Maria supervised the complete renovation of the primary living area of Crossroads, while maintaining the charm of the 1890s era. Working jointly with Board members, Maria was able to see the dream of a computer lab for the residents come to fruition in June 2005. Maria’s visions for Crossroads continue as she witnesses the growing needs of the women we serve.

Crossroads staff held the first annual Valentine’s Day Bake Sale. Crossroads hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the construction of the Crossroads Computer Lab.  Two local financial institutions supported this effort by donating funds and personal computers.  The purpose of the lab is to provide computer literacy skills and job readiness for Crossroads residents. Crossroads launched it’s first official website www.crossroads4recovery.org  Coinciding with this event, it also announced the “Legacy Club,” a program for planned giving.

To better be able to serve women in need of rehabilitation, Crossroads opened a second location in the Hillcrest area directly across the street from Crossroad’s primary house. This location, “Brookes Place,” has been developed to serve women who have completed the first three phases of their recovery at Crossroads Fourth Avenue, have gained employment and are advancing in their recovery, but are not quite ready for the minimal-structured three-quarter apartments.