History

The roots of the Gavin Foundation reach back to 1962, to the Arch Foundation. Established by a former parole officer James F. Gavin, the Arch Foundation formed a ‘bridge’ providing a way back into the community for men who had been incarcerated for substance-related cr2mes. Melding the symbolic with the actual, the first program, Gavin House, a residential rehabilitation program, is located in a former police station which was renovated with the help of the community. Collaboration with the community is a key value continuing to guide work for nearly half a century.

The formation of the Gavin Foundation reflects these original values. The Foundation was formed in the mid-1990’s to create the organizational structure needed to provide case management and substance abuse treatment as an alternative for violent criminal offenders facing incarceration. This program is known as TIP: Total Immersion Program. The Foundation continues to grow, in response to needs of the individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse. Following TIP and responding to increased concerns about youth substance use, Gavin established a juvenile justice diversion program, and residential rehabilitation programs for male youth (in 1999), for female youth (in 2005). Arch and Gavin Foundations merged in 2008, creating the comprehensive multi-service agency of today, joining Gavin Foundation’s programs with the long-established Gavin House, a residential rehabilitation program for adult men, the Graduate Center, and the AAWOL program, a community based 12-step study program.