THE HISTORY OF STARTING POINT

On October 17, 1977, six people got together in an office at the old St. Luke’s Hospital in Philadelphia. On that day an idea was born, The Starting Point. We incorporated as a non-profit agency and opened up a transition house for alcoholics. The first house had six residents and was started with $40 in our first bank account. In the early years, our transition house turned into four homes with a total of 18–20 men.

The first lectures were given at the house on 23rd Street. We developed a small aftercare program for the men at the house and gradually, our program began to grow. We started offering lectures at Fairmount in 1981 and at other various locations. In the early 80’s, we offered a small outpatient program in Camden, New Jersey at a detox office. In no time, we outgrew the office and moved to Laurel Springs where we had 3 offices and 2 counselors. In 1984–1985, we changed and began to develop an outpatient program on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey. We had 4 offices and 5 counselors. Those were the days when “keep it simple” and “sharing” were our mottos. In a couple of years we outgrew that office and moved to Knight Avenue in Collingswood. We then had 11 offices and we kept growing. Finally, in 1990, on our 12th anniversary, we officially closed The Starting Point of Pennsylvania and opened The Starting Point, Inc., of NJ. We are now housed at our present site located at 215 Highland Ave., Suite C., Westmont, NJ. We continue to serve people in the spirit of the Higher Power.

I truly believe that in 1977, the Higher Power led us to begin The Starting Point. Today, the real guide and director of our program is still the Higher Power. On this, our 30th anniversary, we express our gratitude to all the people who have served on our Board of Directors, our staff, and above all, the people we have served. We are grateful for what was. We are grateful for what we are today. We are grateful for what we will be. We are blessed.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Starting Point, Inc., of New Jersey is a non-profit educational and referral center. The educational emphasis is on personal growth in the spirit of partnership. Our goals are holistic, integrative, and wellness oriented. To achieve these goals we coordinate and facilitate many programs including appropriate referrals to counseling and psychotherapy, workshops, forums, Twelve-Step meetings, and weekend programs.

All services are conducted in an atmosphere of acceptance for the multitude of differences which humanity exhibits. We are committed to embracing all ethnic, religious, social, and racial groups, all social orientations, and we emphasize the need for recognizing the equality of both female and male genders.

The Starting Point is a non-profit, tax exempt organization that depends on fund raisers, i.e., United Way and private donations to continue our existence. The giving of donations is strongly encouraged as we strive to treat as many people in need as possible. We believe that lack of financial resources should not be a hindrance to treatment.

VINCENT DI PASQUALE’S BOOKS AND CD’S ARE AVAILABLE AT THE STARTING POINT

If you enjoy Vince’s lectures, you’ll be very happy with his CD’s and books. Have his encouraging, soothing words available for yourself orfor a friend when and where necessary.

CD’s and books may be purchased at The Starting Point or via mail for $3.00 added for postage. Just call 856-854-3155 x 100 to place an order. Please have your credit card ready. If paying by check make it payable to The Starting Point. If you are local you may want to come in and see for yourself the items that are available.