Vista Bay Graduate, Rodrigo U.

Completed the Program in 2003

“Rigo” moved from Peru to Berkeley with his Mother and older sister at the age of nine. They were trying to get away from his cocaine dealing, abusive father. However, a combination of the language barrier and lack of positive influences led him to hang out with a negative crowd. By ninth grade he was suspended from High School for gang activity. He started using Crystal Meth at 15. From there, it was easy for Rigo to continue on the downward spiral of addiction. Between robbing and mugging people for drug money, he ended up in juvenile housing and finally juvenile boot camp. Nothing worked. His brother found VistaBay when Rigo was 18. He was just in time. Seeing that Rigo was heading down a dangerous path leading to death and incarceration, he enrolled Rigo in the program. Like many “tough” kids, Rigo was not interested in getting help at first. But he finally agreed to treatment, and after a comprehensive program he successfully graduated from Vista Bay in July of 2003. He went back home to Berkeley to work He remained sober. Before long, he decided he wanted to give back and help other kids by giving bilingual drug education lectures to the local community. Rigo eventually joined the VistaBay staff and is getting the training to go along with his charismatic personality for teaching local drug prevention. We are very proud of Rigo, as he recently received an official Congressional Certificate of Recognition by California Congressman Sam Farr for his dedicated work.

- Rodrigo U.