On Friday August 8, more than 250 alumni, staff, community partners, and friends came together to celebrate the legacy of Santa Maria’s Jacquelyn Campus, a place of hope, recovery, and transformation since 2002. The event was both emotional and uplifting, honoring thousands of women and families whose lives have been touched here, and the community that has stood alongside us for more than two decades.

The celebration began with a warm welcome from Santa Maria CEO, Vaughan Gilmore, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all in attendance and reflected on the deep legacy of the Jacquelyn programs; how, for over twenty years, this campus has been a safe place where women could heal, rebuild, and reunite with their families. 

Vaughan spoke about the essential role of recovery in building stronger, healthier communities and reaffirmed Santa Maria’s commitment to ensuring that every woman and child has the chance to thrive.

Amelia Murphy, former Director of RSS and a Santa Maria alumna, reflected on the services offered through our programs and their lasting impact in the Houston community.

Dr. Alicia Kowalchuk, Santa Maria Medical Director and Baylor College of Medicine faculty member, highlighted the value of our collaboration with Baylor and the success she has witnessed among residents at all Santa Maria campuses. 

The Honorable Brock Thomas, Former Judge of the 338th District Court and RIC Docket and Felony Mental Health Court, reflected on his many years of partnership with Santa Maria through the court system, where he connected hundreds of women to our programs. He spoke of his unwavering faith in Santa Maria’s ability to be “the right place” for women, addressing not only substance use, but also mental health, trauma, and the many complex challenges they face.

Judge Thomas noted, “Santa Maria has shown the way every single day, not just in theory, but in real, changed lives. Treatment works. Recovery is possible.”  He emphasized that, as we close Jacquelyn Campus, Santa Maria will draw on the same resilience we have instilled in the women we serve, carrying that strength into the next phase of our mission.

Jessica Yeager, Santa Maria alumna, closed with her personal recovery journey that started at Santa Maria Jacquelyn Campus and the successful life she has built, continuing to inspire others in the recovery movement “Don’t you ever think is too late, everything is possible in recovery” Jessica emphasized. 

Attendees had the opportunity to reconnect with one another, share memories, and contribute to a Message Wall, writing special messages, prayers, and words of gratitude. This wall will be preserved and displayed at our Bonita House campus as a lasting tribute to the journey we have shared.

Looking Ahead
As part of this transition, Santa Maria will consolidate Houston operations, this will allow us to continue providing comprehensive, trauma-informed treatment and recovery services for women and families, while ensuring our resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact.

We are thrilled to welcome Beth Wilson as the new Chief Development and Communications Officer at Santa Maria. 

Beth brings over 20 years of philanthropy experience, with a strong background in healthcare and nonprofit organizations. For the past four years, she successfully led resource development at SERJobs, building relationships and increasing the organization’s visibility and financial support.

Beth has also held key roles at the University of Texas Health Science Center and the American Heart Association. She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Beyond her professional work, Beth has been actively involved in Houston’s philanthropic community, including leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

We are confident that Beth’s leadership and passion will help advance Santa Maria’s mission and expand our impact.

If you’d like to connect with Beth, please reach out at: bwilson@santamariahostel.org