Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center, a nonprofit serving youth and young adults across Ventura County, has been awarded a $5.71 million grant through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) to expand its youth wellness and recovery campus.
Nate’s Place was one of only 66 organizations selected statewide in this competitive round of BHCIP funding, which supports the expansion of community-based behavioral health services across California.
The grant will allow Nate’s Place to relocate from its current location near Fisherman’s Wharf, where the existing site is scheduled for demolition, to a new 1.4-acre Oxnard property that will house a significantly expanded wellness and recovery center. The new building is approximately two and a half times larger than the organization’s current facility, allowing the nonprofit to serve many more youth and young adults and expand programs that support mental health and/or substance use recovery, and social connection.
Founded on a Son’s Legacy
Nate’s Place was founded in memory of Nathan “Nate” Rhoades (son of Heidi Allison and Larry Rhoades), a compassionate and driven young man who overcame drug addiction as a young teen — largely through the support of a peer recovery coach who mentored him, introduced him to fitness, and showed him that a fulfilling, sober life was possible.
Nate went on to become a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, a competitive bodybuilder and boxer, and a student in Oxnard College’s Addiction Studies program. He was dedicated to helping others. Tragically, Nate passed away on January 20, 2022, at age 21, following a car accident. His family chose to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to recipients still in contact with the Rhoades family today.
“Between our nonprofit and his donor recipients, Nate absolutely lives on – and it is serendipitous that we received this award just before National Drug and Alcohol Substance Abuse Week,” said the Allison/Rhoades family.
A Proven Model — Nate’s Recovery Recipe
The heart of Nate’s Place is “Nate’s Recovery Recipe” — a peer-centered model built on the same approach that changed Nate’s life:
- 1:1 Peer Recovery Coaching
- Healthy recreational and creative activities
- Counseling, support, and education groups that foster belonging and growth
Since opening in February 2023, Nate’s Place has served more than 409 youth and young adults throughout Ventura County — at their center and in schools — creating a safe, welcoming space where healing happens and hope takes root.
Expanding Support for Youth and Young Adults
The expanded campus will allow Nate’s Place to serve more youth and young adults while growing its free wellness and recovery programs. No-cost, door-to-door transportation ensures access for underserved youth via 4 vehicles. The campus will also include a separate peer respite building with 20 beds for transition-age youth, offering voluntary stays of up to 14 days and support from a housing navigator who will help residents identify longer-term housing and connect with community resources.
This grant represents a transformative moment for our organization and for youth mental health in our community,” said Heidi Allison, Program Director and Co-Founder of Nate’s Place. “This new campus will allow us to expand our programs and ensure that more young people have a place where they feel supported and connected.”
Community Support Needed to Complete the Vision
As part of the BHCIP grant requirements, Nate’s Place must raise 10 percent of the project cost — approximately $571,000 — through community support.
“The State of California has made an extraordinary investment in youth mental health by awarding this grant,” Allison said. “Now we are inviting our community to help complete this vision.”
Community donations will help create a permanent campus where youth and young adults can access free mental health programs, peer support, and recovery services in a safe and welcoming clubhouse environment. Every contribution helps ensure that young people in Ventura County have a place to turn when they need connection, guidance, and hope. Community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners are invited to join the Nate’s Place Building Campaign and help bring this expanded campus to life.
For More Information on Donating
To donate or learn more, visit: www.natesplacewellnesscenter.org and/or contact Thalia Buitron-Halleen, Development Director at thalia@nateplacewellnesscenter.org for opportunities to support Nate’s Place and the Ventura County young people in need of services.
About Nate’s Place
Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center (Nate’s Place) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2022, located in Ventura County, California, that provides accessible, no-cost services and transportation for youth and young adults ages 13-25 experiencing substance use, trauma and/or mental health challenges. All services are offered at no cost. To learn more about Nate’s Place, visit https://natesplacewellnesscenter.org/.
