James Holloway

James Holloway came into the STAIRS Program after serving his third term in prison for drug-related convictions. As a result of his cocaine addiction, James lost his job as Assistant Director of Patient Financial Services for Los Angeles County- a position he held for 15 years.

As a resident in the STAIRS Program, James actively participated in the various groups and meetings that were offered, including substance abuse treatment, that helped him to stay clean and sober. He also utilized his time in the program to obtain certification in Computerized Accounting at the ORT Technical School. As James states it "The STAIRS Program helped me to turn my life around. By seeing other parolees succeed at their goals I was encouraged to set and achieve my own goals."

James graduated from STAIRS in September 1998 and obtained full time employment working with the SRO Housing Corporation as a Hotel Property Manager. Currently, he is enrolled in a course sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank to obtain a Property License. James has been active in the Alumni Support Group, and has assisted many STAIRS residents in securing employment and housing through the SRO Corporation. James appreciates his experience with the Weingart Center, stating: "I am very grateful for the STAIRS Program for helping me to gain my self-respect and to return to my family."