an article written by Lisa Hersch, OPTIONS PR/Special Events Manager

When the Tri-Counties reginal Center asked OPTIONS if they could meet a need that was missing in the entire state of California, the answer was a resounding yes.

The program is called the Sonata Step Down Program, and it works collaborativley with the Allegro Crisis Program.
The idea is that an individual who is being behaviorally challenged in a group home setting would be able to stabalize at Sonata, as would someone who has in essence, graduated from the Allegro Crisis Center environment.  An individual ready to move on would be able to make a move either to a group home or to independant living.

One of the first people to move into the Sonata Home has been doing quite well.  He has now aquired a job at a local grocery store and is preparing to move into his own apartment.

The capcity of Sonata is three people with a two person staff on the premesis 24/7.
The Sonata program is managed by Heather Scarbrough who was promoted from Supervisor of the Atascadero Intermediate Care Facility.