History

1979

CASI begins as the Near Eastside Alternative Project, at the Near Eastside Multi-Service Center (NEMSC) as the first adolescent alcohol and drug abuse alternative prevention project in Indianapolis.

1980

The Alternative Project is the first program at the Near Eastside Multi-Service Center to receive United Way dollars after NEMSC admission to the United Way.

1981

It then becomes the first exclusively adolescent alcohol and drug abuse outpatient program in the Indianapolis area, and adopts the name Prevention Intervention Treatment Services (PITS).

1982

The VISTA component is added to expand the capacity to reach more teens.

1983

Marilyn McDaniels, a Peer Prevention Leader, was named Torchbearer for the United Way of Central Indiana.

1984

Zoning approval was attained for the Mirage Retreat; a statewide, residential adolescent addictions treatment center.

1985

The first client was admitted to the Mirage Retreat. Vincent G. Failla, Program Director, was given the key to the city for efforts on behalf of youth.

1986

The Alternatives Prevention Project creates The Confidence Club, using Tae Kwon Do as an alternative activity.

1987

Lilly Endowment recognizes the Confidence Club as an outstanding youth program in the state.

1988

PITS and Eastside Community Investments (ECI) launch “Teen Fathers Program” as a joint venture.

1989

PITS, People Health Center and Westminster Presbyterian Church launch the HIFI (High Intensity Future Investment) program, targeting teen parents.

1990

Creator and Director of PITS, Vince Failla leaves to direct a Special Initiative on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for the United Way of Central Indiana.

1992

The Relapse Prevention Project at Mirage Retreat receives national recognition. CASI begins serving adults as a result of a Department of Corrections contract.

1993

Seperation talks begin with Near Eastside MSC and CCI to spin off PITS as separate not-for-profit agencies.

1994

PITS becomes Community Addiction Services of Indiana, Inc. (CASI).

1995

The Confidence Club gets its own building after years in church basements and donated spaces.

1996

The HIFI program becomes an exclusive program of CASI as funding cuts impact partners.

1997

CASI becomes the founding member of the Addiction Resource Network of Indiana (ARNI), a managed care network of free standing substance abuse treatment providers.

1998

CASI opens an outpatient office in Hamilton County.

1999

CASI’s Board votes to suspend operations of the Mirage Retreat due to financial losses.

2000

Vincent G. Failla returns as Executive Director to guide CASI through reorganization.

2001

Johnny Kidd, a long time Confidence Club participant, qualifies for the U.S. Junior National Team and represents the U.S. in the World Junior Tae Kwon Do Championships in Ireland.

2002

CASI upgrades technology with a United Way grant. Hamilton County operations are expanded.

2003

CASI adopts a new mission statement and strategic plan. The HIFI program and the Anderson outpatient office are closed in a cost cutting move. New joint ventures are launched with the Urban Y and Indianapolis Correctional Facility (formerly Indiana Girls School).

2004

CASI collaborates with Drug Free Marion County and Shalom Health Clinics on Demand Treatment Project. CASI implements a computerized case management system. Evidence-based practices become the standard approach to outpatient services.

2007

CASI receives full, 3-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).