Drug and Alcohol Counselor Degree

I have a calling to become a drug and alcohol counselor to give back and help those people suffering from substance abuse and often mental health issues.  I have first knowledge of this crisis, having graduated from a treatment center after three months recently in San Francisco and awaiting moving into a halfway house within the same facility.  My problems began after Hurricane Katrina, my home and city were destroyed and recovery for me led to a distraught plunge of alcohol abuse that continued for a long time as well as a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder.  
     I was flown out of New Orleans after becoming homeless by a friend to seek shelter with  in February until a program, the Walden House, had a bed available and I am so grateful.  I'd often had the desire to teach in the past and love providing people with comfort, compassion, and joy.  City College offers a great drug and alcohol program that many of my counselors at the Walden House graduated from themselves.  My desire to make this a fulfilling career for the rest of my life is strong and I have the personal experience and desire to succeed and thrive.  My case worker and therapist at Walden House and the Associate Dean of this program at City College agree .
     Tuition is free after one year of residency in San Francisco, so I desperately need help to fund the first year of school, beginning this summer through the spring so I can utilize my free housing and food while in the halfway house.  I have no money, and have not been allowed to work the four months while in the treatment center either.  If I can somehow find a way for a year of tuition and books in a two year program to be paid, I can be on my way to my true calling and get immense gratification in my new life through helping others.  Just like I needed it. 
     Any help you could give directly to City College of San Francisco for tuition and books would be so appreciated. I would keep you informed on a regular basis of how well I am doing in school and looking forward to my new life.  I graduated with a BA from Washington and Lee in 1991,  and know I can excel in this program.  Having a BA has prevented from any federal or state grant help, and because I didn't graduate from high school here I can't get any city help.  My first class is June 16, if I can't come up with at least about $400 by then for two required classes this summer to begin this program it is not offered for another year and the opportunity will be lost.  Thanks for your consideration and please help me make my dream come true if you can!