YPN member spotlight: Joseph Soares, Duffy's Napa Valley Treatment

A lot has happened in the past few months, and we are all working to support each other by keeping our distance and staying home. Outside of working from home, how have you and your family kept busy?

I have been able to exercise at my friend’s garage during the quarantine, which has been a great outlet for my mental wellbeing. I have also done social distancing gatherings, gone boating at Lake Sonoma and enjoyed the parks in the surrounding areas.

What does a typical day in your occupation look like?

There is no such thing as a typical day for me with work. Whether it is traveling across the western seaboard for conferences and networking events, or assisting families with loved ones suffering from addiction over the phone, no two days are ever the same. Typically, I am helping guide individuals locally and throughout the state into the appropriate level of care for mental health or substance abuse treatment. Other days, I am touring our campus, facilitating alumni meetings, and outreaching into our community.

How long have you lived in Sonoma County? If a short period where are you from originally?

I grew up in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg until I was 14 when my family moved to the greater Philadelphia region. I spent 6 years out East, then moved to Oregon for 4 years. I came back to Sonoma County in September of 2017 and have been grateful to be a Sonoma County resident since.

What are you most proud of having accomplished in this past year?

I have received a promotion, successfully moved into and began thriving in my own apartment in Santa Rosa, and have assisted in 5 different departments at work since the COVID-19 pandemic started. I believe in maintaining flexibility and have been grateful to show up in different capacities where needed for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

What sort of events, mixers, etc. would you like to attend with YPN?

I would love to go to networking events and fun-outings in order to better get to know the local community and the individuals who make Sonoma County a better place every day.

Share with us a fun fact that not many people know about!

I am a twin and we did not spend a single day apart from each other until we were 18 years old!

Now more than ever it is important to support local. What businesses or organizations would you like us to look out for and support? These can be restaurants, shops, or anything around and in between!

I enjoy a local restaurant called Zoftig near Memorial Hospital. Likewise, another restaurant I enjoy is called Taqueria Las Palmas. Oliver’s is always a solid locally owned grocery

store that I support.

What is your favorite way to spend your day off?

A solid day off almost always includes friends, live music, or some time hiking/exploring the beauty of Sonoma County. Going to the coast is always a good way to clear my head. Healdsburg as well is my favorite stomping ground for gatherings.

If you could accomplish anything, professionally, academically, or personally, what would it be?

I would like to earn my Master’s in Social Work or Master’s in Family Therapy and be able to provide direct client care while also maintaining my role as a community resource for individuals suffering from addiction issues. I’d also enjoy purchasing my first home here in Sonoma County and raising a family here.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I did not have a clear idea of exactly what I wanted to be when I was growing up, but I always knew I wanted to dress nicely and be able to communicate and build relationships with my community. I am grateful I get to do that today!"