01/27/2026
🎉 FOUNDERS DAY — 55 YEARS OF HABILITAT 🎉
Today, on Founders Day, Habilitat marks 55 years of hope, healing, and real change.
Founded in 1971, this day honors the moment a bold idea became a lasting mission: that people struggling with addiction could rebuild their lives through structure, accountability, hard work, and learning how to think for themselves.
This may sound a little biased, shaped by the deep belief and love we have for Habilitat, and by the fact that this program has changed lives in ways that are hard to put into words. But if you ask the people who love us—those who have watched us struggle with addiction and the consequences of bad choices—they will tell you the same thing: the change is real here.
Habilitat works because it has a formula.
A formula built on accountability, soul-searching, dedication, and hard work.
It isn’t easy, and it was never meant to be. The goal has always been bigger than comfort. The goal is to help people learn how to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and make decisions that move them forward in life.
This vision was articulated by our founders, Vinny Marino and Vickie Marino. Vinny laid the groundwork for the program, and Vickie played a huge role in shaping the heart, structure, and daily life of Habilitat, helping turn a bold idea into a strong and lasting community. Together, they built something that would stand the test of time.
Through decades of change, challenges, and growth, Habilitat has stayed true to its mission. Every year represents perseverance. Every life touched represents hope.
💜 Happy Founders Day, Habilitat.
55 years strong. Still doing the work. Still saving lives.