Community Bridges

Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) was founded in 1982 by members of the Mesa recovery community and concerned citizens. Known first as the East Valley Addiction Council (EVAC), it was built around a 12-step model supported by volunteers and fewer than 30 employees. It remained afloat until 1996, when it was almost closed due to budget cuts. That is when CEO, Dr. Frank Scarpati, was hired by the Board of Directors to “make it work or shut it down”. In 2002, it became known as Community Bridges, Inc. and now has over 1,500 employees.CBI’s mission is to maintain the dignity of human life. The acronym CBI has come to represent Celebrate recovery, Believe in yourself, and Inspire others, at 31 recovery-based programs throughout Arizona. Many of their employees have been through recovery, and are now paid staff members working to help others realize the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train.Over the past 35 years, CBI has helped thousands of men, women, and families from all walks of life, including Veterans, homeless, and those suffering from mental illness and substance use. CBI continues to be an agent for positive change in Arizona.