Vitality Unlimited: Transforming Lives, Families, and Communities
Founded in 1971, Vitality Unlimited has been the life work of Dorothy B. North, Chief Executive Officer, and Ester Quilici, Chief Operations Officer, who sought and found dignified and effective solutions to assisting substance abusers get their lives on track.
Along the way, they discovered a host of other unmet community needs and launched programs to address them as well. With the vision and hard work of these two dedicated women, and a financial foundation built on low-interest loans, contracts, government grants, private donations and service fees, Vitality Unlimited has become a powerful force in improving the social service fabric of Nevada.
Milestones >>
The Early Days
When outpatient programming began in Elko in 1971, no drug or alcohol treatment services existed in northeastern Nevada. The organization that later became Vitality Center was incorporated in Nevada on February 1, 1972. In 1979, residential treatment services were added and, in 1981, the only detoxification/CPC unit outside the Las Vegas or Reno Metropolitan Statistical Areas was added.
In 1985, the organization adopted the name Vitality Center, established itself as a headquarters, and moved into a new building located at 3740 Idaho Street in Elko, where it continues today. In 1990, increased population and special needs factors prompted the addition of a residential treatment program for adolescents. Utilization and need have further fueled Vitality Center's expansion to include programs in six Nevada counties.
Expanding Our Depth and Breadth
Vitality Center offers a wide range of community services to Nevadans and others, including mental health services, drug test collection services, employee assistance counseling, marriage and family counseling, credit counseling, mental health services, and detoxification/Civil Protective Custody services. More >>
A Solid Foundation
Vitality Center has managed local, state, federal, and private grant awards and contracts since its inception in 1971. Throughout its history, the agency has soundly managed the treatment side of its programs, as evidenced by the referrals and numerous Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) contracts it has received. Vitality Center also manages the financial side of its programs, augmenting state money with third-party payments and client fees. Vitality Center's accounting systems are exemplary, meeting GAAP, state, and federal requirements. Since 2003, Vitality Center has maintained $3.5 million in assets with over 80 employees, successfully managing and balancing a $2.9 million annual budget. Vitality Center maintains an exceptional 3A-1 Dunn and Bradstreet rating.
The Next Level
In 2005, as part of a strategic planning initiative, Vitality Unlimited was born as an umbrella entity to encompass and differentiate Vitality Center and its substance abuse programs, Homes for Healthy Living, and the organization’s Community Outreach programs.
Vitality Unlimited is embarking upon strong initiatives to move from government funding and low-interest loans to a model that includes corporate, foundation and individual funding opportunities. Expanded program initiatives include replicating the WINGS in-prison treatment program nationwide, with an additional focus on women inmates.
