Our Identity

Mission

Bakersfield Recovery Service exists to serve people struggling with substance abuse. We strive to improve our community one life at a time by restoring hope to the hopeless.

Vision

We are committed to the human essence of connection to provide a recovery community, rooted in trust, authenticity, hope and opportunity, so that people not only achieve sobriety but also find their purpose and make a change to make a difference.

History

In 1984, after the tragic loss of his son Jason to a cocaine overdose, Zane Smith, a recovering alcoholic, founded Bakersfield Recovery Services, a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. By 1995, the State of California recognized BRS’s contributions, granting them a license for specialized substance abuse treatment. This opened avenues for Kern County’s first “alternative sentencing” program, and by 1999, BRS further distinguished itself as California’s pioneering organization licensed for a pre-natal residential treatment program.What began as Jason’s Retreat transformed into a prominent drug and alcohol treatment facility, spanning six facilities by 2023. Today, with over 100 dedicated staff members, BRS is a beacon of hope and transformation for many.

Our Core Values

Our core values drive us to prioritize the well-being of our clients, their families, and the community, aiming to make a positive and lasting difference in the journey towards recovery.