Founded in 1970, CDS is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering innovative and progressive programs that address the evolving needs of the community. The organization began when a group of University of Florida professors identified a growing need for substance abuse treatment and prevention services for both adults and children. This led to the establishment of the Corner Drug Store, which has since evolved into a comprehensive community service agency.

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Our Timeline:

           

In 1970 the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act led to the opening of the first Interface Youth Program, one of the first 60 shelters in the US and the first residential program in the Northwest Region. CDS became the official sponsor of the Safe Place Program and together with the Interface Program provided a Safe Place location for all youth ages 10-17 who were runaways, homeless, truant, trafficked, or needed any other type of help.

 

During this time our prevention program expanded to include teen suicide prevention, the Alpha program in Elementary schools that was an academic program with a counseling component that eventually grew into Middle Schools. This also expanded into substance abuse prevention programs in Elementary and Middle Schools.

 

In 1983 the agency sponsored its first chemical-free annual all-night celebration for all graduating seniors known as Project Graduation. This program lasted for the next twenty years and during this time there were no alcohol-related causalities from any graduating seniors in Alachua County.

 

In 1987 a new horizons program was introduced known as the family action program which became a non-residential counseling program for youth 6-17.

 

In 1996 Interface and Family action programs expanded their services to eleven counties. This growth allowed the agency to open an additional shelter in Palatka, FL and furthermore, due to their continued success, this was followed by the opening of an additional facility in Lake City, FL the next year.

 

In 2000 the agency introduced Spotlight on Youth a celebration of the Arts that highlighted the talents of children in Alachua County that became an annual event for the organization until 2017.

 

In 2003 the Independent Living program was added that provided support to young adults ages 16-22 transitioning out of the foster care system.

 

In 2007 the Corner Drug Store changed its name to CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc and started covering fourteen counties in Florida.

 

In 2013, in an effort to strengthen prevention programs, CDS transitioned from substance abuse treatments and increased their prevention programs in Alachua and Levy County.

 

In 2016, CDS added the SNAP program funded by the Florida Network and in 2019 the program expanded to SNAP in schools.

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In 2022, Philip Kabler took the role as CEO and Cindy Starling transitioned from many years in the shelter to the role of COO.

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In 2023, CDS rebranded with a new logo, vision, and goal for the future.

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In 2024, CDS celebrated it's 54th year in operation.