On June 9, 1944, Juanita D. came into AA and immediately became an active member. She drank again in 1947, but was hospitalized immediately and recovered.
In the winter of 1947, a new need became apparent.
One Sunday night two men, just released from the County Jail, visited 143 Bush. They were uncomfortable and lost. Juanita took these two men under her wing and with the help of O.K. P. and Bob G. began to look for a place for an AA meeting where “skid road bums” would be welcome.
With the help of others, these three members then formed the South of Market Group, or so-called skid road group. At first they met in the Salvation Army Hall, then moved to their own clubhouse in a shelter conducted by St. Vincent de Paul at 235 Minna Street.
Juanita became the manager and mainstay of this group for many years. Meetings were held Wednesday and Saturday nights.
In 1950, Emmett Dailey, then Deputy District Attorney, visited and observed the South of Market meetings and out of these observations recommended and founded the first outpatient clinic to help alcoholics at 150 Otis Street, with the help of Dr. Poliak.
