Amber Williams serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Janus of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit organization paving the way for providing extensive and affordable treatment for substance use disorder and aiding individuals in transitions to sobriety. Under Amber’s leadership, Janus has been instrumental in spearheading a new approach to substance use treatment in California, most notably with the implementation and staffing of a sobering center in Santa Cruz County’s Jail. 

As a means of coordinating care and providing a stepping stone for people to transition to sober living instead of winding up behind bars in the traditional criminal justice system, Williams defines the sobering center as a “low-barrier entry point to substance use treatment and mental health care.” 

Holding a degree in psychology with a sub-specialty in substance use disorders, Amber has more than 21 years of field experience that have contributed to her passion for providing Santa Cruz’s community with a high standard of substance use disorder care. She also brings her own personal journey with addiction to her work as CEO. 

The Janus program diverts people away from incarceration and connects people struggling with substance use disorders with opportunities for stable housing, employment, and long-term, personalized health care. The sobering center program at Santa Cruz County Jail has seen success and leads the way in demonstrating how effective community-based solutions that prioritize care and rehabilitation over incarceration and punishment can be.

Through her innovative leadership, Amber continues to make a steadfast impact on Santa Cruz’s local community and provides an example of how successful community-based solutions emphasizing partnership and long-term solutions can be for other California counties. We commend Amber for her continued commitment to embodying compassion and innovation in providing communities with affordable and effective substance use disorder solutions.