Meet Our Founder

Carolyn’s Place is dedicated to empowering women and fostering strong community relationships. Founded in 2024, it stands as a tribute to my mother, Carolyn Raiford, the most selfless person I have ever known, who always prioritized family above all else.

For over 20 years, our mother worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), selflessly sacrificing her career to raise 15 grandchildren in her home. Carolyn found immense joy in supporting and caring for everyone in her Vallejo community.

“I am deeply honored to give back to the Vallejo community in her memory, as it is through her influence that I have found the strength to live clean and sober.”

- Terri Raiford, Founder

Carolyns Place1Mel . Proclamation from John Garamendi

Terri Raiford

Founder

My name is Terri Raiford, and I founded Carolyn’s Place with a deep commitment to supporting individuals in early recovery. With over 31 years of personal recovery and more than 29 years working in the field of substance abuse treatment, this work is both my life’s passion and purpose. I currently serve as the Executive Director of a residential treatment program, where I’ve dedicated myself to creating structured, compassionate spaces for healing. Carolyn’s Place is an extension of that mission—a safe, stable, and supportive sober living environment where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and encouragement as they rebuild their lives.