Willamette Family Treatment Services, Inc (Willamette Family) originally started over 40 years ago as an alcohol detoxification center located in George Buckley's home. George and his wife Honey were dedicated to intervening in the lives of alcoholics, teaching them about Alcoholics Anonymous, and providing support for their recovery. This program was licensed by the State of Oregon in the early 1960’s, and was the first residential treatment center in Eugene. 

Willamette Family has come a long way since then, but still has a powerful philosophy of caring for the addicted individual and helping them on their way to recovery. Now the largest treatment agency in Lane County, the agency’s goal is to provide services to any individual in need, regardless of who they are or how they came to need treatment.

In 1986, Buckley House received licensure for two residential treatment programs: Carlton Substance Abuse Center for Men, and Sunrise House for Women. These programs served adults, including many with criminal histories.

In 1988, Buckley House became a partner in creating the Community Response Team (CRT) with the City of Eugene, Lane County and Whitebird Clinic. Funding was secured for a van that could pick up intoxicated clients and take them to  Buckley House, where a sobering station had been added.

In 1990, operation of gender specific Intensive Outpatient Treatment for women was licensed. One year later, the Families in Recovery Program received it’s license for residential treatment for addicted women who were pregnant or who had young children. The women’s programs provided complete wrap-around services including childcare, health care, parenting classes, case management, and aftercare services.

In 1994, Willamette Family relocated to a new facility that had previously been a 100-bed nursing home.  It is a large ADA compliant building near the Owen Rose Gardens. At that time, the Buckley House corporate family took on the new name of Willamette Family Treatment Services, Inc.

In 1995, the Project START intensive outpatient program received licensure and funding to serve pregnant addicted teens. This program expanded the next year to serve at-risk girls dealing with alcohol and drug abuse and included an aftercare component. In 1999, it expanded again with a license to provide residential services to this population. In addition, SCF licensed the Child Development Center to provide certified child care services to families receiving treatment.

 In 1999, Willamette Family moved the men’s facility to Green Acres Road in north Eugene, incorporating the old Carlton House and adding a new outpatient program with day and night groups for employed men and women.