Frank Boudewyns, the co-founder and CEO of Alternatives Inc., a substance abuse program for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, died on Oct. 26 from complications of hepatitis C. He was 56.
Boudewyns and his partner, Michael Ralke, organized Christopher Street, a state-funded treatment center for gays in Minneapolis, in 1973. The two-year program was a success and helped several hundred people find sobriety in an environment of social acceptance for their sexual preferences.
When Boudewyns and Ralke moved to California in the late 1970s, they continued to help gays and lesbians deal with their substance abuse problems. During the 1980s, the couple co-founded a chemical dependency clinic at Los Angeles Midway Hospital, which eventually expanded to help gays afflicted with HIV and AIDS.
In 1993, they established Alternatives Inc., the only gay-owned and operated alcohol, drug and mental health program in the United States.
October 30, 2003 by
Frank Boudewyns
Categories: Medicine
I was sorry to hear about his death since I was told he was a good man and did a lot of the community!!!! He will be missed!
Frankie, is my cousin. Our Fathers were brothers.
we grew up together, and we always had fun when
we were together. Frankie lived in Highland and
my family lived in West St. Paul. I always think
of Frankie and how much fun we had at “x-mas”
because my Parents would rent a Santa Claus, and
all my cousin’s were there and of course, Santa
would have his big red bag, and we all got present’s from Santa. we always had WONDERFUL
times together, which I will always treasure.
I Love Frankie, and He will always be in my
prayers,and will always remain MY FAVORITE COUSIN.
I dont know if we were related or not but ive heard of all the things that he has achieved and he will be greatly missed