Caminar for Mental Health and Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley Announce Plans to Merge in January 2017
Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Behavioral Health Care Across Bay Area
Two deeply-rooted Bay Area mental health organizations, Caminar for Mental Health and Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley (FCS), will merge on January 1, 2017. With an operating budget of $32 million, the combined organization will reach over 14,000 people annually with programs that build bridges to wellness, resiliency and self-sufficiency.
The boards of directors of both organizations unanimously approved the merger, under which FCS will operate as a division of Caminar. The merged nonprofit will provide services in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Solano and Butte counties.
“This is a merger of strength,” said Chip Huggins, CEO of Caminar, who will head the expanded organization. “Both organizations enjoy strong ties with our communities, are in strong financial positions, provide robust and vibrant programs, and have been built on complementary visions and goals."
“It is an exciting time for behavioral health organizations like ours that are dedicated to offering innovative and effective care,” said Diana Neiman, CEO of FCS, who will become executive director of programs and services of the FCS division on January 1. “FCS and Caminar will offer individuals and families a higher level of coordinated care as they cope with multiple mental and physical health challenges and daily living needs.”
The combined organization will address clients’ complex needs through a continuum of care that encompasses treatment of mental health and substance use conditions, family violence and abuse prevention, case management, medication clinics, short-term residential treatment, and supported employment, housing, and educational programs.
No staff or program changes are planned in connection with the merger. The organization will have nearly 500 employees.
“At FCS, we feel privileged to have served generations of neighbors and families, and we look forward to strengthening our legacy of compassion by expanding our continuum of care in partnership with Caminar,” said Neiman.
About Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley
Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley has been strengthening families and changing lives in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties since 1948 through mental health and substance use disorders treatment, case management, and family violence and abuse prevention services. The organization’s portfolio of counseling programs for children, teens and adults includes specialized services for LGBTQ youth and adults, foster youth, at-risk teens, and domestic violence survivors. In order to increase access to care, FCS, based in Palo Alto and San Jose, brings services to dozens of community-based locations, such as schools, community centers, criminal justice facilities and client homes.
More information at www.fcservices.org
A merger FAQ is posted online at www.fcservices.org/merger-faq/
