In the News: Op-Ed - San Jose’s LGBTQ Community is as Strong as Its Flags are Vibrant

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A recent Op-Ed in San Jose Inside, San Jose Councilmember Pam Foley details the strength, vibrancy, and diversity of and San Jose’s LGBTQ community. Included in her remarks is mention of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division’s LGBTQ Youth Space and the outpouring of support we received after it was vandalized.

Councilmember Foley writes, “Yellow is emblematic of the power sunlight has on important issues. A few weeks ago, the LGBT Youth Space began their morning by reporting vandalism to the police and cleaning shattered glass from their floors. Because of the exposure on social media and news outlets, readers rushed to support this incredibly compassionate organization.”

Thank you, Councilmember Foley, for being an important ally of the LGBTQ community.

Read more here.

In the News: The Bay Area Reporter Covers The Vandalism of the LGBTQ Youth Space

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Our LGBTQ Youth Space, a program of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division, was vandalized in early June.

The Bay Area Reporter recently published this article on the vandalism.

We appreciate the interest in, and attention to, this event. And, we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from the community in response to this incident.

Thank you, Bombas, for the gift of warm feet!

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We are doing the happy dance for happy and warm feet!

Our gratitude for Bombas literally extends from our heads down to our toes. Thank you, Bombas, for the wonderful gift of 1,750 socks to share with our young adult and adult clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.

The gift of these special socks means so much to our clients, many who have so little. They are being shared with people who are without stable housing, reentering the community after incarceration, rebuilding lives after leaving relationships characterized by domestic violence, and moving through recovery from mental health and/or substance use conditions. As well, some socks are headed to our drop-in center for LGBTQ youth and young adults, where a number of youth are couch-surfing and piecing together safe living situations.

The gift of warm feet, and the feeling of being noticed, loved, and looked after is priceless. Thank you, Bombas, for showing those in need that you care. We appreciate you!

Caminar Connections Summer 2019 Edition

Summer greetings!

We’re happy to share with you the summer 2019 edition of Caminar Connections, our quarterly newsletter of stories and insights from the transformative work you make possible for individuals and families.  

Let us introduce you to Karina, who found gainful employment, self-esteem, and confidence with the help of Caminar Jobs Plus. We also bring you photos and highlights from this spring’s 16th Annual Circle of Support Luncheon, which focused on “A Family’s Journey with Addiction.” And our CEO, Mark Cloutier, reflects on his almost five months at Caminar. 

Lives change at Caminar . . . thanks to you. We hope you enjoy reading how your help so positively impacts your community.


In the News: Caminar CEO Speaks on Childhood Trauma

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Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, was honored to be invited by the United States Consulate as part of the US State Department’s Speaker Program to speak last week at the Family Centre's Adverse Childhood Experiences 2019 Conference.

The Royal Gazette covered the conference and interviewed Mark about the impact of ACEs on the health and well-being of our society. 

Mark states, “A good way to frame what Aces offers us is, it’s really the unaddressed non-infectious public health emergency of our lifetime, in that we now have the evidence from an epidemiological perspective — what is a major driver of lifetime adult chronic diseases.”

Read more.

In the News: San Jose Inside Reports on Recent Vandalism at the LGBTQ Youth Space

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Our LGBTQ Youth Space, a program of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division, was vandalized over the weekend. The door and three windows were smashed. We don't know the motivation behind the vandalism, but our team feels fortunate the damage was not worse, no one was harmed, and we remain operational. We are heartened by the outpouring of love and support from the local community. San Jose Inside reported on the incident, which you may read here.

In the News: KRON 4 News Reports on Recent Vandalism at our LGBTQ Youth Space

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We are sad to share that our The LGBTQ Youth Space drop-in center, a program of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division, was vandalized over the weekend. Yet, we are deeply thankful to neighbor businesses and community members who have stepped up with support, encouragement, concern, and even donations for repairs.

KRON 4 News reported on the incident, which may be viewed here.

Coping and Hope Though Poetry: Natalie Shares Her Writing

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With special thanks to Caminar Case Manager Jason Kaefer who brought this special story to us and to the brave and talented Caminar Client Natalie San Juan who is sharing her gift of poetry with us.

Natalie became a member of the Caminar family through YAIL, our Young Adult Independent Living program. For the last eight years, she has been part of our New Ventures Case Management program.

As a child, Natalie always felt different. Natalie recalls that “everyone said I was too sensitive, and I cried a lot.” As she matured, her feelings progressed until a diagnosis of major depressive disorder fell upon her. Over the years, she has dealt with emotions that would be unimaginable to most people. “I was suicidal at times, in and out of hospitals. It was a dark, dark world,” she remembers. In an attempt to reduce the feelings of sadness, she turned to an old childhood hobby — writing. Through a collection of journal entries, including poetry and stream of consciousness, Natalie managed to mitigate her internal unrest and express feelings of all kinds. This coping skill has allowed her a shelter from the feelings she once thought inescapable. Now, she wishes to share her writing with the hope that it will ring true with others who experience similar situations.

Please enjoy her poem “Prejudice” that was written to encourage people to talk openly about their mental health and to not feel shame in doing so.

Prejudice

By Natalie San Juan

Take a look at me,
and what do you see?

I am not a disease,
I am a human being.

Take off that blindfold,
and reality you will see.

Your words that crush my spirits,
cause ms me non necessary insanity.

You see me walk away with an attitude,
in which you have slowly brought on.

But because you are always a “superior,”
I am always at full fault.

In your eyes I’m a small ant,
that at any moment you will stomp.

I will not judge if you choose not to change,
I just ask for a brief stop.

Take a look around you,
check your brain before you speak.

You just will never know,
who’s soul you’ll tear apart.

I hope you get my message,
hope it sticks to you like gum.

I will not give up fighting,
til this battle is won.

Solano Region Celebrates Clients Who Are Sailing To Wellness

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In recognition of Mental Health Month, our Solano region hosted the 8th Annual Cammie Awards on Thursday, May 23.

As always, this gathering highlighted clients who have reached a successful milestone and are sailing to wellness on their journeys toward recovery. Clients were recognized for inspiring achievements with housing, education, employment, sobriety, and healthy lifestyles.

Centerpieces were handmade and hand-painted sailboats created by clients at our Wellness and Recovery Center. Guests enjoyed a lovely lunch complete with delicious desserts and fun door prizes before the awards ceremony began.

We applaud the efforts of all clients as they move toward resilience, wellness, and independence. And, we delight with them in all of their accomplishments.

Special thanks to Fremont Hospital for once again generously sponsoring this special event.

Walking for Behavioral Health on Memorial Day

Caminar was delighted to participate in the 10th Annual Hillsborough Memorial Day Parade, Carnival, and Music Festival, which was held on Monday, May 27, 2019.

The event honored and remembered those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and celebrated community and connection.

The Caminar team walked in memory of service members and in support of all who are on courageous journeys of recovery from mental illness or addiction.

We are grateful to the Town of Hillsborough for inviting our participation in this lovely day.

5 Tips to Talk About Mental Wellness

What can we do to help create a society where mental wellness is discussed and valued?

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a month in which mental health advocates and leaders work to amplify awareness of mental health issues and the stigma around mental illness.

And as you likely know, our society is experiencing an epidemic wave of adolescent behavioral health disorders. In fact, one in eight teens reported a major depressive episode in 2014–2015, up 25% in the last four years.

One of a child’s greatest protective factors is a sympathetic adult who can help the child understand their own feelings, develop emotional skills, and buffer the child’s exposure to adverse experiences that cause emotional distress. That sympathetic adult may be a parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, coach, teacher, close family friend, or other caring adult.

Here are five tips to help create homes, workplaces, schools, and communities where mental wellness is valued, discussed, and embodied. We invite you to consider which you may like to try in your life.

  1. Normalize talking about difficult emotions and feelings, such as stress, grief, or loss.

  2. Consider reducing or eliminating screen time at night to improve the quality and length of sleep.

  3. Take time at one weekly meal to encourage everyone to share something about their day. Through listening and supporting each other, show that emotional experiences are valued.

  4. Talk about mental health and how it affects your family with community leaders and elected officials.

  5. End the stigma by being forthcoming about your own struggles and success with your own mental health – you can be an example of resilience for your family, peers, and community.

We would love to hear from you, too! What practices do you find help to promote mental wellness? We will feature tips in a future blog post. Please send your tips to connections@caminar.org.

Congratulations to our Supported Education Class of 2019 Peer Counseling Program Graduates

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Peer Counseling students, graduates, and instructors

On May 16, students in our Supported Education Program at the College of San Mateo gathered to celebrate the end of the semester. As well, they also joyously recognized the class of 2019 Peer Counseling Program graduates, those students who completed both semesters of the Peer Counseling classes.

Supported Education Director Chris Robinson welcomed each graduate to the front of the room and presented them with a certificate of achievement while the students applauded each other and their accomplishments. Students spoke of their appreciation of the program and offered a standing ovation for the instructors to express their gratitude. Mr. Robinson concluded the gathering by encouraging students to seek opportunities to use their newfound skills in peer counseling and to continue their education. He stated that Supported Education is a gateway to find connection, support, and skills for one’s next steps in life.

A collaboration between Caminar, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, the Supported Education Program's purpose is to educate, empower, and expose clients to new experiences. We offer the Peer Support classes exclusively at the College of San Mateo, and the courses - and transportation - are provided at no cost.

The fall semester at the College of San Mateo begins on August 14. For more information or to enroll, please contact Chris Robinson at ChrisR@caminar.org or 650.578.8691.

Congratulations to our most recent Peer Counseling Program graduates!

Special thanks to Jerry Hill for capturing the festivities in photos.

Expressive Arts Program Art Show at the Half Moon Bay Library

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We are delighted to partner with the Half Moon Bay Library during Mental Health Awareness Month to share our clients’ art with the community.

Over the last year, Caminar’s Expressive Arts Program has reached more than 100 San Mateo County residents in recovery from serious mental health conditions.

Through the creative process and the resulting artwork, participants express emotions that words cannot fully capture—or are too painful to utter aloud.

Five years ago, the program began in earnest with photography as the art medium. The program has evolved to include drawing, painting, adult coloring pages, and music. World-renowned photographer Michael Collopy is the Teaching Artist for the program. Along with Mr. Collopy, musician Maikel Garcia is an integral part of our Expressive Arts program. Maikel promotes emotional, mental, and social well-being through music.

Participants tell us that learning and practicing art helps them to feel less anxious and to feel calmer and more hopeful.

We invite you to enjoy these pieces of art made with great heart, which will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Library, 620 Correas Street, Half Moon Bay, from May 20 through June 3, 2019.

The Pressing Need for Behavioral Health Solutions

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The complexity of needs influencing the health and well-being of local youth and adults has been increasing over the last several years.

We find people often are overwhelmed by overlapping and interrelated challenges, whether it’s serious mental illness and maintaining safe, affordable housing, or the co-occurring symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders, or trying to balance mental health recovery and the demands of the workplace.

Complex needs impact all age groups. Here are a few statistics to remind us of the importance of behavioral health solutions and services.

  • 1 in 5 adults have a mental health condition. That's over 40 million Americans; more than the populations of New York and Florida combined. Mental Health America

  • One in eight teens reported a major depressive episode in 2014–2015, up from one in 11 in 2011–2012. Two-thirds of adolescents with major depressive episodes did not get treatment. California Health Care Foundation

  • Overall, sexual minority youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as heterosexual peers. Transgender adolescents were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian adolescents were 3.71 times more likely and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely than heterosexual peers to attempt suicide. JAMA Pediatrics

  • An estimated 43.6 million (18.1%) Americans ages 18 and up experienced some form of mental illness. In the past year, 20.2 million adults (8.4%) had a substance use disorder. Of these, 7.9 million people had both a mental disorder and substance use disorder, also known as co-occurring disorders. SAMHSA

  • An estimated 26% of homeless adults staying in homeless shelters live with serious mental illness and an estimated 46% live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders. HUD

  • Nearly half of 20,000 US adults surveyed indicate they suffer from feelings of loneliness. Cigna

We are grateful to all of our donors, funders, and friends who help Caminar’s work to empower and support individuals and families to move toward resilience, wellness, and independence.


Strong Voices Support Mental Health and Ending Stigma

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Increasing awareness around mental health is an essential component for moving toward mental health and wellness in our communities. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and mental wellness.

We applaud and appreciate the efforts of those with a strong voice and platform who speak up about the significance of mental health and the importance of increasing conversations on the topic as a way to destigmatize mental illness.

Here are a few highlights of recent interviews and statements by those in the public eye who are helping to amplify this important conversation:

  • NBA star Kevin Love shares his longtime struggle with anxiety and depression and encourages others to “speak their truth.”

  • Actor and activist Glenn Close discusses the importance of conversation on mental health to look out for one another and to also end the stigma surrounding mental health.

  • CNN Anchor Chris Cuomo pleas to remove the stigma of mental health, claiming it would be his one wish if a genie came out of a bottle.

  • Singer, songwriter, rapper, and presenter Lizzo talks about the importance of self-care, self-love, acceptance, and owning up to your vulnerabilities.

  • Cookbook author and restaurateur Ayesha Curry opens up on the power of being vulnerable and speaking your own truth.

Caminar Participates in Solano's Mental Health Month Celebration

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Solano County Behavioral Health hosted the 5th Annual Mental Health Month Celebration on Saturday, May 4 at the County Events Center. Caminar staff, including a contingent from our Wellness and Recovery Center, joined the celebration and brought awareness Caminar’s services in Solano County.

We extend our gratitude to the team for spending their Saturday in the community and providing outreach efforts to help our most vulnerable neighbors.

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