Caminar Connections Fall 2019 Edition

We’re happy to share with you the fall 2019 edition of Caminar Connections, our quarterly newsletter of stories from the work you make possible for some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community.  

In this edition, we are pleased to introduce you to Jim Buckner, Executive Director of our Project Ninety division. Jim shares his story of turning his life around with the help of Project Ninety and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find hope and recover from substance abuse. Mark Cloutier, our CEO, shares updates from around the organization. We also pay tribute to a treasured member of the Caminar family who recently passed away. And, we hope you will enjoy the delightful art contributed by participants in our Expressive Arts program.

Thanks to your generosity, lives change at Caminar. We hope you enjoy reading how your help so positively impacts your community.

Join Us for National Coming Out Day in South County

On October 11 and 12, our LGBTQ Youth Space, a program of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division, is presenting two observances of National Coming Out Day in South County.

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What is “National Coming Out Day”?

On Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It was the second such demonstration in our nation’s capital and resulted in the founding of a number of LGBTQ organizations, including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization (LLEGÓ) and AT&T’s LGBTQ employee group, LEAGUE.

Each year on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day continues to promote a safe world for LGBTQ individuals to live truthfully and openly.

Human Rights Campaign

Join us in observing and celebrating this important day by attending one – or both – free community events!

Gilroy
Friday, October 11, 2019
4 to 6 p.m.
Rebekah Children’s Center
290 Ioof Avenue, Gilroy

Morgan Hill
Saturday, October 12, 2019
4 to 7 p.m.
Centennial Recreation Center
171 W Edmundson Avenue, Morgan Hill

Both events will feature good, guest speakers, activities, and resources.

All ages and families welcome!

Bela's Story: Wellness is Employment

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Bela came to our Jobs Plus supported employment program with a goal: To overcome her past trauma and make a better future for herself.

Bela was living in a community house for women who had escaped sexual exploitation, prostitution, and sex trafficking, and taking steps to build a new life.

When Bela met with Jobs Plus Job Developer Tina Zhong, she explained that her plan was to go into business for herself as a hair stylist. She’d completed her training and needed help moving forward with establishing herself in business. Tina and Bela teamed together to search for the perfect place to start a business. They brainstormed ways to promote Bela’s business and build her clientele. Soon, they found the ideal location.

Bela is all smiles when you see her working in Osbelia’s Hair Salon, a bright and beautiful salon in San Francisco’s Outer Mission District, where she rents a stylist’s station and delights in bringing joy to her clients.

IAM Local Lodge 1781 Send Kids Back-to-School Equipped to Learn

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Heading back-to-school with a new backpack and the supplies they need gives students a boost. For many families, finding extra funds for back-to-school after paying rent and buying groceries is a wish.

Thanks to the generosity of the Women’s Committee and Members of IAM Local Lodge 1781, many of our clients and their families received a much-needed gift: New backpacks chock-full of wonderful school supply essentials and even healthy snacks!

Thank you so much, IAM Local Lodge 1781, for the wonderful donation to send local children back-to-school equipped to learn!

Counselors have been thrilled to connect children and teens with this thoughtful and generous gift of caring. Recipients included teens being served through our Teen FAST Program, clients served through our Project Ninety division, children of clients in all of our substance use treatment programs, children of survivors of domestic violence, children and teens receiving counseling themselves for help with emotional health needs, and young adults starting college.

We have seen big smiles on the faces of parents we serve who struggle to meet basic expenses and simply cannot come up with the extra dollars to send their children to school with everything they need. And the children’s eyes have grown big as they unzipped the backpacks, which were packed with such care, and find so many treasures inside.

One child who took home a backpack was especially thankful. His family’s home was flooded earlier this year, resulting in the loss of almost all their possessions. The family spent the summer living in tight quarters distant from his friends, while searching for a new apartment they could afford to rent. Receiving a new backpack and supplies was a timely and most appreciated gift. Knowing someone out there cared enough to make this act of kindness meant a lot.

You gave the priceless gift of care and heart, IAM Local Lodge 1781. Thank you.

Suicide Prevention: Know the Signs

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While we observe Suicide Prevention Month in September, suicide is a topic we need to be talking about every month of the year.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a serious public health problem that affects people of all ages. In fact,

  • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall and the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–34.

  • Suicide rates increased more than 30 percent in half of states since 1999.

  • In 2016, nearly 45,000 lives were lost to suicide across the United States.

And, deaths from suicide are only part of the problem.

  • More than 1.3 million adults self-reported a suicide attempt.

  • Almost 10 million adults self-reported serious thoughts of suicide.

To help prevent suicide, one of the most important steps we all can take is to know the signs that someone is in pain and may need help. The signs may be subtle, but they will appear through conversation, actions, and/ or social media posts. In particular, be aware if someone is

  • Talking about death or suicide

  • Increasing alcohol or drug use

  • Exhibiting uncontrolled anger

For older adults, additional signs include someone seeking ways to self harm, a preoccupation with death, and/ or withdrawal from daily life.

For teens, changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal, and/ or reckless behavior should be warning flags.

Should you notice one of more of these warning signs in a friend, loved one, co-worker, or acquaintance—especially if the behavior is new, increasing, or seems related to a traumatic event —please speak up.

To learn more and for additional resources, please visit www.suicideispreventable.org/

To reach out for help, please reach out to these 24/7 crisis hotlines:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

  • National Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741

  • San Mateo County/ StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350

  • Butte County Behavioral Health Crisis Line (Butte County): 1-800-334-6622 or 530-891-2810

  • Solano County Crisis Line: 707-428-1131

  • San Francisco Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: 415-781-0500 or 1-800-273-8255

  • Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 1-855-278-4204

Suicide Prevention Month: We can all help prevent suicide

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We can all help prevent suicide. Each year, mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, we also observe National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The goal of this month and these efforts is to empower everyone in the community to help prevent suicide.

In San Mateo County, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and the Suicide Prevention Committee is partnering with libraries and community agencies in San Mateo County to host 12 events and promote a social media campaign. This initiative aims to equip individuals with words and resources to support people who may be thinking about suicide. Events include support groups, informational presentations, day of prayer, film screenings, craft workshops and lived experience speakers. You may download the calendar of events here.

In Santa Clara County, Behavioral Heath Services is hosting and Mental Health and Wellness Fair on September 13 and also highlights many other important suicide awareness and prevention events on their website.

In addition to helping to amplify the important messages of suicide prevention that will be shared this month, we encourage all to know the three steps to support someone in a serious mental health crisis:

  1. Know the signs of someone who is having suicidal thoughts

  2. Kind the words to have a direct conversation with them

  3. Reach out for help

If you or someone you know considering suicide, please reach out to these 24/7 crisis hotlines:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

  • National Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741

  • San Mateo County/ StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350

  • Butte County Behavioral Health Crisis Line (Butte County): 1-800-334-6622 or 530-891-2810

  • Solano County Crisis Line: 707-428-1131

  • San Francisco Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: 415-781-0500 or 1-800-273-8255

  • Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 1-855-278-4204

In Memoriam: Barbara E. Jones

We are greatly saddened by the passing of our board member and friend Barbara E. Jones.

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Barbara became involved with Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley (FCS) as a donor in 2001. At the encouragement of friends, Barbara joined FCS’s Circle of Support Breakfast Committee in 2006. In 2012, Barbara was elected to FCS’s Board of Directors. As a member of the board, Barbara was instrumental in enhancing the organization's governance and board development functions, recruiting excellent candidates to the board, and providing thoughtful, informed counsel on strategic decisions. Always important to Barbara was understanding how a decision would affect clients and staff, as she knew people were at the heart of the work.

When FCS merged with Caminar, Barbara transitioned to Caminar's Board of Directors. She continued to be active in fundraising efforts, including through her involvement in the Circle of Support Committee.

Barbara had a wide circle of dear friends, and she inspired many of them to become involved in supporting FCS's and then Caminar's work.

Barbara cared deeply about ensuring people who were underserved had access to quality behavioral health care, educational opportunities, and help to heal from gender-based violence. She gave of her time and resources to advance causes, meet needs, and create change.

FCS, Caminar, and the community at large are the better for Barbara’s brilliance and generosity. She is missed greatly.

We extend our sympathies to Barbara’s family and friends.

We are profoundly honored by wishes to make donations in Barbara’s memory. Donations received will be invested in the work dear to Barbara’s heart. Please click here to make a gift and check the box “Dedicate my donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one.” We will pass along all messages received.

For any questions or assistance, please contact development@caminar.org or call 650.513.1509.

In the News: Community comes together for vandalized LGBTQ center in San Jose

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On the heels of Silicon Valley Pride, we had the chance to shine a light on the wonderful support the LGBTQ Youth Space has received following vandalism earlier this summer.

KRON4 reporter Taylor Bisacky stopped by the LGBTQ Youth Space yesterday to chat with Director of LGBTQ Programs Adrienne Keel about the outpouring of encouragement and support and to check out the donor-funded repairs to the drop-in center’s front door and windows.

We’re delighted to have the chance to celebrate generosity and compassion through this follow-up coverage.

Watch the video or read the transcript on the KRON4 website.

In the News: Silicon Valley Pride to tout its diversity

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The theme for Silicon Valley Pride 2019, taking place in downtown San Jose on August 24 and 25, is “Diversity In Action.”

Fulfilling that theme includes making the event welcoming for all ages. We’re thrilled to be bringing back the popular “teen space.” Hosted by our LGBTQ Youth Space, a program of our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division, the teen space will welcome young people ages 21 and younger with games, hang-out space, and activities.

Our Director of LGBTQ Programs Adrienne Keel talked about the return of the teen space and the importance of including children, youth, and families in Pride events in this Bay Area Reporter article.

Support Caminar Jobs Plus at Safeway

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Every year, Safeway and the Safeway Foundation host the People with Disabilities Campaign. Stores invite shoppers to make donations at the register in support of programs in their communities that make a difference in the lives of youth, adults, and their families.

This year, the campaign is running throughout August.

Our Jobs Plus Program services have benefited from Safeway shoppers’ generosity for several years. Jobs Plus provides pathways into employment and then intensive on-the-job coaching and support to help people with a variety of conditions succeed in the workplace.

Over the last year, 115 Jobs Plus clients secured meaningful, competitive employment. Many of these clients were new to the workforce or returning after a gap of close to 10 years. After 90 days, 85% of clients remained in their jobs, thanks to the coaching and mentoring our donors make possible.

Next time you shop at your local Safeway this month, thank you for considering adding a donation when you check-out. Gifts from compassionate people like you add up and provide important funding for needed programs. 

Do you know someone who would benefit from Jobs Plus’ services? Click here to learn more.

“Caminar’s Jobs Plus program gave me the chance to turn my life around.  And, I’m very thankful.”
— A Jobs Plus client

Staff Spotlight: Caminar Solano Region’s Cassan Phelps

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With a passion for mental health and wanting to expand her impact beyond our Solano region, Cassan Phelps, ASW, joined the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) earlier this year. 

At Caminar, Cassan serves as program director for the Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction (MIOCR) program. The MIOCR program provides clinical case management for clients being released from the jail and the Mental Health Collaborative Court who are experiencing mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders.The goal of this program is to assist with transition into the community and work to reduce recidivism among this population. 

Feeling that there is so much need in mental health space, especially in San Francisco, and not enough people to do it, Cassan reached out to MHASF looking for volunteer opportunities. Upon reviewing her resume with deep experience in mental health and level of education, MHASF invited Cassan to join the Board of Directors. 

The Mental Health Association of San Francisco is a peer-led social justice community dedicated to progressive mental health issues for the past 70 years. Cassan is especially drawn to the organization because of the advocacy work and that it is dominated by peer-providers; the organization is very relatable, and everyone is passionate about what they do. 

While still relatively new on the Board, she has already jumped in and serves on a sub-committee focused on new finding new funding opportunities.

Thank you, Cassan, for the time you dedicate to our clients, as well as the time you devote to helping the greater community. Your passion, energy, and commitment to mental health is inspiring!


Back to School 2019 with Caminar Supported Education

Fall semester begins August 15!

It’s back to school time!

Caminar Supported Education, in collaboration with San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, is pleased to present two courses for the fall 2019 semester.

Peer Counseling I

           An orientation and training course to develop peer counseling skills, emphasizing the experiential process of interpersonal communication as well as the theoretical perspectives. Exploration of community settings. Prepares students for a variety of career settings. explanation of the counseling process.

August 15 through December 5
Tuesday and Thursdays from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
College of San Mateo | Building 16, Room 102

Future Views

Workshops focusing on academic and career exploration. Explore  your personal strengths, determine your learning style, discover student resources.

August 15 through December 5
Tuesday and Thursdays from 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Skyline College | Building 1, Room 205

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 Classes are offered free of charge and all instructional materials are provided.
To register or for more information, please contact

Chris Robinson, Caminar Supported Education Program Director
chrisr@caminar.org | 650.393.8926

 

In the News: Caminar and local agencies work together to offer clean up, support, and services to Suisun City homeless encampment

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Members of Caminar’s Solano Region team joined together with Suisun City police, a code enforcement officer, and Public Works crews to clean up a homeless encampment in the city and to reach out to those who live there. The two-day effort reached more than a dozen homeless people, who were contacted and offered resources and services.

Read more about this effort in the Daily Republic, here.

The right, integrated solutions delivered at the right time

The eight dimensions of wellness, as outlined by SAMHSA.

The eight dimensions of wellness, as outlined by SAMHSA.

At Caminar, we believe that everyone should have access to the top quality care and support they need to achieve their goals and enjoy improved health and wellness. The generosity of our donors and funders makes possible our continuum of integrated and effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services that strengthen the eight dimensions of wellness, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

  1. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships

  2. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating

    environments that support well-being

  3. Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations

  4. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

  5. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work

  6. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep

  7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system

  8. Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life

Needs may vary over time. We work diligently to deliver the right, integrated solutions at the right time, always in a compassionate, caring, and culturally sensitive way informed by science.

Solano Region Client Publishes Two Poetry Books

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We are delighted to share the exciting accomplishments of one of our Solano Wellness and Recovery Center clients, Cynaka Harper, who recently published two books. 

Life’s Journey is a collection of poems Cynaka has written over the course of her life, including while living with cancer and mental health concerns. Cynaka copes with mental illness through music, writing, and poetry. Her desire is that by sharing her story through poetry, it will offer hope to others going through hard times and help them remember the good times. Cynaka says, “life is a journey, and I would love to share with you my journey.”

Dreamer’s Fantasy, written under the name G.O. 284, the name Cynaka adopted for Poetry by the Bay, is her collection of fantasy poems. 

We are so proud of Cynaka for sharing her life journey and fantasies with us, and for following her dreams of being a published poet. You are truly an inspiration, Cynaka!


San Mateo Region Celebrates Summer and Community During Annual Client Picnic

Caminar staff members — including Ofelia “Apple” Concepcion, Joseph Lazaro, Claudia Obina, Caroline Raymundo, and Karina Bernaldes — ready to serve lunch. Photo credit: Jerry Hill

Caminar staff members — including Ofelia “Apple” Concepcion, Joseph Lazaro, Claudia Obina, Caroline Raymundo, and Karina Bernaldes — ready to serve lunch. Photo credit: Jerry Hill

Our San Mateo County Region clients enjoyed our annual client picnic on Friday, July 19, 2019. Set in San Mateo’s Central Park on a beautiful afternoon, the picnic included lunch and plenty of community and entertainment.

Picnickers enjoyed barbecue, rolls, salad, fruit, macaroni salad, fruit salad, and an array of sweets for dessert.

Staff loved seeing clients outside of program offices, dressed up for the occasion, having fun, and soaking in the sun and festivities. Our guests enjoyed socializing outside of the office with other clients, friends, caseworkers, and staff members.

Thank you to all who joined in the fun!

Project Ninety Division Celebrates the Retirement of Founder and Former Executive Director Jim Stansberry

Project Ninety Executive Director Jim Buckner, Caminar CEO Mark Cloutier, Jim Stansberry, and Senator Jerry Hill

Project Ninety Executive Director Jim Buckner, Caminar CEO Mark Cloutier, Jim Stansberry, and Senator Jerry Hill

Jim Stansberry, a founder and former Executive Director of Project Ninety, recently celebrated his retirement. Surrounded by friends, clients, colleagues, and family, he was recognized for his long-standing and deep commitment to Project Ninety and the community. 

Senator Jerry Hill awarded Mr. Stansberry a State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition for his 30 years of outstanding work in the organization. He explained that Mr. Stansberry’s soul made Project Ninety a success, and he applauded his commitment, service, and love for the organization.

Jim Buckner, the current Executive Director of Project Ninety, shared that the special, family feel of the organization came straight from Mr. Stansberry himself. He further explained that Mr. Stansberry's support of his staff is unparalleled and a huge contributor to the success of the team.

Many clients and staff members also shared reflections and appreciation of Mr. Stansberry. The evening was exactly as the team intended; a backyard barbecue with friends and family where everyone enjoyed good food, had some fun, and told great stories.

Thank you, Mr. Stansberry, for your service and compassion. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

In the News: Caminar CEO Interview on KBLX Cares

Thank you to Sterling James and KBLX for hosting our CEO, Mark Cloutier, on KBLX Cares last Saturday morning.

Sterling and Mark covered a range of important topics around the power of compassion and science to help people with mental health and substance abuse issues to get back on their path in life. They also discussed how to reduce stigma, signs someone may need mental health care, and so much more.

We invite you to listen to the interview here.