Brian Hinojosa - Parent/ Community Partner, Wellness Program Caminar’s Family & Children Services Division
"As one person I can’t change the world, but I can change someone’s world, and we can make it better.”
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Brian Hinojosa - Parent/ Community Partner, Wellness Program Caminar’s Family & Children Services Division
"As one person I can’t change the world, but I can change someone’s world, and we can make it better.”
Maritza Henry, MA, LMFT - Director, School-based Services, Wellness Program Caminar's Family & Children Services Division
“What gets me up in the morning is being able to instill hope in families that have been inflicted with this narrative that they’re not good enough, and carrying that hope when they can’t carry it for themselves.”
Recently, Davia Ann Simpson made the challenging decision to admit herself into the hospital due to suicidal feelings and unmonitored schizophrenia. As a mother of five with a background in medicine, she knew she had to do everything possible to get the care she needed.
Unfortunately, Davia had no secure housing conducive to her recovery to return to after her hospitalization. Thankfully, her social worker referred her to Redwood House, Caminar's crisis residential house, where she could find needed stability and support.
Joining the Redwood House community was the first time Davia intentionally addressed her mental health and addiction.
Support with taking steps toward understanding her wellness transformed her quality of life. "I do not know where I would be without the supportive services I am accessing right now. I would be struggling. It makes a difference to have a team behind you," says Davia.
Davia, who is passionate about scrapbooking memories of her children, says that the Expressive Arts Program has boosted her morale. She uses a composition book as an art diary, and it's helped her channel her creativity. "It makes me feel good about myself! Michael is so positive; whenever he comes, he wants to see what I have accomplished, and he talks up my artwork," says Davia about Michael Collopy, Expressive Arts teaching artist and a world-renowned photographer.
Currently, Davia is preparing to transition into a program that will support her recovery from addiction. She shares that she was in pieces before seeking care and is now ready to continue the journey toward recovery. “Anyone can attain what I have attained. I am no more special than the next person. You have to stay positive and focused. You can only go up from certain points," a mindset that Davia says would not have been possible without the help she received from Caminar.
"I have gone through a lot in my life; there has been a lot of struggles, and so when there is something to attain, it makes me a stronger person. Being here has given me something to attain: stronger mental health."
We are grateful to this client from our residential program who shared their very personal reflection on coping with complex mental health conditions and finding healing and health.
I was the subject of a hopeless narrative. I struggled making decisions and maintaining them because I feared regret, and I felt more in control when I was in limbo than when I had made a decision. I lived in this state of stupor for 2.5 years. I was in my early twenties but still dependent on my parents. I went through multiple diagnoses and unsuccessful trials of medications. I had three almost back-to-back hospitalizations, finally getting diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder and OCD. I still haven’t fully processed the trauma of these things. Untangling these issues and processing them has been a long journey. By the state’s standards, I’m considered homeless now, which I never thought I’d be, but I do have a place to go to - back home with my parents, even though a part of me fears it, but it is where I will heal broken relationships, including and most importantly with myself and my Higher Power.
What matters now is that I’m healing. Some good came out of the hospital visits and residential treatment programs. Everything happens for a reason. I met people and made friends that helped me uncover more of who I am – strong, artistic, resilient, multi-faceted, and faithful. I was psychologically tested and given a formal diagnosis by a psychologist at one of the hospitals. I went to Redwood House, a crisis center, and Eucalyptus House in Daly City, a social rehab facility where I’m at now. There I came into myself more and began the healing process. My roommate at Redwood House became a mentor-like figure for me. I ended an unhealthy romantic relationship that was bound to end from the beginning. I learned I have talent in painting, and I developed this as a healthy way to practice my religion. I became calmer and less manic. I underwent TMS treatments on my brain, which helped with my depression. I started seeing a therapist who helped me find and trust my own voice. I reconnected with a different priest - one at the church I grew up at - who helped me to learn to be “less religious and more faithful.” I learned many coping skills from the classes and groups at the hospitals, Redwood House and Eucalyptus House, such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, distraction, writing, and art. I developed my hobbies, which became a coping skill to me. My family, especially my parents, was a faithful support for me through the ups and downs. And we are currently doing family therapy together. I am learning to put myself first and love myself, and have gotten stronger with my mental health and coping skills through the challenges.
I’m in a healthier place now, thanks to medicine, prayer, family support, time away from triggers, constant therapy and counseling, and hard work and dedication.
Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation has generously awarded us two grants to generate awareness and provide treatment to adolescents, families, and young adults. The first grant was awarded in September 2021 for $60k. The second grant, awarded in September 2022, was for $70k. The combined $130k allowed us to begin to address the significant need for adolescent mental health in our service areas. We thank Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation for supporting our programs and the community.
Dear Caminar Community,
We awoke Sunday morning to the news of yet another senseless act of gun violence against innocent people. While a motive hasn’t officially been stated, it appears — and feels — like a hate crime against the LGBTQIA+ community with which I proudly identify.
By all accounts, Club Q was a safe, supportive place for people to express and celebrate their true selves. Club Q — like so many other spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks who often don’t feel they belong elsewhere — was a safe haven. And that safe haven became a war zone. Even more sickening, the attack occurred on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance – a day to honor the lives of trans people lost to anti-trans violence and hatred.
This devastating, disgusting attack - just like the others before it - was preventable. Or, at least reduceable. We live in a very violent country and as a nation, we must address the policies, beliefs and behaviors that allow that violence to occur.
Be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this extraordinarily difficult time.
With deep care and concern,
Mark
Because of you, we can make a difference
As Thanksgiving approaches, we give thanks to you for making our work possible.
Your support is crucial for the mental well-being of our community and means the world to those who receive the treatment and care they need and deserve.
Because of you, disproportionately affected youth, teens, adults, and families are able to find the mental health education, prevention, treatment, and support services they need to live — and thrive.
Thank you for your support! Together, we can make a difference and restore wellness in our community.
December 31 is coming: consider ways to reduce income tax
December 31st is almost here! Now is a great time to consider ways to reduce your income tax while supporting a cause that is important to you and your family. Caminar is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
If you have reached retirement age and need to begin taking a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA account before December 31st, you can donate a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to Caminar and pay no taxes on the required minimum distribution income!
We recommend you speak with your financial advisor for more information on how you can reduce your income taxes while preserving your cash resources. Charity Navigator’s information page gives details on how to donate your IRA required minimum distribution.
Holiday request: gift cards for teens
Our Family & Children Services division in Santa Clara County is delighted to be the recipient of donations at the San Jose Red & White Toy Drive and Classic Car Show! Our Santa Clara team serves many teenagers, often forgotten during toy drives.
If you'd like to brighten the holidays for an underserved teen, we invite you to contribute a Target or Amazon gift card. Gift cards can be delivered to this annual event, which will be held this year on December 3rd from 10 AM - 5 PM at San Jose Harley Davidson. Alternatively, please email or call us at 650-513-1509 to deliver a gift card to our office.
Thank you for considering how to spread holiday cheer to a teen!
Valle Monte League’s Christmas Tree Elegance
Our Family & Children Services division is so very grateful for the long-time and ongoing support of Valle Monte League, Inc., and is delighted to join in person at Christmas Tree Elegance this year!
This amazing, not-to-be-missed event benefits our agency and clients and tickets are still available!
Consider attending to celebrate the season and support the mental health of our community.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"I donated in the hope we will one day have a world that anyone can be comfortable and confident in one they are!”
- An LGBTQ Youth Space donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
A recent article by The Whole U from the University of Washington states, “Studies have shown that expression through art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress.” The article discusses the mental health and self-care benefits of art, both of which clients in our Expressive Arts program experience during weekly workshops.
Generously funded by Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Foundation, Caminar’s Expressive Arts program is run by our teaching artists, world-renowned photographer Michael Collopy and Cuban saxophonist and composer Maikel Garcia. Art created by our clients is always beautiful and inspiring, as these recent examples clearly demonstrate. Enjoy!
Thank you for celebrating with us!
Thank you to all who supported and joined us on October 8 at the Fox Theatre Redwood City for In Celebration with Caminar. From Marlee Matlin's captivating keynote to Maikel Garcia's music and the fund-a-need that exceeded all goals, it was a very special evening.
We hope you enjoyed yourself and we cannot thank you enough for the generosity and compassion you shared.
Please enjoy these photos of the evening. Those of you who attended will receive a link to see all of the photos in the coming days.
If you couldn't donate at the event, but still wish to contribute, there's still time! You may make your donation here.
Thank you for your support! We cannot do this work without you!
Institutional Giving Update
Caminar is happy to announce the continuation of our valued partnership with El Camino Healthcare District in the form of two grants: one in support of our Domestic Violence Prevention Services and one for the LGBTQ Speakers Bureau.
These two programs reach thousands of clients and promote a safer community for those experiencing abuse and those in our LGBTQ+ community. Our thanks to El Camino Healthcare District for recognizing the impact of these programs and for their generous support!
WE MOVED!
Our headquarters and corporate teams have moved to
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Corporate teams include IT, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Development & Marketing, and CEO Mark Cloutier.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
“We have seen the help this program has given,
the right blend of rules and compassion, as well as assistance to necessary medical help and more.”
- A Caminar donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
You are invited! Please join us on October 8!
Please join us on October 8 for In Celebration with Caminar: An Evening of Cause, Community, and Connection featuring Oscar winning actress, activist, and author Marlee Matlin.
This is Caminar’s largest fundraising event of the year and will raise crucial funds and awareness of the behavioral health needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
Seats are still available.
Register now!
Saturday, October 8
Fox Theatre Redwood City
Don't miss an evening of cocktails, festive food, live music, friends, an exciting speaker, and more!
Upcoming Candidate Forums In Partnership with Thrive Alliance
Caminar is pleased to partner with Thrive Alliance and Choose Children for two upcoming candidate forums designed to elevate the most pressing issues of nonprofits and their communities in San Mateo County.
We invite you to join us for these important events.
Board of Supervisors, 2nd District
Tuesday, September 20 | 5:30 - 7:00 pm
In Person
Register for 9/20
Board of Supervisors, 3rd District
Tuesday, September 27 | 5:30 - 7:00 pm
In Person
Register for 9/27
WE'RE MOVING!
At the end of this month, our headquarters and corporate teams will move to
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Corporate teams include IT, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Development & Marketing, and CEO Mark Cloutier.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"Mental health is part of healthcare. Understanding and compassion for those who need it.”
- A Caminar donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
The Bay Area Reporter recently published a story about Caminar’s The LGBTQ Youth Space program’s summer intern, who came to us from Bank of America’s Student Leaders program.
Please read the full story here.
FROM MARK: THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT LAST YEAR
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being a part of the Caminar community! I want to share a brief update on the impact of your contribution to support Caminar's work this last year, as Caminar's fiscal year 21-22 ended on June 30, 2022.
In July of 2021, we launched the Behavioral Health Equity Fund to respond to the persistent and heightened impact of COVID-19 and its behavioral health toll on lower-income BIPOC communities and adolescents.
The goal was to raise $400,000 additional funds to support expanding services to treat adolescents, individuals, and families disproportionately suffering from COVID-19's behavioral health impact.
Thanks to you and all our generous donors and funders, we exceeded our goal and raised over $635,000! Thank you for your commitment to improving the quality of life for our most at-risk neighbors. Here are some highlights of the work you helped make possible:
Delivered high-quality, compassionate, evidence-based treatment for complex mental health and substance use conditions
Reinforced wrap-around services that address the social determinants of health, including
Jobs Plus Supported Employment
Expanded services in our LGBTQ Youth Space and LGBTQ Wellness Programs
Launched an adolescent behavioral health awareness campaign funded by a grant from Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation, which reached 200,000 local adolescents last holiday season and continues today
Presented Caminar's Speakers Series featuring Dr. Hardy, who brought his expertise on racism to our supporters and the general public, free of charge, in the spring
Designed and built a program model to reach and serve under-insured adolescents and their families struggling to access quality mental health and substance use treatment
As we start this new fiscal year, we focus on creating our Adolescent, Young Adult, and Family Treatment Center in Palo Alto with reduced-rate services to ensure those who are underinsured do not fall through the cracks. We are also expanding school-based services because we know that youth and adolescents are more likely to access the counseling they need when offered into schools at no cost to the family.
Thank you for your compassion and generosity; together, we can help.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have an interest in learning more about ways to get involved with Caminar or to share your thoughts – I value your feedback.
With gratitude,
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH
CEO
INTRODUCING THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are thrilled to welcome Kalimah Salahuddin to Caminar's Board of Directors.
Community health has always been one of the drivers for Kalimah Salahuddin. That work led her to serve on the Jefferson Union High School District Board of Education after being elected in 2012 and on the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County Board, where she was appointed in 2019. During the COVID-19 crisis, she was one of the founding members of the REACH Coalition to advocate for equity and community health for all. As a result, she was asked to serve on the Leadership Council for the Recovery Initiative for San Mateo County.
Previously she served as a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco from 2015 to 2019 and was inducted into the San Mateo County Woman's Hall of Fame in 2018. She is currently employed at Exelixis on the Investor Relations / Public Affairs team. Her most outstanding achievement is being a mother to her three beautiful adults.
Kalimah’s deep commitment to, and expertise in, community health is a tremendous asset to our Board of Directors.
We are delighted to also welcome Inessa Shishmanyan to our Board of Directors.
Inessa is the Chief Financial Officer at Peninsula Family Service, a San Mateo-based nonprofit agency that works to provide children, families, and older adults support and tools to realize their full potential and lead healthy, stable lives.
Born and raised in Armenia, Inessa currently resides in San Mateo. Her commitment to serving others was inspired by the challenges brought by the regional military conflict she experienced growing up in Armenia. Inessa is passionate about human services, anti-racism, and advancing equity. Those passions brought her to Caminar’s board, where she is focused on advancing solutions to those issues and shedding light on challenges nonprofit staff and leadership are experiencing in their work.
We are grateful for Inessa’s deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in our community and thrilled she has joined the Caminar Board.
JOIN US OCTOBER 8!
Please join us on October 8 for In Celebration with Caminar: An Evening of Cause, Community, and Connection featuring Oscar winning actress, activist, and author Marlee Matlin.
This is Caminar’s largest fundraising event of the year and will raise crucial funds and awareness of the behavioral health needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
Register now to join us on Saturday, October 8, at 6pm at the Fox Theatre Redwood City for a celebration with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, friends, an exciting speaker, and more!
WE'RE MOVING!
At the end of this month, our headquarters and corporate teams will move to
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Corporate teams include IT, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Development & Marketing, and CEO Mark Cloutier.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"My son was there a few months ago and from what I heard,
the program really tried to help him and put him in touch with multiple services.
Thank you."
- A Caminar donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
Research indicates a connection between creating art and the lowering of stress. Our Expressive Arts program embraces the therapeutic power of art and provides an opportunity for clients in our residential homes to enjoy weekly hour-long art workshops with world-renowned photographer Michael Collopy and musician Maikel Garcia.
The program is generously funded by Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Foundation.
Please enjoy some recent client art:
We are delighted to share with you poetry from one of our clients, Brenda N.
Brenda's poetry is beautiful, and writing helps her mental health and well-being. We celebrate Brenda and the therapeutic power of the arts! Enjoy.
Two souls
eyes embrace
hearts hold
In time and space
Eternity will find the lost divine
two souls wander lost...
and paying the cost
Almost forgotten by fates alteration,
Looking for a way to escape the insane,
Two souls searching, found a way
to be free from the pain.
A moment in time, the lost
was found, together they are bound.
- Brenda N.
CLOUTIER: THE BAY AREA SHOULD BE LEADING CHANGE FOR THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
San Jose Spotlight recently published an Op-Ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier: The Bay Area should be leading change for the youth mental health crisis.
Mark shares, "The pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing emotional environment for
young people that led to increased suicide rates, severe depressive episodes and likely early drug addiction among our youth. Too many of those young people are being left out of care, get too little care or have complex issues that our current system cannot address."
He continues, "This adolescent behavioral health epidemic is too large to fall on just one group of stakeholders. If we are to prevent it from continuing to cause increased harm, it requires a new response that will call on all of us – parents, neighbors, schools, faith-based organizations, youth organizations, social media platforms and elected officials."
We invite you to read the entire Op-Ed here. To learn how you can help make a difference, click here.
MARLEE MATLIN AT IN CELEBRATION WITH CAMINAR
We are delighted to share with you plans for In Celebration with Caminar: An Evening of Cause, Community, and Connection featuring Oscar-winning actress, activist, and author Marlee Matlin.
This is Caminar’s largest fundraising event of the year and will raise crucial funds and awareness of the behavioral health needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
Please join us on Saturday, October 8, at 6pm at the Fox Theatre Redwood City for a celebration with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, friends, an exciting speaker, and more!
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING UPDATES
California Department of Health Care Services
The Community Services Division of California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $51.5 million on March 10, 2022 to its newest Behavioral Health Workforce Development program, the Mentored Internship Program.
Caminar is delighted to have been selected as one of the nonprofits to support the expansion of California's behavioral health workforce and our Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley division appreciates the opportunity to help train and mentor the next generation of behavioral health professionals.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions
Caminar is honored to be one of fifty nonprofits nationwide to be granted funds as part of the Workforce Innovations in Integrated Care Learning Collaborative hosted by the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions.
This grant provides Caminar the opportunity to receive training and technical assistance from integrated care experts and guidance and expertise from other peer organizations involved to support our initiatives to improve and support our workforce. Our thanks to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions
WE'RE MOVING!
Effective August 1, 2022, our headquarters and corporate teams will move to
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Corporate teams include IT, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Development & Marketing, and CEO Mark Cloutier.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"Thank for you all that you do in supporting the community,
especially the ones that seemingly fall through the cracks
and have no place to go."
- A Caminar donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
San Jose Spotlight recently published an Op-Ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier: The Bay Area should be leading change for the youth mental health crisis.
Our society is experiencing an epidemic wave of behavioral health disorders that’s impacting our most vulnerable populations.
The pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing emotional environment for young people that led to increased suicide rates, severe depressive episodes and likely early drug addiction among our youth. Too many of those young people are being left out of care, get too little care or have complex issues that our current system cannot address.
We invite you to read the Op-Ed in its entirety here.
REAL SOLUTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Mental health issues continue to impact the most vulnerable youth and families in the Bay Area. Our school-based mental health programs reached over 1,000 youth and families last year, and we provided specialized case management to over 50 of the most at-risk participants, like Rosa:
Prevention, early intervention, and individualized care are crucial for the mental well-being of our next generation. Your donation today would mean the world to those who receive the treatment and care they need – and deserve.
CELEBRATING RESILIENCE, HOPE, AND PRIDE
LGBTQ+ youth experience positive health outcomes when they have safe, supportive, and affirming environments and relationships. Our LGBTQ Youth Space in Santa Clara County offers LGBTQ+ youth a safe space to be themselves, receive affirming support and care, and thrive.
Riley, a Youth Space participant since the age of 13, recently shared what the program means to them:
We invite you to celebrate Pride month with us by donating today to help others experience the same resilience, hope, and pride as Riley.
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING
Caminar's LGBTQ Youth Space thanks the Cargill Contributions Team for their recent grant. As a longtime partner, we would like to recognize Cargill Salt for their commitment to our community's LBGTQ youth - we appreciate you!
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"Mental health is a right to all and Caminar's mission echoes that sentiment so beautifully."
- A Caminar donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
Hello Caminar Community,
Tuesday was another grim day in our nation’s history. The horrific, senseless massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, is incomprehensible, wholly unacceptable, and yes, largely preventable or at least reduceable.
The mental health of our country – and our youth and adolescents in particular – has never been so fragile. Yesterday’s school shooting, plus the 26 other school shootings just this year and the countless other acts of gun violence, compound the trauma our youth are exposed to on a regular basis.
No child should have to go to school - what is supposed to be a safe place - and fear for their life. No family member should worry about gun violence when they send their child off to school each day. No parent or guardian should have to bury their child because of senseless acts of violence against innocent children or individuals.
And, it is not enough for public officials to bemoan the tragedy and offer prayers and support for the survivors, parents and communities. They legislate policies that make mass shootings of innocent people possible. We live in a very violent country and as a nation, we must address the policies, beliefs and behaviors that allow that violence to occur.
As I said just last week, in the wake of the Buffalo shooting, please be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this extraordinarily difficult time.
With care and concern,
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH
CEO, Caminar
Dear Caminar Community,
Like all of you, I am deeply troubled by the horrific, racially motivated murder of 10 people and the wounding of three others in Buffalo last weekend. Two years ago, I wrote to you about the intolerable trauma of racism and the continued acts of racism, violence, and murder of African Americans that are lethal and insidious challenges to the dignity and health of our communities.
For Black staff and clients in particular, and other BIPOC staff and clients, the menace of the ideology that the murderer adhered to raises fundamental issues of safety. While Buffalo is 2,600 miles away, to many in our community, Buffalo feels like next door. As we process this latest tragedy, we must commit to working harder than ever to root out racism, white supremacy, and hate. I think I can speak on behalf of our community that we stand with you in solidarity, as well as the demand for justice that is not just about the perpetrator, but addressing the beliefs and systems that foster an environment that allowed this act to be committed.
Let us recommit to action together around advancing racial equity, celebrating diversity, and removing barriers to inclusion and belonging. Please be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for your supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this difficult time.
In support,
Mark Cloutier
Caminar CEO
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
May is mental health awareness month. How are you? We are truly in unchartered waters right now, and mental health has never been more challenging and needed.
Here are six tips to improve your emotional and mental well-being:
Connect regularly with friends and family
Exercise at least 60 minutes a day
Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night in a cool and dark place
Practice mindfulness 20 minutes a day
Eat healthy, whole foods and increase water
Seek mental health support if you notice persistent or increasing symptoms of mental unwellness
Stay healthy, friends!
SAVE THE DATE!
We are delighted to announce In Celebration with Caminar, an evening celebrating cause, community, and connection. This year's event features Oscar award-winning actress, activist, and author Marlee Matlin!
Save the date for Saturday, October 8, 2022. More details will follow soon!
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Joann Pak for more information.
RESCUED BY CAMINAR: ED’S STORY
Suddenly delusional and overcome with irrational thoughts, Ed checked himself into the hospital. He was 22, living at home, and employed. But that all changed upon admittance to the psychiatric ward and a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Concerned that returning home would exacerbate Ed’s condition, doctors and county officials recommended community-supported housing, ongoing treatment, medications, and case management services from Caminar.
That was 50 years ago. Read more about Ed's story here.
Ed's story is featured in our fiscal year 2021 Impact Report, which demonstrates the work we were able to do because of your generous support and commitment to the mental well-being of our community.
WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR
"Thank you for being a safe space."
- An LGBTQ Youth Space donor
SUPPORT CAMINAR THROUGH AMAZONSMILE
AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Caminar every time you shop, at no cost to you!
For more information, please visit smile.amazon.com/about or our Caminar blog.
Join us as we celebrate Caminar’s past, present, and future!