View fullsize

98ɫ���� Atlas / TABS / JETT rang in the New Year with our New Year, New You Transformational Resource Fair on January 29th.

Thirty-four agencies across LA County came to support the event and provided participants with a variety of information on educational, vocational, and benefits opportunities.

Several members also received haircuts, free phones, signed up for medi-cal, and obtained glucose/blood pressure/HIV tests.  Members were given post-its to help write their hopes and dreams for the New Year and pleased to interact with the variety of different community programs.

A special thank you to Nick Shepard, Andrea Major, Rayzhone Davis and our wonderful support staff for helping organize the event. 

View fullsize

Wrapping up a party-filled 2015, in Fresno County celebrated 98ɫ����’s 50th anniversary (and the programs fifth!) with a big party for their staff. Thank you to the party planners and all the staff that made this event special!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

2015 was a wonderful, interesting, and exciting year for our San Joaquin 98ɫ���� family. First, I would like to express my deep and sincere appreciation to our family for the amazing team work, dedication, passion, and commitment to the day-to-day work that they do. I am grateful for the beautiful uniqueness in each of our members and the diversity that we all continue to learn and embrace. It’s the hard and heart work that is given to the program and the residents from each member of the team that makes us great in our ability to serve with passion, compassion, and quality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the awesome team you are!

To our sister program, , I’m looking forward to the incredible journey ahead. Our TEIR team is tiny, but very mighty. Thank you for your eagerness to learn and your dynamic energy. We are rockin’ and rollin’! Go Team!

Special thanks to the wonderful and awesome communications team. Thank you for all your help and the goodies throughout the year. Thanks for keeping us informed and in the loop. Another special thanks to the IT team. You never failed us!

To the entire 98ɫ���� family, we would like to wish you and yours a very happy, safe, and stress-free holidays!

With warm regards,

Jeremy House and TEIR

This year, in honor of our 50th anniversary, we invited all of our programs to share their stories of recovery, values, and inspiration. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the programs who put their time, effort, and love into this contest. Take a look at the videos below to see who will be bringing home The Morty, an award created in honor of Anne Bakar's father and one of98ɫ����'s founders, Morton Bakar!

Recovery Stories: Morton Bakar Center

98ɫ���� staff and members of our inpatient program in Hayward, California, share what recovery means to them and what they are most proud of in their life and work.

Living Our Values: CHANGES

Our community-based program in East Oakland showed their heart, spirit, and all the unique ways they are incorporating the 98ɫ���� values and Evidence Based Practices to improve the lives of the members they serve.

Inspiration: WIT

98ɫ���� members and staff in our court-ordered program in Orange County share their stories of making it through hardship and give words of hope and encouragement to those on their own recovery journey.

View fullsize

In honor of the victims from the tragedy that occurred in San Bernardino December 2, San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, TIE-CC staff and members expressed their sympathy and condolences by visiting the memorial site leaving words of support and encouragement.

This tragedy has gathered worldwide attention and media coverage, but at the end of the day, families are still left with voids, and survivors with scars. Please keep San Bernardino in your thoughts as they begin the healing process. If you would like to support the families of those affected here is how you can help:

View fullsize

Throughout the year of 2015, 98ɫ���� San Bernardino // participated in a number of fundraisers in preparation of the Annual . This year the committee consisted of members, team leads, PSCs, and administrative staff. The committee arranged a bake sale, savory casserole sale, dress down day, and a rummage sale totaling $1,125 in donations.

Our three programs (ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC) had a total of 45 members and staff registered to participate in the NAMI walk as the “98ɫ���� Heroes”; taking the challenge of walking the trail, obtaining local resources and education of services available through the booths, and enjoyed the sense of community ending out day with lunch and socializing under the tents. NAMI for us is not just a fundraiser, it’s a way for our members and staff to connect and start stomping stigmas of mental illness.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Happy Veteran’s Day to our special LVN Malcolm Edrada. Malcolm served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years as an Engineering Mate. He served on five deployments to the Western Pacific areas such as Singapore, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia– just to name a few.

One of his greatest accomplishments was when Malcolm was awarded an ESWS pin. This pin is a surface warfare insignia that is a military badge of the U.S. Navy and issued to personnel who are trained and qualified to perform duties aboard surface warships.

When Malcolm was in San Diego, he was “volun-told” to join the Naval Security Force, also known as the Naval Law Enforcement, and he shined. They recognized his talents and Malcom graduated with honors out of a class of about 50 students. Malcolm had an average of 97.5%.

When Malcolm left the U.S. Navy he took about a year off until he decided to become a nurse — LVN.  In January, Malcolm will have worked four years with us. We are honored to have such a kind, courageous, and patient man working with us. Malcolm is the epitome of a great nurse.

Happy Veteran’s Day to Malcolm and all the men and women that serve our country, past, present and future.We are deeply grateful for your service!

98ɫ����’s Full Service Partnership in San Mateo, , was among a handful of programs and organizations recognized for excellence in providing stable housing for people with mental health and substance use issues. The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services of San Mateo County held its annual Housing Heroes awards ceremony Oct. 22, at which FSP’s administrator Kevin Jones accepted the award—a plaque and potted plant. The Housing Heroes awards were instituted in 2008, and this year is 98ɫ����’s second award. Current FSP housing coordinator Lee Cates was recognized for excellence in housing in 2013.

View fullsize

Kevin Jones, second from right, stands among three other honorees at an Oct. 22 award ceremony recognizing excellence in housing. Also pictured is Ohevet Fotofini, a board and care operator; Georgia Peterson, a shelter operator; and Karen Francone of the Service League of San Mateo.

View fullsize

Kevin Jones, left, spoke briefly to accept a Housing Heroes award from San Mateo County on Oct. 22, while county health and recovery director Stephen Kaplan and 98ɫ���� housing coordinator Lee Cates (seated) and PSC II Yesenia Cortes (standing) listen. Cates was recognized as a Housing Hero in 2013.

View fullsize

Kevin Jones, right, anticipates his staff will enjoy reminding him of the unintentionally humorous mis-attribution to a presentation slide identifying him as “Millard.”

Last month, hosted a red-carpet soiree for 98ɫ����’s 50th anniversary. Staff munched on a great buffet and delicious cake, played 98ɫ���� Trivia, and watched the 50th commemorative video, as well as one put together by staff for a special occasion. Garfield’s many longevity employees got up to say a few words, followed by a touching speech from Regional Administrator Kier Taylor who spoke on the random acts of kindness he sees from staff daily.

Thank you to Reiko Takaishi and Garfield staff for throwing a fabulous party!

Submitted by Norma Bermudez
AA/HR for San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC

In late July, San Bernardino , , and programs went to San Juan Capistrano for team building with a day full of activities. Staff were able to learn about each other and their surroundings. Everyone joined in team building exercises/games, a guided tour of San Juan Capistrano Mission, and ended with a nice luncheon at a restaurant by the mission. This was fun team building! A BIG thank you to the management team for making this possible!

View fullsize

celebrated 98ɫ����’s 50th Anniversary with a big party in their back yard. The entire Gladman crew set up a fantastic party  that included a live band, fun party games, and face painting! A big thank you to the dietary team at Gladman and the amazing job they did whipping up burgers and hot dogs in a flash! They catered the entire party and served some delicious food for all to share. Check out a glimpse of the activities below.

View fullsize

program in Pierce County, WA celebrated 98ɫ����’s 50th Anniversary at our annual summer picnic! This year the festivities included live music and slip-n-slide fun!

Thank you to the Recovery Partnership team for planning such a great party!

staff and their family members celebrated 98ɫ����’s 50th birthday by taking it out to the ballgame!

On July 19th, staff had the pleasure of watching the Oakland A’s hit home run after home run while playing the Minnesota Twins. Final Score: a whopping 14-1 victory!!

It has been a year of many transitions at Sausal Creek as they said good-bye to the long-time leadership team of Pansy Taft-Butkowski (Administrator) and Sabrina Spellman (BOM/HR/AA). Pansy and Sabrina have moved onto other positions within the organization and Carolyn Rapier (former Administrator for Cordilleras) is now leading the Sausal Creek team into 98ɫ����’s next half century!

View fullsize

On July 17, 2015, Santa Cruz and celebrated 98ɫ����’s 50th anniversary by hosting a big party at the facility. The festivities included a BBQ with wonderful food and treats. 98ɫ���� employees and County related staff and visitors attended. The theme of the celebration was Community Awareness and how 98ɫ���� can make a difference in Santa Cruz County.

Thank you Mark Kik for planning and cooking, and everyone who made this celebration a success!

View fullsize

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with it comes a slew of all around the country. Staff, members, family, friends, and more all come out for this great event that draws thousands to walk in support of the ones they love. Thank you to the 98ɫ���� San Diego team for getting a big group together and supporting a great event that makes a big difference in the communities we serve!

If you have any photos or stories from your local NAMI walk and want to share them on T-Net, send them to the communications team at .

If you’re in the Bay Area, don’t forget the Bay Area NAMI Walk is on Saturday, May 30th in Golden Gate Park!

View fullsize

Submitted by: Jody Rodriguez
BOM at San Bernardino FACT

View fullsize

View fullsize

Earlier this month, the San Bernardino and programs had their annual staff retreat. Under the leadership of our administrator, Debra Evans, we got to spend the day on Catalina Island. The day started in Newport Beach where we boarded the Catalina Flyer for a quick trip to the island. Once there, we had a team building exercise that was not only fun, but very educational. We completed an adventure quest that took us around the island looking for clues and retrieving answers to a list of questions. We had lunch at a local restaurant and then took a fun submarine ride around the island where we were able to encounter the local marine life and learn more about the beautiful island.

Submitted by: Teresa E. Thomas
Clinical Director of Garfield Neurobehavioral Center

For the past two years, has partnered with a local middle school in East Oakland to bring in entertainment for the residents. These middle school students read poetry, play piano, sing, show art work and write personalized letters to our residents. Garfield staff speak with the students about healthcare careers and working with people with mental illness.

View fullsize

View fullsize

“Dear all amazing staff members of GNC,

I just want to say thank you all so much for letting me enter your workspace and the resident’s home. The field trip was such a cool and fun thing I never thought I would do. Some things I learned was that people that have disabilities, disorders, illnesses, etc…can be funny like Robert Y, David, etc…they can have fun, and they are super cool people. Another thing I learned was that the residents don’t stay home all day. They get to go out to the A’s game, they’re fed well, they’re taken care of, and they’re cared about by everyone. One thing I loved while we were at GNC, was when I talked to Robert Y. He is a very cool person! Another thing I loved was when David was dancing to a song. I loved it. I will never forget about this amazing and fun trip. This trip is definitely the highlight of middle school. Thank you all again for welcoming me. I loved it!”

Submitted by Susie Guerra
Administrator of Discoveries

The team is involved in many community events throughout the year. A few ago, TLC of Downey, an agency that refers clients to us, was having their annual 5k walk/run, so I suggested we join in (thinking all the staff would laugh). To my surprise, the Discoveries team all signed up, made a banner, and designed a t-shirt! Staff even trained for it, so now we have staff jogging time frequently, and they want to do more 5k’s. One staff member registered for her first 1/2 marathon in October!

By Susie Guerra, administrator at Discoveries

The team brought  families together one night to meet each other and start making some connections and provide support. The team provided a yummy pizza and pasta dinner (and of course, dessert!) and showed the families an inspirational video of three Discoveries-CAPPS staff with lived experience.

View fullsize

This was a huge hit! The families appreciated the staff sharing their stories, and felt comfortable opening up about their own struggles and continuing journey.

We separated the parents after the video so they can continue to share and open up to each other and we had the clients paint or draw a picture of their journey. One client’s picture of mountains and a waterfall was so moving–she explained living with her mental illness is like when she hikes with her mom. She has to struggle up the hills, but once she gets there, it will be pretty.

View fullsize

We then brought everyone back together and gave a certificate to one of our clients that has perfect attendance for his weekly family therapy sessions. This client, ironically, was not going to attend the open house as he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be around others yet, however he showed up! When he received this certificate, his aunt and him were so excited because he had never received an award before.

View fullsize

Due to the feedback on our evaluations we are hoping to now start monthly support groups for our parents as well as our enrolled youth.

Last month, we had another spirit week here at SOAR complete with a 98ɫ���� purple day to commemorate the 50th anniversary. Our spirit leaders, Bisa Peoples and Sheila McClay, also treated us each day with themed food! There is one thing we love to do up here in Sacramento and that is EAT! They kept us fueled up and ready to support our members in a upbeat and positive way. We always encourage our members to participate in the themes each day and this time we had a few join in on the fun. Every member of the SOAR team is a super hero every day but one day this week they dressed up to show their true colors. Thanks again to Sheila and Bisa for their culinary and planning support for yet another successful and fun spirit week!

Submitted by Kezzia Bullen, Clinical Director at SOAR

View fullsize