What makes them a hero?

Stephanie tirelessly works to make the experience of all our guests a positive one. She reinforces positive recovery language and has a calm yet firm manner that makes working with her a joy.

What is your favorite thing about this person?

When Stephanie is in the program, as an administrator, I know that everyone is in good hands with her. She is very capable, and if she doesn鈥檛 have the answer to something - she will find one!

When you think of this person, which 98色花堂 values do you think they live the most in and why?

Definitely service. Stephanie comes in every day with passion and hope for those we serve, whether it鈥檚 their first time here for services or their 10th time. She treats everyone with dignity and respect!

Submitted by Evette Yanez, Psy.D

My name is Dr. Evette Ya帽ez (she/her). I am the Program Administrator of Western Riverside Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) / Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC).

I have been at 98色花堂 since April 2021. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, born, raised, living and working in Southern California. I received my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) in 2005 from California School of Professional Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Clinical Psychology. Prior to obtaining my Psy.D, I began working in and volunteering for local non-profit groups such as Court Appointed Special Advocates, various rape crisis and domestic violence advocacy groups, and foster care and adoption agencies.

I have dedicated my career to understanding, preventing, and reducing psychological and community distress, as well as enhancing the psychological well-being of historically underserved, stigmatized, and underrepresented groups.

I have held clinical and leadership positions in various settings, including psychiatric inpatient, adult outpatient, forensic psychologist with the California Department of Corrections, crisis team 5150 diversion program supervisor, skilled nursing facility psychologist, and private practice provider. I have had the pleasure of supervising many clinicians who have become licensed and have flourished in the mental health field as well as many peer support specialists who have become certified and or advanced their education to become clinical therapists.

My journey to coming to work with 98色花堂 began when I worked with Riverside County Crisis Support System of Care, where I got to work with many talented clinicians and peer support specialists. They were dedicated to helping people get care and support in the community wherever possible. However, if people did require more intensive care, the county worked to help them avoid psychiatric hospitalization and instead receive treatment at a lower level of care, such as at a mental health urgent care center instead.

After COVID and other life adventures, I found a position with 98色花堂, where I was able to continue the invaluable work of providing a safe place between home and hospital for those we serve.

In my view, the best part of my job is working with a diverse population of clients who bring a multitude of life experiences that make their recovery and wellness journey unique to their story. I also very much enjoy working within a company that values diversity, training, and professional development.

What makes me really proud of my team and the work we do is knowing that every day we make an impact on someone's life. We do that some days in very simple ways, often just by listening and caring. On other days, we use our community resources and collaborative partners to link clients to services, get their medications filled, or support them in entering residential treatment.

When I鈥檓 having a tough day, the thing that keeps me going is knowing that at 98色花堂 I have a great network of colleagues and leaders who support me and my team. Additionally, it feels good knowing that the work we are doing here at Western Riverside Mental Health Urgent Care is a much-needed and valuable resource for the community in which I am lucky to live and work.

Working at 98色花堂 allows me to have a healthy work-life balance, spend quality time with my family, and take care of my mind and body while also achieving my career goals.

My favorite personal motto is, "A true leader will never ask those they lead to do something, say something, or risk something they wouldn't be willing to do, say, or risk themselves."

If I were going to describe 98色花堂 in three words, they would be supportive, flexible, and fun.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 (MHRC) administrator, Julia Tarver, brought a special treat to the program鈥檚 holiday festivities with a visit from a local churro cart.

Staff and clients gathered in the parking lot to enjoy freshly made churros with various toppings, creating a delightful community moment during the holiday season.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 brought holiday cheer to its members with a special seasonal gathering.

The event featured pizza, ornament decorating, and holiday music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

The celebration was so successful that members expressed the desire to return to next year鈥檚 festivities!

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 (MCRT) made a significant impact at a recent Downtown Redwood City festival. The team engaged with approximately 3,000 community members, raising awareness about their recently expanded 24/7 crisis services, which launched in August.

Festival attendees were drawn to the MCRT booth, which featured an interactive prize wheel and provided valuable information about crisis response services. The team successfully spread the word about their vital community resource through engaging activities and informative materials.

created a memorable Thanksgiving experience for clients and their loved ones through thoughtful collaboration between the Fun Committee and Dietary Team.

The dedicated committee members met weekly to orchestrate every detail - from festive decorations and engaging activities to a specially curated menu. Adding a personal touch, committee members coordinated their attire to serve as hosts for this warm family gathering.

This special event exemplified Gladman鈥檚 commitment to creating meaningful connections and fostering a welcoming environment for clients and their families during the holiday season.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 TeleClinician team brought festive cheer to their virtual workspace with a creative holiday celebration. Team members personalized their video backgrounds with holiday scenes and dressed to match their chosen themes. One memorable backdrop featured a photo from the program, captured by team member Kimberly during her time there.

The virtual party combined individual DoorDash meals with interactive entertainment, including a lively round of Quiplash on Jackboxtv. While the team made the most of their digital celebration, they鈥檙e already looking forward to an in-person gathering planned for 2025.

鈥淭hanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it鈥檚 a heartfelt reminder of the values that guide us daily鈥攊n gratitude and service. For our team, Thanksgiving symbolizes a deeper commitment to appreciate and honor those we serve. It鈥檚 about recognizing our members鈥� trust in us and the relationships we nurture daily.

This special day encourages us to pause and reflect on the impact of our efforts, both big and small. It鈥檚 an opportunity to express sincere gratitude to our members, whose journeys intertwine with ours. Every interaction becomes a chance to create meaningful experiences and show that we are here to fulfill needs and foster genuine connections.

Thanksgiving invites us to embrace a mindset of thankfulness, cultivating a spirit of generosity and compassion. It鈥檚 about going the extra mile, not because it鈥檚 required, but because we genuinely care about enhancing the lives of those we serve. It reminds us that every team member鈥檚 dedication contributes to a greater whole, creating a supportive and appreciative environment that members can feel and rely on.

Thanksgiving for the Jeremy House, TEIR, Peer Navigation, and Youth Wellness Connections team is about embedding gratitude into our work ethic and ensuring our members feel valued and understood. It celebrates our shared purpose and the continuous journey of growth, kindness, and mutual respect.鈥�

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 TAO North and Central programs embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving through a thoughtful community initiative.

Program administrator Tricia Foster and her team prepared special meal boxes for members to encourage cooking and sharing meals.

This meaningful approach to holiday celebration helped foster connections while ensuring members could enjoy an intentional holiday meal together.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 CARE Court ACT program in San Diego achieved a groundbreaking milestone with . Within two weeks of each other, two participants completed the program鈥�marking significant personal victories. One member successfully stepped down from , while another overcame a long history of substance use and mental health challenges. Through 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment, both members moved toward recovery, utilizing community resources to achieve their wellness goals and stability.

Understanding CARE Court

The (CARE) , implemented in California in 2023, represents a transformative approach to supporting individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This program offers court-ordered treatment and services while preserving participants鈥� autonomy and dignity.

The CARE Process

• Family members, first responders, behavioral health providers, or county representatives may submit petitions on behalf of eligible individuals.

• A judge thoroughly reviews each case to ascertain that participants meet established eligibility criteria.

• Qualified individuals engage with a dedicated care team to formulate personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

• The program provides comprehensive services, including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing assistance.

• The duration of the program is typically set at 12 months, with the potential for an extension of up to 24 months based on individual circumstances.

Program Implementation

San Diego鈥檚 CARE Court ACT program can intake two new members weekly, referred through the . The program鈥檚 success relies on the cohesive effort of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, who collaborate during daily morning huddles. These meetings lay the foundation for intentional services, provide crucial member updates, and ensure thorough follow-up on every case. The team employs evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and dialectical behavior therapy. Additionally, Care Court ACT leadership meets twice weekly with the county to review cases and coordinate care, ensuring quality service for every member.

These first graduations from 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 program in San Diego hold particular significance as they occurred during the initial implementation phase of CARE Courts. , including San Diego, Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Francisco, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne, with plans for statewide expansion anticipated by the end of 2024.

The graduations were deeply meaningful celebrations for the entire team. 98色花堂 CARE Court ACT leadership and peer support specialists attended to honor the graduates鈥� hard work in recovery. For the team, these ceremonies represented more than just program completion鈥�they were a testament to the journey, including both the trials and triumphs they had witnessed along the way. This early success showcases the program鈥檚 potential and illustrates 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 dedication to advancing innovative mental health solutions that help individuals reconstruct their lives and flourish within their communities.

(CSU) hit an extraordinary milestone this October, serving 552 guests - potentially setting a new record across 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 CSU programs. The achievement called for celebration, and staff gathered for a special 鈥淣ot So Traditional Thanksgiving鈥� feast featuring local BBQ and delectable desserts.

Riverside County Contract Monitor Kristin Miller made the celebration even more meaningful. She joined the team to commemorate their accomplishments and share in the spirit of gratitude.

Lei Portugal Calloway, 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Peer Team Lead of AOT/CARE, was selected to participate in this crucial 12-month project. The work involved both in-person meetings in Sacramento and virtual participation across six essential workgroups:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

2. Statewide Standards and Guidance

3. Integration

4. Data and Metrics

5. Communications

6. Funding and Sustainability

Lei鈥檚 commitment to peer support led her to advocate for and participate in a seventh Ad Hoc Peer Support Workgroup, where she contributed valuable recommendations, including:

• Increasing awareness of peer support in behavioral health crisis services

• Expanding definitions to include peer-provided, peer-operated, and family peer support

• Enhancing training and supervision resources for peer supporters

The project brought together key stakeholders, including (author of AB 988), the , , , and the .

The will be presented to Governor Newsom in December, followed by budget processes through June 2024. Approved proposals will receive funding at the start of the new state fiscal year on July 1.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Thurston Mason E&T and Olympia Next Steps have recently been having fun with themed Fridays! The team recently enjoyed Flannel Friday, where team members sported their favorite plaid patterns, and Funky Friday, which encouraged creative self-expression through unique outfit choices.

These themed activities do more than add fun to the workday鈥攖hey help build team cohesion and create a positive environment that benefits both staff and those we serve. We love to see the Thurston Mason programs cultivate engaging communities and have fun doing it.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 corporate office came together for their annual Thanksgiving celebration, marking a special reunion after a long period apart. The event, beautifully prepared by the Administrative Services, IT, Finance, and Development teams, showcased the company鈥檚 collaborative spirit.

鈥淚t was incredibly heartwarming to gather together again,鈥� shared President and CEO Anne Bakar. The celebration included gratitude sharing for the year鈥檚 achievements, from launching innovative youth programs to strengthening recovery training initiatives. Team members highlighted successes across departments while enjoying a traditional holiday meal.

The gathering embodied 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to fostering community and recognition among its teams.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 LA JIMHCS FSP program brought team members together for a special Friendsgiving celebration that combined cultural dishes with heartfelt moments of gratitude.

The gathering featured a diverse potluck meal, engaging games of Two Truths and a Lie and 98色花堂 Trivia, and a meaningful sharing circle where each person expressed gratitude.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Orange County programs (TAO Central, AOT, STEPS, Homes First, and TAO South) staff and members recently joined thousands at to support mental health awareness and stigma reduction. The (NAMI) event drew 2,024 pre-registered participants across 185 teams, with 98色花堂 proudly participating as a Bronze Sponsor among 96 vendors. 

The Orange County program鈥檚 team, including staff members Shea Sorrentino, Dean Riley, Lori Fischer, Jyoti Gustafson, Lei Portugal Calloway, Felicia Tang, Daisy Garcia, and Diane Long, joined the walk on a beautiful, cool, sunny day. Lei and Shea managed 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 information table, connecting with community members and sharing resources. 

The event has already raised $203,000 for NAMI鈥檚 mission of advocacy, education, and support for individuals affected by mental illness. Our teams enjoyed meaningful time with members while collecting resources and networking for a vital cause. 

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Corporate Proposals Department went on an enriching tour across Bay Area programs this month, experiencing firsthand the exceptional care provided at Willow Rock PHF, Villa Fairmont MHRC, Jay Mahler Recovery Center, and Alameda County Youth CSU.

Through meaningful conversations with administrators and staff and by participating in client groups, the team gained valuable insights into the daily impact of 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mental health services. These visits offered a deeper understanding of the unique approaches and dedication that distinguish 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 programs in behavioral healthcare, which will help the team to prepare rich and informative proposals for new business.

We extend our gratitude to all the programs that opened their doors and shared their stories, helping strengthen the connection between our corporate initiatives and frontline services.

The gathering brought together key mental health advocates and state leaders, including , who expressed interest in visiting 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Oregon programs. The event connected numerous 98色花堂 leaders with state officials and community partners:

98色花堂 Leadership Present:

• Sarah Gibney, Oregon ACT Administrator

• Jena Russell, VP of the Pacific Northwest

• Catie Grieve, Oregon RDO

• Allison Waters, Oregon Floating Administrator

• Meghan Lawless, Rhone and Stults Program Director

• David Ochoa, Gresham Recovery Center Administrator

• Scott Tucker, 72nd Ave Recovery Center Administrator

hosts these award receptions to recognize contributions to mental health advocacy and care. The event celebrates individuals and organizations that significantly impact mental health services while fostering crucial partnerships between care providers, advocates, and government leaders.

The LA Step-Down program proudly recognizes its extraordinary office coordinators as part of . 鈥淭heir dedication, hard work, and attention to detail make a huge difference daily,鈥� shares administrator Gavin Tochiki. 鈥淭heir commitment to supporting our staff and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring.鈥�

From coordinating vital appointments to ensuring smooth operations, these team members are the program鈥檚 backbone. Their unwavering positivity, professionalism, and compassion create an environment where staff and clients thrive.

This recognition during Filipino American History Month celebrates their invaluable contributions to LA Step-Down. Thank you!