The event featured a scenic bay trail 5K alongside a free wellness fair, creating an inclusive space where fitness and mental wellness came together.

Way to go, San Mateo County MCRT, for stepping up and making a real difference in our San Mateo community!

色中色's Los Angeles teams joined hundreds of participants at the in downtown LA. Staff, families, and members from LA 4 FSP, LA JIMHCS FSP, Horizon View MHRC, Citrus House CRT, LA IMD Step Down, LAOA FSP, ATLAS, LA HOP 7, and San Bernardino FACT gathered at Los Angeles State Historic Park for a morning dedicated to walking for mental health awareness and members鈥� rights to love and be loved.

Thanks to Dawan Utecht, SVP Chief Development Officer, 色中色 was a silver-level sponsor and had a booth at the event. Dr. Kent Eller, SVP Chief Medical Officer, and Mickey Blanks, SVP Chief People Officer, sponsored the team鈥檚 CHEI NAMI Walk T-shirts through the CHEI Steering Committee, ensuring everyone walked together in solidarity.

Fantastic job, LA teams, for showing up and advocating for mental health in the community!

The 2025 色中色 All-Provider Conference welcomed 70 attendees to Oakland for a weekend of connection and professional growth. Providers and staff from across the organization gathered for three days of programming, networking, and celebration.

The weekend featured corporate office tours, community service, keynote speaker , breakout sessions, and an awards luncheon. Attendees connected with colleagues, learned new skills like motivational interviewing techniques, and celebrated exceptional organizational contributions.

Outstanding work, PSO team, for creating such an inspiring and collaborative experience for our provider community!

Nearly 100 organizations gathered at this year鈥檚 . 色中色 representatives networked with mental health leaders from across California.

Lei Portugal Calloway, Peer Team Lead at the Orange County AOT and Care Act program, shared her story and call to action as the Luncheon Keynote Speaker, urging organizations to elevate peer support and give peers 鈥渁 seat at the table.鈥� The summit featured impactful presentations on street medicine, social determinants of healthcare, and care for underserved communities.

Wonderful job, Lei Portugal Calloway, for delivering such a powerful keynote and advocating for peer support in mental healthcare!

Dr. Jennifer Briscoe, administrator of 色中色's Muriel Wright Crisis Residential Treatment (CRT) and Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) programs, was recently presented with a commendation by Otto Lee, .

The recognition celebrates Dr. Briscoe鈥檚 decade of dedicated service as an appointed Commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women, where she has represented District 1 for 10 years. All county supervisors signed the commendation to acknowledge her commitment to community service and civic engagement in Santa Clara County.

鈥淚 was very surprised and very humbled to be honored,鈥� shared Dr. Briscoe. 鈥淚 am proud to represent 色中色!"

Dr. Briscoe鈥檚 public service illustrates 色中色's dedication to community involvement and civic leadership beyond our mental health services. Her work on the Commission on the Status of Women reflects the values of advocacy and service that define 色中色's mission.

My name is Karla Carrillo (she/her/hers).

I am the Program Administrator at the LA FSP 4/ LA Hop 4 program. I鈥檝e been at 色中色 for 7 months.

In my view, the best part of my job is working alongside a team of passionate professionals who bring their full selves to the work they do. I love to see my team utilizing their unique strengths to foster progress and dignity in the lives of our members.

What makes me really proud of my team and the work we do is that our team shows up every day with heart, creativity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve. We believe in creating a space where healing can happen, progress is celebrated, and hope is always part of the journey.

When I鈥檓 having a tough day, the thing that keeps me going is the incredible spirit around me, my team鈥檚 unwavering positivity and the resilience of our members. Their strength reminds me why this work matters every single day.

My favorite quote or personal motto is, 鈥淥nce social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore鈥�. 鈥� Cesar Chavez

If I were going to describe 色中色 in three words, they would be compassion, resilience, and uplifting.

Thank you for letting us get to know you, Karla! We are so glad to have you as part of #Team色中色!

Are you curious about 色中色? Learn more about our services and programs; our commitment to diversity and inclusion; our latest news; our history, mission, and values; and our current job opportunities!

Eight 色中色 representatives attended the held in Bakersfield on May 3. The elegant event united mental health advocates and professionals across the region to support NAMI鈥檚 important work.

鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of this team and happy to have them represent the CSU. They are the cream of the crop,鈥� shared Jennifer Malara, Administrator at Ridgecrest Crisis Stabilization Unit.

Attendees included Vanessa Allen, Dr. Traci Powell, Courtney Somerville, Dr. Lisa Abdishoo, Dr. Serge Abdishoo, Faith Nale, and Cordelia Pierre.

The gala allowed 色中色 staff to connect with community partners while supporting NAMI鈥檚 mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

On April 3, two 色中色 (PEI) Clinicians, Carmen Avalos and Anahi Munoz, delivered an impactful presentation at the Norwalk Senior Center. The clinicians presented in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. Two current clients also had the opportunity to attend and enjoy the community event.

Carmen Avalos brings extensive experience as a PEI Clinician with 色中色's program, having served in this role for over seven years. The presentation marked an important milestone for Anahi Munoz, who delivered her first presentation as a PEI Clinician. Anahi previously served as an FSP intern before being hired as a PEI clinician in January.

PEI Clinicians are trained in (EBP) and provide weekly therapy sessions. They play a vital role in community outreach by conducting mental health presentations and participating in community resource fairs. Looking ahead, the clinicians will launch a weekly group at the Senior Center this month, further extending their support to older adults in the community.

This presentation illustrates 色中色's devotion to bringing mental health resources directly to community settings and addressing the unique needs of older adults.

In a touching display of 色中色's culture of care, staff from Woodburn Recovery Center stepped up to support their colleagues at the Recovery Center at Gresham program during a difficult time. Lisa Hinson, DeAnn Rice, Laura Galindo, and Jackie Bland from Woodburn covered the Gresham unit so staff could attend the Celebration of Life for their beloved colleague and Team Lead, Irina Krutova.

鈥淥n behalf of the entire Gresham TRC staff and residents, a huge thank you to Woodburn Recovery Center鈥檚 Lisa, DeAnn, Laura, and Jackie for covering our unit so that staff can attend the Celebration of Life of our dearly departed colleague and Team Lead, Irina. We are eternally grateful!!!鈥� shared David Ochoa, Program Administrator for the Recovery Center at Gresham.

The support didn鈥檛 go unnoticed by leadership. Jena Russell, Vice President of Operations, added, 鈥淚 am so proud of the Woodburn Team for stepping up to help in a time of need. Also, a huge thank you to Gresham for always pulling together such great shout-outs! This was an important time for Gresham to be able to connect and way to go Woodburn. Heroes indeed!"

This collaboration between programs demonstrates the strength of 色中色's community and commitment to supporting one another through celebration and loss.

色中色's Gladman Mental Health Rehabilitation Center staff recently brought energy and friendly competition to their annual requirements training. The team incorporated (Personal Protective Equipment) races into the learning experience, demonstrating that essential training can be educational and engaging.

The creative approach to annual updates showcases Gladman MHRC鈥檚 commitment to maintaining high standards of care while promoting team spirit among staff members. These training activities ensure employees remain well-prepared to provide quality services while building rapport through friendly competition.

色中色's program commemorated with engaging daily activities for staff and clients this past week. The week-long celebration featured creative themes that brought energy and community spirit to the program.

The festivities began with a colorful Cinco De Mayo celebration, followed by the always-popular Taco Tuesday. Midweek, the team showed their strength as Wednesday Warriors, before expressing their nostalgia during Throwback Thursday, where everyone dressed from their favorite decade. The week concluded with a cool finish on Frozen Friday.

These themed activities highlight Willow Rock鈥檚 dedication to creating a positive, supportive environment while recognizing the important work done by healthcare professionals.

recently toured 色中色's Willow Rock Center and Alameda County Youth CSU programs. This special visit showcased the mental health services available to young people in Alameda County.

During the Mayor鈥檚 visit, the teams also celebrated , offering special goodies to recognize nurses鈥� vital role in providing care to youth in these programs.

We appreciate Mayor Gonzalez learning more about 色中色's work in supporting youth mental health in the community.

色中色's program made a showing at the on Friday, May 3. Four staff members hosted an informational table to connect with the community during. Team members engaged with attendees, sharing resources and raising awareness about mental health services.

The day before the event, the SOAR team strengthened their bonds through a team-building activity, participating in a scavenger hunt throughout the historic district of Old Sacramento.

The NAMIWalk, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides a platform for mental health organizations to reach community members who may benefit from support services. 色中色's participation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy and community outreach.

Congratulations to the SOAR team for representing 色中色 and supporting Mental Health Month through this important community engagement!

色中色's San Diego , San Diego MCRT, San Diego Behavioral Health Court, AgeWise, Valley Vista PSH, Gateway to Recovery, and Pathways to Recovery programs had a great time at the on April 26. Staff members, their friends, and their families attended the community event, which raises awareness and support for mental health services.

The NAMIWalk, organized by the , provides an essential opportunity for mental health advocates to come together and demonstrate their commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. 色中色's participation reflects our ongoing dedication to mental health advocacy and community engagement.

Their messages emphasize the organization鈥檚 commitment to a person-centered approach to care and demonstrate the team鈥檚 ongoing dedication to advocating for and supporting individuals affected by autism. This initiative serves as a reminder of 色中色鈥檚 mission to create an inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated for their unique abilities.

Congratulations to the team for participating in a cause that promotes acceptance and understanding of autism!

色中色 served as a Silver Sponsor for the on April 25, 2025, at the Anaheim Marriott in Orange County, California. The conference attracted more than 775 participants and featured 53 vendor resource tables.

At the 色中色 resource table, staff members from our Orange County AOT/Care and TAO Central programs included Jessica Doverspike, Paul Vaala, Daisy Garcia, Aaron Elizarras, and . Additionally, other 色中色 program staff members engaged in a productive day of networking, attending workshops, and visiting the Resource and Art Fair. This fair was organized by Lori Fischer, a Peer Recovery Coach at AOT/CARE. Lori served as a vendor, promoting her homemade jewelry while supporting Grace Whitaker, an AOT member, in selling her published poetry book.

Among the 28 workshops presented during the conference, one entitled 鈥淧eers in the Workforce鈥� was hosted by Lei Portugal Calloway from AOT/CARE. Presenters from TAO Central, the , and all three Wellness Centers contributed their perspectives on Peer Support, discussed their respective peer roles, and encouraged individuals with lived experience to pursue certification as Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists and to consider employment opportunities within their organizations.

What began as a simple question in 2014鈥�鈥淲hy isn鈥檛 there a holiday celebration for residents and their families?鈥�鈥攈as blossomed into a cherished tradition at 色中色's Garfield Neurobehavioral Center (NBC). For ten years, staff have transformed their facility into a celebratory space where residents, families, and team members come together for an elegant evening of connection.

The annual celebration requires months of dedicated preparation. Staff members collaborate to create a complete experience:

• The dietary team and program administrator, Craig Danby, develops and prepares a four-course, sit-down meal featuring dishes like prime rib, salmon with asparagus, blueberry salad, and cheesecake.

• Social worker Shannon Hugon, Office Coordinator Angelica Moreno, CNAs, and other staff help residents prepare by pressing outfits, styling hair, and applying makeup.

• The facility undergoes careful decoration to match each year鈥檚 unique theme with the help of the Director of Nursing, Josie Sapie.

• A special program includes entertainment, resident interviews about the meaning of the holidays, and the exciting crowning of a king and queen.

鈥淪eeing the smiles on residents鈥� faces is very rewarding,鈥� shares one staff member. 鈥淭o see them so happy and enjoying themselves makes all the hard work worth it.鈥�

The event has evolved significantly over the years. What started as an indoor gathering with a chocolate fountain has become a more sophisticated outdoor affair that accommodates more participants. Families travel from as far as Sacramento to attend, and those unable to visit receive photos of their loved ones enjoying the festivities.

Program administrator Craig Danby expresses pride in providing 鈥渞esidents a good quality of life鈥� through this special tradition. Staff notes that the anticipation of the event creates positive energy throughout the facility, with behavioral incidents noticeably declining as excitement builds.

The celebration represents 色中色's commitment to building community鈥攃onnecting residents with their families, case managers, conservators, county representatives, and corporate leadership in a meaningful shared experience.

色中色's San Diego housing support teams celebrated National Superhero Day by honoring staff members鈥� vital roles as 鈥淢ental Health Superheroes.鈥� Team members across Valley Vista PSH, The Shores & Pacific Village, and Kearny Vista PSH programs wore superhero shirts to honor their daily contributions.

鈥淎s Mental Health Superheroes, they support, educate, and raise awareness about mental health. The lives they touch are more meaningful than many may ever know,鈥� noted Catalina Dos Santos, Office Coordinator II. 鈥淗eroes aren鈥檛 born. They鈥檙e made by the choices they make. And every day, they choose to make a difference.鈥�

Staff received appreciation goody bags containing candy and fidget tools to help manage daily stressors, acknowledging their work鈥檚 challenging and rewarding nature.

These programs provide voluntary supportive services to residents of permanent supportive housing communities throughout San Diego. Their multifaceted approach includes outreach, behavioral health assessment, care coordination, and community integration activities to promote housing stability and enhance residents鈥� quality of life.

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: My Story

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

The word sonder, coined in 2012 by Author John Koenig means the awareness that each random passerby lives a life as vivid and complex as your own, populated with ambitions, friends, routines, and worries. They are living a story that is happening invisibly around you, with relationships and connections to other lives you鈥檒l never know existed.

This sonder experience reflects conversations typically heard in RCCS trainings. In these trainings, it鈥檚 often mentioned that we are all on a life鈥檚 journey and may meet people only once, briefly, and then continue with our journey, never to see each other again. This experience is especially true for program staff serving clients and members.

We can view this role as a small part of someone else鈥檚 life story with joy鈥�we have a chance to connect and learn about the incredible journey this person has been on and all the possible wonders of that continued journey.

Choosing to view this experience with joy requires curiosity and nonjudgment. It requires us to be aware of our biases, compassionate, and respectful. These are all the same elements of the RCCS Program Culture Awareness. This approach is a primary intervention.

In this month鈥檚 RCCS Tidbit, we highlight the RCCS Conversation of My Story and how we can look back on the ups and downs of our life story and explore what has made us stronger and what skills and talents we have gained along the way.

Practice

By telling and thinking about your story, you can influence the rest of it. Starting today, you can change the way the story goes moving forward!

1. Draw out your life timeline. Label good times and events that occurred, as well as the difficult times and events that occurred.

2. Most importantly, focus on your comebacks and answer the following:

   • What were the times/events this past year that made you stronger? When and how?

   • Who or what helped you come back?

   • What didn鈥檛 help?

3. Thinking about challenging times ahead, what protective factors might you consider that helped you bounce back again?

Mark Reed Evaluation & Treatment Center recently hosted a special Easter egg hunt and barbecue for staff members and their families. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for team members to connect outside the facility while creating positive memories with their loved ones.

鈥淢y boys had the best time. A week later, they are still talking about it,鈥� shared one staff member about the impact of the gathering. Another reflected, 鈥淚 very much appreciate Mark Reed doing fun outings like this. It's so fun to include our family with our work family.鈥�

Located on the Mark Reed Hospital campus in McCleary, Washington, the E&T program opened in 2019 and provides mental health services through a multidisciplinary team. This community-building event reflects the program鈥檚 commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture that recognizes the importance of work-life balance and team connection.