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.

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

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’s commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture that recognizes the importance of work-life balance and team connection.

Throughout April, the team engaged in various wellness activities, including ICT Wellness Bingo, Wellness Trivia, and a collaborative stress relief music playlist where team members contributed songs that helped them manage stress. The program included an interactive show-and-tell session and an informational board with stress management strategies.

Team members contributed to a collection of personalized stress management tips and anti-stress mantras while participating in a 30-day challenge focused on self-care practices. This collaborative approach reflects the program’s commitment to supporting the well-being of both staff and members.

As part of Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the ICT program provides targeted support for Kaiser members throughout Northern California. This stress awareness initiative demonstrates the program’s holistic approach to mental health care.

The team meets face-to-face every three months as part of their ongoing commitment to strategic planning and relationship building. These quarterly gatherings help ensure alignment across the region’s programs while fostering the collaborative spirit that supports Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's service delivery.

Hosting the meeting aboard the USS Hornet, a National Historic Landmark docked in Alameda, California, added a unique dimension to the team’s professional development experience.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s San Diego Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) recently hosted a special appreciation event for their dedicated administrative staff. Regional Director of Operations Mary Woods and Large Program Administrator Bre Lane emphasized that “the day is a reminder to thank and recognize the dedicated work of MCRT’s administrative staff.”

Team members enjoyed a thoughtful spread of homemade quiche and charcuterie as leadership expressed their gratitude.

The celebration recognized staff across various roles, including office coordination, data analysis, clinical direction, and fleet management—all essential to MCRT’s mission of delivering non-law enforcement crisis intervention services throughout San Diego County.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's MCRT program, developed in partnership with , brings rapid crisis support to people in the community through a dedicated team of mental health professionals. Operating across five regions (South County, East County, Central, North Central, and North Inland), the program provides crisis triage, screening, assessment, in-person intervention, and connections to ongoing support, helping reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement, ER visits, and hospitalizations.

Ridgecrest Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) proudly announces Vanessa Allen as its Employee of the Year. Her peers chose her nearly unanimously through ballot voting.

Having been with the CSU since its startup, Vanessa exemplifies Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's core values through her exceptional work ethic, honest feedback, and unwavering support for colleagues. She keeps Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) principles alive at the CSU and leads by example in applying CPI communication skills.

“Vanessa is everyone’s go-to for information and support,” shares Administrator Jennifer Malara, MFT, who notes that Vanessa can do anything asked of her and consistently goes above and beyond for the team.

Ridgecrest CSU provides crisis stabilization services through an integrative team of clinicians, psychiatric prescribers, nursing staff, and peer specialists. The program focuses on helping individuals cope with crisis, gain skills to deal with challenges and maintain stability while avoiding the need for higher levels of care.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s Recovery Center at Sarpy recently brought smiles and laughter throughout the program with a playful “Drink Out of Anything But a Cup” challenge. This silly activity encouraged residents to think outside the box while sharing a lighthearted experience.

This fun challenge represents the center’s approach to creating interesting activities that build community while promoting creativity and social connection. These moments of shared joy contribute to the program’s recovery-focused environment.

The Recovery Center at Sarpy provides 24-hour secure mental health services designed to help individuals envision their recovery path, build essential skills, and regain hope. Their person-centered, trauma-informed approach weaves recovery principles into every aspect of the program—from clinical interventions to everyday activities that strengthen community bonds.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s Oregon Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team recently held its annual staff retreat against the beautiful backdrop of . Team members took advantage of this natural environment to strengthen connections, engage in meaningful discussions, and renew their commitment to the program’s shared values and mission.

Oregon ACT’s comprehensive services focus on helping members pursue their hopes and dreams through mental health support, substance use recovery, employment opportunities through fidelity IPS services, or educational pursuits. This time away from day-to-day operations allowed the multidisciplinary team to reflect on their collaborative approach to supporting members’ recovery journeys.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s Jay Mahler Recovery Center in San Leandro, CA, recently welcomed special guest for a community engagement visit. The mayor’s appearance coincided with the facility’s Spring Egg Hunt, creating a festive atmosphere that brought together staff and community leadership.

These community-building events reflect the center’s commitment to connection and celebration within its recovery-focused environment. The 16-bed facility, named after mental health advocate Jay Mahler, continues his legacy of community involvement through such meaningful interactions.

The visit highlighted the strong partnerships between mental healthcare providers and local government in San Leandro, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting community wellness.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's Los Angeles Older Adults (LAOA) program recently found a creative way to celebrate the LA Dodgers’ opening day while completing important administrative tasks. Their “Dodger Dogs n’ Doc Day” combined team spirit with productivity, as staff enjoyed hot dogs while catching up on documentation.

The blue and white-themed celebration brought a festive atmosphere to the day’s work, demonstrating the program’s ability to make routine tasks more enjoyable. This creative approach reflects ł˘´ˇ°ż´ˇâ€™s “whatever-it-takes” philosophy in supporting staff and members.

ł˘´ˇ°ż´ˇâ€™s Full Service Partnership provides comprehensive services through an interdisciplinary team. It helps individuals achieve independence through community-based treatment, housing linkage, and various support services.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's Home First Central program recently participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for , a new affordable housing development offering 85 units for individuals and families in need.

The property includes 26 designated units for households eligible for (MHSA) services, with project-based vouchers provided by the . During the ceremony, Dr. Kelly, Director of , recognized Home First Central’s contributions to housing support in the community.

As part of this collaborative project, Home First Central will provide on-site supportive services, including wellness programs, case management, and resource connections. This approach aligns with the program’s commitment to Housing First principles and the (ACT) model, supporting residents in maintaining stable housing while building independence.

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: Hope

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

We have all heard about Pandora’s Box, the mythological story of Pandora, the first woman on Earth, who receives a box from the Gods. When Pandora opens the box, she releases a swarm of evils into the world, including envy, greed, pain, sorrow, disease, and countless others. Pandora quickly closes the box, but one thing is trapped inside—hope!

There are two interpretations of why hope was inside the same box as things that cause pain and misery.

One interpretation sees hope as a divine gift of the gods left behind to help us bear the trials that came from Pandora’s curiosity. Hope helps us to confront life’s challenges, to endure, and dream of better days. This view aligns with our usual understanding of hope: a source of resilience that can see us through the darkest nights.

The second interpretation paints hope as the ultimate evil. Was hope left in the box not as a blessing but as a final curse? Some philosophers saw hope as a “folly of the heart” that blurs what is likely vs. what is desired.

In this month’s RCCS Tidbit, we offer ideas and approaches to reflect on today’s pleasures and joys. By focusing on today’s success, we can build hope for our future, even when hope is hard and even when the outcome is uncertain.

Practice:

Identifying the simple pleasures and joys we have today helps us envision a better future. Here are some hope building ideas that staff and clients can do.

1. Using the attached RCCS Conversation Guide, Building a Road to Hope, staff can partner with clients and members to focus on small but energizing dreams for today. When we think about the things that are in our life now, we begin building our ability to dream about the future.

2. At a staff and/or community meeting, individuals share one thing on their personal “Bucket List” (a person you want to meet, a place you want to visit, or a thing you want to do before you die). Share what is exciting and motivating about your Bucket List item.

3. Share a picture of one of your simple daily pleasures. What about that activity or person is meaningful to you?

Laura McManus, Executive Assistant to Development, and Lauren Kahn, Director of Business Development, recently met with and his office staff. The productive meeting provided an opportunity to reestablish connections and discuss shared priorities.

The friendly conversation allowed Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ representatives to highlight current initiatives while strengthening relationships with key county leadership. During this collaborative discussion, Supervisor Haubert expressed his best wishes to the Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ team.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s King County FPATH and FHARPS teams recently thanked their partners at the (HCA) for funding a new van to support their members. In a playful touch that reflects the program’s positive culture, the vehicle has been named “Rose” after a beloved character from The Golden Girls.

"We are very excited to utilize a bigger vehicle to help our members!” shared Jade Wilson, LSWAIC and FPATH Team Lead.

Both these Washington programs address critical needs for vulnerable populations:

• FPATH (Forensic Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) provides essential outreach, engagement, and intensive case management, connecting individuals with support services and healthcare.

• FHARPS (Forensic Housing and Recovery through Peer Services) focuses on overcoming housing barriers through peer support and financial assistance for housing costs.

Both programs employ enhanced certified peer counselors with relevant experience, including those with lived experience. FHARPS follows the , providing integrated, safe, affordable housing based on principles.

This transportation enhancement will strengthen the teams’ ability to support program members, ultimately improving access to housing and support services.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ celebrated the successful graduation of , , and from its innovative mentorship program on April 5, 2025, marking another significant milestone.

These programs, which serve diverse populations in Alameda County, demonstrated exceptional growth across multiple operational areas. CHANGES, which provides intensive case management and Full-Service Partnership services, Visions, AdROC (Adult Recovery, Outreach, and Connection), and TayROC (Transitional Age Youth Recovery, Outreach, and Connection), all achieved remarkable improvements in staff recruitment, retention, leadership alignment, and financial performance.

The teams earned the highest improvement scores in survey engagement, reflecting enhanced connections with staff and stakeholders. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's mentorship program in strengthening operational foundations across different service models, from ACT-based Full Service Partnerships to short-term case management programs.

This milestone underscores Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement across all service areas, whether supporting individuals in intensive recovery programs or providing rapid linkages to community resources.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ congratulates Sommer Wallace, San Diego Housing Manager, on becoming a published author with her new book,

Wallace’s newly released work offers an accessible guide to spiritual reflection through a 90-day journey. The book presents scripture in contemporary language, helping readers connect ancient wisdom with everyday challenges. Through interactive elements, readers develop tools for personal growth and deeper understanding.

As noted by Regional Director of Operations, Dr. Stephani Bryson, "We in San Diego are so proud of her." This achievement reflects the diverse talents and accomplishments of Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ team members beyond their professional roles.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's King County Evaluation & Treatment (E&T) program in Washington recently concluded its celebration with a special breakfast event hosted by the leadership team.

The team competition saw Jordan Drummond, Evelyn Daniels, Michelle Ma, Faye Campos, Anastasia Gatuhi, and Paul Ashton Zanoni receive prizes for their participation and enthusiasm. The celebration also featured a costume contest highlighting influential women throughout history. Julie Law, the Director of Nursing, won with her creative Agatha Christie portrayal, while Jordan received special recognition for her Coco Chanel interpretation.

This community-building event reflects King County E&T’s recovery-focused approach, which provides a supportive environment where individuals can stabilize, make meaningful choices, and connect with appropriate resources for their wellness journey.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's Chief Financial Officer Trisha Niemuth recently completed a visit to Los Angeles County programs, connecting with teams across four diverse facilities that represent the breadth of Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's services.

The visit included stops at:

• Los Angeles Older Adult and ATLAS: Two full-service partnership programs providing comprehensive community-based treatment with interdisciplinary teams.

• La Casa MHRC: A secure inpatient facility offering 24-hour support in a welcoming recovery environment.

• La Paz Geropsychiatric Center: A long-standing program founded in 1986 as an alternative to state hospital care.

The visit coincided with celebrations at the Norwalk location, where staff had posted wall displays honoring their role models. In a touching moment, team members discovered their CFO was among the celebrated figures, alongside program coworkers, mothers, company leaders, and notable public figures.

“In a five-state company with thousands of employees, there are no words to describe the impact of having your CFO visiting you at your office,” noted Regional Director of Operations Marcelo Cavalheiro, LMFT. “A small gesture that will have a lasting impact.”

These personal connections reflect Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's commitment to maintaining strong relationships between leadership and frontline staff across all levels of care.

Garfield Neurobehavioral Center’s weekly watercolor art therapy group recently celebrated with a special creative display. The program, led by social worker Emilee Dunlop, LMFT, offers residents a meaningful way to express themselves while building confidence and community connection.

The thoughtfully designed approach involves a collaborative process where Dunlop takes ideas from residents about what they would like to paint, then draws simple outlines with a marker, which the residents paint with watercolor paint. This inclusive technique accommodates various skill levels while providing a structure that supports success. Completed artwork is proudly displayed in the facility’s lobby, allowing residents to share their creative achievements with visitors and fellow community members.

“The residents enjoy seeing their artwork up for others to enjoy and are very proud of their work,” notes Dunlop about the impact of the public display.

This art therapy program exemplifies Garfield NBC’s whole-person approach to care. As a specialized Skilled Nursing Facility serving individuals with neurobehavioral diagnoses and mental illness, Garfield NBC integrates medical, psychiatric, nursing, and recovery services through a multidisciplinary team. The art program complements clinical interventions by fostering self-expression, building confidence, and creating moments of joy within the recovery journey.

°Ő±đ±ô±đł¦˛ą°ů±đ’s 72nd Avenue Recovery Center morale committee brought their team a touch of springtime cheer with thoughtful appreciation gifts. Each staff member received a special spring bag filled with gardening seed packets, candy, spring-themed stickers, a “thank you” envelope containing pollinator flower mixed seeds, and a decorative pen.

This gesture of appreciation recognizes the team’s dedicated work while celebrating the season of renewal and growth. The initiative reflects 72nd Ave.’s commitment to creating a positive, supportive environment for residents and the staff who make recovery possible.

The recovery-centered program emphasizes wellness, meaningful life experiences, and skill development within a safe and collaborative environment. The morale committee’s spring celebration embodies these values by nurturing the community and expressing gratitude for the team’s contributions.

Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ's Striving Towards Enhanced Partnerships (STEPS) program in Orange County recently marked a significant milestone: 14 years of supporting individuals on their recovery journeys! The celebration brought staff and members together for an engaging event featuring program trivia and reflections on “Where were you 14 years ago?”

These moments of connection highlight STEPS’ enduring commitment to providing comprehensive support through its multidisciplinary team approach. The program serves members transitioning from long-term care facilities, many on LPS conservatorship, with individualized service plans that enhance recovery and promote community integration.

Congratulations, STEPS team!