Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

On Wednesday, 5/7/25, at College of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission had seven incredible recipients for the Tony Hoffman Awards!

The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges and the communities in which they live. This year’s recipients included a diverse group of individuals representing BHRS programs and staff, partner agencies, media outlets, peers and youth leaders. The Board of Supervisors recognized and honored each recipient of the Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Service Award for making an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and the San Mateo County community.

About the recipients:

• Under the leadership of Waynette Brock, One New Heartbeat brings peer-led support to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and to their families, and to those providing peer support services. The names of some of the services provided by One New Heartbeat illustrate the span of comprehensive, evidence-based, trauma-informed services provided: WRAP (wellness and recovery action plan) support group, training facilitators for Alternatives to Suicide groups and MHFA, Journaling Out Loud, Evidence-Based Parenting Program, Strengthening the Peer Workforce, Family Interventions. Waynette’s compassionate treatment of her fellow human beings and investment in all our wellness is remarkable. One New Hearbeat is an asset we celebrate today in San Mateo County. 
  
• Kingdom Love, under direction of Lisa Mena, orchestrates the delivery of Be Sensitive Be Brave and Mental Health First Aid trainings to our San Mateo County community. There are so many components that contribute to community members receiving trainings tailored to them, and leaving the trainings uplifted and empowered, recharged with resilience, able to support those around them. It is fabulous to have expert facilitators for the trainings. It is even more exciting that community members with lived experience are being trained and are co-leading the trainings. These trainings are customized by language and location where they are held, recognizing the many factors that contribute to learners feeling safe and supported. I have hosted trainings in different community groups with whom I am associated. It is amazing to see stigma decrease, to see conversations start to happen, to see people find new ways to support each other in wellness. Kingdom Love Rocks!
  
• In response to the growing local need of mental health resources, the San Mateo County Mayors Mental Health Initiative was launched in January 2022 by Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale and San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell. Mayor of South San Francisco Eddie Flores and former Mayor and current Council Member of Pacifica Mary Bier also joined the Steering Committee and have provided valuable leadership and expertise related to the behavioral health field.  In April 2022, the Mayors Mental Health Initiative collaborated with San Mateo County Executive Office and Behavioral Health Services Office of Diversity and Equity to secure $200,000 of funding to provide Mental Health First Aid and Be Sensitive Be Brave trainings free to the community. Local city elected officials and staff not only supported the hosting of these trainings but also participated in these trainings to expand the supportive network for mental health. And in August 2022, the Mayors Mental Health Initiative collaborated with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to invest $250,000 for mental health services provided by three non-profits – Star Vista, Daly City Youth Health Center and the Una Vida program through One Life Counseling.  
  
• The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission’s Youth Action Board 2024-2025 Cohort (YAB) exemplifies extraordinary leadership in transforming mental health services for young people. This diverse group of 12 young leaders, ranging from high school sophomores to college students, has demonstrated remarkable commitment to improving mental health awareness and access across the continuum of care. Their accomplishments include organizing the Uplifting Youth Voice Summit in partnership with the San Mateo County of Education, allcove San Mateo and Youth Leadership Institute, creating a safe space for adolescents to discuss mental health concerns and service gaps as part of United for Youth Wellbeing Vision 2030. Significantly, they are pioneering the Pathways Prototype’s development, an innovative system designed to connect youth and families with mental health services through any entry point, emphasizing empathy and cultural competency throughout the process. The YAB is also developed a youth-centered survey and focus group design to gather perspectives for a county youth crisis stabilization center and provided crucial youth expertise to the Mobile Crisis Response Team media campaign. These young leaders are dismantling mental health stigma by centering youth voices in policy discussions and service design. Their work embodies the spirit of the Tony Hoffman Award through advocacy, innovative program creation, and compassionate support for vulnerable populations.  
  
• Cynthia Castro is a long-time resident of Redwood City, an active member of the Latino/a/x Collaborative, and a devoted mother who has lovingly supported her child through significant behavioral health challenges since early childhood. In 2016, she became a Health Ambassador for San Mateo County BHRS, a role that beautifully reflects her passion for helping others. Cynthia has been a tireless advocate for community wellness, consistently demonstrating her deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of San Mateo County residents. Through her involvement in the Health Ambassador Program, she has played a vital role in bringing BHRS resources to the community and expanding outreach efforts with warmth and compassion. Cynthia’s courage in sharing her lived experience—both as someone who has faced behavioral health challenges and as a mother walking alongside her child—has made a profound impact. Whether at community meetings, events, HAP presentations, or the Reconozca las Señales workshop, her voice has helped break down stigma, open hearts, and inspire others to seek help and healing. 
  
• Deputy Sheriff Joaquin Moreno is a bilingual and bicultural School Resource Officer who plays a vital role in community engagement through the Sheriff’s Activities League and the Community Alliance to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods (CARON). His presence reflects a deep commitment to building trust and fostering positive relationships within the San Mateo County community. Deputy Moreno is especially recognized for his compassionate work with the behavioral health community. Through educational programs like the Parent Project and the CARON Academy, he facilitates impactful workshops for underserved communities, using a trauma-informed lens that emphasizes respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. His strong awareness of how culture and trauma effects individuals, particularly those experiencing behavioral health challenges—has been a calming and empowering force during times of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. In every interaction, whether in workshops or law enforcement responses, Deputy Moreno approaches community members with care, prioritizing safety, building trust, and creating a sense of hope. His ability to connect with others continues to inspire and uplift those he serves.  
  
• William Elting has consistently been a dedicated volunteer with BHRS in multiple projects, including years of advocating for better crisis response services. Last Fall, William spearheaded the creation of a document in support of expansion of peer support services and its proclamation by the Board of Supervisors. For this project he collaborated with OCFA and the Advocacy Council. William has kept the momentum going by continuing to advocate gathering the support of a growing list of signatories. William is an active member of The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee and participated in various Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop throughout the county to create clear, culturally sensitive, and compassionate access to mental health care for youth and families. The pilot aimed to gather lived experiences, share navigation insights, and collect early input for a simple, empowering “pathways” tool to guide users through the system with clarity and support. William has always been very committed to supporting the vision of BHRS and is a fantastic collaborator.