Category Archives: Community Services

Happy Trans* Week of Visibility! Free Community Programs Throughout the Week

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San Mateo County Pride Center is proud to be hosting their 3rd Annual Trans* Week of Visibility.  

Join us in celebrating the strength, beauty, and visibility of our Trans* , Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse community! While Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is on March 31st, we think one day is just not enough. That’s why we’re hosting a full week of events filled with community, joy, and resources to support you. What kind of programs? We’re hosting trainings, the return of our Name and Gender Marker Change workshop, a sunset community hike, a Drag 101 workshop for our youth community members, a mixer for parents and guardians of Trans* Youth and SO MUCH MORE!  We hope you can join us for an event or three!  

For each TWOV event you attend, you’ll get one (1) entry into our prize drawing to win 1 of 3 $75 gift cards available! The more you attend, the better your chances of winning!  

Register for any and all TWOV events here! https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCTWOV2026

Do you need financial assistance with transportation to attend any of these events? Pride Center can provide a limited number of transportation vouchers to those in need. Please let us know when you RSVP or email info@sanmateopride.org for support. 

Special note for our Glitter and Glam Intro to Drag workshop participants: If you would like Pride Center to provide makeup products and tools for you to use, please RSVP by Tuesday 3/24 to ensure we’ll have enough supplies for you. Otherwise, you are welcome to RSVP anytime before the event; and we encourage you to bring whatever makeup, clothes, accessories, and tools you feel most comfortable and fabulous in! 

Trans Week of Visibility programs and events – Monday, 3/23- Tuesday, 3/31 

A Mixer for Families of Trans Kids 

Monday, 3/23 from 6-7:30PM at Outlet (1779 Woodside Road #200, Redwood City) 

Come join us for an evening with community. Are you a parent or caregiver of a trans or gender-diverse child? Navigating the world as a family can be overwhelming and isolating, but you are not alone. Join us for a supportive evening of connection where you can: 

  • Learn about your child’s legal rights, resources, and advocacy options 
    • Hear from a panel of experienced parents and community members 
    • This is a family-friendly event with space for both caregivers and children. 

Legal Name & Gender Change Workshop

Wed. 3/25, 6-7:30pm- Online 

Your name and gender should reflect who you really are—but the paperwork can feel confusing. Let us help! In this workshop, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of updating your identity documents, assist you in filling out court paperwork, and answer all your questions. 
 

Becoming More Visibly You: Gender Affirmation Workshop

Thu. 3/26, 5-7pm – Allcove San Mateo (2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300, San Mateo) 

Your gender expression should feel like YOU. Whether you’re exploring your identity, refining your style, or just looking for community, this workshop is here to help you affirm, express, and celebrate who you are. 
What to expect:  

  • Free gender-affirming supplies – binders, trans tape, packers, breast forms, and more  
  • Style & contouring tips – learn from experienced trans makeup artists  
  • Hair & grooming consultations – explore gender-affirming haircuts and styling options  
  • Vocal coaching tips – get insights on voice training techniques  
  • Gender-Affirming Closet – browse for free clothing, makeup, and accessories 

Whether you’re trans masc, femme, nonbinary, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support your journey toward feeling more visibly you. 

Belonging In Nature – Sunset Hike at Mori Point 

Friday 3/27 5:45-8:15pm – In Person at Mori Point (775 Bradford Way, Pacifica) 

 Enjoy a beautiful sunset with our partners at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. We can make the most of the vast variety of our county. 

Register at: https://www.parksconservancy.org/events/register?fid=99&eid=a0wUQ000007obtB 

Glitter and Glam: An Intro to Drag

Saturday 2/28 2:30-5:30 In Person at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center (800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City )

We can’t begin to celebrate our Trans* community without acknowledging the role that gender diverse drag queens, kings, and monarchs continually play in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In honor of all the icons that have come before and in celebration of drag as an art form, we invite you to join us on March 28th from 2:30 – 5:30 at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center for an afternoon of learning introductory drag makeup and putting on a show that eats the house down.

If you don’t have the supplies to make your drag debut, don’t worry! We will be providing makeup, shoes, and a limited amount of clothing, however we invite folks that have their own supplies to bring them. If you want to come but do not want to participate in the drag course you are more than welcome to come to the Glitter and Glam show and support all of our new drag icons. 

Pronouns 101 Workshop

Sunday 3/29, 10:30am-12:30pm: In Person at the Belmont Public Library (1110 Alameda de las Pulgas) and Online

What are pronouns and why do they matter? Have you ever asked yourself, “did I use the ‘correct’ pronoun for that person”? Our Pronouns 101 workshop will help you feel more confident in any situation! In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of pronouns, the importance of using them correctly, how to safely and respectfully ask for pronouns, and have a comfortable space to ask your questions about pronouns. Through interactive videos, participant engagement, and pronoun use practice, we will help you become a pro at pronouns! 

Zoom link to be shared after registration 

Trans Day of Visibility Be-YOU-tiful Celebration

Tuesday, March 31st 5:30-7:30pm – Cultural Center at Cañada College

(4200 Farm Hill, Redwood City- Building 17, room 107)

This is your night to celebrate YOU. Show up as your authentic self—however that looks for you—and let’s celebrate together.  What’s in store:  

  • DJ & music  
  • Snacks & refreshments

The world tries to tell us we don’t belong. We say otherwise. Come celebrate the joy, resilience, and beauty of our trans and gender-diverse community.  

To register for all events, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCTWOV2026 

Questions? Please contact info@sanmateopride.org or 650-591-0133

Two Job Openings at CoastPride Half Moon Bay

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Please see job openings below for an executive director and clinical director at CoastPride in Half Moon Bay.

About CoastPride:

CoastPride is an organization created by our local community in San Mateo County to improve the support, visibility and awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals and families.

CoastPride embraces allies to create an affirming and welcoming community that nurtures individuals of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to live to their full potential.

We believe that together we will continue to make the Coastside, from Pacifica to Pescadero, a kind and safe place for the LGBTQ+ community at large.
Learn more about them at https://coastpride.org/.

allcoveHalfMoonBay ClinicalDirector_JD_250311Download
Executive Director_JD_240719 (1)Download

Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – March 2025

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Latest Updates

  • Suicide Prevention Committee is working on three projects. Each project addresses one of the goals prioritized for 2025. More details in next SPC meeting.
    • GOAL 1: Enhance Visible Leadership and Networked Partnerships 
    • GOAL 2: Increase Development and Coordination of Suicide Prevention Resources  
    • GOAL 3: Advance Data Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming Meeting: Tuesday, 03/04/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer, “I Am Suicide Prevention” Video Series and Volunteer Opportunities
    • Prior Meeting: Tuesday, 01/07/2025 1:30pm – 3pm
      • Topic: Resource Flyer
  • 2025 Meeting Schedule

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

Pacific Islander Initiative of San Mateo County Presents: Adult Health First Aid Certification
(https://smcbhrsblog.org/2025/02/13/3-22-adult-mental-health-first-aid-hosted-by-pacific-islander-initiative/)

This important session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical skills to support someone who may be facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.

The training covers the initial steps to take when you encounter someone in need and provides you with effective tools to help navigate these situations with confidence and care.

It’s a great opportunity to learn how to provide the right support when it’s needed most.

Registration link: bit.ly/MHSA-TCIP
Le Maota, 833 Mahler Road, Burlingame, CA
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
9am – 6pm

Read more

Addressing Substance Misuse Among Transition-Age Youth Not Attending College

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Studies show young adults ages 18 to 25, also defined as transition-age youth (TAY), are at high risk for substance misuse—particularly alcohol and marijuana use. Non-student TAY are also at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders.

While prevention efforts for this age group have primarily focused on those who attend a four-year college, SAMHSA compiled information on how to address alcohol and substance misuse among young adults who are exploring their futures outside of a four-year college. These individuals may be in the workforce, enrolled in community college, or exploring other endeavors.

Due to the gap in prevention messaging for TAY taking different paths in their lives, there is tremendous opportunity for professionals and others who interface with young adults to play a role in connecting young adults to information about substance use and services that can help them make healthy choices as they enter adulthood.

Find SAMHSA’s mini-campaign at https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/communitiestalk/minicampaigns/.

TAY Substance Use CampaignDownload

2024 David Lewis Nomination Form – Deadline 8/16

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Nomination form for the 2024 David Lewis Award is now open. Deadline to submit nomination form is August 16th, 2024.

This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to substance abuse recovery through successful programs, community education, stigma reduction or client advocacy. David Lewis was a long-term employee of San Mateo County Health. He was the co-founder and president of the Board of Directors of “Free at Last,” a substance abuse treatment and prevention agency in East Palo Alto that seeks to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild families, foster education and economic self sufficiency, and contribute to the health and safety of the community.

Download nomination form below.

David Lewis Award nomination form_fillable_2024Download

Suicide Prevention Committee Newsletter – August 2024

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The Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) provides oversight and direction to suicide prevention efforts in San Mateo County. Led by the Office of Diversity and Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the committee is comprised of suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, behavioral health providers, social service providers, local transportation agency staff, and other community members passionate about preventing suicide in our community.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

  • Latest Updates
    • SMC Suicide Prevention Committee Special Session
      • Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
      • Topics
        • San Mateo County Mobile Crisis Response Team presentation of crisis response
        • Suicide Prevention Month planning
      • Agenda
        • Q&A of crisis mobile Response Team presentation from1:15pm -1:45pm
        • Suicide Prevention Month planning from 1:45pm – 2:15pm
      • Registration Link
    • September 2024 Suicide Prevention Month Mini-Grant Application
  • Monthly Meetings
    • Upcoming: 08/06/24 – Suicide Prevention Month Planning – Toolkit Review Suicide Prevention Resource Promotion
    • Prior: 07/02/24 – Updates on suicide prevention resource website/ flyer and start planning for September Suicide Prevention Month

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

  • 09/10/24
    • SAVE THE DATE
    • Further information TBD
    • In collaboration with Cloud Bell of the San Mateo County Library to facilitate World Suicide Prevention Day

NEWS

This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

CRISIS RESOURCES

NON-CRISIS RESOURCES

  • BE SENSITIVE, BE BRAVE
    • This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.
  • MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
    • This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop. For more information, contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org

CALL TO ACTION!

We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create a world where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Here are ways you can help:

  • Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
    • Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, 1:30pm-3:00pm
  • Invite Someone New!
    • Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
  • Announcements?
    • Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight?

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK? READY TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT US!

Martha Cervantes, LMFT #129448 (She/Her)
Director of StarVista Crisis Services
martha.cervantes@star-vista.org
(650) 208 – 3057

Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her)
Community Health Planner
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE)
stang@smcgov.org
(650) 208 – 5799

Walter Ng (He/Him)
Program Coordinator of StarVista Crisis Services
walter.ng@star-vista.org
(650) 722 – 7652

17th Annual Housing Heroes- Nomination Form and Save the Date

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Greetings,

The 17th Annual Housing Hero Awards will be presented this year on October 16, 2024. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at the Redwood Shores Library – Community Room (399 Marine Pkwy, Redwood City).

Below you will find the 2024 Nomination Form and the Save the Date.  Please share this information and the nomination form throughout your networks.  Please submit your nominations by Monday, September 9, 2024.

Note:  The nomination form can be completed electronically using the attached QR code or by submitting the form by email or text.

Please share this information and the nomination form throughout your networks.  If you would like to have a nomination box for paper submissions at your work site, please let us know and we will try to arrange to provide one. 

The Housing Hero Awards honors community individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in providing housing and/or helping at-risk individuals and families with Co-Occurring issues to acquire and maintain stable housing.

The Honorable Carole Groom Housing Leadership Award will be given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication to developing affordable, safe, and supportive housing for our County’s most at-risk populations.

We invite you to join us for this celebration of Housing Heroes for our County and to nominate any individuals or organizations that you think deserve recognition for efforts, commitment and dedication that makes them Housing Heroes.

17th-Annual-HH-Nomination-Form-2024_FinalDownload

8/13 – Spanish Opioid/ Naloxone Training

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As most of you may be aware, fentanyl has rapidly become a leading cause of death in our community and is affecting our adult and youth clients. In response, the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, in collaboration with the IMAT team, will be hosting an in-person Opioid/Naloxone training in Spanish on Tuesday, August 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Barbara A. Mouton Multicultural Wellness Center, located at 903 Weeks Street in East Palo Alto.

Space is limited, and participants must REGISTER. Please support us by spreading the word to your teams and clients! For details about this training please refer to the flyer.

We are planning an in-person Opioid/Naloxone training in English for September. Date TBD.

Narcan-Training-SP-FLyer-08.13.2024Download

What Are Your Lime Green Flags? Join the social media challenge!

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Hello,

You’ve heard of red flags and green flags.. In the WAYLGF challenge, we are asking people what are their lime green flags. Lime green flags refer to practices or actions that help people be mentally healthy. The challenge name is a play on the national color for mental health awareness which is lime green!

Featured in this video: Dr. Jei Africa (he/him), Director of San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

Follow SMCHealth’s Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our challenge!

Events happening this week:
💚 5/21: Parent Collaboration- Mental Health in our Community, Pescadero
💚 5/21: Breathwork, Redwood City Public Library
💚 5/22: Essence of Mana Village Walk, Elks Lodge in SSF
💚 5/23: Soul Soup w/ Amber Hines, Brisbane Library

For our full list of free and public events and mental health resources, visit SMCHealth.org/MHM.

3/29 – 2024 Cesar Chavez Celebration

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Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity‘s Latino/a/x Collaborative is partnering once again with Voices of Recovery for the 3rd Annual Cesar Chavez Celebration.  This year the event will take place on Friday, March 29, 4:30-8 pm, at the East Palo Alto Academy!

Our San Mateo County community members and families will get to enjoy free food, entertainment, arts and crafts activities, resources, raffles, and speakers, including our very own Amazing Director and San Mateo County’s Women Hall of Famer, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti. 😊

See flyer for more information.

240227-Cesar-Chavez-Event-FINALDownload
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