The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors presented Ray Mills (center), Executive Director of Voices of Recovery San Mateo County, the proclamation designating September 2019 as National Recovery Month this week. Ray is picture with BHRS Director Scott Gilman (left), and Supervisor Dave Pine (right). Learn more about Recovery Month and the upcoming picnic and dance.
As a result of the Day of Collaboration in the East Bayshore Community Service Area, the East Palo Alto Community Counseling Center (EPACCC) team opted to volunteer their time at the Ecumenical Hunger Program one afternoon in lieu of a holiday party. The entire Staff participated in sorting clothes and pantry donations for the residents of East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. It was wonderful for the team to spend a bit of time together as a staff outside of the clinic and deliver direct service to the Community.
Today at the Women in County Government recognition ceremony, one of our very own, Roxanne Clarke, was presented with the Public Service: The Extra Mile award for going above and beyond the call of duty as a bilingual Psychiatric Social Worker at Canyon Oaks Youth Center.
Canyon Oaks Supervising Mental Health Clinician, Victoria Valencia, presented Roxanne with the award, citing her ability to overcome unexpected challenges with a level head.
In her acceptance speech, Roxanne credited her mother with insisting she pursue a college degree – a decision that opened up a world of opportunities which previously seemed out of reach. Roxanne also spoke about the importance of nurturing and supporting our youth community, so they too can achieve their full potential.
Congratulations, Roxanne!
There was a great turnout Tuesday afternoon for the Second Annual National Day of Prayer for Behavioral Health Recovery and Understanding in San Mateo County. The event, which was co-sponsored by BHRS’ Spirituality Initiative and NAMI San Mateo, was held at County Center in Redwood City. Representatives came out from the Jewish, Christian, Native American, Muslim and Hindu communities, just to name a few. Read more
We had a great turnout at the Recovery Month BBQ and Resource Fair this afternoon. Check out the pictures below for just a few of the friendly faces and organizations who came out to celebrate with us and spread the word that recovery is possible!
Head to our Recovery Month webpage for a full list of the month’s events.
These are some of the beautiful pieces of art displayed in the Recovery Month Art Show at 400 County Center in Redwood City. The art show is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until September 29, so be sure to check it out soon!
Head to our Recovery Month webpage for a full list of the month’s events.
San Mateo County community members celebrate pride with the raising of a flag, live music, energetic speakers and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
This past June was Pride month and San Mateo County had a whole lot to celebrate with our fifth annual Pride event and the historic grand opening of the county’s very first Pride Center.
The Pride Initiative held the annual LGBTQ+ Pride event at San Mateo Central Park on Saturday, June 10th. This year’s theme, “Still We Rise,” inspired by Maya Angelou’s 1978 poem, “Still I Rise” was meant to remind us of the need for solidarity across all communities.
This year, for the first time, the Pride flag was raised along with the American flag in the center of the park at the commencement of Saturday’s celebration. Entertainment included poets, musicians, dancers, martial artists and even an open mic, showcasing talent from the community. Approximately 700 people came out to celebrate.
When the PRIDE initiative originated in 2008, it was the first county sanctioned LGBTQ+ entity in San Mateo County. In a testament to the advances made by our LBTQ+ community and allies, the county proudly kicked off Pride month with the opening of San Mateo County’s very first Pride Center.
Nearly 500 community members gathered on June 1st to celebrate the grand opening, complete with a ribbon cutting, dynamic speakers and live music.
Located at 1021 S. El Camino and 11th Ave. in San Mateo, the Pride Center combines direct behavioral health services, such as counseling, peer support, and case management, with community support and services. The center is a safe space and welcomes everyone.
The Pride Center is a collaboration with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, funded through the Mental Health Services Act. The Center is operated by five partner organizations: StarVista, Peninsula Family Service, Outlet of Adolescent Counseling Services, Daly City Partnership and Pyramid Alternatives.
For more information about the Pride Center call 650-591-0133 or email info@sanmateopride.org. For more information about the PRIDE Initiative, check out their website at www.smchealth.org/pride.
Lisa Putkey, Jei Africa and Regina Moreno contributed to this article.
Some of the awesome artwork at this year’s Recovery Month Art Gallery!
Another great year of sun, food and fun celebrating recovery at the BBQ and resource fair at San Mateo Central Park!
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