Mental Wellness Center, 9/15/22, Vol. 36

ARTWORK BY

Chris Potter

INSIDE: CURRENT PROGRAMS • FUTURE OF MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER • LEGACY AND LEGENDS

MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

Honoring our Legacy...

As we reflect on Mental Wellness Center’s 75 years and cast our vision for the future, it’s time to stop and honor the remarkable journey and share deep gratitude for the support of so many people along the way who gave of their time and resources to build a strong foundation for this center for mental wellness in Santa Barbara…

... and our Legends There is no better way to commemorate this important historical milestone than to celebrate the people who have stood with us in manifesting the mission and work over these many years.

Influential board members, volunteers, donors, and supporters — Our Legends — have played a significant role in shaping the evolution of Mental Wellness Center and influencing its history. Starting this month, stories of our Legends will begin appearing on our website as a permanent feature; let us honor each of them and their important contributions.

National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Wellness Center held a Summer Celebration in honor of George Kaufmann who stepped down as leader of NAMI after many years of volunteer service to both organizations as well as to scores of families living throughout Santa Barbara County.

Creating a Future for Wellness Rooted in Our Long-Standing Values Hope

We must be a beacon of hope in our community. Always.

Inclusivity

Because mental illness does not discriminate. Every person deserves to feel seen and heard, and to be treated with care, respect, and dignity.

Collaboration

Our positive impact is enhanced by our collaborations and partnerships.

Youth

Youth-driven programming, education, and resources positively impact OUR next generation.

Safe & Affordable Housing A safe place to call home is a basic human right and essential to mental health.

Education

Education is an agent of change.

Period.

Early Intervention

Intervening early is critical when addressing mental health.

Connection to Care

Barrier-free access to care transforms lives.

It’s About Time As a community we are acknowledging the profound mental, emotional, and social toll being experienced by millions. These times are shining a bright light on the fragility of mental health and humanity.

So we stand on the shoulders of our Legends and harness the power of our history to pivot and focus our full attention on creating a “today” where Santa Barbarans can find the help and services they need to live their healthiest lives in a community without misinformation or stigma.

We live in a wonderfully diverse community of individuals and

families; there is no one-size-fits-all solution that can improve everyone's mental health and wellness.

A change of seasons is a great time for a fresh start! This fall, check out our Community Wellness Program where you can access just the right help, support, education, or activities to help you take care of yourself and your family (all programs are free of charge).

OUR COMMUNITY WELLNESS PROGRAM

P rogramming That''s Here for You Year-Round and Free of Charge to the Community Wellness & Recovery Support

Education Programs

A range of wellness and recovery activities – support groups, music, drumming, and movement – are available to the entire community, weekday afternoons and evenings, free of charge.

We educate and support our community’s youth in the hopes of avoiding the burdens associated with more acute mental health diagnoses later. There are four educational programs.

Stronger Together, group for adults living with depression/ bipolar disorder, for more info, call Liz: 805-886-4729.

SPOT, support for parents of teens, for more info, call Ramona: 805-884-3206.

Self-Help Groups-SB, a range of 5 different, topic-driven, virtual support groups, email selfhelpgroups.sb@gmail.com for subject matter, dates, and times.

Grupo Calibri, mental health support group in Spanish, for more info, call Vicente: 805-845-3186.

Drumming group and music-making group, for more info, call Vicente: 805-845-3186.

NAMI Family Advocate & Family-to-Family Programs Families of adult children living with mental health issues, can tap one of our many weekly support and/or information groups offered by trained peer providers in collaboration with NAMI Santa Barbara. For more info, call Ramona at 805-884-3206.

Allcove Youth Advisory Group, for young people ages 1625, interested in connecting with other young people who are passionate about increasing access to mental healthcare.

For more info, contact Gabriel: gcardenas@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Mental Health First Aid Training, a practical course customized for either adults, educators, or youth to learn the first signs of psychic mental health distress. More info or registration available at: bethedifferencesb.org.

Mental Health Matters, well-trained volunteers introduce 3,000 public school students in elementary, middle, and high school to basic facts about mental health.

More info at: mhmyouth.org.

Wellness Connection Council, trains high school youth to be part of Wellness Connection Council at their own HS and advocate for mental health resources and on behalf of their peers. Apply to the WCC by contacting Sophie: spelletier@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Fellowship Club of Santa Barbara Residents living with mental health challenges become members of our Fellowship Club, a peer-led recovery and wellness day program offered weekdays, free of charge. For more info, email Cynthia: cestrada@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Learn more and view our program calendars at

MENTALWELLNESSCENTER.ORG

805-884-8440 • 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101