San Bernardino Tragedy Memorial

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In honor of the victims from the tragedy that occurred in San Bernardino December 2, San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, TIE-CC staff and members expressed their sympathy and condolences by visiting the memorial site leaving words of support and encouragement.

This tragedy has gathered worldwide attention and media coverage, but at the end of the day, families are still left with voids, and survivors with scars. Please keep San Bernardino in your thoughts as they begin the healing process. If you would like to support the families of those affected here is how you can help:https://www.gofundme.com/SupportSB

San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC Raise Money for NAMI

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Throughout the year of 2015, Telecare San Bernardino ACT/MAPS/TIE-CC (IEHP) participated in a number of fundraisers in preparation of the Annual Inland Empire NAMI Walk. This year the committee consisted of members, team leads, PSCs, and administrative staff. The committee arranged a bake sale, savory casserole sale, dress down day, and a rummage sale totaling $1,125 in donations.

Our three programs (ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC) had a total of 45 members and staff registered to participate in the NAMI walk as the “Telecare Heroes”; taking the challenge of walking the trail, obtaining local resources and education of services available through the booths, and enjoyed the sense of community ending out day with lunch and socializing under the tents. NAMI for us is not just a fundraiser, it’s a way for our members and staff to connect and start stomping stigmas of mental illness.

La Paz Veteran’s Day Recognition

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Happy Veteran’s Day to our special LVN Malcolm Edrada. Malcolm served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years as an Engineering Mate. He served on five deployments to the Western Pacific areas such as Singapore, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia– just to name a few.

One of his greatest accomplishments was when Malcolm was awarded an ESWS pin. This pin is a surface warfare insignia that is a military badge of the U.S. Navy and issued to personnel who are trained and qualified to perform duties aboard surface warships.

When Malcolm was in San Diego, he was “volun-told” to join the Naval Security Force, also known as the Naval Law Enforcement, and he shined. They recognized his talents and Malcom graduated with honors out of a class of about 50 students. Malcolm had an average of 97.5%.

When Malcolm left the U.S. Navy he took about a year off until he decided to become a nurse — LVN.  In January, Malcolm will have worked four years with us. We are honored to have such a kind, courageous, and patient man working with us. Malcolm is the epitome of a great nurse.

Happy Veteran’s Day to Malcolm and all the men and women that serve our country, past, present and future.We are deeply grateful for your service!

San Mateo County Recognizes Transitions as a Housing Hero

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Telecare’s Full Service Partnership in San Mateo, Transitions, was among a handful of programs and organizations recognized for excellence in providing stable housing for people with mental health and substance use issues. The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services of San Mateo County held its annual Housing Heroes awards ceremony Oct. 22, at which FSP’s administrator Kevin Jones accepted the award—a plaque and potted plant. The Housing Heroes awards were instituted in 2008, and this year is Telecare’s second award. Current FSP housing coordinator Lee Cates was recognized for excellence in housing in 2013.

Kevin Jones, second from right, stands among three other honorees at an Oct. 22 award ceremony recognizing excellence in housing. Also pictured is Ohevet Fotofini, a board and care operator; Georgia Peterson, a shelter operator; and Karen Francone of the Service League of San Mateo.

Kevin Jones, left, spoke briefly to accept a Housing Heroes award from San Mateo County on Oct. 22, while county health and recovery director Stephen Kaplan and Telecare housing coordinator Lee Cates (seated) and PSC II Yesenia Cortes (standing) listen. Cates was recognized as a Housing Hero in 2013.

Kevin Jones, right, anticipates his staff will enjoy reminding him of the unintentionally humorous mis-attribution to a presentation slide identifying him as “Millard.”

Garfield Celebrates Telecare’s 50th!

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Last month, Garfield hosted a red-carpet soiree for Telecare’s 50th anniversary. Staff munched on a great buffet and delicious cake, played Telecare Trivia, and watched the 50th commemorative video, as well as one put together by staff for a special occasion. Garfield’s many longevity employees got up to say a few words, followed by a touching speech from Regional Administrator Kier Taylor who spoke on the random acts of kindness he sees from staff daily.

Thank you to Reiko Takaishi and Garfield staff for throwing a fabulous party!

San Bernardino’s Team Building Day!

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Submitted by Norma Bermudez
AA/HR for San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC

In late July, San Bernardino ACT, MAPS, and TIE-CC programs went to San Juan Capistrano for team building with a day full of activities. Staff were able to learn about each other and their surroundings. Everyone joined in team building exercises/games, a guided tour of San Juan Capistrano Mission, and ended with a nice luncheon at a restaurant by the mission. This was fun team building! A BIG thank you to the management team for making this possible!

Gladman Celebrates Telecare's 50th

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Gladman MHRC celebrated Telecare’s 50th Anniversary with a big party in their back yard. The entire Gladman crew set up a fantastic party  that included a live band, fun party games, and face painting! A big thank you to the dietary team at Gladman and the amazing job they did whipping up burgers and hot dogs in a flash! They catered the entire party and served some delicious food for all to share. Check out a glimpse of the activities below.

Sausal Creek Parties at the Ballpark!

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Sausal Creek staff and their family members celebrated Telecare’s 50th birthday by taking it out to the ballgame!

On July 19th, staff had the pleasure of watching the Oakland A’s hit home run after home run while playing the Minnesota Twins. Final Score: a whopping 14-1 victory!!

It has been a year of many transitions at Sausal Creek as they said good-bye to the long-time leadership team of Pansy Taft-Butkowski (Administrator) and Sabrina Spellman (BOM/HR/AA). Pansy and Sabrina have moved onto other positions within the organization and Carolyn Rapier (former Administrator for Cordilleras) is now leading the Sausal Creek team into Telecare’s next half century!

Santa Cruz PHF and CSP Celebrate Telecare’s 50th!

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On July 17, 2015, Santa Cruz Psychiatric Health Facility and Crisis Stabilization Program celebrated Telecare’s 50th anniversary by hosting a big party at the facility. The festivities included a BBQ with wonderful food and treats. Telecare employees and County related staff and visitors attended. The theme of the celebration was Community Awareness and how Telecare can make a difference in Santa Cruz County.

Thank you Mark Kik for planning and cooking, and everyone who made this celebration a success!

Telecare at San Diego NAMI Walk!

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with it comes a slew of NAMI walks all around the country. Staff, members, family, friends, and more all come out for this great event that draws thousands to walk in support of the ones they love. Thank you to the Telecare San Diego team for getting a big group together and supporting a great event that makes a big difference in the communities we serve!

If you have any photos or stories from your local NAMI walk and want to share them on T-Net, send them to the communications team at communications@telecarecorp.com.

If you’re in the Bay Area, don’t forget the Bay Area NAMI Walk is on Saturday, May 30th in Golden Gate Park!

FACT and SB CORE’s Island Getaway!

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Submitted by: Jody Rodriguez
BOM at San Bernardino FACT

Earlier this month, the San Bernardino FACT and CORE programs had their annual staff retreat. Under the leadership of our administrator, Debra Evans, we got to spend the day on Catalina Island. The day started in Newport Beach where we boarded the Catalina Flyer for a quick trip to the island. Once there, we had a team building exercise that was not only fun, but very educational. We completed an adventure quest that took us around the island looking for clues and retrieving answers to a list of questions. We had lunch at a local restaurant and then took a fun submarine ride around the island where we were able to encounter the local marine life and learn more about the beautiful island.

Middle School Students Visit With Garfield NBC

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Submitted by: Teresa E. Thomas
Clinical Director of Garfield Neurobehavioral Center

For the past two years, Garfield has partnered with a local middle school in East Oakland to bring in entertainment for the residents. These middle school students read poetry, play piano, sing, show art work and write personalized letters to our residents. Garfield staff speak with the students about healthcare careers and working with people with mental illness.

“Dear all amazing staff members of GNC,

I just want to say thank you all so much for letting me enter your workspace and the resident’s home. The field trip was such a cool and fun thing I never thought I would do. Some things I learned was that people that have disabilities, disorders, illnesses, etc…can be funny like Robert Y, David, etc…they can have fun, and they are super cool people. Another thing I learned was that the residents don’t stay home all day. They get to go out to the A’s game, they’re fed well, they’re taken care of, and they’re cared about by everyone. One thing I loved while we were at GNC, was when I talked to Robert Y. He is a very cool person! Another thing I loved was when David was dancing to a song. I loved it. I will never forget about this amazing and fun trip. This trip is definitely the highlight of middle school. Thank you all again for welcoming me. I loved it!”

Discoveries 5k Together!

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Submitted by Susie Guerra
Administrator of Discoveries

The Discoveries team is involved in many community events throughout the year. A few ago, TLC of Downey, an agency that refers clients to us, was having their annual 5k walk/run, so I suggested we join in (thinking all the staff would laugh). To my surprise, the Discoveries team all signed up, made a banner, and designed a t-shirt! Staff even trained for it, so now we have staff jogging time frequently, and they want to do more 5k’s. One staff member registered for her first 1/2 marathon in October!

Discoveries Open House Success!

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By Susie Guerra, administrator at Discoveries

The Discoveries team brought  families together one night to meet each other and start making some connections and provide support. The team provided a yummy pizza and pasta dinner (and of course, dessert!) and showed the families an inspirational video of three Discoveries-CAPPS staff with lived experience.

This was a huge hit! The families appreciated the staff sharing their stories, and felt comfortable opening up about their own struggles and continuing journey.

We separated the parents after the video so they can continue to share and open up to each other and we had the clients paint or draw a picture of their journey. One client’s picture of mountains and a waterfall was so moving–she explained living with her mental illness is like when she hikes with her mom. She has to struggle up the hills, but once she gets there, it will be pretty.

We then brought everyone back together and gave a certificate to one of our clients that has perfect attendance for his weekly family therapy sessions. This client, ironically, was not going to attend the open house as he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be around others yet, however he showed up! When he received this certificate, his aunt and him were so excited because he had never received an award before.

Due to the feedback on our evaluations we are hoping to now start monthly support groups for our parents as well as our enrolled youth.

SOAR Spirit Week!

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Last month, we had another spirit week here at SOAR complete with a Telecare purple day to commemorate the 50th anniversary. Our spirit leaders, Bisa Peoples and Sheila McClay, also treated us each day with themed food! There is one thing we love to do up here in Sacramento and that is EAT! They kept us fueled up and ready to support our members in a upbeat and positive way. We always encourage our members to participate in the themes each day and this time we had a few join in on the fun. Every member of the SOAR team is a super hero every day but one day this week they dressed up to show their true colors. Thanks again to Sheila and Bisa for their culinary and planning support for yet another successful and fun spirit week!

Submitted by Kezzia Bullen, Clinical Director at SOAR

Residents Spruce Up the Suites with Thankfulness

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The ‘Suites’ put up a Thankful Tree during the month of November 2014. Residents were encouraged to reflect on what they are most thankful for and then to write their thoughts on leaves. Themes of love, family, and shelter were intertwined throughout the tree.

Cordilleras is very happy that the residents took time to decorate the tree with their “thankful” leaves! All of us at the Suites hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Clark County E&T: Thankful Tree

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Team Telecare at Clark County E&T took on the November activity of finding a way to express thankfulness.

Rehab Art Therapist, Tracy Battaglia-Martin, facilitated the assembly of a Thankful Tree for clients to recognize their individual unique strengths that were realized in recovery.

Clients participated by writing on fall-colored leaves with insights such as:

  • “I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be alive.”
  • “I’m thankful for my life and my health.”
  • “I’m thankful for everyone who has spent time with me at Telecare.”

A very artistic staff member drew the employee tree (pictured here, right) that was covered in leaves on which the staff shared their thankfulness. The tree was then displayed in the main lobby at Clark County E&T.The client tree (pictured above, left) represents the on-going commitment of Telecare to increase the chance that an individual will have a healthy future.

Staff were thankful for many things this year. For instance, their jobs, co-workers, families, pets, freedoms, and health!