SAN FERNANDO VALLEY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER Coun

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER Coun 4940, Fall 2018 Christine Nwachuku

MISSION STATEMENT ○ The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center Inc. was founded in 1970, and it is a private, non-profit agency that provides services to help improve the mental health of individuals within the community. The purpose of this agency is to provide help for children, adolescent and transitional age youth , followed by adults and elder adults with emotional disturbance and severe mental illness.

HISTORY ○ The Center was incorporated in 1970, as a private, non-profit 501 entity ○ In March, 1976 it was approved to let the center, inc. to develop it’s own programs and seek funding for additional mental health services within the San Fernando Valley. ○ On October 1981, the original concept of an umbrella organization was abandoned and San Fernando Valley community mental health center, inc became its own full organization.

THE AGENCY IS LOCATED ON 16360 ROSCOE BLVD, 2 ND FLOOR, VAN NUYS, CA 91406

Programs under SFVCMHC Inc. There are different programs that are offered under the umbrella of this agencies for children, adolescents, adults, and even elder adults! https: //www. movinglivesforward. org/programs-services/find-a-program/

The Victory Wellness/CRC Center: • 14515 Hamlin St. Van Nuys CA 91411 which is located on the North/ West corner of Hamlin and Van Nuys Blvd.

The Population WC serves is the following • • • Clients who are trying to quit substance abuse Clients with mild to severe mental illness (Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Depression etc. ) Homeless ○ Adults ages 18 -65

The Victory Wellness/CRC Center: ○ The Wellness Center provides a ○ Case management full range of recover based services including: ○ Mental Health Services ○ Crisis Management ○ Peer Support ○ Recreation ○ Social Activities

My everyday duties : ) I am considered a volunteer ○ I shadow group sessions ○ I help out at the food bank. I give out groceries ○ Participate in arts and craft with the clients in the art room ○ I Facilitate groups/Art class

Fun fact!!: The Food Bank ○ They give out groceries to clients who are in need of basic groceries to their families such as: ● ● ● ● Eggs Milk Pasta and pasta sauce Maybe 1 pack of salad Cans of produce Meats and poultry One package of sweets and 2 entrees

Client Run Center ○ The client run center is a client based services where the clients provide support help groups. The facilitators usually come from substance abuse background are recovered; now they take classes to receive a certificate to facilitate what is called Peer Counseling groups. The classes are 12 hours and 12 weeks, and 96 hours of internship are required for training.

Client Run Center ○ Sometimes as soon as clients have graduated from their program some of them immediately volunteer at the foodbank

IN ORDER TO GET INTO EITHER OF THEPROGRAMS ONE MUST: • • Apply Provide resume Pick a specific program you find interesting Do TB test/ Livescan Orientation Must have a Valid Driver’s License Must go through background check

ORIENTATION ○ My supervisor meets with you individually and makes you sign documents. You choose the program of your interest. It is not a group orientation

THE BREAKDOWN OF TYPICAL DAY Wellness Center • Consumers go to group sessions. / Some of them might teach groups (CRC) • Some of the consumers like to do art projects (mandala coloring, painting, and drawing etc. ) • Sometimes the consumers go on the computer to browse the web • They also like to use the activity room to play instruments • Consumers from different programs can come to the foodbank and pick up groceries. They’re case manager will refer them to the foodbank

My Strengths • • • Really friendly to clients and staff Good listening skills Empathetic

MY CHALLENGES • • • I have a hard time speaking up so it causes people to know things last minute. I need to work on my interpersonal skills I take it personal when someone gets upset even when I am not at fault

What I would like to perform ○ I was inspired by a Hallmark movie called Be My Valentine and I wanted the center to host a Valentines Day Ball, or since the Wellness Center always does something special for the holidays I was thinking that they should host a talent show for the clients so they can show their talents and gifts. Maybe every first spring of the year.

The End… ☺ Thank You Everyone!!! https: //www. movinglivesforward. org/