Newsletter

As we take our first steps in 2022 and look ahead, it appears that it is going to be a year of change, transformation, innovation, and opportunities in the world of public behavioral health in California.

This issue of the CASRA newsletter focuses on a few of those to include the recognition of the passing of a mental health champion, a workforce development program in San Francisco, news about the transformation of California's Medi-Cal, and a primer on the state budget process.

Also, CASRA looks forward to continuing its support of the member agencies in improving services and social conditions for people with psychiatric disabilities by promoting their recovery, rehabilitation and rights.

Happy New Year!

CASRA is a statewide organization of private, not-for-profit, public benefit corporations that serve clients of the California public mental health system.

Member agencies provide a variety of services that are designed to enhance the quality of life and community participation of youth, adults and older adults living with challenging mental health issues.

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The California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies

Mailing Address:
3350 E. 7th Street, #509
Long Beach, CA 90804

Email: casra@casra.org

Phone: (562) 343-2621

To reach us: use our Contact Form

Our member agencies are continually looking for new employees or volunteers to join their workforce.

To see current openings and find out additional information about CASRA's partners, please click on the agency name.

Please note that the city listed for each organization is the headquarters location. Several CASRA member agencies serve multiple service areas and sites. Check each to learn more.

• Baker Places (PRC), San Francisco
• Bay Area Community Services, Oakland
• Bonita House, Oakland
• Buckelew Programs, Novato
• Caminar, San Mateo
• Community Action Marin, San Rafael
• Commuity Connections (Volunteers), Santa Cruz
• Community Solutions, Gilroy
• Conard House, San Francisco
• Consumers Self-Help Center, Sacramento
• Didi Hirsch CMHC, Culver City
• El Hogar, Sacramento
• Hope Cooperative (Formerly TLCS), Sacramento
• Interim, Inc., Monterey
• Mental Health Association of San Francisco, San Francisco
• Mental Wellness Center, Santa Barbara
• Momentum for Health, San Jose
• NVCCS - Iversen Center, Chico
• Pride Industries, Roseville
• Progress Foundation, San Francisco
• Project Return Peer Support Network, Huntington Park
• San Fernando Valley CMHC, Van Nuys
• Transitions - MHA, San Luis Obispo
• Turning Point Community Programs, Sacramento
• Turning Point of Central CA - Hope House, Madera
• Visions Unlimited, Sacramento
• Yolo Community Care Continuum, Woodland

A benefit of membership in CASRA is receiving 4 hours of training for your staff. For more information, please contact joe@casra.org.

California’s Mental Health Commission Marks Passing of Commissioner Tina Wooton

Published: Jan 04, 2022

SACRAMENTO – With heavy hearts, California’s Mental Health Commission announces the passing of sitting Commissioner Tina Wooton, who was appointed in 2010 to represent the voice of the mental health consumer.
“Commissioner Wooton was a passionate and dedicated champion in working to improve mental health systems services and resources for consumers across our state,” said Commission Chair Mara Madrigal-Weiss. “She was a kind and grace-filled advocate who worked tirelessly to champion the cause of those with lived experience. I feel honored to have had the privilege of learning alongside her on the suicide prevention subcommittee and as she served as commissioner chair. Tina welcomed me, encouraged me, and always took the time to connect with me. She will be greatly missed.” Read More

There aren’t enough mental health professionals despite a tsunami of need. Here’s what S.F. is doing about it

From the San Francisco Chronicle
Jill Tucker, Dec. 22, 2021

Isolation, loss and fear have haunted many young people during the pandemic as mental health shot to the forefront of youth issues.

While many young people have long struggled under the weight of poverty, loss, violence and other traumas, the pandemic’s harm is so pervasive that Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory this month citing the “urgent need” to address the country’s mental health crisis among youth.

Exacerbating the problem is a lack of diversity in the profession as well as stigma and a lack of access to services in communities of color. Read More

CALIFORNIA’S HISTORIC MEDI-CAL TRANSFORMATION TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND SERVICES GAINS FEDERAL APPROVAL

From California DHCS, December 29, 2021

CalAIM launches innovative and long-term commitment to make Medi-Cal a more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered model to address social drivers of health

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced today that it has the go-ahead to launch its long-term commitment to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) proposal that will launch January 1, 2022, and make Medi-Cal more equitable, coordinated, and person- centered to help people maximize their health and life trajectory.

“We’re making Medi-Cal, which provides health care to one third of all Californians, the most comprehensive, robust such program in the entire country – today’s announcement continues California’s leadership in providing better health care to more people,” said Governor Newsom. Read More

Dollars and Democracy: A Guide to the California State Budget Process

From the California Budget and Policy Center

Every year, California’s governor and Legislature adopt a state budget that provides a framework and funding for critical public services and systems — from child care and health care to housing and transportation to colleges and K-12 schools.

Like many of you, we’re preparing for Governor Newsom to unveil his initial proposal for the 2022-23 state budget by January 10th. In the meantime, we invite you to check out a new and improved Budget Center staple — Dollars & Democracy: A Guide to the State Budget Process written by our director of research, Scott Graves, and designed by our brand strategist, Marcela Salvador.Whether you’re new to policy and politics or have been around for a while, this guide can be a helpful resource as you advocate for a more equitable California. In this new guide, you’ll find:

• Detailed steps to the state budget process
• Outline of important dates
• Opportunities to make your voice heard
• Key terms defined
And much more!
Get the Guide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, there are resources available to provide free and confidential support. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or Teen Line at 1-800-TLC-TEEN or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 for LGBTQ young people.

For More information and to Register, Click Here

“Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”

Betty White