Please enjoy our August Edition of Caminar Connections, our monthly newsletter.

CAMINAR MENTAL HEALTH REGIONAL RESPONSE FUND

There’s a dramatic increase in need for mental health and substance use services as a result of the pandemic. The Caminar Mental Health Regional Response Fund was established to fund crucial mental health services for Bay Area families and adults who are in crisis. The next six months are critical — we must raise an additional $500,000 to continue to serve our suffering neighbors in a safe environment. Will you join us? Please read more here.

IN CONCERT WITH CAMINAR: 10.10.20

Please save October 10, 2020, for the 10th annual In Concert with Caminar. This year's event will be an exciting, hour-long virtual event, and all proceeds will benefit the Caminar Mental Health Regional Response Fund. Back by popular demand, Dave Clark of KTVU-TV will be our emcee and Sheléa will delight with a musical performance. Stay tuned for more details!

IN THE NEWS

The San Mateo Daily Journal featured the inspiring donation of face shields to Caminar from a local teen. These face shields will give our staff an added layer of protection as we continue to provide mental health services during the pandemic. Read more here.

KCBS Radio's Tim Ryan interviewed Mark Cloutier on the long-lasting mental health impact of the pandemic. Listen here.

Nikki Thomas and KBLX Radio welcomed Mark to KBLX Cares. Nikki and Mark discussed mental health and substance use concerns, particularly now with the impact of COVID-19, continued structural and racial inequity, police violence, and more. Listen to the interview here.

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING UPDATE

Caminar is honored to have received several recent, significant contributions in response to the changes brought by COVID-19.

General operating support grants were awarded by

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation
- Wells Fargo
- The San Mateo County Strong Fund

We also received generous COVID-19 urgent needs grants from

Sequoia Health Care District
The North Valley Community Foundation (Chico, California).

These contributions support Caminar's ability to meet behavioral health needs linked to the current crisis. We are grateful to our corporate and foundation grantmakers, particularly partners who have supported Caminar over the years. Their committed participation is crucial, and with their help, we can continue addressing important community needs.

WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR

“I recognize this time of COVID-19, which is so unsettling to all, must be even more upsetting to our LGBTQ youth. It seems like many, many folks have a lot of anxiety right now (“What does my future hold? When will things return to normal? When will I be able to hug someone again?”) and it really helps to talk it out. The Youth Space allows that to happen for our LGBTQ community. Keep up your wonderful work.”
- A recent donor to our LGBTQ Youth Space