FROM MARK: CHANGE, HOPE, AND THANKS

Dear Friends,

I hope your new year is off to a healthy and positive start.

Each new year brings change and hope. And while much change and hope lie ahead in 2021, we also must remain vigilant and resilient in the face of multiple vexing public health, mental health, social, and national crises that persist.

How are you? How are you, really?

Review some tips here to improve your emotional health and bolster immune functioning as a reminder that self-care and staying resilient will help you get through the last few miles of this marathon.

Because of you, we exceeded our Caminar Mental Health Regional Response Fund goal to raise $500,000 over the past six months; we raised just over $520,000! These funds ensure our most vulnerable Bay Area neighbors can maintain treatment and support for their complex mental health and substance use disorder conditions as we respond to the pandemic. No one could have anticipated that six months later the need is still great; thank you for walking with us as we navigate these unprecedented times.

There are many reasons for hope. Vaccines are being administered, and a renewed national response to the epidemic is coming our way. Your continued support is, unto itself, your expression of hope for a healthier future.

Warm regards,

Mark Cloutier, MPP MPH
CEO, Caminar

CIRCLE OF SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP PANEL

Please save the date: Friday, April 23, 2021
Virtual Circle of Support Mental Health Leadership Panel

Confirmed panelists include:

Tom Insel, MD, Co-founder and Advisor of Mindstrong, Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
Tyler Norris, MDiv, Chief Executive of Well Being Trust, Author of A Unified Vision for Transforming Mental Health and Substance Use Care
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH, CEO, Caminar - moderator

More details to come soon!

CAMINAR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR RACIAL EQUITY

Caminar is pleased to announce we are a proud signatory of the Nonprofit Racial Equity Pledge.

A collective of Bay Area nonprofits working towards racial justice, spearheaded by the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN), crafted this pledge.

"As members of this community and as nonprofit leaders, we both recognize these inequities and commit to action for racial justice. We pledge to take anti-racist stances in our community, and to incorporate core values of racial equity, inclusion, and diversity in our organizations."

We invite you to sign the pledge here. Both individual and organizational signatories are welcomed.

WHY I SUPPORT CAMINAR

“We all have a struggle, and we all need help.”

- A Caminar Mental Health Regional Response Fund donor

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®: Invested in Community Wellness

Caminar is grateful to the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® Foundation (SAMCAR Foundation), a real estate agent trade association, for consistent grant support over the past five years.

SAMCAR Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations they know will make a positive difference in the quality of life for people throughout San Mateo County. Valuable infusions of funds from professional groups and trade associations like the SAMCAR Foundation have helped to ensure that more resources are available for Caminar clients.

In a recent communication, Elmer G. Martinez, chair of the SAMCAR Foundation shared,

“We are proud to be able to assist Caminar with its goal to serve people.”

SAMCAR’s $3,000 grant, which was awarded to Caminar in December, will be used to ensure our San Mateo County clients are housed, continue to seek care from our licensed professionals, and gain skills for greater wellness and increased independence.

Longstanding community partners like the SAMCAR Foundation are key to Caminar’s success in creating brighter futures for individuals, families, and our communities. We are so grateful for the ongoing and generous support.

Please read more here.