In the News - Cloutier: Without Prop. 1, our dire housing and untreated mental health crisis will get worse

San J,osé Spotlight recently ran an op-ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier, explaining that without Prop 1, which is on the ballot in California on March 5, our housing and mental health crisis will become even more of a challenge.

Mark writes, "Prop. 1 is a game changer for our state, one that is finally recognizing the dire needs of its underserved communities. This would open doors for individuals past the stage of needing intervention services. Prop. 1 heralds supplying resources that are vital for mental health and substance use treatment. The reprioritization of funds will require state and county governments to step up to finance sidelined services. It’s time we dedicate proper funding to both issues while unequivocally voting yes on Prop. 1 — that’s the best step forward to treat the most neglected among us.”

We invite you to read the full op-ed. 

Caminar in the News: Social Media and Youth Mental Health: Are You Worried Yet?

Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, is an official member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. His first thought-leadership article recently published, “Social Media and Youth Mental Health: Are You Worried Yet?”

In the article, Cloutier states: “We can no longer overlook the abundance of warning signs and risks to adolescent mental health posed by social media. With up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 using a social media platform, the issue has become so concerning that the Surgeon General issued a warning. Yet the warning signs continue to mount. “

We invite you to read the entire article here.

Caminar in the News: HUD doles out nearly $2 million for CAP Solano housing projects

The Daily Republic recently reported that the Housing First Solano Continuum of Care agencies and organizations have received nearly $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding is primarily for use with housing projects in Solano County.

Caminar is a recipient of part of that funding: “Caminar received two grants, totaling $253,618, for its programs at Sereno Village, in Vallejo, and Laurel Gardens, in Fairfield.”

You may read the entire article here.

Caminar in the News: The Mental Health Crisis Gripping Our Youth with Mark Cloutier

Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, recently spoke with Dr. Graham Taylor, host of the Behavioral Health Today podcast. Dr Taylor and Mark spoke at length about the increasingly pervasive mental health issues that adolescents are experiencing.

We invite you to listen to the 30-minute episode.

The Behavioral Health Today podcast is designed to share unique and relevant topics occurring within our world and communities and bring them a behavioral and mental health perspective.

Sharon's Story: I love my place!

Earlier this year, Sharon's life took a turn for the better. After being unhoused for a year and a half, she finally obtained housing. "I love my place!" says Sharon.   

For months, Sharon tried to secure housing, but as a disabled 62-year-old, her only income was social security disability, and she could not afford a security deposit. More significantly, her credit became compromised ever since her long-time domestic partner transferred ownership of her house to his name. Sharon disclosed that she felt betrayed by her partner long before he compromised the ownership of her home. "He tried to unalive me several times...I felt so defeated," shared Sharon.    

Although unmarried, Sharon believed sharing a home with the father of her child was practical. "I trusted him because I had been with him all these years, and we share an adult child," says Sharon.   

Sharon knew it was up to her to secure her safety. Unfortunately, her home no longer lawfully belonged to her, her son did not believe she was a victim of Intimate Partner Violence, and her only support system, her mom, had now passed away. Sharon was alone. "I was in and out of hospital emergency rooms, and my son did not want to believe it. I had to put my son to the side and do what I had to do to survive because I knew that being on the outside, I could fight back better."   

Sharon compartmentalized her trauma to push through and focused on overcoming the challenges ahead.     

Through a social worker, Sharon found Caminar's Resource Connect Solano (RCS) program, a Coordinated Entry System that ensures all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to housing programs.     

Sharon enjoyed connecting with RCS's Program Director, DeAndre Richard. "DeAndre was so kind to me, and something told me to trust him. They have over 2,000 people in the same predicament as me, and he said, 'Ms. Sharon, I will get you out of your car. We don't have the money today, but I will find you the money for a security deposit.' Two days later, I had an apartment!"   

Today, Sharon finds purpose in sharing her story, "We talk about people who are reported, but what about people my age who are not reported? I will keep fighting and advocating for people – telling my story because this shouldn't happen to people".  

When Sharon first left her abusive relationship, she felt disillusioned and alone. Although challenging, her experience helped her realize the power abusers have over someone and how understandably vulnerable she was. "Sometimes you're in it, and you don't even know you're in it. I didn't realize how bad it was until I got out," says Sharon.    

Sharon understands she cannot save the world but hopes to pass the kindness extended to her forward. "RCS changed my whole life for the better. I live in my own place now, I have shelter, I have a purpose, I have everything I need to fight back." 

Lotty's Story: I have my own spot!

After being unhoused for almost 6 years, this past June, Lotty* celebrated finally having a place for her and her son to call home. "I have my own spot, my own kitchen, my own bathroom, my own bedroom, the baby has his own bedroom, and my rent is very affordable. I am so grateful!" says Lotty.  

Before engaging with Caminar's Resource Connect Solano (RCS) program, a Coordinated Entry System that ensures all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to housing programs, Lotty was frustrated with the housing system. Lotty has a prior eviction in her housing record and, since then, has struggled to get approved for quality housing.  

Lotty says the staff at RCS were welcoming and interested in her story. The RCS team learned that her previous landlord evicted her after she withheld rent because he failed to properly address a rat infestation. Unfortunately, Lotty did not have legal help, and she lost her case against the landlord. She became unhoused, had few belongings since the rats compromised most of it, and barely enough money for storage. Lotty had few options to change her circumstances.  

"I had to rush out! I didn't have the proper help to move, and they were going to lock me out. The men just put all my stuff on the grass." 

For years, Lotty lived in her car, parking between trucks at Walmart to sleep, sometimes staying with family or friends. As a result of the instability, Lotty lost custody of her son for a few years–the most heartbreaking loss. "He has been back with me now for three years," she said with relief. 

Prior to obtaining housing, Lotty and her son lived in a family shelter, getting by, working to address housing and her health as a chronically ill disabled woman, who has experienced several blood clots since becoming unhoused. "The only thing on my mind was securing housing; that was my main focus. After six years, I finally met my goal, I got myself a place to stay, and when I got it, I could not believe it. I believe it will be two weeks on Friday."  

She explains that the RCS staff worked to assemble a compelling housing application, and to her surprise, it was approved! "The staff at RCS were beautiful! Before, I was throwing money away for application fees just to get denied over and over because I had an eviction on my record." 

Lotty shares that accessing housing has helped her mental health considerably. "Who wants to not have a home, sleep on the streets, sleep in your car, or even be at a shelter no matter how nice they are? Plus, now I don't have to eat out every day! I ate so much fast food, I gained so much weight, and my son's diet was so bad. I can cook here! When I was unhoused, I would have to buy food once a day and hope it would keep me full all day because you can't return for more. Now I have my kitchen, can cook, and can access food all day! Most importantly, I have my own room, and my son has his own room. I am very grateful, so grateful," says Lotty.  

Although grateful, Lotty has dreams of a place that is wheelchair accessible and large enough for her to redecorate with mirrors and furniture like the ones she so tragically lost years ago. "I am going to make it," shares Lotty.   

 
*To honor our program participant's privacy, we used an alias in this story.  

The mental health crisis is gripping our youth. It’s time to release the tension.

Caminar’s Speakers Series, held in May of this year, offered a discussion with adolescent mental health experts who helped address solutions to the question: How can we restore hope and resilience in our youth? Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, wrote this piece after the event and included some of the insightful and actionable ideas our expert panel shared.

The mental health crisis is gripping our youth. It’s time to release the tension.
By Mark Cloutier, Caminar CEO

From climate change and COVID-19 to mass shootings, the prevalence and effects of lethal drugs, and so many other issues, our youth are burdened with anxiety and depression. And the indicators for detrimental levels of concern have never been as worrisome as they are today. Leaving youth mental health unaddressed, we face an entire generation growing up with unresolved trauma and built-up stress. We need to build hope and resilience in adolescents today as future generations will depend on what we are doing now.

In order to provide the right support, we first need to understand what indicators are causing this crisis. A large proponent is social media, which is limiting time - time to interact with other children and adults, and reducing the time to sleep. The other two big factors compounding the issue are climate change and gun violence. A global study showed that 8 out of 10 children worry that climate change is threatening people, and the planet. Firearms are also the leading cause of death for children and young adults between 0 to 24 years of age. These statistics, coupled with the normal stressors of adolescence - likeability, acceptance, identity issues, etc. - are contributing to poor mental health. So how do we, as parents, do what we can to mitigate their exposure to these issues by having on-going, effective and informed communication with them? To start, recognizing distress they may have from these issues is the beginning of being able to create hope in them.

Prioritize Connection

We can start by recognizing what adolescents value. Younger generations look to us for honesty and authenticity, and they hunger for deep connections to feel seen for what they think. Putting ourselves in their shoes and understanding where they’re coming from and what they’re feeling, will help us build connection and instill the hope they’re looking for.

Connecting with adolescents and understanding them on an emotional level by offering them a safe space to open up and letting them know it’s normal to have big feelings about societal issues, i.e., climate change or gun violence, will begin the process of restoring our youth’s mental health. As Elizabeth Allured, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and educator at Suffolk Institute, advises, “you don’t have to be a therapist to be a good listener, but you do have to listen quite well.” Instead of talking to our children, listen to them. Hear what they have to say, as this will not only validate their feelings, but allow you to form a deeper connection with them as well.

Don’t Jump to A Solution

Oftentimes, our society will see a problem and want to find a solution right away. Instead of trying to solve the issue, it’s important to recognize the issue at hand and how it’s impacting our youth, on an emotional level. “Young people do not consider incremental change as a solution-

making aspect anymore,” said mental health advocate and public health major at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Faria Tavacoli. Adolescents find that by expressing their emotions about the problem first, they’re able to clear their minds and then tackle the solution.

Be Honest and Authentic

In discussing one’s emotional toll and feelings that surmount when these issues arise, it’s important to be honest with our youth. Allow them to trust you. If a child asks you how you feel about climate change and you’re worried about it too, be honest with them. Let them know that when you do experience moments of hopelessness, you pause and let the feelings fully in. It is important to communicate that so they feel safe talking to you about how difficult their feelings are for them. If it feels appropriate, you may consider exploring what solutions might work –including them in brainstorming solutions empowers them. It may also be a good time to remember the progress that has been made as a way of instilling hope. If you say “everything will be alright,” but your face shows worry, the chances of that child trusting or opening up to you again are likely slim to none. Simply, we need to be better role models by being vulnerable and sharing our emotions too.

Caution Against Misinformation

Another challenge is the ever-expanding web of misinformation that challenges our youth’s ability to see clear facts or fables, leading to doubt and mistrust. More so, as technology like artificial intelligence (AI) advances, it’s critical to give our youth the resources and knowledge to identify an AI-generated source versus a human one. Susan Clayton, PhD, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology at the College of Wooster in Ohio, suggests that staying on top of these advancements is vital, but also “teaching children how, and when, to be able to trust what they hear is an important skill too.” Reputable news sites are helpful resources to distinguish between fact and fiction, as well as validation from an adult who may have more knowledge on the topic or situation.

Understand that Resilience Takes Time

Regardless of the stressor, like the isolation brought about by the pandemic, or the polarizing political environment that is creating civil strife, every child will have a unique perspective and connection to these events. It’s also important to recognize and accept that resilience is not a constant. The saying, “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” doesn’t apply here, as even the most resilient people have hard days. Nonetheless, “resilience can be built with practice, it’s like a muscle,” says Anne E. Brodsky, PhD, Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Staying resilient amidst these events will look different for everyone, which is why community and social support is so important.

Providing our youth with resources in general through physical reading materials, access to support groups, and skills training, is important to improving their mental health. Whether they’re worried about the pandemic or a recent mass shooting, providing them with the right material to learn about these topics is critical to making them feel heard, and allows them to process their emotions. Increasing our engagement within our own communities will build our youth’s resiliency in their mental health. Seeing that so many people are involved or care about a certain issue, will make them feel less alone and justify that what they are worried about really does matter.

It’s daunting to see how often these issues are occurring and the impact it’s having on our younger generations. The curtain’s pulled back, unveiling a lot of work that needs to be done to provide the hope our youth needs. Truly, it’s up to us to teach the skills necessary for resilience. If hope is the intention, resilience is the action that will make it a reality. So, let’s get to it.

Caminar in the News: Mark Cloutier Of Caminar On 5 Things We Need To Do To Improve The US Healthcare System

Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, was interviewed in December by Authority Magazine on “5 Things We Need To Do To Improve The US Healthcare System”.

This in-depth interview covers a broad range of topics, including how Mark began his career in healthcare, his favorite quote, and how the healthcare system can be improved to serve patients better.

We invite you to read the interview here.

Caminar in the News: Bay FC Pride Collection Proceeds to Benefit the LGBTQ Youth Space

The LGBTQ Youth Space, a program of Caminar, is delighted that Bay FC will be donating a portion of all net proceeds from their Pride Collection to the program.

Bay FC’s Pride Collection celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area.

The Youth Space is a community drop-in center and mental health program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally youth and young adults ages 13-25 who live in Santa Clara County.

We invite you to read Bay FC’s entire press release here.

Caminar in the News: H.E.A.R.T. Program on ABC 7

As October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month wrapped up, ABC 7 featured Isabella Bunkers of our H.E.A.R.T. Program.

The H.E.A.R.T. Program - which stands for Healthy Equitable and Respectful Together - has been working with the Santa Clara County community since January 2023 to create a safe space to discuss relationships and bring an end to domestic and intimate partner violence.

 H.E.A.R.T. offers resources to the community, including workshops for individuals to attend who are seeking help, and provides a comfortable space to share more information on building healthy relationships.

In the interview, Bunkers and ABC7 Morning anchor Jobina Fortson discussed the importance of bringing awareness around domestic and intimate partner violence, building healthy relationships, and sharing resources. We invite you to view the 4-minute segment.