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Celebrating July!
We hope you are enjoying summer!
As you know, we celebrated Pride Month in June. Our LGBTQ Programs spent the month in the community sharing resources, education, and PRIDE! Our LGBTQ Programs and Caminar received notable press coverage in June; please view it below.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Caminar, our clients, and the community!
Caminar In the News
Speakers Bureau on NBC's Today in the Bay
NBC's Today in the Bay interviewed Justin Ortiz, Program Coordinator in Caminar's LGBTQ Programs, as part of their month-long celebration of Pride. Justin shared that more young people are seeking support this year than in the past, and the LGBTQ Youth Space's Speakers Bureau has seen a more than 50% increase in the number of folks who have attended their speaking events this year.
Please enjoy the segment here.
How to Lift Up Youth, Digitally
Caminar CEO Mark Cloutier's opinion piece, "Using digital devices to lift up and support adolescents," was published recently in Youth Today.
In the piece, Mark asserts, "There needs to be a balance of technology usage in adolescents in order to maintain support in positive ways and avoid escalation to anxiety and depression."
And, "The view of technology exposure in adolescents is nuanced in that there are harmful amounts of consumption, and also ways to be productive in the time youth spend online. The older generations must be aware of both sides and encourage the younger generations to use their time wisely. Similarly, we should all do the due diligence to research and educate ourselves on policy updates to ensure that digital technology supports our youth rather than hinders their development."
Please read the entire opinion here.
Invoking Pride at the Board of Supervisors
Justin Ortiz, Program Coordinator for Caminar's LGBTQ Speakers Bureau, and Speakers Bureau Panelist Naomi Castejon-Wong gave an exemplary Pride Month Invocation at the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors June 17 meeting. Board President, Supervisor Otto Lee, extended the invitation.
The Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs posted a link of Justin and Naomi's inspiring remarks on Instagram.
We hope you will enjoy watching.
Christmas Tree Elegance Returns December 5 with Boots & Bling Theme
A long-time beneficiary of Valle Monte League, Caminar is pleased to share the news of the organization's annual event.
As stated in their recent press release, "Valle Monte League announced it will host its annual Christmas Tree Elegance on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The theme for the event will be Boots and Bling – A Country Christmas. Celebrate the holiday season while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit mental health nonprofits (Caminar’s Family & Children Services, Centre for Living with Dying – Bill Wilson Center and Hearts & Minds Activity Center), making this a wonderful way to give back to the community."
We invite you to read the entire press release here.
Impact!
We are pleased to share our Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Impact Report. Thank you for joining Caminar’s mission to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. You are helping to build thriving lives and supportive, uplifting communities!
Recent Educational and Thought Leadership Resources
Why I Donate
"You are a vital and important resource for our queer youth and as the mom of a trans man, I’m grateful for all you do. Thank you."
-An LGBTQ Youth Space donor
Ways to Give
Become a Safety Net monthly sustaining donor and join our effort to empower and support individuals today.
Donate online or by mail:
Caminar Development
411 Borel Ave, Ste 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Become a SAFETY NET SUSTAINING MEMBER by making a monthly contribution in any amount
Make a lasting impact by including Caminar as part of YOUR LEGACY - email mdunbar@caminar.org (all inquiries are confidential)
