Community Connect
November 2022

Message From the CEO

I am grateful every day for our amazing staff and partners as we work toward the same vision of improving our clients lives in our communities…one person at a time. When everyone is working together in the same direction, the work picks up momentum and even more join in. We build bridges by collaborating with our community partners and organizations in this amazing work. I appreciate our VC family, our diverse cultures and practices, and the multiple perspectives each one of us contributes to fostering a positive community. 
 
When we practice mindfulness, gratitude and compassion, we can alter our environment to one that empowers all of us with creativity. Together, we can bring about changes and the best possible outcomes for our community. We exist to ensure that every person has equitable opportunities to achieve wellness, good health, so we hold ourselves accountable for creating meaningful outcomes across the region. I welcome you to be a part of this story, which is still being written. And it's a good one! Anything that you give to help further the good work that Valley Cities does is appreciated. It takes all of us to make meaningful change.


-Shekh Ali
Chief Executive Officer
COMPASSION. CONNECTION. COMMUNITY.
-Teresa Curry,
Board Member,
on why they serve on the Board of Directors

November has Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 14-23)
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is held every year and organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless. The aim of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is to eliminate homelessness by raising funds and awareness for the issues that many homeless individuals face as well as holding lawmakers and policy makers accountable for issues that relate to homelessness.
Sharing Veteran's Voices
In honor of Veterans Day, please enjoy this excerpt from the Cohen Military Family Clinic Newsletter.


Moises Lozacruz, MSW, LICSW
Lead Clinician

Army - 88M - Motor Transport Operator & 92W - Water Treatment Specialist

What do you think civilians would be surprised to know about veterans or military service? 
It's the "best worst time" of your life. There are some great times, and there are some bad/horrible times, but none of us would trade the experience.

How can Americans show appreciation for veterans? 
Vote for legislation and political candidates that actually support veterans, instead of always voting red or blue.

What does service mean to you? 
Doing something that's bigger than you; serving others leaves a legacy, whether in your local community or global military operation.

Ron Desmarais
Outreach Coordinator

Navy - Recruiter

How can Americans show appreciation for veterans?  
There are many people and companies doing so with various discounts and deals, but a simple "Thank-you for your service" goes a long way. We appreciate the sentiment.

What does service mean to you? 
It means being a part of something bigger than myself. It means giving my heart and soul to the country I love so much.

Anything else you'd like to share? 
Nothing is more powerful than serving our country and being able to provide freedom to those who live in it.


Adelle Thompson, LMFTA
Intake Coordinator

Navy - Gunner's Mate Chief (E7)

How can Americans show appreciation for veterans? 
Thank them for their service; offer discounts more widely on purchases. I also feel all organizations should celebrate and show appreciation to their Veteran employees with a day off. Some organizations do not provide the option.

What does service mean to you? 
To me, service means to prioritize and value others (people/country/nation) before self. It comes with personal sacrifice but is rewarding and needed for fostering a sense of community and shared meaning.
Register for
Wellness Recovery Action Plan Training
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP® is a personalized wellness and recovery system born out of and rooted in the principle of self-determination. WRAP is a wellness and recovery approach that helps people:

1) decrease and prevent intrusive or troubling feelings and behaviors.
2) increase personal empowerment.
3) improve quality of life.
4) achieve their own life goals and dreams.
 
Working with a WRAP® helps individuals monitor and manage uncomfortable or distressing feelings and behaviors. A WRAP® also includes plans for responses from others when an individual feels they cannot make wise decisions in keeping themselves safe.
 
Valley Cities offers WRAP Seminars 1 and 2.

WRAP Seminar 1 introduces participants to the key recovery concepts of the WRAP program. While in this three day seminar participants will develop their own WRAP plan
 
WRAP Seminar 2 equips participants with the knowledge and tools they will need to facilitate WRAP Seminar 1 trainings. 
Community Partners Highlight
Big thanks to Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties!
Established in 1909 The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders association and is made up of remodelers, trades people, and other business connected to home building in King and Snohomish Counties.

Their Mission:
"We commit to ensure that all people can attain housing. We pledge to make positive impacts through our advocacy, community, and philanthropic outreach efforts. We will remain the regional leader in residential and green building advancements. Our duty is to make certain everyone has access to a healthy and productive place to call home."

Some of the ways MBAKS is helping the community

Valley Cities Kent Clinic was the recipient of their Painting a Better Tomorrow program this year and received a fresh coat of paint!
During October we received approximately $3,800 in individual donations

All donations go towards enhancing Valley Cities' programs and services with the goal of helping families and individuals reach their full potential. Valley Cities could not offer the services that it does without the tremendous support we receive from the county, foundations, and individuals. All gifts are tax deductible.
Grants received in October - Thank you Community Partners!



BNSF Railway Foundation
for housing


Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
for general expenses


Clinic Highlight:
Recovery Place Kent
505 Washington Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
In 2018, the State of Washington passed Ricky’s Law, which enables Designated Crisis Responders to detain clients for substance abuse, under the Revised Code of Washington. Valley Cities was the first to open a facility of this kind in King County through RPK, serving a population that would otherwise go untreated.

Recovery Place Kent is a 32-bed licensed Co-occurring facility offering both Evaluation & Treatment and Secure Withdraw Management beds. All clients are brought to the facility on involuntary status, with on-site video King County Court proceedings.

Serving the people with mental illness safely and comprehensively has always been the heart of Valley Cities. As Valley Cities’ first Acute Residential psychiatric Treatment  Facility, this gives us a whole new way to serve our community. From offering medication adjustment and stabilization, to programing and individualized discharging planning, we can create a unique treatment experience by offering Co-occurring services for mental health and substance abuse. We have specialized staffing to support this model, as well as comprehensive programming and discharge planning to foster clients’ recovery in both mental health and substance abuse from admission to discharge.
Program Highlight
Peer Support
Valley Cities offers a range of support services provided by Washington State Certified Peer Counselors. Peer Support Specialists are trained, tested, and certified to provide support to people receiving mental health and substance use disorder services. Because of their unique experience, peer counselors provide expertise that professional training cannot replicate and are an integral part of the Care Team, offering insight, empowerment, and compassion from lived life experience. Peer support is based on the philosophy that someone who has faced life circumstances similar to yours may be the person who can understand you the most. Peers are walking examples that recovery is possible!
 
What do PEERS offer at Valley Cities?

  • Education about mental health challenges, wellness, and various resources
  • Help to build self-advocacy skills
  • Help in navigating mental health, educational, and other systems
  • Support through one-on-one meetings and phone calls
  • Telehealth and in-person support groups, activities, and classes
  • Assistance in developing coping skills and the ability to regain control over their own lives
  • Support in making choices and taking responsibility for their own wellness
  • Help in identifying strengths, celebrating successes, and building hope
Burning Boat
Register for Mental Health First Aid!
It’s never to early to start planning your New Year’s celebration! Valley Cities has been selected as the beneficiary for Des Moines, WA first ever Burning Boat Festival set to take place on New Year's Eve.
 

 
This event will run from 6 p.m. – midnight on New Year’s Eve, and will serve as a fundraiser to raise money to help with mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.
Valley Cities offers Mental Health First Aid Training to all residents and workers of King County at no cost! Mental Health First aid is valued at $170 per participant, but is is being offered at no charge thanks to King County Midd.

Just as CPR training prepares people without medical backgrounds to help someone who is having a heart attack, this evidence-based program trains individuals to help others who are at risk of developing a mental health problem or who are going through a mental health crisis.
In the Community!
Our Rainier Beach Clinic participated in Boo Bash a the Beach handing out festive snacks too kids and mental health information to their parents.
Our Veterans Team in partnership with the Cohen Veterans Network participated in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade.
Huge shoutout and thank you to Valley Cities Volunteer Theresa and her family for setting up a neighborhood food drive! This is only a portion of the food that was raised and distributed to clinics to give out to clients.
We're Hiring!
Valley Cities is always looking for compassionate, dynamic people to join our team. We have a range of positions open from administrative to clinical. Valley Cities is both SOGIE and LGBTQI+ friendly, knowing that their lived experiences can provide a much needed perspective in the behavioral health field!

Some benefits of working at Valley Cities are:


  • Hiring bonus
  • Health, Dental, and Vision (Premium 100% employer paid for full-time employee only coverage & a Health Savings Account)
  • 21 Days of paid time off to start
  • Extended Sick Leave
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Retirement benefits program and employer contributions
  • Training on Evidence Based Practices (EMDR, DBT, CBT, MI and more!)
  • Clinical Supervision for Licensure
  • Professional Development Training Funds
  • Employee Appreciation Events
  • An opportunity to be a part of an innovative community of talented clinicians and professionals
  • And much more...!

There is a spot for everyone at Valley Cities, even if you feel like you do not meet all requirements listed for a position we encourage you to apply.
Follow us on our socials!
Want to support Valley Cities but don't have time to volunteer or extra funds? You can help support us by following us on our social media and sharing what Valley Cities is doing in the community!

Support us through AmazonSmile

Valley Cities is registered with AmazonSmile. With every purchase made, Valley Cities will receive a percentage of the proceeds at no extra cost to the buyer.

Money raised through our AmazonSmile account will go directly towards purchasing socks, t-shirts, and underwear from a surplus supplier at a highly discounted rate. Supplies purchased will be distributed to clients at our inpatient residential facilities.


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