FALL 2019 NEWSLETTER
MHAS' ANNUAL CELEBRATION IS OCTOBER 20!
In California, nearly 1 in 6 adults has a mental health need, and approximately 1 in 20 suffers from a serious mental health need that makes it difficult to carry out major life activities 1 . For many low-income clients with mental health disabilities, access to free legal assistance is key to obtaining the services and support needed to achieve a stable and healthy life.

Continue reading to learn more about how the attorneys and advocates at Mental Health Advocacy Services, in collaboration with our partner agencies, work to advance and protect the rights of people with mental health disabilities.
MHAS' ANNUAL CELBRATION IS TWO WEEKS AWAY!
Join us on Sunday, October 20 for an afternoon celebrating those working to protect and advance the rights of people with mental health disabilities.

You can purchase tickets and/or tribute pages until Tuesday, October 8. We hope to see you there!
Last month, Mental Health Advocacy Services - along with its partners in the Whole Person Care - LA Medical Legal Community Partnership (MLCP-LA) - was awarded the 2019 Impact Award by the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships for its work in advancing health equity and justice through the integration of health and legal services . 

The MLCP-LA project provides critical legal services to low-income clients facing issues that impact their health outcomes and overall well-being . Since the project began in early 2018, MHAS has helped hundreds of participants on legal matters in the areas of housing, public benefits, and discrimination and provided a series of trainings on these issues to clinical staff. 

Read more about the award here .
MHAS is proud to announce that it was recently awarded a CA Community Reinvestment Grant! This grant will allow MHAS to partner with Painted Brain to implement Project New Start, a comprehensive job placement, mental health, and legal services program for formerly incarcerated individuals that reside in South Los Angeles.

The Project was established to combat employment barriers for individuals who are, or have been, in the criminal justice system and are experiencing mental health challenges. Painted Brain and MHAS staff will collaborate to provide individualized employment service plans and legal services geared towards helping clients re-enter society after incarceration in jail or prison.
Celebrating 10 Years at MHAS
MHAS' amazing Intake Coordinator just celebrated his 10-year work anniversary! Jesse, who started off as a volunteer, is an integral part of the MHAS team and is often the first person that clients reach when they contact the MHAS office.

"I'm beyond grateful to be part of an amazing team that works so hard to help others. It's more than just a job, it's like a family to me," Jesse shared during his celebratory lunch party.
We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication, Jesse!
October Trainings
Each year, MHAS provides more than 100 trainings to attorneys, mental health professionals, consumer and family member groups, and other advocates on how to best serve people with mental health disabilities. This month's trainings include:


Who’s the Client? – Ethical Considerations in Virtual and On-site MLC Partnerships
October 21, 2019 | 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | LA Law Library

Feeling Bummed and Wondering Why You Became a Lawyer: Identifying and Managing Compassion Fatigue to Ensure Professional Competency and Personal Wellness
October 22, 2019 | 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. | Mental Health Advocacy Services office

Housing Rights of Tenants with Mental Health Disabilities
October 26, 2019 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | LA Law Library

Applying for SSI with a Mental Health Disability: 5 Things to Know
October 26, 2019 | 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | LA Law Library


Click HERE for more details on each training. To RSVP, please email Pam Marx at pmarx@mhas-la.org.