Grantee representatives Florence Berger, Director of Family Strengthening Program for St. Vincent’s; Melinda Gudino, Youth and Family Behavioral Health Program Manager and Evelin Ramirez, Mental Health Navigator for FSA, engaged the audience with compelling descriptions and videos of their programs, as well as heartwarming stories of women whose lives were changed with help from their organizations. Family Service Agency’s Mental Health Navigation Program helps women access counseling services. Evelin Ramirez, hired with the grant funds, connects people with available services in the community and encourages them to take the next steps. The follow-up support she provides has been life-changing. After the initial interview, Evelin continues to check in with the women, ensuring they have made necessary calls, accessed their insurance, started therapy, and are actively working on the challenges they face. By determining needs and providing the best fit, then educating and motivating clients to follow through, FSA is seeing excellent results with the new program. Through its 27-month transitional housing program for mothers with children, St. Vincent’s oversees housing, onsite-therapy, parent education, child care, and job seeking for 70 women and children. The Women’s Fund grant allowed them to hire a Peer Support Specialist, Katrina Gonzalez, a former client who beat addiction, got a job, found housing, and earned her diploma through the St. Vincent’s program. Now, she helps residents succeed and continues to support “graduates” who have been part of the St. Vincents’ family. Since hiring Gonzales, the 25% premature departure rate from the program has dropped to zero. Effective communication, ongoing support, follow-up, and the empathy of someone who has been in their situation are critical elements these women need to succeed. Board member Lynn Karlson moderated a panel discussion with the three presenters, during which they addressed questions about surprises they encountered in starting the new programs, unmet needs of the population they serve, and how receiving a two-year grant has positively impacted their programs. The panelists stressed that success is greatly improved when people in need are supported, when individual women talk to them, motivate them, guide them, and educate them so they can take steps to improve their own lives. Melinda expressed her surprise at how even a small amount of support, such as a gentle nudge, a phone call, or a supportive comment, can be the impetus that enables a woman to emerge from crisis. Representatives of both agencies commended the Women’s Fund for giving two-year grants, which allowed them time to research, plan, and implement programs that will yield lasting results. |
