Empowering People To Create Their Best Life
“SAYAT has guided me to where I am today,” Now I know that I’m not alone and that I can always count on others to guide and support me. It’s the best feeling.”
- James, MHA Client
For information and to receive a calendar of activities contact:
Doraly Espinoza
Friendship Center Program Coordinator
(650) 257-8823
The Friendship Center is one of MHA's oldest and most successful programs. Opened in 1970, the Centers are a safe and inclusive environment for adults with mental illness. All of our activities are community-based, providing recreation and socialization as well as the opportunity to participate in activities and events that provide a sense of belonging and, for many, an extended and caring family.
Centers are located throughout San Mateo County, see details on the calendar for times.
FRIENDSHIP CENTER
Support and Advocacy for Young Adults in Transition (SAYAT) was developed in 1990 to address the mental health needs of young people leaving foster care or the juvenile justice system. MHA recognizes that the years between 18 and 25 are critical in diagnosing the onset of mental illness. The SAYAT staff offers intensive case management and support services to facilitate successful independent living.
For information and to submit forms contact:
Kim Cotton
Case Management Services Coord.
(650) 257-8821
kimc@mhasmc.org
SAYAT
The MHA Wellness Program, run by skilled Occupational Therapists, enhances and strengthens the living skills of persons with mental illness enabling them to be independent and live successfully in the community.
WELLNESS PROGRAM
681
300+
8900
Peer-Mentoring Hours
Friendship Center Clients
Nights of Housing Assistance
Community Friends is a peer mentoring program, designed to support individuals in our community. The program fosters one to one social relationships, pairing experienced clients with those new to MHA. Outings include movies, dining, shopping and sporting events. Community Friends offer friendship to persons who, due to isolation and loneliness, may be lacking such support and camaraderie. The program assists with communication, social skills and self-esteem. The program alleviates isolation, providing an opportunity to use and share community resources in the most ordinary way possible—with friends.
To apply to be a Community Friend Participant or for information contact:
Georgia Peterson
Shelter Manager
650-298-9846
COMMUNITY FRIENDS
Resident Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP) is designed to address the occasional traumatic transition from homelessness to housing by pairing formerly homeless mentors with chronically homeless and newly housed individuals. Each mentor is matched with four clients to provide 12 weeks of one-on-one support.
RAMP participants are able to articulate and understand the concerns formerly homeless individuals have about their new housing, the potentially temporary nature of it, the lack of understanding about landlord tenant expectations, how to report problems or request repairs, and overall how to really become and feel a part of a new community. It's easy.
RAMP
MHA manages the Housing and Client Assistance Program for individuals with HIV/AIDS. This program helps HIV positive, low-income residents of San Mateo County avoid homelessness by helping them obtain and maintain permanent housing. Services are provided through the use of Housing Opportunity for People with AIDS (HOPWA) and Ryan White funds received through a contract with the San Mateo County STD/HIV Program. Services include assistance with creating and maintaining a plan that will lead to stable housing, short term rental assistance, move in costs and help with utility bills. Referrals are given to find additional services in the community. Financial assistance is temporary.
For information and application contact:
Susan Platte
Housing Assistance Coordinator
(650) 363-2834
(510) 350-9176 fax
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS
We Need Your Support Today!