Community Solutions is 189 people strong with 120 working out of the new Gilroy office on Murray Avenue . With a budget of $ 15.8 million for 2012-13 they are a significant player in the world of social services in the South County area . They are also a smart player ! In the world of social services , duplication is a dirty word . Community Solutions , and the other members of the South County Collaborative , work hard at making sure duplication of services is avoided and that just the right amount of overlap is in place . In these times of limited resources this is an essential strategic move .
Around the halls of Community Solutions there is an infections spirit of optimism that goes with their moniker — Creating Opportunities / Changing Lives . Community Solutions offers a monstrous array of services :
Children & Youth First 5 , RJP / DRP , Family & Children , Aftercare , Ranch Program , Therapeutic Behavioral Services , FSP Children , FSP Youth , STOP , SOC , SOS .
Adult & Older Adults Adult Traditional Mental Health , Older Adult Traditional Mental Health , Dual Diagnosis , FSP Criminal Justice Services , FSP for Parolees , FSP Adult , FSP Older Adult , La Casa Del Puente , DUI Program .
Solutions to Violence La Isla Pacifica Shelter , Domestic Violence , Sexual Assault , Human Trafficking , Legal Services , Outreach & Education .
Housing & Residential La Casa Del Puente , La Isla Pacifica , THUs , Housing .
A quick translation of some of the alphabet soup tells a lot about what this organization is all about . “ FSP ” goes to full service partnerships . “ THU ” are transitional housing units . “ STOP ” is Supportive and Therapeutic Option Program . Community Solutions is about filling the gaps in local social services , avoiding duplication and making sure those in need get help . Privacy restricts access to many of the success stories at Community Solutions but some videos produced by Community Solutions and some of the guest speakers at community events present a powerful message of success .
Community Solution began in 1972 as a community social service response to the needs of Village Avante , a lowincome housing project in Morgan Hill . One of the remarkable strengths of Community Solutions has been its ability to adapt to changing social needs , funding structures , community and societal changes . The size , effectiveness and diversity of Community Solutions is a testament to their ability to adapt . The last five years has been a growth cycle for Community Solutions . With growth comes the obligation to evaluate existing services and search for new ways to address societal problems . Community Solutions often has to deal with the hardest parts of life : human and domestic trafficking , child and sexual abuse , parolees , mental illness , homelessness , drug and alcohol abuse . Many would deny the existence of these issues in society , but without organizations like Community Solutions South County would have much more frequent and personal contact with these issues .
Photos taken at Grand Opening of Community Solutions ’ new facility in Gilroy . Clockwise from top : Dan & Terese Martin , Barbara Orth , Lisa Cassera , Debbi Sanchez , Maria Cano & Nancy Corbridge , and Erin O ’ Brien , President & CEO , Community Solutions .
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