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 .
The new facility in Gilroy is a marvelous blend of practicality and social awareness . The two-story building offers client access on the ground floor . Children and adults have separate waiting areas as well as separate counseling and therapy spaces . Drug and alcohol clients have discrete meeting space and entrance areas . Some rooms are set up with observation glass and / or cameras allowing for training and collaboration among staff . The mental health intake section has external access allowing for undisturbed entrance , transport and departure .
Separated for the client-centered first floor is the restricted access , staff-centered second floor . Bright and cheery offices , cubicles and meeting rooms allow for plenty of staff interaction . The atmosphere is positive and hopeful . The new location also
brings together staff that had been dispersed in a variety of locations . Lisa DeSilva , Chief Development Officer , initiated a white board with a message “ What I like about spring …” One of the responses was “ The bunnies I see out my window …” The second floor is a good place to work ! The place abounds with messages like the one in Lisa ’ s office window “ Be realistic … expect a miracle .”
Community Solutions hosts two major fundraisers a year : Hearts of Gilroy usually in April and Helping Hands & Healing Hearts in Morgan Hill in March . Community Solutions has a Fall Gala scheduled for November 9 , 2013 at Willow Heights Mansion in Morgan Hill . This exclusive event features an upscale dinner , silent and live auctions , and entertaining activities . All proceeds benefit programs and services that serve children , families , and individuals in South Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas . People interested in helping Community Solutions can contribute directly or donate items like gift cards , dippers , household items , clothes and cell phones . There are also opportunities to volunteer or help with support services and administration .
Community Solutions is managed by a Board Of Director whose current members are :
Wes Walker , Chair Greg Sellers , Vice-Chair Nancy Miller , Secretary Mike Thompson , Treasurer Paula Goldsmith
Janie Mardesich
Deborah Morton-Padilla Erin O ’ Brien , President & CEO Robin Parsons
Shane Palsgrove Jane Solomon Denise Turner
Helping Hands & Healing Hearts volunteers and staff : Lettie Hidalgo , Janette Mendoza , Lynn Magruder , and volunteer Karen Jackson .
The 2014 Helping Hands & Healing Hearts event will be held on March 14 , 2014 .
For more information contact : Lisa DeSilva , Chief Development Officer lisad @ communitysolutions . org
Community Solutions 9015 Murray Avenue , Suite 100 • Gilroy , CA 95020
408.846.4717 • www . communitysolutions . org
Helping Hands & Healing Hearts 2013
Helping Hands & Healing Hearts 2013 was held in March at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center . Among the over 200 guests were State of California Senator Bill Monning and Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman .
Jolene Smith , First 5 Santa Clara County , was the 2013 Helping Hand recipient . For over 30 years , Jolene has been dedicated to helping people in need . Partnering with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County has been beneficial to hundreds of young children and families . Her unwavering commitment and vision has created a clear focus for the things that need to happen in order to create successful programs and support healthy families . Together , Jolene , First 5 and Community Solutions are bringing families closer and giving them an opportunity for a healthy life .
Thomas Corona received the 2013 Healing Heart award . At five years old , Thomas has already made significant changes in his life . He has become a resilient little boy who has learned to deal with disappointment and has learned valuable coping skills that will help him throughout this life . His courage and spirit have helped to give him the tools he needs to continue to build a happy and healthy life .
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