׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://ud2_DQmlT9Us9ZvTBWkvnoTDCTji4Zk3j6ZmmlTntvU `׉ 7cassandra://eeWl9juR2uqdPb4gJaqu7iysH8nKOoCmgdFu80GMw2wZ`m׉ 7cassandra://sUFLGP-W6DaA_ZXyf4CKWtMkZhZToCpUj4UmELxJRS4 S`K׉ 7cassandra://Y7LBw5Ot9z6XxTQifXlyVRdweI5SCCmPim8ERXc829gڄ̾͠Zi(Yט(u׈׈EZi(Z׉Ea e Since 1977 e 2017 ANNUAL REPORT D G d a d á a n v o d a i a n r j C t s l a e e n C c t s t u l e e C u r r e i l a u u d r s y a r S m s o i l r ׉ 7cassandra://sUFLGP-W6DaA_ZXyf4CKWtMkZhZToCpUj4UmELxJRS4 S`KZi([Zi(Z PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://0Me9l5rQTfbgT7leErxpzmSXa15-gUT8iZEJzSnX73M"`׉ 7cassandra://lJ6ekdZatrH6VD4RDgc3km7k5FsFHg2UUDVwZFQXZKY4`m׉ 7cassandra://wHciHBrwUrZCJAvDYnwezp4OLiTa6AB7ALeldsT3XQI>k`K׉ 7cassandra://2Vt28nCq3LgAQZF6CxmqCy4b0i5mrMpEgKNGlV7shI8̢́͠Zi(\ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://tH10-BEg1jlxyy32zenvLTikQ7YHINXvIcQb1Li12rA`׉ 7cassandra://bYpIX7iInO3trJ81lIdLBi7Zry3OEdkTuShExQm6ONM)`m׉ 7cassandra://vq_OlK_6N0e6Dr3OyhJedneKGfkFWKx9bQkalFTp4mI9`K׉ 7cassandra://ysxzo4Cx4MW1FzF_Mw_bq6Nqf3oDxjQLv7syQj9BL2EQ̞͠Zi(^׉EGÁNDARA 40TH ANNIVERSARY A Journey From Past to Present: Gándara Celebrates 40 Years of Service Sitting in the Norman Street administrative offices in West Springfield, Gándara Center Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou has seen his share of industry changes and tremendous growth within the agency over the past 35 years. Of the 40 years Gándara has been in operation, East-Trou has spent most of those years in a leadership role navigating the agency through an ever-changing industry. Reflecting on his 35 years of service to Gándara, East-Trou shares the Gándara Center’s history from its inception and how the agency was propelled from an Outpatient Clinic in Springfield to the state-wide entity Gándara is today. History: In 1977, and later as a part of President Jimmy Carter’s Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, funding was made available to communities across the country to address the mental health needs of individuals suffering from serious mental illness including the elderly, and racial and ethnic minority communities. The City of Springfield submitted a city-wide application that included both the needs for the Hispanic and African-American communities. This funding strengthened the city’s mental health services and the development of the Jose N. Gándara Mental Health Center, Inc. and the WW Johnson Life Center, Inc. The Gándara Center was named in honor of Dr. José N. Gándara Cartagena (1907– 1954), a prominent physician and public servant from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Gándara dedicated his life to servicing those who could not afford medical care, urban renewal, eliminating poor housing, and the construction of public housing. The Gándara Center embodies Dr. Gándara’s goals and work—as a philanthropist and symbol in his community—and the center used his legacy as the foundation of its mission and values. Humble Beginnings: When the Gándara Center’s doors at 2155 Main Street in Springfield (the Outpatient Clinic) first opened, no other agency in the area specifically met the needs of providing culturally sensitive care to the Hispanic community. In the early years, the non-profit’s first Hispanic Executive Director Dr. Philip Guzman laid the foundation Gándara Center Executive Director Henry East-Trou (left) with the first Hispanic Executive Director, Philip Guzman. for what the agency would later become; his vision and advocacy for the Hispanic community set the Gándara Center apart from the competition. “The issue was largely unnoticed and there was not equal access to services,” said East-Trou. “The state was unaware of the growing need for specialized services, but Dr. Philip Guzman really advocated for these services. He truly understood the impact to the community.” In 1982, East-Trou joined the Gándara team as a supervisor for the agency’s psychiatric day treatment program, funded by the Department of Mental Health. Gándara’s roots were planted deeply in Springfield with only one location and approximately 30 staff to house all of its programs—residential, outpatient, and substance use. “I always wanted to be a clinician,” said East-Trou. “It’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Being able to sit with someone you don’t know and try to learn their concerns and needs. We all have stories. That’s what you bring with you and your view of the world.” Understanding a person’s cultural “lens” is where Gándara stands out, said East-Trou. When individuals are met with an understanding of their challenges and needs, it eliminates a barrier to them seeking help. While East-Trou hadn’t planned on making a move to an administrative role, a new opportunity was on the horizon. When the position for Executive Director became vacant, the Gándara Center Board of Directors approached and encouraged him to apply. In 1989, East-Trou took the wheel as Executive Director and has been at the helm since. “I really had a lot to learn,” said East-Trou, reflecting on his early days in the position. “I learned so much about contracting, making connections and networking, and making sure advocacy was at the core of this organization.” East-Trou said he felt an enormous sense of responsibility to the Hispanic community. It’s something he carries with him today. ׉ 7cassandra://wHciHBrwUrZCJAvDYnwezp4OLiTa6AB7ALeldsT3XQI>k`KZi(_׉Ea From one location to 40—Growth and Impact: As the state reconstructed its behavioral health care needs, contracts for programs were awarded to appropriate organizations throughout Massachusetts. Recognizing the value of the services being provided, the Gándara Center was awarded several of these contracts—creating new programming throughout its service territory and expanding from its roots in Western Massachusetts. Industry needs changed and growth was inevitable. Services expanded, additional programs were created, and staff size increased. Today, Gándara is home to more than 40 behavioral health, substance use, prevention, and educational services throughout the state—based in both eastern and western Massachusetts—employs over 860 staff, and serves over 10,000 adults, children, and families in its care. East-Trou credits the nonprofit’s successful expansion to the numerous contracts and grants Gándara secures and the dedication and commitment by its staff. Over the past 10 years, the administrative team has also grown. Investing in team members to help advance Gándara’s mission have pushed the agency, which had humble beginnings, to where it is today. Looking Ahead: As the health care landscape continues to change, Gándara is on the forefront of emerging trends, providing quality care to the individuals it serves. East-Trou said priorities include examining population health and the way it affects how the agency delivers services. “We’re looking at not just the work we do, but the people we serve, and advocating for programs,” he said. “What are the impacts to the community? How can we work with the community? Aside from the services we provide, we’re looking at the all the factors which impact one’s health. We’re doing extensive work in the community to support the populations we serve through providing healthy, educational, and recreational opportunities.” Changes in the MassHealth system also have a significant impact to providers like Gándara. The landscape of how hospitals, providers, and insurance companies conduct business ultimately impact patients. Staying abreast of these changes, said East-Trou, is critical. “We’re really paying a lot of attention to the MassHealth transition,” he said. “And we’re learning how to continue to do business under these new changes; it’s very different than the way things were done before.” What’s next? Keeping up with industry changes and establishing connections where Gándara’s services are valued will continue to be a priority for East-Trou and the Gándara Center, as well as a focus on patient-centered care and meeting the individual where they are for treatment. “The advantage of coming to Gándara is that all of our services are bilingual and bicultural,” said East-Trou. “Individuals in our care have a sense they are ‘coming home.’ When you walk in the door to any of our programs, there’s someone who speaks your language who understands you, understands your culture. That’s what sets us apart. We truly understand the communities we serve.” e Since 1977 DEAR FRIENDS, Join me as we look back on a year of e Looking back on his 35-year career with Gándara, East-Trou has grown alongside the agency he serves. His passion for helping people and giving back to the community are evident through the variety of programs he has advocated for and supports today. Through times of success, growth, and challenges, the agency continues to be a leader in providing culturally sensitive care to the region. As East-Trou looks to the years ahead, he remains committed to the job he was given on Aug. 31, 1982. “I felt like the Hispanic community really gave me a job to do,” said East-Trou. “I want to leave this organization even better than it was when I began. And although it is challenging at times, we were always able to deliver quality services to the most vulnerable popultions. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.” exceptional growth which provided us with many opportunities to serve our communities. Our mission to empower children, adults, and families throughout the Commonwealth has stayed consistent for 40 years. As we enter 2018, we will continue to examine ways to integrate mental health as part of an individual’s overall well-being. We are proud to be a champion in a movement that we recognize is taking shape—without caring for one’s mental health, true physical health cannot be achieved. We can’t do the work that we do without support from our staff, legislators, business partners and donors. Thank you. Kind Regards, Henry Julio East-Trou, Ph.D., LMFT, LADC1 D G d a d á a n v o d a i a n r j C t s l a e e n C c t s t u l e e C u r r e i l a u u d r s a y r m S s o i l r ׉ 7cassandra://vq_OlK_6N0e6Dr3OyhJedneKGfkFWKx9bQkalFTp4mI9`KZi(`Zi(_ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://yEoji_r8QeDAHl9VrPfSM9xwtPxhHkrqaJHwKQ4EPAk[y`׉ 7cassandra://o4W8ae7Gc5gJzWy3EMZfXAsslHeLVA8Dz7J_Ch1R9ggͯ`m׉ 7cassandra://I22QjEhr1G3KRgxxl8ZubzY4fsLNEEpK1EfAt93c-TU:`K׉ 7cassandra://yFFKi7DA5QB3M1IQFvx6yY5h8hv5I21TzqAhWU4MsGQ ͠Zi(aט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://iGqOkavA2I75LzLfjKnUbG66riVMZsd5phvUWQWMGLM`׉ 7cassandra://vA97glT1_iboThKG6qxjKXfX_FF1jGs1_iYJnOxOwMQͦw`m׉ 7cassandra://TqBB9kT4Zp0qUK-ZBKDfgMIrSrTa06AhIkgCoAeF0mI6`K׉ 7cassandra://EU6flN06oAaJfVlDgLy3eIav_uOEX9WGkqem93Nrk7w"m|͠Zi(b׉E 0YOUTH Springfield Youth Gain Camp Experience through Aventura! Program This spring the Gándara Center launched a new initiative in celebration of agency’s 40th anniversary. Wanting to give back to the community where our roots were first planted, and to help support Springfield youth, the Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program was created. Together with State Representatives Jose Tosado (D-Springfield) and Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) Gándara partnered with the Springfield Department of Parks and Recreation to offer Springfield youth the opportunity to attend one summer camp session for free. In the program’s inaugural year, the Gándara Center awarded 105 scholarships to Springfield youth. The Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program provided youth (ages 5–18) with the chance to participate in safe, healthy, fun, and educational camp activities. Summer vacation is often the most difficult time for parents to find affordable opportunities for their children when school is out of session. Providing children with the summer camp experience gave them a chance to be outside, socializing with peers and making friendships to last a lifetime. It also provided them with an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that help them gain valuable skills and breed self-confidence. The Aventura! scholarship program was available to all Springfield residents. Parents completed a short application form and spaces were awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. Campers were given an opportunity to participate in either the Springfield Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Enrichment Programs or Camp STAR Angelina. 105 Scholarships Awarded A kick-off celebration of the Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program was held for community partners and donors on April 28 at the Forest Park Carriage House. The Aventura! program would not have been possible without the generosity and financial support from Hispanic Resources, Inc; Baystate Health; The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation; and MassLive. After seeing the need in the community for a program like Aventura!, and a successful launch thanks to the support of our business sponsors and individual donors, the Gándara Center has made the commitment to offer the Aventura! program again next year. Our hope is to expand scholarship opportunities like Aventura! so we can provide a variety of healthy, educational, and recreational opportunities to the families in our community. Support for events like our annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk and your donations help to make these programs a reality. ׉ 7cassandra://I22QjEhr1G3KRgxxl8ZubzY4fsLNEEpK1EfAt93c-TU:`KZi(c׉ENARTSONG EXHIBIT SHOWCASES YOUTH CREATIVITY The 4th Annual ArtSong Exhibit, Keys of Legacy, held at the BING Arts Center Gallery in Springfield on June 22 was a fun-filled evening celebrating Gándara’s talented artists. Youth artists in the ArtSong Arts Enrichment Program spent 10 months working on their pieces as part of their art therapy program within the Gándara Center’s program. This year, over 50 pieces of art created by our youth ages 3 to 17 years old were displayed at the BING and art lovers were given the opportunity to bid on their favorite pieces as part of the silent auction. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the silent auction raised over $1,300 to benefit the ArtSong program this year! Event proceeds directly benefit the ArtSong program through purchasing supplies for our young artists. This year the ArtSong reception included a “live” component where Gándara youth were encouraged to showcase their music and dance talents. ArtSong continues to grow each year and is a wonderful evening of art appreciation and fun. Over $1,300 Raised to Benefit ArtSong ׉ 7cassandra://TqBB9kT4Zp0qUK-ZBKDfgMIrSrTa06AhIkgCoAeF0mI6`KZi(dZi(c PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://VacoayCr02GWCI02d9ODz2Erkad50PTd4w1RSnppg0k`׉ 7cassandra://Yz2le3KYU2JhBcGX0S3-n-f04803hfeOOUb06Zg6Bc8ɧ`m׉ 7cassandra://3f88dyZtk7KFdKLkAuYmfneKC8LfyfyopgkBk-GzPHc@`K׉ 7cassandra://N8vRkfDcyaw4M0sz-4OGVBBvIydnHSsmsLb6A2btnec͠Zi(eט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://6W8FIFSCNI-vDYsOnYt-TM5VMu74hIso2tIsJXTP49cA`׉ 7cassandra://Kh-UmYPSe8pCpVHrYYjfIhsw0ayOtvKe88w7igxE56M͑`m׉ 7cassandra://P10z4442rbe9rv0N89ZoprbH8pq5DTMEL4AseYTwPCo0`K׉ 7cassandra://p9SnV3yzfyEvUsrQmU_mfcTdM0xqSGkMxSM9kgpYs_s(͠Zi(f׉ERECOVERY Cornerstone Residential Recovery Program Opens in Ware After much anticipation, the Cornerstone residential recovery program located in Ware finally opened its doors this spring. The program, designed to assist women ages 18 to 25 with overcoming substance use disorders, opened in the former home of the St. Mary’s convent. Cornerstone is a 15-bed, highly structured voluntary program is open to women who already have completed a detox program and are ready to take the next step in their recovery process. Cornerstone offers a wide range of tools to help individuals be successful including 24-hour supervision and on-site classes and groups facilitated by counselors and recovery specialists every day. Program participants have access to General Education Development (GED) prep classes; learn budgeting; basic math; writing; life skills; health and nutrition; interviewing and independent living skills; problem-solving; and participate in nondenominational bible study; and yoga and art therapy programs. Last year, the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services reported 150 referrals from Ware alone, noting a significant need in the community for substantial treatment programs. When the Massachusetts Department of Public Health approached the Gándara Center to fulfill the need for a program like Cornerstone, the former St. Mary’s convent fit the needs of the program perfectly. Participation in the program is completely voluntary and individuals typically complete the program between three and six months. ׉ 7cassandra://3f88dyZtk7KFdKLkAuYmfneKC8LfyfyopgkBk-GzPHc@`KZi(g׉EGÁNDARA CENTER’S STAIRWAY TO RECOVERY On Sept. 25, the Gándara Center’s Stairway to Recovery program was presented with a proclamation declaring September as National Recovery Month in the City of Brockton by Mayor Bill Carpenter. In his proclamation, Mayor Carpenter recognized those affected by mental health and substance use disorders and urged residents to observe National Recovery Month through program participation and other recovery month activities and ceremonies. Above: Stairway to Recovery members at Brockton City Hall. ׉ 7cassandra://P10z4442rbe9rv0N89ZoprbH8pq5DTMEL4AseYTwPCo0`KZi(hZi(g PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://dZBN2JZ5Yfou38GoHfAoJ1DaMm5MUdu5iWqlyqO6enU*b`׉ 7cassandra://DNMVouoRbWsiL8WFlW2QDhBawRM0ey-8Y_x6rzn0vh4Ș`m׉ 7cassandra://PkbIAvaxlE9x7ykWtVgMWqTaNBsYeAZUhWZU_q6NECE<`K׉ 7cassandra://EWdWFY5sdTaA-Eim0Lxk8vl9-H0R2VDsInHJRYrga_c8͠Zi(iט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://oq1pz5Z6Lr9qn6LtGa183kCgzP9FyMJ7XTmeCZreNloK}`׉ 7cassandra://3hsNG-Un7G1n2MfxwC7J6eUCU5m80EYAzbpmhYtvJ0Q;``m׉ 7cassandra://j0lYAv7B7M-idlI7lV4yeQztdWLX3swHOidj8k3xILw3`K׉ 7cassandra://7IAnSWpvDcjXc9OmvS53UFDFPbCz06LWvhYAzj_Qal4͠Zi(j׉E_COMMUNITY Gándara Recovery Centers Celebrate National Recovery Month The Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke Recovery Center hosted Holyoke Recovery Day on Sept. 29 in honor of National Recovery Month. The day began with a march from Heritage State Park to the event location at Veterans Park where community services organizations greeted event attendees and showcased the array of services available to Holyoke residents. Live music, spoken word performances, and personal stories from those in recovery were highlights of the day’s activities. Additionally, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse presented Hope for Holyoke with a proclamation in honor of Holyoke Recovery Day. “At a time where the opiate crisis is so prominent, and we’re often focused on overdose deaths and tragic consequences of addiction, this is a great day to celebrate recovery,” said Debra Flynn-Gonzalez, Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke program director. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has celebrated National Recovery Month for the past 27 years to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and to celebrate the people who recover. National Recovery Month highlights the achievements of those individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honors the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. Recovery Month also promotes the message that recovery in all of its forms is possible and encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need. September is National Recovery Month Celebrating Puerto Rican Pride in Springfield The Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke crew proudly represented the organization again this year at Springfield’s annual Puerto Rican Parade on Sept. 17. This year, Gándara’s float celebrated National Recovery Month and showcased activities and “life in recovery.” Over 100 marching contingencies participated in the event this year, marking one of the largest turn-outs in the event’s history to date. ׉ 7cassandra://PkbIAvaxlE9x7ykWtVgMWqTaNBsYeAZUhWZU_q6NECE<`KZi(k׉E 5UNITED TOGETHER #GANDARASTANDSWITHPR (continued) #GandaraStandsWithPR As an agency which serves and employs a large Hispanic population, our staff and community were deeply impacted by the devastation left behind after hurricanes Maria and Irma hit Puerto Rico. Wanting to be at the forefront of helping to connect people to the resources needed most, at a time when they needed it most, the Gándara Center collaborated with Western Mass United for Puerto Rico, a local coalition comprised of community leaders and organizations. The coalition served as a conduit to services and information to those affected by the hurricanes and spearheaded a food and necessities drive delivered directly to the island. Recognizing the impact these hurricanes had on survivors and their families’ mental health, the Gándara Center hosted a Community Support and Outreach Day at its Outpatient Clinic in Springfield on Oct. 7. Gándara mental health professionals were on-hand to comfort those affected by the hurricanes—employees, their families, friends, and neighbors. The event was free and open to anyone who wanted an opportunity to talk, get connected to area services, and explore job opportunities. In anticipation of local families welcoming their families and friends displaced by the hurricanes to Massachusetts, the Gándara Springfield Family Resource Center hosted a clothing drive and provided necessities to those in need. (continued at right) Helping others during a time of need, when help might not seem possible, is what the Gándara Center represents and is at the core of its mission. Understanding that our own staff were battling with the same struggles as those in our community—worrying about loved ones still on the island; taking in family members who were now homeless; dealing with the loss of family and friends— Gándara’s Executive Director, Henry East-Trou, implemented a “for Gándara, by Gándara” employee assistance program and the #GandaraStandsWithPR campaign was born. Employees throughout the agency were given an opportunity to contribute to the fund through an online portal and proceeds from the sale of support bracelets were donated to the fund; with the total funds raised matched by Gándara. To be considered for relief funds, staff completed an application which explained how they (or their family) were impacted by the hurricanes and how funding would help alleviate any hardship. Gándara is committed to helping not only the adults, children, and families in the communities we serve, but supports the team of people who also make up the Gándara family. ׉ 7cassandra://j0lYAv7B7M-idlI7lV4yeQztdWLX3swHOidj8k3xILw3`KZi(lZi(k PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Sey7MpmsRKS2SlvxO6CWswzrsyGCqOchGuQNNp8oMec`׉ 7cassandra://dxL5KHGUQXHAJnCqMwX2fwus977DtfZfpF4frL0g4hI`m׉ 7cassandra://T2AlqykooEvqK6hAO5v-ul8jlII_bNSFl5PiLoC5KvsC`K׉ 7cassandra://rwYsEbiBaZ6mAAtbqFA8eiaCYmeeNmQqGzcw2J8_eVM<͠Zi(mט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://HZucyb9MLXGulQ0vPeGe6jiNi4JGf9-4yOUWiEP3rEs-`׉ 7cassandra://1kCUPUsBvYh7G3j5GTDWkfvZj0C-Hr3QwumqLUwQhbk`m׉ 7cassandra://kf92gFZ73516yr0IRLBPTELE8Njsxbq90uaBh7sKlMU@`K׉ 7cassandra://QV2iFom40lJjKrtfZKQ1D99PvSc9_JfLgLTW_2_1zJIX\t͠Zi(n׉E FUNDRAISING 3rd Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Raises $23,000 to Fund Educational, Recreational Programs Over 200 people laced-up and stepped-out for the 3rd Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk held on Aug. 27 in downtown Northampton to raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders. Our runners, walkers, and sponsors play a crucial role in helping to making this event such a success. Thanks to their support this year, we raised over $23,000 to benefit the 13,500 children, adults, and families the Gándara Center serves throughout Massachusetts. to continue to provide these opportunities to the individuals we serve and meet them where they are in their treatment. $23K Money raised through events like our Frozen Yogurt 5K directly benefit the individuals the Gándara Center serves. Sponsorships make a direct impact in helping to improve the quality of life for those in need. Money raised from this event help to fund programs like our Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program which provides youth an opportunity to attend summer camp for free; and Gándara’s Descant Music & Art Scholarship along with other educational, recreational, and healthy options for the families we serve. From experience, we know that providing opportunities for educational or musical enrichment and recreational activities helps to keep those in treatment focused; decreases their criminal activity; and improves their occupational, social, and psychological functioning as valuable members of their communities. Giving those in treatment the tools they need to become successful helps leads them down the path to healthier living and recovery. Support for events like the Frozen Yogurt 5K allow us Raised The Frozen Yogurt 5K would not be possible without the support from our generous sponsors: Go Berry; Hispanic Resources, Inc.; Country Bank; Insurance Center of New England; Peoples Bank; WB Mason; The Apothecary Center; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Crocker Communications; Marcotte Ford; Allied Flooring & Paint; Cigna; Florence Bank; Merchants Fleet Management; River Valley Co-Op; This End Up Furniture; Skoler, Abbott & Presser; Whittlesey & Hadley, PC; CheckWriters; Copy Cat Print Shop; Dave’s Soda & Pet City; Stop & Shop Northampton; Dr. David Gill; Dr. Young Kim; American Bedding; Cowls Building Supply; Eastern Electronics; Egan, Flanagan, and Cohen, PC; Law Offices of Farber & Lindley; Northampton Area Pediatrics; Erin Pelkey; Stacy Benda; 1 Little Black Dog Treat Truck (Jameson’s Journey); Barnes & Noble Hadley; Bueno Y Sano; Central Rock Gym; Pioneer Valley Pain Relief Therapies, LLC; Springfield Thunderbirds; Starbucks Northampton; and Sir Speedy. ׉ 7cassandra://T2AlqykooEvqK6hAO5v-ul8jlII_bNSFl5PiLoC5KvsC`KZi(o׉EGÁNDARA RAISES $1,673 TO BENEFIT YOUTH DURING VALLEY GIVES DAY GÁNDARA LAUNCHES MUSIC & ART SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Valley Gives Day, held on May 2, is a one day, 24-hour online giving event hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. The event helps to support the over 450 non-profit and charitable organizations throughout Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. This year, the Gándara Center focused its Valley Gives fundraising efforts for the Youth Development Center to help them expand their media literacy program. Our #WhenUSay campaign, created with youth from our Youth Development Center, helped to spread awareness about commonly used words and their double-meanings to those with mental illness or addiction issues. The short video clips featuring a youth who regularly participates in media literacy programming at the center, helped drive home the importance of how words are used. While the primary purpose of Valley Gives Day is to raise funds, we were equally grateful for those who helped spread the messages of our #WhenUSay campaign and helped us to continue important conversations around mental health. Funds from Valley Gives Day helped the Youth Development Center purchase additional equipment for the recording studio. Thanks to the success of our Frozen Yogurt 5K this year, we were able to create another new, healthy recreational (and fun!) initiative for the individuals we serve. Understanding how music and art programs can provide an outlet for stress relief and serve as a valuable tool when combined with therapy, the Descant Music & Art Scholarship program was born. Partnering with Holyoke-based Descant Music & Art Studio, we opened the program to both adults and children in Gándara’s care. With sponsorship by Gándara staff, individuals applied for weekly music (art, piano, guitar, drums, violin, bass, trumpet, trombone, or tuba) or art lessons. During the kick-off in November, 40 scholarships were awarded for three months of lessons. The scholarship covers all costs including rental equipment, books/materials, and a half-hour weekly private lesson. Our hope is to expand the program in the future and offer the scholarship opportunity to individuals we serve throughout the state. ׉ 7cassandra://kf92gFZ73516yr0IRLBPTELE8Njsxbq90uaBh7sKlMU@`KZi(pZi(o PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://8Mzfd0da93te3aVE2ZvrAQWqlY1JrLY_fBDD4PJPCwY-B`׉ 7cassandra://LpMRsKreYPUhM6B-V2tEqvVjFTX8hw0W0Ck3kfdB7V4`m׉ 7cassandra://tBjVAWiFWfZbXvPVyNUZexmyjfFWtTeHQJ6rq4pPgKo@`K׉ 7cassandra://WRdvsxOo87dOr5YvBGt8CBgFpOhmZMTpetAIScrAOpgij͠Zi(qט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://GOnwQcLNvv-sG_OZrACbG2Vt4f8NxrbArZ_uNAnBucc^`׉ 7cassandra://en7Bz71BxVDpmLkrECbJ7kn-Zy7uwATsmSBDPtRWPGẁ[`m׉ 7cassandra://-rz6hod8FL74vKCNyTJRXcwTPNLj7-rtlbQ-YFNB87s01`K׉ 7cassandra://J0nEjO_ni3GTl8J6eSkqs8qC_fZm_q8NuXI7bqHSShY1 ͠Zi(r׉E LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Gándara Hosts Legislative Breakfast in Holyoke Area legislators gathered at the Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke program on Jan. 9 to participate in a Legislative Breakfast hosted by the agency and State Rep. Aaron Vega, (D-Holyoke), as a thank you for their continued support of the program. Early in 2017, the proposed state budget set before Gov. Charlie Baker significantly reduced the Substance Abuse Trust Fund, jeopardizing programming funding and putting it at risk of closing. Hope for Holyoke is the only peer-based recovery program of its kind in Hampden County and there is no cost associated with participating; no insurance required. The program accepts all paths to recovery; offers therapy and group sessions; social events and job preparedness; and advocacy and recovery coaching. The recovery center opened two years ago to provide a continuum of care for individuals to maintain their recovery and is open seven days per week. State Rep. Aaron Vega (D-Holyoke) talks with a member from Hope for Holyoke during the Jan. 9 Legislative Breakfast. In addition to Rep. Vega, area legislators in attendance included Sen. James T. Welch, Rep. Jose Tosado, Rep. John Velis, Rep. John Scibak, and a representative from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse’s office. 2017 All Politics is Local Award Gándara Recognized for Political Advocacy At the Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) Annual Meeting in May, the Gándara Center was presented with the 2017 “All Politics is Local” award. The award is presented to the ABH member who has hosted the most legislative visits in a year. The Gándara Center is a proud member of ABH and remains committed to being an advocate for those living with mental illness, addiction, and substance use disorders through its treatment options and legislative advocacy. Gándara Center Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou and Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) during a legislative event held in Springfield. Gándara Center Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou accepts an “All Politics is Local” Award from Association for Behavioral Healthcare President/CEO Vic DiGravio. (From left): State Reps. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield), Jose Tosado (D-Springfield), and Bud Williams (D-Springfield) present a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition of the agency’s 40th Anniversary and creation of the Aventura! Summer Camp Scholarship Program to Gándara Center Director of Communications and Development Lisa Brecher and Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou. Area Senators and Representatives from across Western Massachusetts visited and met with members from Hope for Holyoke during a Legislative Breakfast held on Jan. 9. ׉ 7cassandra://tBjVAWiFWfZbXvPVyNUZexmyjfFWtTeHQJ6rq4pPgKo@`KZi(s׉E(Second from right): State Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst), listens to guests during a fundraiser held in Boston on June 5. ׉ 7cassandra://-rz6hod8FL74vKCNyTJRXcwTPNLj7-rtlbQ-YFNB87s01`KZi(tZi(s PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://p3mb1pRZi3gIGENgvEnp8zUhxXOgkI2jSmNexP9Evys`׉ 7cassandra://voBCe3QBzqZNReL0rFc7JpXZvdi2jnkG9FCPRnocbJ8ͣ`m׉ 7cassandra://561g456TNtFrDqbShwruM81s_H0hN86i1v5_OwH90a8.`K׉ 7cassandra://UA6EqVJssK9OCV2G9IuXO2IFSmB-1Ga1MlYz57I--28ztn͠Zi(uט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://Z6Mym0ZTmze4Sdnh6C2zBkmgiqd0hHM_wSTYBZfjuLQ`׉ 7cassandra://OyGYfUvR8xeQwFY7moL72ZjibxdZu8_cR4LVA7nHhAsgp`m׉ 7cassandra://N8lWPyQxLcGotKw_eiTmjCi4t7rnbGEknY6PeEaH8X8!`K׉ 7cassandra://OZu3JpRotgOVkIZ6hAxCMsMDJ_MH3N4gxKQXy-fShdc{͠Zi(v׉E DEVELOPMENT East Boston Staff Participates in ARC-GROW Program Gándara Center staff regularly participate in certification classes and trainings to stay abreast of industry changes and requirements. This year staff from the East Boston offices participated in ARC-GROW caregiver skill-building and intervention training as a result of funding through a state-wide grant funded through MassHealth. Starting in January, 14 Gándara Center staff participated in the 12-week GROW training program. This training allowed Gándara Center staff to provide caregiver training support to families living with children with serious emotional disturbances and how to manage youth with chronic stressors and/or trauma. Gándara Center Regional Director of Therapeutic Mentoring Services for East/South East Boston Lisa Garcia said the GROW program gives clinicians a toolkit to help bridge the gap and unify the framework used in therapy. Since the completion of the training program, approximately 10 families in Gándara’s care have participated in this voluntary program. GROW gives caregivers an additional opportunity to participate in their child’s therapy program. “We identify the appropriate families and ask if they are interested in learning more about the program,” said Garcia. “It’s a very highly structured program which requires a significant time commitment by the caregiver, since the training is very specific to the caregiver.” Garcia said the GROW program is used in in-home therapy case management and is highly focused on parents’ stressors and barriers and helps them to understand the challenges surrounding them. As a result of Gándara’s successful implementation of the training program, members of the Gándara team were asked to present their experiences with this new tool to representatives from MassHealth, insurance representatives, and other state-wide CBHI agencies to describe how the training has made an impact on Gándara’s families. 2017 NOTABLE GRANTS Brockton Training to Work Collaborative • CSA Capacity Building (DSRIP funding) • Bureau of Substance Abuse Services Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Learning Community • ATTACHMENT REGULATION COMPETENCY “(ARC) is a training framework with the core goal of supporting families in building safe, healthy relationships.” Family Recovery Support Centers Enhancement Funds • DMH Drop-In Center (Access Center to be located in Springfield) ׉ 7cassandra://561g456TNtFrDqbShwruM81s_H0hN86i1v5_OwH90a8.`KZi(w׉EGÁNDARA LOCATIONS Greenfield DCF Youth Residential Program Northampton Holyoke Westfield Transitional Support Services for Women W. Springfield Administration Office Northampton DPH SUD Residential for Men Sober Living Supportive Housing Sober Living Sup. Housing for Women Holyoke Cancer Prevention and Screening Community Housing Program CSA/CBHI Holyoke DCF After School Program DCF Youth STARR Program DMH/DCF Caring Together Continuum Intensive Foster Care Peer Recovery Support Center Recovery Supportive Housing SUD Residential for Women Youth Development Center Fitchburg CBHI Fitchburg Chicopee Youth Detention Center DCF Youth STARR Program Springfield Springfield CSA/CBHI Springfield DCF Youth STARR Program (2) DCF Youth Pre-Independant Living Program (2) DCF Youth Residential Program DCF Teen Parenting Program DDS Shared Living Program/Long-Term Res. DMH CBFS DPH Residential SUD for Hispanic Men Drug Free Coalition Family Resource Center Homeless Young Adult Housing Integrated Primary Care Outpatient Addictions Clinic Outpatient Health Clinic Recovery Supportive Housing Teen Domestic Violence Prevention Tobacco Free Community Partnership Ware SUD Residential for Young Women Boston/ Roxbury CBHI Boston Brockton Plymouth Peer Recovery Support Center New Bedford CBHI New Bedford Hyannis Brockton CBHI Brockton MH/SUD Outpatient Clinic Peer Recovery Support Center Hyannis Peer Recovery Support Center Pregnant Mothers SUD Program ׉ 7cassandra://N8lWPyQxLcGotKw_eiTmjCi4t7rnbGEknY6PeEaH8X8!`KZi(xZi(w PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ia9fY_gYnnY2pTJVWpD9kwoKMyA_QeAw3G5BWxGXx-Q `׉ 7cassandra://AIMeR_mXXHxdr896kmnpvJhvvi6TZQI5U_yLkWXrT1wR`m׉ 7cassandra://-2etece5FzvRNaaPziPW1-YOi943LXqV2pVGBKkDansW`K׉ 7cassandra://G64kZP1zvq9FmUVbv6iJrUjsdEBvjdM0zUcsCU2h7eA3H͠Zi(yט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://JhoSCcAK91RFR-XKijQT2-EdgQ6Ncey9ttIoNXgPS-g3~`׉ 7cassandra://MFg1no_6UKbwqyL_OWHZweWx7CJExdGIPb1bYypZ96Mg`m׉ 7cassandra://fPmPyAkqt_mEjXR9euy7rxLGqI02pyFPTX4wdJzTwVs#`K׉ 7cassandra://jf_PSaWQn2L-69FXJdcJY73s7wzmLMD525bhG4tPBzcc ͠Zi(z׉ESPONSORS Allied Flooring & Paint American Bedding Barnes & Noble Hadley Baystate Health Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Bueno Y Sano Central Rock Gym CheckWriters Cigna Copy Cat Print Shop Country Bank Cowl’s Building Supply Crocker Communications Dave’s Soda & Pet City Dr. David Gill, MD Dr. Young K. Kim, PhD Eastern Electronics & Security, Inc. Egan, Flanagan and Cohen, PC Florence Bank Go Berry Happy Valley Hispanic Resources, Inc. Insurance Center of New England Law Office of Farber & Lindley, LLC Marcotte Ford MassLive Merchants Fleet Management Northampton Area Pediatrics Peoples Bank Pioneer Valley Pain Relief River Valley Market Sir Speedy Skoler, Abbott & Presser, PC Sodexo Springfield Thunderbirds Starbucks Northampton Stop & Shop The Apothecary Center The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation This End Up Furniture Co., Inc. WB Mason Westfield Bank Whittlesey & Hadley, PC ׉ 7cassandra://-2etece5FzvRNaaPziPW1-YOi943LXqV2pVGBKkDansW`KZi({׉EFINANCIAL REPORT Contributions and In-Kind $387,910 2017 Revenue By Source City Funding $520,107 Federal Funding $403,650 Revenue & Assets–6 Year Comparison (Thousands of Dollars) Fiscal Year Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Net Assets Program Service Fees In-Kind, Contributions & Grants Other Revenue Total Revenue Program Services Administration 6/30/2017 $ 10,590 $ 5,189 $ 5,401 $ 41,101 $ 496 $ 41 $ 41,638 89% 11% 6/30/2016 6/30/2015 $ 8,405 $ 4,132 $ 4,273 $ 37,373 $ 495 $ 42 $ 37,910 88% 12% $ 7,729 $ 4,592 $ 3,137 $ 32,874 $ 456 $ 40 $ 33,370 6/30/2014 6/30/2013 $ 5,575 $ 3,220 $ 2,355 $ 23,755 $ 754 $ 63 $ 24,572 90% 10% $ 4,686 $ 2,427 $ 2,259 $ 21,362 $ 303 $ 39 $ 21,704 (Percent of Operating Expenses) 90% 10% 90% 10% 6/30/2012 $ 4,524 $ 2,331 $ 2,193 $ 19,813 $ 165 $ 2 $ 20,002 91% 9% Third-Party Revenue $14,656,184 Other Misc. Revenue $52,730 State Funding $25,637,464 ׉ 7cassandra://fPmPyAkqt_mEjXR9euy7rxLGqI02pyFPTX4wdJzTwVs#`KZi(|Zi({ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6OhQ7MibMZesiHyh9bdgDsuW9m7HxNNjt0vQ4Xzyjeom`׉ 7cassandra://Np4d4_Ljojh-RticTUYvZsvMnsVHfsVOzRT9JiEV8HAY<`m׉ 7cassandra://_Kk-6owHzmMP1zSfmRPkjN-sTchNGJR4WfUe2r3H1Wk"`K׉ 7cassandra://xYRiZyBi4zl8o-lLWhuXtuejWn1lNPOb17u2TMM5YqYo͠Zi(}ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://R4kzVRMkE2vuDjwKUFCsHSWi7nJNnNKobXT6sJwJx_4`׉ 7cassandra://qGONxaIofKUXuilQXy5WLdh9JL2Ika9ph4N2EhLvxGEZ-`m׉ 7cassandra://KjwwAmHHymTnmxTK_RSRMc51CKcqsowiRn9-_mSo4D0l`K׉ 7cassandra://v7JUUsMom298QHy9IoHJW7wMoR8CCSGfMdvRA63aScASIH͠Zi(׉EBOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Kimberly Klimczuk Skoler, Abbot & Presser, PC VICE PRESIDENT Vanessa Martinez, Esquire Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, PC CLERK Rafael Mojica Holyoke Medical Center TREASURER Sterling Hall MEMBER Lydia E. Martinez-Alvarez Springfield Public Schools MEMBER Hugh Derenzy MEMBER James Donnelly Derenzy Document Solution Law Office of James Donnelly MEMBER Victoria Ford ׉ 7cassandra://_Kk-6owHzmMP1zSfmRPkjN-sTchNGJR4WfUe2r3H1Wk"`KZi(׉EmLEADERSHIP TEAM Executive Leadership Team Henry East-Trou Executive Director Jeff McGeary Director of Operations Madeline Aviles-Hernandez Director of Outpatient Services Lisa Brecher Director of Communications & Development Tami Davis Director of Adolescent & Family Services Chris Ezzo Director of CSA/CBHI Services Sharon Hall-Smith Director of Prevention Services Madaline Martinez Director of Adult Residential Services Virginia Mercure Director of Recovery Services Ken Mruk Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Muller Grants Manager Kathleen Brown Director of Human Resources Robert DiVito Director of Information Technologies Senior Leadership Team Patricia Dones Director of Electronic Health Records Natasha Figueroa Director of Integration Steve Linberg Senior Systems & Analytics Engineer Heather Murphy Director of Quality Assurance & Outcomes Leslie Senio Comptroller ׉ 7cassandra://KjwwAmHHymTnmxTK_RSRMc51CKcqsowiRn9-_mSo4D0l`KZi(Zi( PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://4r-rSbQxMSx9VCkU7bTh_NPut07kFAP_xrDKm89JFuY!`׉ 7cassandra://sglBuV15X7aTMRHqLy1vOpIU6Ec7lMONBCePOSX4FHǵ`m׉ 7cassandra://GI7iD40SwkBSmbrVg8z3YDI4_zeckbTtkMKfU9E75eg)E`K׉ 7cassandra://YwMVRUjrxm_qZSEcqGD2zeNtauGV0aLxhN0CZ5iG_pcT,͠Zi(נZi(ā 9ׁHhttp://GANDARACENTER.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׉EFY 2017: AT A GLANCE 10,000 lives impacted through mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, and education. 941 306 103 670 people worked to successfully maintain their recovery by accessing services at recovery support centers more than 25,000 times. individuals struggling with substance use disorders were welcomed and treated at residential recovery homes. families were given a chance at more stable and productive lives in supportive housing. 1,723 at-risk youth found safety and stability in residential, foster and community supported care. 160,000 212 homeless young adults were placed in housing. 827 children with severe emotional disturbances were supported through services provided by a team dedicated to family, peer and clinical support. GÁNDARA CENTER • 790 147 NORMAN STREET • families were connected to over 3,000 services at the Springfield Family Resource Center. 3,281 people received outpatient mental health services. a 109 individuals with chronic mental illness and/or developmental disabilities were supported. lives were enriched through prevention, education and intervention services for HIV, Domestic Violence, Smoking Cessation, Sexual Health, and Cancer. More than 160,000 lbs. of food was distributed to over 15,000 people in need. e Since 1977 e WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089 • GANDARACENTER.ORG D G d a d á a n v o d a i a n r j C t s l a e e n C c t s t u l e e C u r r e i l a u u d r s a y r m S s o i l r ׉ 7cassandra://GI7iD40SwkBSmbrVg8z3YDI4_zeckbTtkMKfU9E75eg)E`KZi(׈EZi(Zi( P,"Gándara Center 2017 Annual ReportNThe Gándara Center, based in West Springfield, has been providing culturally sensitive behavioral health, substance use, prevention, and educational services to the region since 1977. The agency was founded to advocate and provide for equal services in the Hispanic community. Today, the Gándara Center serves a diverse multicultural clientele in more than 40 locations across Massachusetts and its family-centered and community-based approach reaches more than 10,000 children, families, and adults every year through residential, mental health, substance use, and preventative services.Zi&pq