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 .”
Susan Valenta honored at 7th Annual Hearts of Gilroy Charity Luncheon
The 7th Annual Hearts of Gilroy Women ‘ s “ Gotta Have It ” Charity Luncheon and Auction was held on Saturday , April 16th at the Eagle Ridge Club House . The event raises funds for Community Solutions , an organization that provides opportunities for positive change for kids and families who are most in need in South County . Over the past seven years , the group has raised nearly $ 90,000 for Community Solutions ’ services for women and children .
The women in attendance enjoyed a wine and champagne cocktail hour while bidding on the numerous and lovely silent auction items . The silent auction was followed by lunch and a very spirited live auction run by Jayson Stebbins ( Guild Mortgage ). The Luncheon ’ s annual “ Heart of Gilroy ” Award honoring a local woman who has made a significant difference in the community was presented to Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President , Susan Valenta in recognition for her dedication to the community and making Gilroy a better place to live .
Susan Valenta accepting “ Heart of Gilroy ” award from event organizer , Karen Titus .
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
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 . People interested in helping Community Solutions can contribute directly or donate items like gift cards , dippers , and cell phones . There are also opportunities to volunteer or help with support services and administration .
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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 communitysolutions . org