SAVE THE DATE

Thursday October 28, 2010

^6th Annual

Friendship Awards Dinner

Honorees:

Rich Golisch  – Humanitarian

Bruce Ackerman (Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley) – Partners in Youth

Beverly J Gilmore – Corporate Vision Award

6:00pm - Social   7:00pm -Dinner

Dinner Location

El Centro de Amistad is extremely excited to work with five MBA graduate students from California State University Northridge!  The students will develop a proposal and financial analysis regarding the optimal use and development of the Computer Literacy Learning Center.  Thus far, they have met with the agency’s management team, the board of directors, and the primary instructor of the Computer Literacy Learning Center.  We will keep you updated on their strategic planning, as the proposal reaches its closing date, May 7, 2010.

At El Centro de Amistad, we focus in treating the mental health needs of our Latino Population. Most of our therapists are bilingual and bicultural. One of our outstanding therapists began working at El Centro de Amistad a few months. She works with our younger clients, their families. She worked with a fifteen year old Latina that we will call Stephanie (name changed for confidentiality.) She was referred to El Centro De Amistad due to a lack of attendance in school and displaying symptoms of depression such as hypersomnia, hopelessness, lack of motivation and having a hard time concentrating.  Before treatment began at El Centro de Amistad, Stephanie reported using marijuana on a weekly basis to self medicate. She wasn’t happy with her current, chaotic living environment and she was developing poor coping skills.

Stephanie received individual treatment weekly, as well as periodic family sessions. Mother was provided with parenting sessions. Stephanie was able to open up about her thoughts and feelings regarding school and home issues. The therapist was able to assist Stephanie with ways to deal better with her depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Stephanie also began medication support and was stabilized. Stephanie said that with medication “I am able to see things clearer.”

After an informative training by the staff of a local substance abuse in patient agency, the therapist was able to link Stephanie to substance abuse treatment. Stephanie is currently receiving in patient treatment for her depression, ADHD, substance abuse issues, and earning her high school diploma.

What is Depression?

Depression is an illness that causes a person to feel sad and hopeless for much of the time. It is different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy.

Symptoms of Depression:

· Feeling sad and empty

· Reduction of activities that the individual enjoyed

· Sleeping too much or too little

· No energy

· difficulty concentrating, holding a conversation, paying attention, or making decisions

· Suicidal thoughts or intentions.

Tips for Depression:

1. Journal thoughts and feelings

2. Make positive daily affirmations

3. Talk to someone to increase your support system.

4. Become aware of dysfunctional behavior mad make healthier choices.

5. Increase your activity.

If someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression make sure that they receive a Medical or Psychiatric evaluation.

Additional Resources:

Access Hotline: 1-800-854-7771

Tenn Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-714-NEWTEEN OR 1-877-YOUTHLINE

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE OR 1-800-273- TALK

The Trevor Project (In gay and questioning Youth) 1-800-850-8078

911

Dear friends and colleagues:

As the New Year approaches, I would like to extend my thoughts and thanks to all of you who have been loyal supporters of El Centro de Amistad (ECDA). It’s been an eventful 2009 for the entire Agency. For one, we renovated the Canoga Park site; the site renovations included new paint, carpet, reception counter, new desks and counter space and additional individual counseling office’s to accommodate our growing staff. Our wonderful site is a breath

of fresh air and very conducive for staff and clients. Some changes were also made to the San Fernando office, including paint and remodeling. The staff and clients were extremely appreciative of the change.
Appreciation is bountiful this season, ECDA is so very thankful for our partners and for our extended family – our supporters and board members. Their support, encouragement, and commitment make our jobs easier and ensure that we have a positive impact throughout the community. Our 2009 Board President and Vice President, Rich Golish and Barry Levin, have worked with us every step of the way to make sure that we are helping the Agency and community move forward. We are also always thankful for the wonderful community where we work. This is a region with hundreds of dedicated business, academic, government, and nonprofit leaders who care passionately about the community and its future.
And finally, none of this happens without the staff at El Centro de Amistad. These talented, dedicated individuals are committed to making sure that those suffering from mental illness, abuse, and hardship receive services to improve their lives. ECDA staff makes this a great place to come to work every day.

To guarantee that we continue to make such a positive impact on the community we depend on you. We know the economy has also had an impact on the Agency during this past year. Funding has been cut in many Programs and donations have decreased.

At ECDA, we do recognize that the health of our business and the health of the economy are inextricably linked. And we are committed to providing meaningful and impactful support to our community – even during the challenging economic times such as these – because we know that services are even more crucial when families and individuals face significant pressures.
In these times of a tightened economy and increasing jobless rates, the need is even greater to help provide health, mental health, and educational services to individuals and families in our community. It takes a community to make a significant difference in the lives of many. I you wish to contribute to ECDA and need more information on the Agency,, please view our newly revamped website at www.elcentrodeamistad.org. If you wish to talk to someone in person about the Agency and services, the office numbers are (818) 898-0223 and (818) 347-8565.

Please support those in need with a donation to a cause close to your heart.

“We all can make a difference”

Best wishes to all for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday and New Year.

–Edward Viramontes, Executive Director

El Centro de Amistad would like to congratulate Estela Posternak for obtaining her licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. After receiving her Master’s degree from The Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, Estela completed her internship at El Centro de Amistad. Ms. Posternak also has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Las Americas, in Mexico City. She has been involved with the Latino Community at various levels throughout her career and she is presently providing mental health services to the chronically mentally ill adult population at El Centro de Amistad in the San Fernando Valley, as well as working in her private practice in Encino.  Ms. Posternak was born in Argentina, raised in Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for the past 20 years.  Her goal is to work in a psychiatric unit with the chronically mentally ill Latino Population.

Thank you to our wonderful staff that is helping to stop the cycle of sexual abuse.
Therapists Liliana Hernandez, Adriana Cervantes, Maria Di Battista and Dr. Jose
Cardenas are all part of ongoing groups that have been addressing issues of sexual
abuse. One group involves both adolescent females and males and the other group
focuses on their caretakers and generations of abuse and family dynamics. Many of
these adolescents initially started treatment and felt like they had no voice. Now
these adolescents are sharing their experiences and having hope towards a brighter
future. The adolescent females have been invited to participate in a 1 week camp in
Georgia that will continue to address their trauma and to further assist with their
healing process. Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Cervantes will be facilitators at the camp.
This is just one of the many examples of loyal and dedicated staff demonstrating their
commitment towards making this world a safer place for those that have been
victimized. We would like to thank Harris & Linda Toibb for their donation of $1000, Ali
Rahimi and John Barle for sponsoring a participant and Alex Padilla for donating care
packages in order to send the girls on their way!

ECDA joined forces with Mayor Villaraigosa to give back to the community. ECDA
held a garage sale at the San Fernando site on Saturday, May 3rd with the proceeds
going to agency clients in need. The proceeds provided clothing, food and school
supplies for children and adults who have limited resources. Staff members who
participated were: Ed Viramontes, Tania Fallert, Maria Di Battista, Katherine Fleisher,
Karla Le Brun, Ibet Garibay, Adriana Valenzuela, Sonia Fuentes, Jessica Murillo & Dr.
Jose Cardenas. ECDA would like to thank all those who participated at the event and
those who donated. You are making a difference!

Joseph experienced what most would never imagine…Joseph witnessed his father
murdering his mother and shortly after was told that his father committed suicide.
Joseph was only 7 years-old when this trauma occurred and began therapy at age 8.
Joseph initially presented as an isolated, timid child with low-self esteem. In addition,
Joseph experienced much anxiety which manifested in his dreams, demeanor,
relationships and school. Therapy provided a safe and non-judgmental environment for
Joseph to express himself. Interventions used in therapy consisted of having Joseph act
out his aggression and trauma through play, art and journaling. Repetitive themes of
violence, loss and anger were presented in sessions and in his work. With the assistance
of therapy and support from his grandparents, Joseph was able to become more
communicative, playful and secure and increase his grades. Joseph is a true
inspiration!

Friendship Dinner 09: Fore more information please view our Journal Booklet.

The Computer Technology and Literacy Learning Center began in September 2007 with ten computer stations. The stations facilitate two groups of children from local schools ranging in age from 5 to 8 years old. The focus of the program is on education, literacy and technology. The program currently has a total of thirty children enrolled. The children all come from low income families where they are not exposed to literature or technology. Some of these students come from parents who are unable to help with their homework due to limited English. Most of these students enrolled in the program have low grades and the major problem observed is reading below grade level. One of the program’s main goals is to expose students to literature so they can improve their reading ability. Funding for this project comes from UPS, Kaiser, California Wellness Foundation, the City of San Fernando and Verizon. A great deal of thanks goes out to our funding partners, staff and the children who attend.