San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center's Development & Public Relations Web Page
Third Annual Moving Lives Forward Gala Spotlights Recovery
The theme of recovery continued with inspiring speeches from two consumer honorees, William Lemley and Carlton Crayton. William Lemley, the second consumer honoree for the evening, gave a frank and heart warming speech about his life and recovery in which he thanked his family for endouring years of hardship as a result of his illness. One of the most powerful and heartwarming moments came when several generations of the Titizian family and the Center honored Arlene Titizian. Arlene and her husband George have been great friends of the Center for many years. Sadly, Arlene passed away earlier this year. During her lifetime, she generously helped children and families who were less fortunate at our Center and in the community. In gratitude, the Center has created a garden with fountains in memory of Arlene at our new Youth and Family Center in Van Nuys. The mission of the Family Center is to provide a safe and caring environment that empowers and enhances family wellness and self-sufficiency. Hundreds of families will enjoy Arlene’s garden area in the years to come. The dedication plaque will read, “This Garden is dedicated to the loving spirit of Arlene Titizian for her constant support and dedication to the Center and all of the children, adults, and families which it serves.” In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees strolled among an array of silent auction items which included seven original paintings by consumers of the Center.
To celebrate May as National Mental Health Month, the Center raffled off an iPod Touch MP3 player. The raffle was held on May 30th. The winning ticket number is 4252-06. The lucky ticket holder is Maria Uribe--a Center employee. Congratulations Maria! Mental Health Month and is the perfect time to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all. Mental Health Month is sponsored by the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH).
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The Center held its Third Annual Moving Lives Forward Awards Gala on October 12, at the Roof Garden room of the Sheraton Universal hotel. The event was a resounding success with members of the Center’s Board of Directors, staff and community members turning out to honor those who have supported the cause of mental health in the community. Honorees for the evening included the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Dr. Marvin Southard, who gave an impassioned and personal speech about how mental illness touches the lives of so many people. Dr. Southard went on to tell the audience how recovery from mental illness is possible and is happening throughout the Los Angeles County system, with the help of organizations like the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center., Inc.
