Executive Director’s Message: Thank You

Dear SSG colleagues, clients, stakeholders and friends:

My annual message this year begins with a reminder to count our blessings. I am proudto be the Executive Director of this nonprofi t organization committed to social justice, community empowerment and healing. Collectively – all 930+ of us (yes that is truly how large our staff has become) are part of our march for a better future.

When I refl ect on this past year I think there is an unmistakable energy and drive withinand across SSG to do more and better things for our communities and our people. I can see across all 24 divisions and programs of SSG that signifi cant expansion, new and im-proved services, and impressive outcomes are being achieved. Dedication and a sincere

desire to help people in need are alive and well, and continue to be the foundation of our mission.

I am very pleased to report that SSG achieved top marks under CARF accreditation for behavioral health and employment services (see article for details). Congratulations to OTTP-SF for adding employment services for CARF (the only ‘new’ addition for 2018). SSG has also been a leader in integrity and ethical leadership with the development of numerous community collaborative projects and over 10 new locations and co-locations estab-lished by divisions such as HOPICS, APCTC, APAIT and SILVER. Housing initiatives have continued to be a priority while SSG HOPICS is the primary access point or Coordinated Entry System (CES) for South LA. Other forensic housing initiatives have culminated in a 30-unit mixed use forensic service and residential project implemented by Project 180. I want to also acknowledge APCTC and OTTP-LA for their work to create the new SSG Riverside Counseling Center. Also, kudos to APIFM and APCTC for new offi ce locations in Alhambra, increasing the reach and accessibility for the communities we serve.

These are just a few highlights of SSG’s achievements. Looking forward to 2019 there are of course many chal-lenges and yet many opportunities. We are embracing the future via more eff ective use of technology. We con-tinue to expand our networks with both public and private providers especially schools, clinics, hospitals, faith based organizations, other nonprofi t organizations and workforce development sites. We will continue to expand our community capacity building initiatives in many communities through research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, fi scal management and program development.

We are living in unprecedented times as a nation while our Federal government remains on shutdown mode since Dec. 22, 2018. As a 3rd generation Asian American I am stunned by the divisive gaps in our nation’s collective consciousness. But I remain steadfast in my belief of human resourcefulness and basic decency. I have faith that California will emerge solid as we collectively stand for human rights. Keep faith in yourselves. Keep faith in our work and community. And remember that progress for our nation begins at home.

Herb

Visit us at www.ssg.org SSG Newsle er November-December 2018

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Please note this is a complimentary copy. All staff should have received a copy in their e-mail by January. Please contact lmcgowan@ssg.org if any staff does not receive it.

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SSGSSG CARFed it Again!

SSG AWARDED 3-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION 2018-2021 WITH SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS

Good news and congratulations to all! On December 6, 2018, SSG received our offi cial 3 year CARF accreditation for both Behavioral Health (BH) and Community Employment Services (CES) programs. Between October 29th and 31st 2018, 5 CARF surveyors from around the nation conducted a

rigorous accreditation survey of SSG Core, 10 Divisions and 19 site locations. The survey processes were com-prehensive and included fi scal, workforce, clinical and safety policies. Further, the surveyors interviewed staff , clients, community partners and funders. In addition to getting a 3 year accreditation, our 2018 accreditation report was a signifi cant improvement over our 2015 report. Of the 27 standard areas reviewed by the CARF surveyors, 21 or 80% of the areas were deemed excellent and had no additional recommended improvements. In comparison, in our 2015 survey, of the 26 standard areas surveyed, 15 or 57% were deemed excellent with no additional recommendation. This marked improvement would not have been possible without everyone’s dedication to the CARF process and hard work preparing for the survey. The CARF surveyors were very impressed with SSG and our Divisions and wrote in their report:

“SSG is driven to continuously improve its services for the persons served. The staff members are very experienced and possess a can-do attitude, and this spirit is the foundation for their ongoing success in providing the highest quality of services to a diffi cult population. The longevity of key staff mem-bers has solidifi ed and strengthened the organization, especially during times of recent unprecedented growth.”

Continued CARF accreditation will allow us to attract new community partners to expand our services and demonstrate to our current funders our commitment to the highest standard of care. We will continue to analyze the 2018 CARF report to address and improve the remaining areas in preparation for our next survey in 2021.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO MARINA ELAINE MONTERROSA

for 25 YEARS OF SERVICE!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

In 1993 when APCTC was serving children at one of the local Elementary schools, Marina was working under LAUSD LA’s Best After School Program and worked also as a child aide for LAUSD’s Primary Intervention Program (PIP) serving at-risk children. Because of her capability, APCTC found Marina a perfect fi t with APCTC’s mission and focus to provide school-based service as well as serving Spanish speaking communities. Marina was asked to work full time for Spanish speaking families while she also assisted the APCTC Main Center business offi ce operation. As Marina began more direct client services within APCTC’s school-based service system her Spanish fl uency together with her natural warmth and engagement skills became a cornerstone of APCTC’s school-based programming serving Spanish speaking families. Marina is considered one of APCTC’s pioneers serving children of LAUSD. Marina is always very cognizant to community needs and takes a vital role in program planning and service delivery. Along with the former SBMH Coordinator, Chiwon Zdanovich, she created ‘APCTC’s Closet’ – an ongoing supply of needed clothes for families unable to purchase new clothes for their children. She is always the ‘go-to’ person for client care. Thank you for 25 years of service Marina!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEETRA LYNN BRIGGS

for 25 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Congratulations to Deetra Lynn Briggs, Lead Customer Service Rep for HOPICS. Dee was fi rst hired on 12/1/93 for administrative support under HOPICS founder Mike Neely. It was evident from the beginning that Deetra’s compassion and energy was truly appreciated by everyone around her – staff and clients alike. She epitomized the governing principles of HOPICS including engagement; information/education and connecting with people by speaking their language. Throughout the years she has had several positions including Offi ce Manager, MIS Specialist and Intake Coordinator. She has always excelled in her activities and continues to go that extra mile to assist those who have the least. Her commitment and caring for clients has always been unwavering. Program Manager Victor James summed it up best by simply saying “She is loved by all of us here at HOPICS”. Thank you for 25 years of service Dee!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO SIU CHAN for 15 YEARS OF SERVICE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TRACY KAKU for 15 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Congratulations on reaching 10 years of employment with SSG!

Tonia Johnson(HOPICS)

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

SSG’s Research & Evaluation Team (R&E)

A Fond FarewellSSG bids a fond farewell to Erica Shehane MPH, LCSW Director of SSG’s Research and Evaluation Team (R&E) as she begins her new role with LA County Department of Health Services, Offi ce of Diversion and Reentry. She has been a wonderful leader of R&E since July of 2016 and we wish her all the best in her career. SSG is pleased to announce Rebecca Ratzkin, MURP who has been co-

leading the R&E Team with Erica for the last 18 months is currently serving as R&E’s Interim Director. Rebecca can be reached at rratzkin@ssg.org.

Agency Announcements

SSG Health Benefi ts Survey

Please Participate – Your Opinion Matters!Deadline Wednesday, January 16, 2019

It is time for SSG’s annual group health plan survey. The survey (see link below) must be completed by Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Your participation will help us to provide

the best health plan possible for employees of SSG. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M5KD3YZ

This survey is open for all active SSG employees only.If you have a specifi c question or problems about your health plan, you may contact SSG’s Employee Benefi ts Support Center by phone at 855.670.2222 or by email at LosAngeles.ESC@ajg.com. Advocates are available

Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Congratulations to Tracy Kaku, HR Administrative Analyst of SSG’s HR Department. Tracy was initially hired 12/8/03 as an HR Administrative Assistant. Thank you for your 15 years of service!

Congratulations to Siu Chan, Medical Billing Analyst for APCTC. Siu was initially hired 11/7/03 as a Business Offi ce Worker. Thank you for your 15 years of service!

We recently started recognizing employees with 15 years of service with SSG. For employees with 15-19 years of service who would like to be recognized in our upcoming newsletters, please forward a recent photo to nkageyama@ssg.org.

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SSGSAFETY

Precautions for All Workers during Flu Season

The best way to reduce your risk of exposure to the fl u virus in your workplace is to use the basic hygiene precautions and to avoid close contact with ill people. The following are workplace fl u safety tips from US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• Get vaccinated! Vaccination is the most important way to prevent the spread of the fl u.

• Stay at home if you are sick. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower).

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough

and sneeze into your upper sleeve(s). Throw tissues into a “no-touch” wastebasket.

• Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Keep frequently touched common surfaces (e.g., telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

• Try not to use a coworker’s phone, desk, offi ce, computer, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it fi rst with a disinfectant.

• Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill.

• Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation.

• Speak with your doctor and fi nd out if you are in a high risk category for seasonal fl u women, small children, persons with asthma, etc.).

• For educational materials: Contact Laura Horton, Health and Safety Coordinator at lhorton@ssg.org.

Holiday Toy Donation

SSG sends a big Thank You to our corporate sponsors Steve Lee and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Their generous donations resulted in hundreds of gifts for children and their siblings of SSG clients.

Client Housing Initiative - ‘Kress House’

SSG Project 180 proudly launched their new housing program ‘Kress House’ with capacity to house up to 30 forensic clients with residential support services. The newly renovated site in South LA began housing operations 10/15/18. The site also includes on-site outpatient and supportive services during regular business hours. For more information please contact Division Director Emily Bell at ebell@project180la.com.

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APIDC 2019 Conference at the Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa

Asian and Pacifi c Islanders with Disabilities of California cordially invites you to the 2019 Statewide Disabilities Conference at the Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa this coming March 8th and 9th. This will be a special opportunity to connect Asian and Pacifi c Islanders with physical, mental and developmental disabilities to service providers, community organizations and policymakers. This conference will also include a special recognition to our late and beloved Dr. Chong Suh at APCTC who helped found APIDC. Registration and information: Contact Patricia Kinaga at conference.apidc@gmail.com or 213-207-6838.

Whoville Comes To SSG: Annual Holiday Luncheon

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CORE

Holiday Door Decorating Contest

Cheers to the 2nd Annual 2nd Floor Holiday Door Decorating Contest! This year the judging ruberic was even more tough, though the judges may have been swayed by sweet surprises like cookies, candy and tea! We had so many great doors to choose from, but in the end we could only pick the top 3. Congrats to Peter Wong and Gabrielle Waring, Huong Pham and Veronica Galdamez!

The inhabitants of Whoville known for their warm hearts and welcoming spirits, descended from Mount Crumpit to SSG’s Core offi ce to show us how Christmas is celebrated. After a fabulous meal, they organized a series of games that generated embarrassing antics and of course plenty of laughs. It was a great time for all and a great reminder that Christmas is about celebrating an idea, a person and a spirit. A big thank you to the HR Department for arranging the “visitors” from Whoville. (hint: the HR staff dressed up as denizens of Whoville.)

SSG’s API divisions in SPA 3 have joined together to boost outreach eff orts and to continue building a presence. The 5 divisions: APR, SILVER, APCTC, ALLIANCE and APIFM have been meeting monthly at the APCTC Alhambra offi ce for PEI specifi c strategic planning. The team recently visited the San Gabriel Community Center (in El Monte) and met with the director, Supervisor Hilda Solis’ fi eld deputy Fernando Delgado, as well as Honorable Mayor Jeff Maloney of Alhambra and have a lot of great ideas in the works. Cheers to more inter-agency partnerships like this in 2019!

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BACUPART CORNER AT BACUP

Featured ArtistVIRGINIA

People are often impressed by the unassuming nature of our current BACUP featured artist. To cope with depression and anxiety, Virginia was fi rst introduced to BACUP’s Art Corner by her case manager, Gennie Savala, from SSG-SILVER. In getting to know her, it became apparent that Virginia’s energy is surpassed only by her warmth.Virginia has lived with depression for most of her life, and that life was once marked by extreme diffi culty and loss. As a native Californian with Latino and Apache heritage, she has strong family connections but also felt like she was “tossed to the side” when she was younger because of her illness and because she often took things to heart. After a number of loved ones passed away a short time apart, endless bouts of crying told Virginia that she needed help. “There was a lot going on back then, and it kept piling up on me,” she said.

These days, stability and recovery from depression for Virginia means fi lling the void with activities. She insists on moving forward no matter what and stays well by adhering to a consistent schedule. That schedule includes creating art along with a number of volunteer activities. Virginia feeds lunch to senior citizens at church, helps at a methadone clinic, and follows that with lots of walking and an early dinner. She is also a caregiver for her mother and shares that role with her elder brother.

Virginia also expressed, “As a cancer survivor, I’m living my dream right now. There’s nothing like having your health. And when I can’t follow my schedule, I just roll with the punches.” Travel and self-care round out Virginia’s commitments. She fi rmly believes “the key to recovery from mental illness is to get involved with more activities and start your day early. Look forward to the day because it’s not about age…it’s about sharing and caring!”

Art Photography by Juan Burgueño

DIVISION PARTNERSHIPSPNYP

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PALSStaff Luncheon

On December 19th, PALS for Health held its annual Staff Luncheon at Fleming’s Steakhouse. It was a time to bond, refl ect and say thank you for the dedication, hard work and teamwork put forth by all the staff to provide the best quality interpretation/translation services to the clients, clinics, hospitals, and vendors throughout Los Angeles County that access PALS for Health’ services. Marking 2018 as another successful year for PALS!

Consultants Luncheon

On December 1st, PALS for Health held its annual Consultant Appreciation Luncheon at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. Every year PALS honors and says thank you to their interpreters and translators for their continuous commitment and hard work in providing high quality written and verbal language services to the limited English profi cient community throughout LA County. PALS consultants also attended a continuing education workshop on “Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care for Interpreters”, conducted by the amazing non-profi t organization - Roots of South Los Angeles. Big thanks to the workshop facilitators Liliana Muñoz, LCSW & Adriana Medrano, PhD for a very informative and benefi cial workshop for PALS consultants.

Time to RechargeThis New Year try sett ing designated hours

for some healthy practices!1) No email aft er x time

2) Pick a food or break time activity that revitalizes your energy

3) Leave your of fi ce on your lunch break4)Read in the tub with epsom salt and bubbles

5) Schedule a fun class (Ie . cooking workshop, paint night, hot yoga)

6) Revel in success before moving on to the next task

Increase in the Mileage Reimbursement Rate

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the mileage reimbursement rate for privately owned automobiles from 54.5 to 58 cents a mile for all business miles driven eff ective January 1, 2019.

Please note that eff ective January 1, 2019, any mileage incurred on SSG business on or after January 1st will be reimbursed at the 58 cents rate.

HR UPDATESSSG Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Off ered

Through Life Assistance Program

Benefi ts:• Face-to-Face Assistance (3 sessions)• Support & Referral Services• Discounts on Health & Wellness Services• Confi dential (information not shared with SSG)

How to Access:• By Phone: 855.283.1915• Online: www.mylifevalues.com• Website user name and password: RESOURCES

The Encampment to Home Project

On Friday, Oct 26th the HOPICS E6 Homeless Outreach program joined Mayor Eric Garcetti, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Council Member Joe Buscaino to celebrate the grand opening of the new El Segundo and 127th Street apartments comprised of 130 brand new units of supportive housing. HOPICS own Toni White gave an impassioned speech thanking all of the teams for their hard work. All told, the project has brought nearly 200 people off the streets into their own homes. Toni spoke on behalf of the outreach teams from HOPICS, LAHSA, and case management from The People Concern, further support from workers at DMH and DHS, and housing from Brilliant Corners and the Housing Authority. This collaborative project was a strong eff ort that included HOPICS, LAHSA, The People Concern, Brilliant Corners, the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health Services, the Veteran’s Administration, coordination assistance from United Way, help from Meta Housing and the John Stewart Company, and the fi nancial backing of numerous institutions such as Wells Fargo. The Los Angeles Times followed the entire process and will be publishing a long-format story soon about solutions to homelessness based on this model.

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HOPICS

A Special 30th Anniversary Celebration

September 2018 marked HOPICS’ 30th Anniversary of service in the South LA community, and boy did they celebrate! To learn more about the work HOPICS is doing and to read their wonderful client success stories, visit www.hopics.org.

L to R: Mayor Eric Garcetti, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas,

HOPICS’ Toni White, and Joe Buscaino

L to R: LAHSA staff / HOPICS staff : Toni White, Mindi Alvarez, Ahmad Tejan, Jessie Urrutia, Odessa Henderson, Oscar Arellano,

Audrey Pearson

SSG HOPICS WINTER SUPPLY DRIVE

Did you know that HOPICS has street outreach teams that are out on foot throughout South LA each day off ering health and crisis intervention services and connections to vital resources? SSG is excited to announce

the SSG HOPICS Winter Supply Drive in an eff ort to bring warmth to homeless persons engaged by these outreach teams. This is a voluntary eff ort and we are inviting our SSG family to contribute what they can to the collection box at the SSG Core offi ce from now to the end of February 2019. This is an opportunity for us to give back to one of the most vulnerable populations that we serve and work amongst everyday. Please join us in donating these new children & adults sized items: socks, hats, ponchos and blankets. Please email lmcgowan@ssg.org with any questions. Thank you!

Some Dates to RememberJanuary - February

1/1 New Years Day (SSG Holiday)

1/14 Dress Up Your Pet Day1/21 Mart in Luther King Jr. Day (SSG Holiday)1/23 National Pie Day

2/3 Superbowl Sunday

2/14 Valentines Day

2/15 Susan B Anthony Day2/18 President ’s Day (SSG Holiday)

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APIFM

Back in September 2018 APIFM Program Manager Kyle Tsukahira had the opportunity to travel to Taiwan in order to facilitate a series of air quality workshops for students from Wu Ling High School in Taoyuan City and 15 teachers from diff erent schools around Taiwan who are participating in Taiwan’s Ecocampus program.

Since 2013, APIFM has been working with local high school youth in the San Gabriel Valley to educate them about the impacts of air pollution and empower them to advocate for the changes they want to see take place in their schools and communities. Since 2017, APIFM has successfully installed 50 purple air sensors in the cities of Monterey Park and Alhambra in order to get real time localized air quality data.

APIFM is working to get an additional 65 purple air sensors installed by the end of 2019 in more locations throughout both participating cities. This is one of the largest long term localized air sensor project that is taking place in the country! APIFM is embarking on a 2 year project entitled, “#CleanAirSGV,” in order to conduct a full series of community education workshops about air quality as well as form local community based clean air coalitions that can advocate to mitigate and improve air quality. To fi nd out more information or to get involved please contact Kyle at kyle@apifm.org or visit us on the web at www.apifm.org.

The workshops focused on educating, engaging, and empowering both the Taiwanese students and teachers about the impacts of air pollution and ways they can advocate for sustainable change in their communities. Kyle also had the opportunity to meet with the principal and other school administrators of Wu Ling in order to discuss the possibility of connecting some of their students with the students APIFM works with in Los Angeles.

Boys from Wu Ling High School in Taoyuan City using an air beam sensor to measure levels of particulate matter from roads near their school.

APIFM Hosting former Minister Wei Kuo-Yen of the Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan at Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park.

Taiwan Air Quality Workshops

Kyle Tsukahira visiting the Ecocampus Program at Wu Ling High School.

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Development Team

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