D’Veal Family & Youth Services Newsletter – December 2021
Words from the Executive Director
Season Greetings to Our Friends and Supporters!
As we enter the Holiday Season and look forward to a New Year, we want to thank our many friends and supporters for their financial contributions during the calendar year of 2021. We know firsthand how anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health issues continues to take a toll on many within our community and on those we love. At D’Veal, we know the right clinical treatment, intervention, and support helps to ease the burden of mental illness and allows hope for better days.
The executive team of D’Veal is excited to report that despite the many challenges being faced by consumers during the Covid-19 pandemic, our dedicated staff continues to provide innovative and quality mental health treatment. We have successfully utilized both telehealth and in-person services to assist our consumers in receiving the much needed mental health services.
Your continued financial support of the work being done by D’Veal is vital to our on-going success. Your contributions allows us to continue outreach efforts to connect children and families to critically needed mental health services and help ease the financial burden of the unfunded activities being provided. Your end of the year tax deductible donation will make a difference!
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Team of D’Veal, we thank you for your financial support!
We wish you, the children and families served by D’Veal, along with our dedicated staff a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
John McCall, LCSW, ACSW
Chief Executive Officer
Success Story
More than ever, millions of Americans suffer from some form of short-term or long-term mental illness (depression, anxiety, stress). As a result, there is an increasing need for community based mental health services. This is true not just for individuals who are suffering from major psychological or emotional challenges. Mental Health services are equally valuable in helping individuals who struggle with their daily functioning or even the development of age-appropriate social skills.
Take for example the “Success Story” of Phil. Though diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, in several short months, we witnessed a major turnaround in Phil. A teenager who once placed a very low priority on self-care, he frequently came to sessions with poor hygiene and poor grooming. By first building a consistent and trusting relationship with Phil and discussing the topic of personal hygiene in a respectful and caring manner, Phil over time began to take pride in his physical appearance.
Additionally, Phil’s communication skills with his caregiver were significantly impaired to the point that he frequently experienced anxiety attacks right in the middle of their conversations. To help him overcome this, D’Veal’s behavioral specialist patiently, week after week, began to role play with Phil appropriate behavior and communication skills. Over time, Phil experienced fewer anxiety attacks which enabled him to have more positive dialogue with his caregiver, his peers, and also was able to form new friendships.
New Employees! Welcome to D’Veal
D’Veal Family & Youth Services takes pride in creating a culture in which employees feel a sense of family. The first step in cultivating this kind of work environment begins with warmly welcoming all new employees to the D’Veal family. So, “Welcome Aboard” all new hires!
Photo: Left to Right: Manuel (Christopher) Gomez, Therapist; Clint Davids, Behavior Specialist; Jacqueline Alexander, Therapist; Judith Gonzalez, Behavior Specialist; Altanyce Brown, Behavior Specialist; Artemio Rodriguez Enriquez, Therapist
Manuel (Christopher) Gomez, Therapist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I attended California State University Northridge where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Cinema Arts and Television in 2010. In 2017 I began my journey into the psychology world. Recently, I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2021 as an MFT wanting to make a difference in someone’s life.
What excites me about working at D’ Veal?
The cultural diversity within the agency.
What is my favorite food?
Sushi
What is my favorite hobby?
I enjoy the outdoors. So, hiking is my favorite hobby.
Clint Davis – Therapist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I completed a Substance-Abuse certification at Glendale Community College. I also have a Bachelors in Human Development and recently my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in trauma.
For over 20 years, I worked as a Produce Manager, but it didn’t give me a feeling of accomplishment. Today, I do something completely different that gives me the joy of knowing I am making a difference and I get to be a positive role model. I also have extensive experience in substance-abuse treatment facilities where I worked as a case manager group facilitator and provided client advocacy services and referrals.
What excites me the most about deciding to work at D’Veal?
The types of service that they offer to our communities. Not just the mental health support but that we strengthen and empower our families on a journey that leads to independence.
What is my favorite food?
My favorite food would definitely be Chicken Alfredo
What is my favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is going to the gym. I am also a proud member of a 12 step program and I know change is possible if we do the work…
Jacqueline Alexander- Therapist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University. Since 2016, I’ve worked with the homeless population providing supportive services to homeless Veterans and civilians.
What excites me the most about deciding to work at D’Veal?
Despite my previous work experience with other vulnerable populations, I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to work with families and youth at D’Veal in providing support towards their growth and success as a family unit.
What is my favorite food?
My favorite food by far beyond anything else is Soul Food.
What is my favorite hobby?
Flying my drone at a park.
Judith Gonzalez – Therapist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I recently graduated from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California, in July of 2021 with my Masters in MFT with an emphasis on Trauma. My professional background is extensive. I began as a parent volunteer for Head Start programs with my oldest daughter. This is where I found my passion of working with children. LACOE paid for me to attend school and earn ECE units. Soon I became a teacher’s aid. Continuing to go to school, I then became a preschool teacher. Later, I was given the opportunity to become a Parent Involvement Liaison for the same school district I worked for over 18 years.
What excites me the most about deciding to work at D’Veal?
Again, my passion is working with children and families especially, families that are underrepresented which are people of color. Having the privilege to work with these families is a blessing for me because I am able to assist them in looking inward. This includes connecting with them by understanding that many individuals are negatively affected by years of generational trauma. Peeling those layers is the hardest thing to do but the most rewarding of all.
What is your favorite food?
PIZZA
What is my favorite hobby?
Reading, cooking, watching Tic Toc and of course ordering stuff from AmazonJ (well ordering stuff from Amazon might be an addiction but hey it’s a hobby for me).
Altanyce Brown- Behavior Specialist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree 3 years ago with a major in Psychology at the University of La Verne.
What excites me the most about deciding to work at D’Veal?
Being able to make a difference in the LA County community by providing mental health services to the youth. Just knowing that I’m contributing towards making a beneficial/positive change in a family’s life is so rewarding.
What is my favorite food?
Any kind of Sushi!
What is my favorite hobby?
Watching anime and reading anime mangas.
Artemio Rodriguez Enriquez- Therapist
Brief Summary of my Educational/Professional Background?
I received my BA in 2001 and over ten years later I decided to go back to school for social work. I received my MSW in 2013 and worked in a hospital setting for six years as a clinical social worker in the Emergency Department.
What excites me the most about deciding to work at D’Veal?
Learning and growing as a clinician.
What is my favorite food?
Mexican food and pizza of course.
What is my favorite hobby?
It’s a tie between laughing a lot, tennis, and running marathons.
Duarte Homeless Program
“COMING SOON”
D’Veal has entered into partnership with Duarte Unified to provide case navigation and linkage services to students experiencing housing instability. D’Veal will be working directly with students and their caregivers to target frequent barriers experienced by students who face housing instability: decreased academic achievement, attendance challenges, access to health care, lack of resources, and support in life skill development. We are excited to target this critical need for the students in the Duarte Unified School District.
Photo by Jon Tyson @Unsplash.com
Make a Donation
Consider making a financial contribution to D’Veal in the form of an annual or unrestricted amount. Every investment we receive enables us to change the lives of children and families in our community.
- Employer Matching Gift Programs
- Honorary Gifts
- Corporate Partnership Programs
- Volunteerism
For more information regarding Making a Financial Contribution, email us at info@dveal.org or call (626) 296-8900.
Become a Guardian of Hope
Guardian of Hope make special targeted contributions in support of specific programs and populations.
As a Guardian of Hope Donor, you will see the impact of your contributions through newsletters, invitations for you and your guests to attend special events, and your name being placed on the donor wall at D’Veal.
For more information regarding becoming a Guardian of Hope Donor, email us at info@dveal.org or call (626) 296-8900.
