May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Hello SGVPA Folx, It's National Native American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month November is Native American Heritage Month and here are some resources that can be shared with clients and colleagues. We honor the communities and cultures that have enriched our American identity. The founding of our nation comes at the cost of many cultures, lives, and marginalization of the indigenous peoples of this continent. The hope is to learn more about the indigenous cultures of our nation and acknowledge all their contributions to this great nation. - https://lacountylibrary.org/native-american-heritage-month/ We are situated on the native lands of the Tongva People and we share the earth that housed so many generations of indigenous peoples. We must honor those that came before us and acknowledge as Angelinos that the Tongva People are still here. https://gabrielinotongva.org/ History: "November is federally recognized as National Native American Heritage Month (NNAHM). During this month, American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are honored and celebrated for their rich and varied cultures, traditions, history, and societal contributions. NNAHM gives us an opportunity to become more educated about Native Americans, increase our knowledge of unique challenges faced by this population, and better understand how historical trauma—such as colonization and genocide—has impacted Native peoples." https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/celebrating-national-native-american-heritage-month https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ https://www.bia.gov/NNAHM https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/American_Indian_Heritage_Month.htm

Hello SGVPA Folx, It's that time of the year again to wear our purple ribbons and advocate! Intimate partner violence affects millions of people in the United States every year according to the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html My journey into the psychology and therapeutic world started out at the Santa Cruz County Women's Crisis Support Center - Defensa de Mujeres. I became a volunteer for their organization and completed their 100 hour volunteership training in 2005. I was introduced to this topic through advocacy in my AP English class in high school so when the volunteer opportunity arose I was ready to do my part. Both having a personal interest and an advocacy interest in domestic violence I have been able to incorporate this topic into every year of training and continue to assist this population in a therapeutic setting. I have been wearing my purple ribbon for advocacy and awareness since 2003. Please feel free to share these resources with friends, family, colleagues, clients, and community members. Intimate partner violence reaches into every socioeconomic range, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and level of education. We can be safe spaces and strongholds for our community.