NEWS from Mid Valley Recovery Services

April 1, 2011 (No Fooling)

Mid Valley Recovery Services is pleased to announce we have executed a merger agreement with Social Model Recovery Systems, Inc. of Covina, set to take effect July 1. The combined agency will have gross operation of nearly $8 million, creating a stronger and more efficient structure to support both agency's services. Under the terms of the agreement, Social Model CEO Jim O'Connell took over today as Executive Director of Mid Valley. Bob Shear, Mid Valley's former Executive Director, will remain with Mid Valley through April to assist in the transition to a combined agency. A copy of our news release can be accessed here.

March 30, 2011

Mid Valley is pleased to announce the selection of our new Program Administrator for Outpatient Services. Garett Staley will join our staff April 1, with responsibility for overall direction and administration of the outpatient Choices Resource Center, which provides a range of addiction services as well as parenting classes (and was recently certified for Drug Medi-Cal services), and the COURT Program, which provides the addiction services for the Rio Hondo Drug Court. Ms. Staley holds masters degrees in Social Work and Public Administration, and teaches in the counselor education program at Mt. San Antonio College. She has worked in the addiction field for 12 years, and has held project and program director positions at both Prototypes and BHS. We look forward to having her as a member of our team.

February 24, 2011

With the transfer of Commissioner Jose Rodriguez to other duties in the El Monte Superior Court, today we welcome the honorable Carlos E. Vasquez, as our new bench officer serving the Rio Hondo Drug Court. On behalf of everyone involved in our Drug Court program, Mid Valley expresses our deep gratitude for the many years of dedicated service provided by Commissioner Rodriguez to our clients and community in his role as our bench officer. We also extend our most sincere welcome to Judge Vasquez, and look forward to continuation of our long and productive partnership with the Court.

February has been an eventful month for our outpatient programs, begining with the admission of our first MediCal clients under our new contract with LA County. Our preparations for the start of MediCal services have included upgrading of our facilities on Santa Anita Avenue, and increased medical staffing within our programs.

As part of our overall upgrading of outpatient programming, Mid Valley is seeking a full-time administrator for these services. We are seeking an addictions professional qualified at the masters level, with appropriate certification and managerial experience. Interested candidates are invited to check the public posting for the position.

November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving! Mid Valley has received numerous letters of support from our friends for our efforts to improve services for CalWORKs participants throughout our service area. Working with our partner and lead agency Social Model Recovery Systems we have completed a consortium proposal covering six agencies and the full range of services for our service area. The other participating programs in our proposal are Casa de las Amigas and the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Chemical Dependence, MELA Counseling Services Center, Stepping Stones Recovery Home and Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Some of the problems related to the current distribution of CalWORKs funding were addressed in a November 22 article in The Latino Journal. We're hopeful our proposal, and others received by the county on November 18, will help to improve this situation.

August 17, 2010

Mid Valley mourns the loss of a great friend of our organzation, Paul D. Muntz, Sr. The father of Mid Valley Finance Director Diane Jensen, Mr. Muntz served the LA County Probation Department for many years, and helped to handle difficult organizational and training tasks there even after his retirement. He also served Mid Valley as Board Member and President, and after he left the Board continued to support Mid Valley through his work at Civitan International. He played a key role in making sure the families of Mid Valley clients always had Christmas dinner and gifts for their children through the generosity of many Civitan volunteers. His outstanding example of stewardship and citizenship will be forever remembered and appreciated by his Mid Valley family.

June 30, 2010

A wonderful article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune tells a great story about the success of our colleague Danny Cole, and the contribution made to his career by Mid Valley's new President, Paul Sharpe.

June 25, 2010

Mid Valley Board of Directors has elected new officers for the upcoming fiscal year. Board member and educator Paul Sharpe will assume the Presidency from Raul Ayala, who will serve as Treasurer. Outgoing Treasurer Kristine Larsen will serve as Vice-President, and Connie Amstone will remain as corporate Secretary.

At its June 21 meeting, the Board also approved an extension of the agency's cooperative agreement with Social Model Recovery Systems, Inc. that will allow significant savings in Mid Valley administrative costs. This will include elimination of one position within Mid Valley's administrative staff.

The Board adopted a resolution thanking Linda Montoya for her decades of faithful and dedicated service to the agency, and commissioned a plaque for Linda to commemorate the sentiment on behalf of the Board and staff.

May 23, 2010 UPDATE

Mid Valley congratulates Omni Center Recovery Specialist Daniel Cole on his graduation Cum Laude from CSU Fullerton. Danny plans to begin his MSW program in the fall.

April 16, 2010 UPDATE

Remembering Lois Wilson The Hallmark Hall of Fame production of When Love Is Not Enough - The Lois Wilson Story premiered last night at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Hollywwod. The film was enthusiastically received by th overflow crowd of (overlapping) communities of people in recovery and in the entertainment community. The program guide produced by Hallmark in association with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence is available in PDF form HERE. The Hallmark production will air on April 25, when the DVD re-release of My Name is Bill W. goes on sale.

April 1, 2010

Remembering Lois Wilson Later this month, the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of When Love Is Not Enough - The Lois Wilson Story will air on CBS. The co-founder of Al-Anon Family Groups died twenty-two years ago, after a long career in which she worked tirelessly to promote recovery for individuals and families devastated by alcoholism. The TV special is based on the book written by Bill Borchert, who worked directly with Lois on the production of My Name is Bill W. (in which actor James Woods portrayed Lois' husband, and James Garner portrayed AA co-founder Dr. Robert Smith).

Lois Wilson remained an important figure in the addictions field into the 1980s. She created the Stepping Stones Foundation to carry on the work that she and Bill did outside the fellowships, and to preserve their home as an inspirational destination for people interested in the history of the movements. She oversaw the creation of a visitor center on their property, and maintained a collection of memorabilia on the second floor of their home that includes gifts and greetings from AA and Al-Anon groups around the world, Carl Jung's letter to Bill about the importance of spirituality (spiritus contra spiritum) and the first copy of the first edition of the AA Big Book (with Bill's personal inscription to Lois). In 1985 (the 50th anniversary of the founding of AA) Lois accepted the New York State Historical Marker designating the home of the co-founders of AA and Al-Anon. The foundation has played an important role in brining together advocates for improved public policy, and continues to welcome visitors to the home.

As we struggle with the difficult economic times in our field and the communities we serve, it's sometimes helpful to reflect on the obstacles and triumphs experienced by those who have come before us. The broadcast of Lois' story later this month will provide a rare opportunity, coming less than two months before AA celbrates its 75th anniversary.

March 3, 2010

When Mid Valley received reductions in our Proposition 36 funding last July, we reduced staffing levels to what we regard as our operational minimums, and made a commitment to maintain staffing at this level until our future funding becomes clear, even if it means running a deficit for this year. We are, in fact, running a deficit so far this year, and are making vigorous efforts to eliminate costs where we can, while preserving the quality of our programs. We have also been working closely with LA County to plan what actions we need to take to remain on solid financial ground.

At this point we see more bad news on the horizon for Proposition 36, and no good news on other funding fronts for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The Governor has proposed NO funding for Prop 36 services next year, leaving only the possibility of some continued federal funding, at most 30% of the funding level we had last year. There is a very good possibility there will be no funding at all for Prop 36 services after June 30. If all Prop 36 funding is lost, Mid Valley will have funding for only 21 of the 36 residential recovery beds we currently operate, between Omni Center and Mariposa. Since the possibility exists we may also see reductions to CalWORKs, and possibly GR funding, our best forecast is that we will not have enough funding next year to operate both of our residential programs at their current level.

The best way to keep all of our programs on solid ground is to assure full funding for our beds at Mariposa Recovery Center, and to limit our services at Omni Center to men. We have therefore decided to suspend operation of 11 licensed residential recovery beds for women at our El Monte location, leaving 11 beds for men. As Mariposa has a capacity of 15, we will still have more residential recovery beds for women than for men after this change is made. We have reached an agreement with the county to rebalance our funding so that both Omni Center and Mariposa will remain on the strongest possible financing footing as we go forward.

Giving up any more residential recovery beds is very difficult, especially because we know these services are essential to the health and well-being of our community. Mid Valley will continue to work with other providers to assure policy makers are aware of the tremendous inefficiency of reducing addiction services, particularly when the marginal cost of keeping recovery beds available is so low. It is our hope to restore all of our residential recovery beds to full operation when funding becomes available. In the mean time we will maintain the highest level of quality and efficiency in our operations, and remain focused on serving as many people as possible within our means.

Jan 4, 2010

A memorial vigil will be held for murdered El Monte School Board member Bobby Salcedo at 6 p.m. today, in the football stadium at Mountain View High School . Mr. Salcedo was killed in a mass murder in Mexico during a New Year's holiday visit. Everyone at Mid Valley extends their sincere sympathies to the Salcedo family, and to our neighbors in this time of terrible grief.

Jan 1, 2010

We've noticed the news websites have stories about how all around the world people are saying "good riddance" to 2009. While this certainly has been a year filled with challenges, we've made a lot of progress on a number of fronts that are important to Mid Valley. We've held our own through some very difficult budget cuts, and have still been able to make much-needed improvements to the salary and benefit plans for our staff. Our programs are sound; our facilities are in good shape and running efficiently. Most importantly, we have continued to improve the quality and professionalism of our services, despite a significant loss of revenue.

We've been able to do all that because the staff of Mid Valley has worked hard and met our challenges with commitment and flexibility. While we certainly will face more challenges in 2010, we will continue to put community and client first, and trust we will be supported in doing so. The Board, staff and volunteers of Mid Valley Recovery Services are honored to share in this mission, and we look forward to another year of service to our community.

Dec 21, 2009

Mid Valley's COURT Program Holiday Party was held on Friday, December 18. Kyle Gilmore's Santa made his annual appearance with gifts for all the children at an event that drew its usual large attendance of program clients, alumni and families. This event followed the Omni Center client holiday party, also held in Amstone Hall. Mariposa Recovery Center held their party at the Center.

Mothers and children from Omni Center also were once again hosted by Civitan International to a holiday party that included a dinner and gifts provided by Civitan members for each child. The annual donation by Civitan of dinner and gifts has become a holiday tradition at Mid Valley that is much appreciated by our clients and staff.

Everyone at Mid Valley wishes a happy and safe holiday season to all our friends and supporters who have made this a successful year for our organization. We look forward to another year of service to the community, in a spirit of gratitude and hope.

Dec 1, 2009

We are deeply grieved at the loss of Elizabeth Amstone, who died at the age of 18 in a car crash on December 1. Elizabeth was raised from an early age by her aunt and legal guardian, long time Mid Valley Board Member Connie Amstone. Mid Valley is planning a memorial service for Beth to be held at Amstone Hall on our Cogswell Road campus on December 13.

Mid Valley has posted a web page on this site to receive messages and donations for the family's memorial expenses. Details of plans for memorial services will be posted on THIS PAGE as they become available.

Nov 1, 2009

Mid Valley's Alumni & Friends sponsored a Halloween Dance on Friday, October 30, that brought over 100 alcohol and drug-free party guests to join our residential clients for snacks, beverages, music and dancing. Prizes were awarded for the best costumes, and a wonderful time was had by all in attendance. The Alumni & Friends held an organization meeting immediately before the dance, and invite others with an interest to join them in building a strong and active group.

A new system for Paid Time Off has been implemented for Mid Valley staff members, improving benefits for newer staff and giving all of our staff greater flexibility and control of their paid leave benefits. The new benefit replaces our previous vacation, sick time, bereavement leave and some holidays with a single Paid Time Off benefit. The agency also expanded it's Unpaid Leave benefit to provide opportunities for staff members who have serious illnesses or new children in their families. The changes were approved at the October meeting of Mid Valley's Board of Directors.

On December 9, Mid Valley will host a special training for chemical dependency professionals provided by LGBT TRISTAR. The training is titled "Strengthening Linkages between AOD Providers & LGBT Community Resources" and will provide CEUs at no charge for qualified professionals. Information is available on our website's Training Page.

Oct 1, 2009

Mid Valley was pleased to host over 250 alumni, friends and distinguished guests on September 30 as we celebrated our Fortieth Anniversary as a provider of alcohol and other drug addiction services. Guests dined on jake's Roadhouse Barbecue after hearing from distinguished speakers including LA County Alcohol and drug programs Administrator John Viernes, El Monte Superior Court Commissioner Jose Rodriguez, and El Monte City Manager James W. Mussenden, who presented a Certificicate of Recognition on behalf of the El Monte City Council.

Mid Valley's Alumni & Friends are now working on plans for a Halloween Party and dance, to be held October 30 in Amstone Hall. Details are on the Alumni & Friends webpage.

Mid Valley is pleased to announce the selection of a new Program Administrator for our outpatient services at 4610 Santa Anita Avenue in El Monte. Sharon Allen has an excellent history of successful management of addiction programs, and brings an impressive resume of advanced education, cretification and experience in our field. Sharon will work with our two outpatient program directos to prepare for our Drug Medi-cal program and to develop new and more highly integrated service programs.

Funding for Proposition 36 services continues to present a challenge this year, as holdups at the state level have caused LA County to cap spending at 20% of our original contract levels for Prop 36. We hope and expect the ceiling on this contract will ultimately be moved to 50% of the the original level for this fiscal year. Proposition 36 funding for next year remains in doubt.

Mid valley has joined with several other small and mid-size providers of outpatient services in the second phase of LA County's Performance Based Pilot Project for alcohol & drug programs. The goal of this project is to develop performance standards for programs that can be incorporated into future LA County contracts. We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this important effort.

Sept 1, 2009

Mid Valley is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, which is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Events are being planned for September 30, at Mid Valley's facility on Cogswell Road in El Monte. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

We begin this month under the cloud of a major wildfire in the Angeles National Forest, still uncertain what our final funding levels will be for this year. Overall, Mid Valley remains financially strong, though we are now operating at what we consider to be our minimum staffing levels in all programs. Our concerns for next year's funding are even greater than for the current fiscal year, as there is great uncertainty about the future funding and operation of Proposition 36-related programming, and its related impact on our Drug Court program.

July 1, 2009

Mid Valley starts the new fiscal year without a clear picture of what our public financing will be this year. Negotiations between the Governor and the Legislature appear to have deteriorated to the point we don't know for certain if increasing state revenues from alcohol sales is still being considered (Mid Valley advocates a 25 cents/drink fee increase). We do know that major cuts are expected in Proposition 36 funding, meaning persons diverted from prison because of drug offenses will get much less, much less effective treatment than is desirable. A similar fate may be in store for services funded from the CalWORKs program.

As of today, LA County is abolishing the special Prop 36 courts, curtailing court supervision, and reducing funding for treatment. The exact amount of the funding rediuction won't be known until the Goveror signs a budget, but it is expected to be at least one third of current funding county-wide, and could be much more.

Funding for addiction treatment is incorporated into what are called "Supportive Services" under the CalWORKs program. Significant cuts to, or elimination of this funding source may also come from the new state budget, whenever it's adopted. Meanwhile, service providers in LA County are forced to proceed at their own risk in providing continued service to both Prop 36 and CalWORKs-funded clients, with no contracts yet in place, and no promise from the county to cover losses that may be sustained beginning July 1.

Service providers across the county are taking prudent actions based on their unique circumstances. Because of the excellent stewardship provided by Mid Valley's past Board Members and former Executive Director, Beverly Stiles, the organization is in a strong fiscal position and is committed to weathering any temporary reductions in funding of its core programs as the new budget year shakes out. We fully expect Mid Valley to remain a srong and essential service provider in our community, and are proceeding with our long-range planning on that assumption.

Additional updates will be posted here as news emerges.

June 1, 2009

Melanie Arellano has been appointed Director of Mid Valley's Mariposa Recovery Center. Ms. Arellano has previously served as the program's Assistant Director, and has extensive experience in Mid Valley's services for women and children. The program provides residential recovery services for up to fifteen women and children at a time, and also provides Supportive Housing at a related site nearby for women who have completed residential programming.

Friends of Mid Valley are strongly urged to contact state legislators to advocate for increased fees on alcohol sales to help maintain funding for addiction services and other key government programs during our state's fiscal crisis. An increase in fees of just 25 cents per drink would reduce the state deficit by almost $3 billion per year.

May 1, 2009

The agency's annual Easter picnics were held last month with hundreds of family members in attendance. Regular activities designed to provide a strong and supportive recovery community for our clients are a part of the Mid Valley's unique approach. With contributions from outside sources down, a larger portion of the costs associated with our spring celebrations was carried directly by Mid Valley.

From May 4-8 the agency's program directors will be attending a week long training program for recovery program managers presented by the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources. Weekly training classes for CAARR's counselor certification program will begin May 2 in Mid Valleys Amstone Hall. The day-long classes run through August and require pre-registration.

Mid Valley is still accepting applications for Program Director for the Mariposa Recovery Center. Details of the position and application instructions can be found [here].

April 1, 2009

Mid Valley has adopted a new compensation system based on fixed salary ranges and steps for all positions. The new plan establishes qualifications and performance thresholds for movement within the plan, and establishes longevity increments for staff remaining with the agency for more than ten years. The revised salary plan was approved by the Mid Valley Board on March 16, and presented to the staff at a general staff meeting on March 27. New job descriptions are being prepared for all Mid Valley positions, with revised qualifications statements corresponding to the requirements of the new salary plan. Job descriptions are currently being reviewed by all agency staff, prior to their presentation to the Personnel Committee of the agency's Board of Directors and their adoption later this month.

Mid Valley is currently recruiting for a new Program Director for the Mariposa Recovery Center. Details of the position and application instructions can be found [here].

March 1, 2009

Mid Valley now invites donations through its home page. We've established an account with Paypal, allowing supporters to donate online using credit cards or Paypal accounts.

Another feature added to our website is our new Work With Us page, linking users to Mid Valley job announcements and volunteer opportunities.

Visitors to MVRecovery.org can see more of our facilities, as we've added photos showing the inside of the Omni Center and our large meeting facility, Amstone Hall. Our Photos page also now has images of our Mariposa Recovery Center for women.

February 1, 2009

Mid Valley Recovery Services has realigned some of its programming to make more efficient use of agency facilities.

The Choices Resource Center is now located at 4610 Santa Anita Avenue in El Monte, which is also the site of Mid Valley's Drug Court Program.

Residential Recovery Programs for men and women have been combined into a single facility (the Omni Center on Mid Valley's Cogswell Road campus). The Mariposa Recovery Center in East Los Angeles continues to provide specialized residential services for women who may be pregnant or have custody of infant children.

These changes have made it possible for Mid Valley to expand on its partnership with LA County, which provides basic living support for up to 18 persons who would otherwise be homeless while they receive services for alcohol and other problems in addition to other disorders.

Additional changes are planned for Mid Valley's Sober Living Program in the months ahead, and will be reported here as they are finalized.

See our Programs page for full descriptions.