Momentum for Health

🎨 Earlier this month, Momentum for Health welcomed local artist Nicole Alexander to create a colorful mandala mural on the walls of our drop-in center at our Eastside Outpatient facility. The mural depicts a lotus, a powerful symbol found in many cultures. Just as the lotus emerges from the mud time and time again, blossoming into something beautiful, the design represents growth, resilience, and transformation—a reflection of the journeys many Momentum clients embark on. During the painting process, Nicole was joined by her daughter, Lily, who helped bring the vision to life. Beyond her work as an artist, Nicole is also the owner of Soul Medicine, where she offers Reiki therapy, breathwork, and art classes. She regularly hosts women’s wellness and art events, using creativity as a tool for healing. This mural was particularly special for Nicole, as she had been eager to take on a large-scale project. Her hope is that Momentum clients will find peace in the space, reflect on the art, and feel inspired to create their own. Nicole says, "May this mural serve as a reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, you are growing. You are rising. You are blossoming." A huge thank you to Nicole for sharing her time, talent, and vision with us. We are grateful for the beauty and inspiration she has brought to this space! 💙 Be sure to check out more of her work: yoursoulsmedicine.com

Last week, members of our Board of Directors completed their Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training (instructed by our very own MHFA team!), equipping them with the skills to recognize and support individuals struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.   MHFA is like CPR for mental health—it teaches everyday people how to identify signs of a crisis, respond with empathy, and connect individuals to the resources they need.    A huge thank you to our MHFA team for leading this important training, and to our Board for dedicating their time to learning these essential skills. Together, we are building a more informed, supportive, and resilient community! 🧡   To learn more about bringing MHFA to your organization, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gejfgt52

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for the first session of our Teen Mental Health First Aid Training on Sunday! It was inspiring to see such a motivated group ready to learn. 💪💬 A big thank you to the team at Momentum for Health for leading the session with such knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm. 👏 We’re looking forward to the next two sessions in the series on Sundays, February 2 & 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. where we’ll continue building on these important skills. Registration has now closed, but if you have any questions, please contact Conor at 415.752.6006 or email ccostelloe@sfiipc.org #sfiipc #CommunityOutreachProgram #IrishCommunity #IrishDiaspora #GlobalIrish #wellness #mentalhealth #health #mentalhealthtraining #teenmentalhealth #communitybuilding Consulate General of Ireland, San Francisco Irish Culture Bay Area United Irish Cultural Center, Inc. Irish Network Bay Area

We had a great time connecting with students at the Santa Clara University Intern Fair on January 23! 🎓✨ It was inspiring to meet so many enthusiastic students and share details about our internship opportunities at Momentum for Health. Our internship program offers supervision, weekly clinical training, and the potential for employment opportunities post-graduation—all within an inclusive, professional, and growth-minded culture. 🌱 We’re currently recruiting student interns for Fall 2025! If you're looking for paid, hands-on experience in the behavioral health field, visit our Internships page on our website to learn more. https://lnkd.in/gbwrDFix

Happy MLK Day from Momentum for Health! Although this quote from Dr. King is from 1966, it is still just as true today. We are inspired by Dr. King's quest for justice in all areas, including health care. We remain committed to making mental health and substance use treatment services available and accessible for anyone who needs support. #BehavioralHealth #Equality #MLK #Justice #HealthCare

We’re proud to share that Momentum for Health received the Champion of the Year award by the Cities Association of Santa Clara County earlier this month. 💙✨ Momentum President & CEO David K. Mineta, pictured here with board member Teri Eyre, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Founded in 1990, the Cities Association of Santa Clara County is an association of 14 of the cities of the county. Representatives from the cities meet monthly and collaborate on issues that affect each of us, such as mental health and substance use. We are honored to have received this recognition and thank the Cities Association for this distinction!

As the mornings and evenings grow colder, our TRUST and Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) programs need your support! Help us keep our community members warm this season. What to Donate: - Blankets - Gloves - Socks - Warm Clothing - Shoes - Phone Chargers - Headphones ✨ Ask your friends and family! Many may be cleaning out closets and looking for a meaningful way to give back. 📍 Drop-Off Location (24/7): Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) 101 Jose Figueres Avenue, Suite 50 San Jose, CA 95116

💜💚 This month, we're celebrating three decades of transformative work at Parisi House on the Hill, a vital program of Momentum for Health that provides a safe and nurturing place for moms and their kids who are often caught in a cycle of addiction, trauma, poverty and social injustice. Parisi House helps to keep children out of foster care by offering moms who risk losing custody of their kids the opportunity to break free from addiction while strengthening the bond with their children. Shea’s story is a powerful example of this impact. Six years ago, Shea (pictured below, with her kids) was "in a world of dysfunction", struggling with generational addiction and trauma that led to her young son being removed from her care. But through her own determination and the support she found at Parisi House, Shea was able to regain custody of her son and go through treatment for her addiction—with him by her side the entire way. Learn more about Shea and Parisi House here and help us continue these life-saving services for another 30 years by making a gift to our end-of-year campaign! https://lnkd.in/gpiY-Wkx

🎉 Last month, Momentum staff from across the organization were treated to a special Staff Appreciation Picnic at Excite Ballpark, home of the San Jose Giants! It was an amazing day filled with games, laughter, and delicious BBQ. The event also included our beloved annual volleyball tournament for some good-natured competition. 🏐🍔 Thank you to everyone who joined and made the day one to remember. And thanks to our hardworking staff for always showing up for our clients and for each other. 💚

Huge thanks to our Supporting Sponsors, Excite Credit Union and the Puopolo family, for generously sponsoring tomorrow's Star Chefs and the Wines & Spirits They Love event! We are grateful for our sponsors' shared commitment and dedication to behavioral health awareness. It takes a village, but together we can decrease stigma and expand assistance for anyone who needs relief from a mental health challenge or substance use issue. Thanks again!