COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

FundaMental Change is closely monitoring the current COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to continuing our public education and advocacy work as we abide by health and safety guidelines set forth by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We encourage you to follow CDC-recommended actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Please visit the CDC website for additional information.

2020: Overview of Events

For the health and safety of the community, FundaMental Change canceled the following in-person events in 2020:

Mental Health First Aid Training (March-December 2020)
Mental Health Symposium (May 2nd)
SHINE LGBTQ Youth Summit (June 6th)

However, FundaMental Change continued to offer mental health support, advocacy, and education to our local community in 2020. These services included:

PPE Kits

FundaMental Change provided over 1000 PPE kits to community members in 2020. These kits included hand sanitizer, reusable face masks, and a magnet with a list of local mental health resources. FundaMental Change collaborated with MEND, YMCA, Hope of the Valley, Mindful Veteran’s Project, SRD Straightening Reins, and New Economics for Women to provide these kits to those community members most in need.

College Scholarships

In 2020, FundaMental Change partnered with the Andres y Maria Cardenas Family Foundation to provide 3 academic scholarships to eligible college students who have experienced a mental health condition personally or within their close family or who are pursuing a mental health related field of study.

Master's Recipient - $3,000 award - S. Barron of University of Southern California - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Children Youth and Families
Undergraduate Recipient - $2,000 award - M. Garcia of University of California Irvine - Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
Community College Recipient - $750 award - J. Leon of Los Angeles Pierce College - Psychology or Dentistry

Suicide Prevention Intervention and Response Training (SPIRT)

FundaMental Change partnered with Larry Schallert, LCSW (Mental Health First Aid Instructor) to provide a virtual Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Response seminar, free of charge to community members in June 2020. This shortened version of Mental Health First Aid training was provided in a virtual learning environment, and teaches individuals critical skills on how to prevent, intervene, and respond to vulnerable persons who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Equine-Assisted and Interactive Therapy Sponsorship

FundaMental Change sponsored equine-assisted and interactive therapies, designed to improve adolescent and teen mental health and well-being, to residential clients at The Teen Project in beginning July 2020.

2021: Looking forward

FundaMental Change will continue to collaborate with local organizations to provide mental health support, advocacy, and education to our local community. The following events and programs are scheduled to continue in 2021:

Equine-Assisted and Interactive Therapy Sponsorships

FundaMental Change will continue to sponsor equine-assisted and interactive therapies, designed to improve adolescent and teen mental health and well-being, to residential clients at The Teen Project as well as for residents at NEW’s La Posada facility.

College Scholarships

FundaMental Change will continue it’s partnership with the Andres y Maria Cardenas Family Foundation to provide 3 academic scholarships to eligible college students who have experienced a mental health condition personally or within their close family or who are pursuing a mental health related field of study.

Suicide Prevention Intervention and Response Training (SPIRT)

FundaMental Change will continue to partner with Larry Schallert, LCSW (Mental Health First Aid Instructor) to provide a virtual Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Response seminars for community members and local organizations. This shortened version of Mental Health First Aid training will teach individuals critical skills on how to prevent, intervene, and respond to vulnerable persons who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mental Health Symposium

FundaMental Change plans to bring together hundreds of mental health service providers, community leaders, advocates, and students from the San Fernando Valley for a series of informative presentations and a call to action for mental health awareness and advocacy. Date is TBD.

Mental/Emotional Wellness

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Learn helpful tips on managing stress during this time from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

In addition, below are helpful flyers from the World Health Organization:

Coping with Stress During COVID-19 Outbreak - Adults | Children

For more mental health resources please visit:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.org

Each Mind Matters

https://www.eachmindmatters.org

Kaiser Permanente Southern California

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness

Mental Health America

https://www.mhanational.org

The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health