Orange County Multi-Ethnic Collaborative Of Community Agencie

Programs: A no cost program that targets adults 60 years of age or older who are experiencing the early onset of mental health conditions or those who are at an increased risk of developing mental health conditions. The program reaches out to unserved or under-served older adults who are isolated due to social, cultural, or linguistic barriers. The program aims to create and foster healthy and integrated lifestyles, improve levels of socialization and functioning, mental health status, and quality of life. The program provides trained case managers who provide services through home visits and offer facilitated linkages to other behavioral health, medical and community resources. Other services provided in the eisoa program include educational/skill building workshops, support groups, and recreational activities. This program has reached and impacted the lives of thousands in seven different ethnic communities.

mecca's rlbhts program trains religious leaders on the basic signs and symptoms of common behavioral health concerns. The instruction provided is culturally responsive and tailored to faith-based communities. The training gives religious leaders the tools and knowledge to recognize behavioral health issues and help increase access and resources to mental health services and they in turn conduct mental health trainings to community members in their congregations. Almost 150 religious leaders and over 1500 community members to date have been trained in this mental health awareness training.

drawing out stigma program is a series of community-based visual and expressive art workshops held at mecca agencies for both youth and adults to generate meaningful conversations about mental health through dialogue and art exhibits. Through their art, workshop participants had the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions while embarking on a journey of healing. The multi-ethnic arts and family festival held at bowers museum brings our multi-ethnic communities together in a celebration of mental health awareness month and recognition of our strengths, our unique voices and collective expressions. This event encourages a deeper exploration of ways to reduce stigma within our community because the biggest barrier to accessing mental health services is the stigma associated with mental health challenges. The programs collectively reached almost 6000 community members.