Morton Bakar Center is a skilled nursing facility in Hayward, CA that provides psychosocial rehabilitation and skills-building for older adults living with severe mental illness. With 24-hour nursing and a multidisciplinary team, residents receive person-centered support in a secure, structured setting to help them prepare for community living and greater independence.

Event Activities/Highlights

• Morton Bakar Center residents and staff gathered for a festive celebration in honor of 98色花堂鈥檚 60th anniversary.

• The team decorated the program spaces with special 60th anniversary-themed decor.

• Residents and staff enjoyed a meaningful celebration in recognition of their achievements and community spirit.

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

98色花堂 programs in Santa Maria participated in the , joining the community in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Carmen Lane CRT and Agnes Avenue CRT represented all five Santa Maria area programs at the event hosted by the .

The Out of the Darkness Walks bring together communities nationwide to open conversations about mental health and support those affected by suicide. Staff and clients walked side by side, creating connections and demonstrating solidarity with others impacted by suicide loss and mental health challenges.

98色花堂 set up a booth at the event, connecting with community members and sharing information about mental health resources.
The walk provides a meaningful platform to reduce stigma and create a culture that prioritizes mental health awareness and support.

Outstanding work, Santa Maria teams, for representing 98色花堂 and supporting this important community cause!

Beck Lane Community Crisis Home (CCH) is a beautiful 4-bedroom home where residents each have their own bedroom and can explore activities such as cooking, gardening, budgeting, and practicing living skills to become as independent as possible. The program offers services to individuals who require assistance transitioning safely from a locked setting to a less restrictive community setting. Residents can live at Beck Lane for up to 18 months while preparing for their next home, where they can live for a longer period of time.

Event Activities/Highlights

• Beck Lane residents and staff came together for a festive 60th anniversary celebration!

• The team decked out their beautiful home with 60th anniversary-themed decorations.

• Residents and staff enjoyed celebrating this special milestone together in true Beck Lane community spirit.

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

98色花堂's Santa Clara County programs (Muriel Wright Recovery Center SUTS, Muriel Wright Recovery Center CRT, Santa Clara AOT, La Conexi贸n IFSP, and La Claridad ACT) participated in the this weekend, joining the community in support of mental health awareness and advocacy. The (NAMI) hosts walks across the country to raise awareness, fight stigma, and celebrate recovery while bringing together individuals, families, and mental health professionals.

98色花堂 clients had a wonderful time at the energetic event, which provided a meaningful opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health support and connection. The walk demonstrated the power of community coming together around shared values of recovery and wellness.

98色花堂 programs are connected with other organizations and advocates, all of which are dedicated to advancing mental health resources in Santa Clara County.

Kudos to 98色花堂 Santa Clara teams for showing up and supporting this meaningful community event!

At the at the Honda Center in Anaheim, nearly 60 vendors, including 98色花堂, offered information about job opportunities and behavioral health services. Orange County AOT (Assisted Outpatient Treatment) staff members Amelia Anasis and Stephanie Espinoza welcomed attendees with resources and giveaways.

The , hosted by the at Centennial Park in Santa Ana, brought together hundreds of community members, clients, and providers to celebrate recovery and support. , Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency, delivered an impactful keynote speech. 98色花堂 connected with more than 850 individuals, sharing wellness tools and information about recovery services while enjoying music and delicious food.

98色花堂 also participated in the , where team members celebrated two AOT participants graduating from peer training and beginning their journeys as .

Most recently, five peers, Elizabeth Barron, Aaron Elizarraras, Joseph Skelton, Lucy Lizarraga, and Heidi Dyell, completed their certification to facilitate (Wellness Recovery Action Plans), guided by WRAP co-facilitators Lei Portugal Calloway and Lori Fischer. 98色花堂 is thrilled to support the continued growth of peer-led programming and recovery tools throughout Orange County.

Congratulations to everyone involved! 98色花堂 Orange County extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, partners, and peers whose dedication and collaboration are strengthening recovery and well-being across the region.

Casa de Esperanza y Sue帽os includes four residential programs (House of Transition, Recovery Starship, Stonehenge, and Brighter Tomorrows) serving individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The programs support residents who have faced multiple acute psychiatric hospital admissions and difficulty maintaining independence in the community. Through group sessions, medical appointments, community outings, family involvement, and recognition of achievements, Casa staff and Ventura County Behavioral Health Clinical Teams work together to support residents on their recovery journey.

Event Activities/Highlights

• Outdoor spaces were decorated in festive 60th anniversary theme and colors

• Each Casa house celebrated in cohorts to ensure safety during a COVID outbreak, making sure all residents could participate

• Enjoyed a special 60th anniversary-themed cake

• Welcomed Ventura County Behavioral Health community partners to join in on the celebration

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

Fern Lodge Behavioral Wellness has recently opened as a 16-bed secure facility, where recovery begins from within. The program offers comprehensive support through a full staff of registered nurses, clinicians, peer specialists, and social workers, all available 24 hours a day. A diverse clinical team provides individualized assessments and works with each person every step of the way to support their recovery goals.

Event Activities/Highlights

• 98色花堂 was fortunate to participate in a community celebration with the Tulalip Tribe to honor the project鈥檚 completion in August.

• Fern Lodge Behavioral Wellness simultaneously held its New Hire Orientation and the 60th anniversary celebrations.

• People appreciated the beauty of the environment in which the program was situated, as well as the surrounding area.

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

As we celebrate 98色花堂's 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. One of our most impactful contributions is the crisis care services our programs provide to communities across the country.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: Western Riverside CSU

Today, we want to highlight the Western Riverside Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), which has achieved extraordinary milestones in providing crisis care to Riverside County. In June 2025, the program served 567 guests, breaking its previous record. Since opening in 2022, Western Riverside CSU has provided over 15,000 crisis services, with 6,411 crisis engagements in FY 24/25 alone.

What Others Say About Western Riverside CSU:

鈥淎s administrator, I am so proud of this team and all the hard work and amazing commitment they have to those we serve. They really do care about our guests and work to ensure the safety, wellness, and recovery of all.鈥�

鈥擡vette Yanez, Administrator at Western Riverside CSU

What Makes Western Riverside CSU So Special:

Western Riverside CSU operates a 12-chair facility with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, psychiatric prescribers, nursing staff, and peer specialists available to help individuals in crisis. The program emphasizes choice-making skills and harm-reduction techniques in a safe, respectful environment. Through immediate, individualized assistance and compassionate presence, the team helps people stabilize symptoms, avoid the need for higher levels of care, and connect with appropriate community-based resources. These record-breaking numbers demonstrate the critical need for accessible crisis care in Riverside County and the team鈥檚 dedication to meeting that need.

Opened in 1986, La Paz Geropsychiatric Center offers an alternative for older adults who might otherwise be in state hospitals or acute care facilities. Treatment is based on the philosophy that all individuals, regardless of age or degree of impairment, have the potential to improve their functioning and make choices about their quality of life. The program provides safe, effective medical and psychiatric treatment while reducing symptoms of severe mental illness.

What The La Paz Geropsychiatric Center Community Is Saying

"All 148 residents were happy to enjoy a BBQ cookout in the outside patio. The 98色花堂 sunglasses were a big hit for both staff and residents." - Rezarta Davis, Ph.D., LPCC, Clinical Director

Event Activities/Highlights

• Celebrated 98色花堂's 60th anniversary with all 148 residents at a festive BBQ cookout on the outside patio.

  Staff and residents enjoyed a wonderful community celebration together, sharing delicious food.

  98色花堂 sunglasses were distributed and became a huge hit among both staff and residents alike.

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

The Staffing Standards department at 98色花堂 ensures programs are staffed adequately, efficiently, and fairly to provide excellent care for clients with serious mental illnesses and complex needs. It consists of four main components: the Centralized Staffing Team, Regional Float Pools, Telehealth services, and the Kronos Scheduler, all of which aim to standardize staffing using healthcare best practices.

What The Staffing Standards Team Is Saying

鈥淚t was such a fun time to bond, connect, and reflect on how grateful we are to be part of 98色花堂.鈥� - Katherine Lee, Ph.D., LCSW, Senior Director of Staffing Standards and Services

Event Activities/Highlights

• Celebrated remotely with meals ordered for all staff to enjoy together during the virtual celebration.

• Played an engaging 98色花堂 trivia game that brought the team together and tested their knowledge.

• Shared reflections on the many reasons team members love working at 98色花堂.

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

Sr. VP and CHRO Mickey Blanks recently visited 98色花堂鈥檚 San Diego region to connect with program leaders and learn more about the impactful work taking place in San Diego Care Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), San Diego Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), San Diego Behavioral Health Court (BHC), In-Home Outreach Team (IHOT), La Luna ACT, and .

Mickey also toured several Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) communities such as , Valley Vista PSH, Presidio Palms PSH, and The Shores and Pacific Village highlighting 98色花堂鈥檚 commitment to integrated care and resident well-being. His visit included celebrating staff milestones and inviting team feedback on ways Human Resources can best support frontline efforts.

98色花堂 thanks Mickey for championing staff voices and helping shape a positive future for our teams and those we serve in San Diego.

98色花堂 runs two programs at the Santa Clara County behavioral health campus: Muriel Wright Center Crisis Residential Treatment (CRT), which has 15 beds for voluntary crisis stabilization, and Muriel Wright Center Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS), which helps individuals transitioning from jail to supportive recovery. Both programs serve justice-involved individuals.

What The Muriel Wright Community Is Saying

鈥淚 am glad there is a program like this supporting clients.鈥� -Client at Muriel Wright

鈥淢uriel Wright has given me back everything I lost and more.鈥� -Client at Muriel Wright

鈥淢uriel Wright has given me a second chance and has taught me how to make better choices in life.鈥� - Client at Muriel Wright

Event Activities/Highlights

• Held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 12 to officially mark the celebration with program leadership.

• Featured inspiring talks from staff sharing their experiences and dedication to the programs.

• Administrator Jennifer Briscoe successfully advocated with the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to provide a Commendation to 98色花堂 commemorating the 60-year milestone.

Photo Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

98色花堂 partnered with San Diego County Behavioral Health to expand non-law enforcement crisis intervention services across all five county regions through the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). The program delivers rapid crisis support through mental health professionals, providing triage, assessment, intervention, and stabilization while reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement, ER visits, and hospitalizations.

Event Activities/Highlights

• Added a groovy-themed twist to 98色花堂's 60th anniversary decorations.

• Everyone enjoyed delicious food at the program, bringing everyone together for this memorable occasion.

Photo Highlights

Video Highlights

Continuing the Celebration

This celebration was one of many taking place across 98色花堂 as we honor 60 years of service. Together with our clients, customers, staff, and partners, we are proud to reflect on our history and excited to look ahead to the future. For more information on 98色花堂鈥檚 services, click here.

As we celebrate 98色花堂鈥檚 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. One of our most valuable assets is our many long-term employees, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, skills, and deep compassion to their roles, their coworkers, and the people they serve.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: Ed Bienkoswki

Today, we want to highlight Ed Bienkowski, VP of Program Operations, who recently retired from 98色花堂 after 28 years!

Congratulations on your retirement, Ed, and thank you for your many years of exemplary service to 98色花堂!

What Others Say About Ed:

鈥淥ver the last 28 years, Ed has contributed in significant ways to our growth and to our culture at 98色花堂. Ed鈥檚 long career with progressive moves to more responsible roles at 98色花堂 is a great example of the opportunities for professional growth here!

I personally have particularly appreciated Ed鈥檚 significant contributions to our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS). Ed has been a devoted champion, serving on the RCCS Steering Committee for much of his time at 98色花堂. Ed also spearheaded and has led the Justice Involved Mental Health (JIMH) Standardization Group and has led the Community, Residential, and MCRT Standards groups as well.

I have so enjoyed Ed鈥檚 humor, compassion, being the first person to ask a question in large meetings, and his commitment to 98色花堂 since 1996. During his tenure in Orange County, through mentoring, he was able to build considerable bench strength.鈥�

鈥擜nita Barnas, SVP Chief Program Operations Officer

What Made Ed鈥檚 Time at 98色花堂 So Special:

Ed started at 98色花堂 in October 1996 as a Clinical Specialist at CHOICES MHRC in San Diego, designing programs for those being released from state hospitals. After a brief six-month departure to run a residential eating disorder program, he quickly realized 鈥渢here was no place like 98色花堂鈥� and returned home to the 98色花堂 family to open the program in Los Angeles.

Ed describes his March 2021 promotion as 鈥渢he honor to be promoted to Vice President of Operations covering San Diego, Orange County, and CONREP programs.鈥�

As we celebrate 98色花堂鈥檚 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. The most important people at 98色花堂 are those we serve, who are our reason for existence. From them, we learn about resilience, recovery, hope, joy, and the power within us all to follow our dreams and create the lives we want to live.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: A Horizon View Client

鈥淗ere I am in my cocoon, listening carefully for my tune.
My eyes are now opening鈥攂right, glorious, cosmic making.
As I step out of my shell, no more isolation, no more hell.
Look at my colors, look how they show, I can fly now.鈥�

When she first arrived at Horizon View MHRC, she was shy and quiet, often hesitant to engage. Over time, her emotional, mental, and spiritual growth became clear to everyone. One of the most touching moments during her stay was when she stood in front of clients and staff to read a poem she had written, a beautiful and vulnerable expression of her journey.

Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Her progress reflects her strength and the compassionate, healing environment created together at Horizon View. For 60 years, 98色花堂鈥檚 legacy has been shaped by stories of hope, perseverance, and transformation.

As we celebrate 98色花堂鈥檚 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. The most important people at 98色花堂 are those we serve, who are our reason for existence. From them, we learn about resilience, recovery, hope, joy, and the power within us all to follow our dreams and create the lives we want to live.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: Gloria

鈥淭he way I look at it, I was in a hurricane鈥� everything was going crazy. It was just me and God, working everything out for me. Now I see myself and I am so grateful because I am one of the few that got rescued." - Gloria

Today, we want to highlight Gloria鈥檚 partnership with Tesoro ACT.

Gloria faced significant hardships growing up, including homelessness, loss of contact with her children, and a lack of support. After experiencing abuse and losing her closest family members to jail, she found herself alone and struggling.

Things began to change when Gloria was finally offered the help she needed. 鈥淚 knew I needed help, but I didn鈥檛 know where to get it. And it had to be the judge, but he gave me the help I needed.鈥� Through 98色花堂鈥檚 support, she secured safe housing, found community, and began to heal. Now, Gloria is 18 months sober, has tokens celebrating her recovery, and feels proud to make her kids proud too. 鈥淢y kids are so proud of me. I am so excited that I could do this鈥攐f course, with the help of the program.鈥�

With the support she received, Gloria was able to rebuild her life and regain her independence. The stability and care she now has have made all the difference. She credits 98色花堂 and the programs that helped her find safety, sobriety, and self-worth. 鈥淚 live comfortable, I鈥檓 safe. And before I used to be like, 鈥極h, I鈥檓 alone in this world.鈥� I鈥檓 not alone because I鈥檝e got 98色花堂.鈥�

Programs like , , and the aren鈥檛 just about housing. They are about second chances and creating space for people like Gloria to heal, grow, and rediscover who they鈥檙e meant to be.

As we celebrate 98色花堂鈥檚 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. The most important people at 98色花堂 are those we serve, who are our reason for existence. From them, we learn about resilience, recovery, hope, joy, and the power within us all to follow our dreams and create the lives we want to live.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: John

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even feel normal, I just felt like an animal out there just surviving, you know, almost like a wolf running through the woods just looking for their next meal. It just didn鈥檛 seem like... just didn鈥檛 even want to live.鈥� 鈥� John

Today, we鈥檙e sharing John鈥檚 journey and partnership with Kearny Vista Permanent Supportive Housing. John faced homelessness in San Diego, battling addiction and significant medical challenges while feeling alone and unsure of his future.

Everything started to change when John connected with 98色花堂. 鈥淭hese people like my family,鈥� John shares. Through steady support, he found stability, community, and the resources to build a new life. 鈥淣ow my whole life has changed, you know, it鈥檚 just a real good feeling knowing every morning I can wake up and take a shower, you know, myself clean, clean clothes.鈥�

Now three years sober, John credits 98色花堂 with helping him find hope again. 鈥淚 want to live today and tomorrow now, you know, with a smile. 鈥� I can actually pat myself on the shoulder, say, 鈥楯ohn, you know, you鈥檝e come a long ways... and you did it.鈥欌��

With the support of the Kearny Vista team, John secured a stable place to live and access to essential mental health care. This stability has allowed him to rebuild his life and regain hope for the future. He credits 98色花堂 for stepping in at a crucial moment, helping him make real and lasting change when he needed it most.

Programs like , , and the aren鈥檛 just about housing. They are about second chances and creating space for people like John to heal, grow, and rediscover who they鈥檙e meant to be.

As we celebrate 98色花堂鈥檚 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98色花堂 special. The most important people at 98色花堂 are those we serve, who are our reason for existence. From them, we learn about resilience, recovery, hope, joy, and the power within us all to follow our dreams and create the lives we want to live.

Today鈥檚 Spotlight: Ricky

鈥淚t's like I'm finally stepping into my authentic self. Being myself feels so refreshing鈥攁nd so different. I never would have expected to feel this comfortable in my own skin, especially after struggling for so long with anxiety and feeling so overwhelmed that I couldn鈥檛 even leave the house." -Ricky

Today, we want to highlight Ricky's partnership with Tesoro ACT.

Ricky was in a dark and uncertain place when he first connected with 98色花堂. He was facing homelessness, struggling with identity, and feeling like there was no way out. After a mental health crisis landed him in the hospital, he was introduced to 98色花堂 staff who offered him more than just a place to stay.

They encouraged and helped him take small steps toward stability day after day. Thanks to a combination of counseling, medication support, and the safety of a roof over his head, Ricky started to believe in himself again.

98色花堂鈥檚 local housing manager developed private-market landlords willing to take tenant-based vouchers in their apartment units. This allows Ricky to have a place of his own. He is studying to become a certified nursing assistant and surrounds himself with books, music, and faith. His life looks completely different from just a couple of years ago. He credits 98色花堂 for finding him at just the right time.

Programs like , , and the aren鈥檛 just about housing. They are about second chances and creating space for people like Ricky to heal, grow, and rediscover who they鈥檙e meant to be.

The event featured a scenic bay trail 5K alongside a free wellness fair, creating an inclusive space where fitness and mental wellness came together.

Way to go, San Mateo County MCRT, for stepping up and making a real difference in our San Mateo community!

98色花堂's Los Angeles teams joined hundreds of participants at the in downtown LA. Staff, families, and members from LA 4 FSP, LA JIMHCS FSP, Horizon View MHRC, Citrus House CRT, LA IMD Step Down, LAOA FSP, ATLAS, LA HOP 7, and San Bernardino FACT gathered at Los Angeles State Historic Park for a morning dedicated to walking for mental health awareness and members鈥� rights to love and be loved.

Thanks to Dawan Utecht, SVP Chief Development Officer, 98色花堂 was a silver-level sponsor and had a booth at the event. Dr. Kent Eller, SVP Chief Medical Officer, and Mickey Blanks, SVP Chief People Officer, sponsored the team鈥檚 CHEI NAMI Walk T-shirts through the CHEI Steering Committee, ensuring everyone walked together in solidarity.

Fantastic job, LA teams, for showing up and advocating for mental health in the community!