The Central Valley’s Center for Human Services cut the ribbon on their new location today. It is fitting for them to have a new location, bigger and better, to commemorate their 45th year serving this community.
There is a great need to provide counseling and other mental health treatment, housing, leadership training and all kinds of assistance to our residents. When a parent is having a hard time with a teenager, or a loved one is seeking drug counseling resources for a relative, or launching a foster youth into adulthood with life skills, the Center for Human Services is the place to go.
The new facility will allow them 6,000 more square feet, including the addition of 3 counseling offices. Those 3 offices alone will allow 7,500 more hours (annually) of counseling to people who need it. Think about that: 7,500 hours is the equivalent of watching the movie Titanic 2,500 times. It’s 937 nights of sleep. It’s a trip around the world 312 times. It’s 7,500 hours that are going to make a difference in the life of our friends, co-workers, and neighbors. In the past 5 years, they have increased staff by 34% and revenue by 36%. They provide quality treatment for mental health and addiction issues, offer shelter and educational services for youth, and connect people in need to resources in our community.
There will also be larger rooms, meaning CHS will no longer need to rent larger facilities for host groups and sessions, which means more monies can go directly to services. That’s a win-win for everyone!
The second floor will be a “landing space” for all the school counselors to give them space and equipment to complete paperwork, complete referrals, or do research.
One of the best parts is a consolidated lobby, a “home base”. An entrance with a receptionist who can guide the patient anywhere they need to go, complete with a kids area where they can play and have social interaction with one another in safe and nurturing environment.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place in front of the lobby. Cindy Duenas, Executive Director, was presented many certificates from various people and entities including Cecil Russel on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, and the mayor, Garrard Marsh.
Gillian Wegener read a beautiful poem she wrote for the Center.
The new building, which is beautiful and homey, will provide 33% more services than before. With our economy still climbing uphill, and the Affordable HealthCare Act bringing so many families access to care they did not have before, this is the best thing that could happen in our city. 23,000 children, families and individuals were served last year. The 33% increase would bring that to 30,590.
If you’re looking for a way to support The Center for Human Services, please attend the 29th Annual Edible Extravaganza, Thursday, September 3rd, at the Modesto Centre Plaza from 6pm-9pm. Tickets can be purchased here. Many restaurants, breweries and distilleries participate to give you a taste of the Central Valley. Don’t miss out on an evening of food, fun, friends, and doing good!
New location:
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave, Modesto
