Visit us at www.ssg.org SSG Newsle er November - December 2015

C DExecutive Director’s Message: Thank You and a Resolve

2015 will be remembered as the year the entire world was transfi xed by violent and senseless acts – including Paris and most recently the shooting in San Bernardino. While I know I am not alone in feeling both sobered and shocked by the inhumanity that exists in our world I want to remind everyone what defi nes us as an organization; all of us at SSG are here because of a desire to help our fellow human beings and improve the quality of their lives. That is our role and our mission and I’m proud that we do this with extraordinary success. 20,000 children, youth, adults and older adults were served by SSG programs this past year. Our daily actions and activities truly matter to each and every child, youth, adult and older adult and community that we serve – our contribution in the fi ght against inhumanity and inequality. Finally, I want to also leave us all with an important thought as we approach the holidays. As we celebrate the holidays and give thanks for our blessings, let’s also renew our resolve to reject any and all proposals from politicians in the news that promote a culture of fear and discrimination… a discrimination between those who “belong” and “foreigners”. Our clients and ourselves have felt the ominous effects of discrimination and racism

throughout our lives because of our faith and ancestry, and for Muslims and our colleagues this hateful rhetoric has no place in our resolve for a community of humanity and equality. As I watch the news and hear this dialogue I’m reminded that 73 years ago 110,000 Japanese Americans including my grandparents and parents were forcibly removed from their homes and confi ned to detention camps for the duration of WWII amidst the same promotions of fear from politicians. Loyal citizens lost their property, were denied education and were subjected to extremes of hate and disrespect. This culture of fear is again being promoted and as an agency we are resolved to oppose it simply because it runs counter to our agency mission of humanity and equality. As your Executive Director I want to applaud and thank all of you for your contributions to the agency’s accomplishments and that includes the Board of Directors, staff, consultants, agency partners and hundreds of volunteers. Happy Holidays Everyone.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTSP2

WCC

APIOPA

Harvest FestivalThank you to the wonderful Weber staff for hosting our annual Harvest Festival on Thursday, October 29th. We had food and games and made 111 clients and their families very happy that day !

Walk the Walk Challenge

Need a little help with that new years resolution to exercise more? APIOPA is hosting a Walk the Walk Challenge from January 1st to January 31st! If you feel up for the challenge of walking at least 50,000 steps each week while potentially winning some awesome prizes, go to www.apiopa.org/walk-the-walk to fi nd out more.

Congratulations LA County Stipend Program Awardees

Karla Garcia - Awarded 2012 Yesenia Talavera - Awarded 2012Denise Resendez - Awarded 2012

Karla Barba - Awarded 2014Cesar Resendiz - Awarded 2014Maribel Taylor - Awarded 2015

Heaven Cisee (Practicum Student) - Awarded 2015 WCC is pleased to acknowledge current staff who applied for and were awarded educational stipends as graduating MFT students. The LA County Department of Mental Health has partnered with the MFT Consortium of Greater LA and Phillips Graduate Institute in recruiting MFT students for employment in the County’s mental health delivery system. The County has awarded 520 educational stipends to graduating MFT students since 2005, 7 of whom are employed at WCC! WCC’s MFT Interns are qualifi ed mental health practitioners committed and capable of providing culturally and/or linguistically (Spanish) competent services to the populations served by WCC in South LA.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTSP3

SSG AWARDED 3-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION2015-2018

SURVIn November 2015 Sustainable Urban ReVitalization (SURV) took delivery of nearly 800 bales of straw to use in the construction of a supportive housing residence in South LA. Destined for temporary storage at Weber Community Center, technical diffi culties made it impossible for the straw to be unloaded directly into the warehouse. As a result, the Weber staff was greeted with an unfamiliar sight the following morning as SURV spent the day moving the straw into storage by hand. Youth Transitions, a supportive housing project for TAY exiting the foster system, plans to break ground this spring. Stay tuned for opportunities to tour the construction site and see how baled straw can be used to create energy effi cient, environmentally responsible (and sturdy) homes in our communities.

Last day of review with SSG staff, directors and CARF surveyors (seated) from around the world.

Between October 19 – 21st, 2015 SSG’s administrative offi ces together with 9 of SSG’s behavioral health divisions underwent a rigorous accreditation survey process via the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The goal was to achieve ‘Accreditation’ status from CARF in Outpatient Treatment and Community Employment Services. The participating Divisions included: SSG Headquarters, APCTC, Alliance, AP Recovery, HOPICS, IBHT, SILVER, OTTP/LA, OTTP/SF, Proj.180, and Weber CC. On Dec. 7th, 2015 SSG was informed that they had achieved a 3-year Accreditation – the highest level of success. We are proud to announce SSG and its 9 behavioral health divisions and 17 services sites has been awarded a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF in Outpatient Treatment and Community Employment Services. CARF is an internationally recognized independent, nonprofi t health and human service accrediting body. This accreditation demonstrates that SSG programs meet a rigorous standard for quality and service excellence. The CARF accreditation process entails an in-depth assessment and review of service delivery and business operations over a multiple day visit by several surveyors. CARF accreditation will allow us to do business with new partners in the healthcare sector, while allowing us to diversify revenue streams through contracts with third-party payers. As an agency, this is a tremendous milestone to achieve and we are proud to have received this recognition. It is testament to SSG’s commitment to consistent quality improvement. We are pleased to have successfully completed this review and received the highest level of accreditation in our areas of specialty. This was made possible by all the hard work and dedication from all the Directors and staff who contributed to this effort. Congratulations to all! www.carf.org

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Occupational Therapy Association of CA Conference

Dr. Jessica Richman OTR/L, OTD, and Dr. Rhonda Windham OTD, OTR/L presented at the annual Occupational Therapy Association of California conference this past October 2015 in Sacramento, CA. Their presentation was titled “Delivering Community-Based Occupational Therapy to Today’s Youth”, which discussed occupational therapy’s unique role within a community based, mental health setting targeting low income youth within the greater Los Angeles area. Dr. Richman and Dr. Windham introduced occupational therapy practitioners to the foundations and theoretical underpinnings of mental health OT practice. They also provided an overview of the Los Angeles public mental health system, which is the largest county mental health department in the country. They addressed client diagnoses, as well as growing barriers to children's everyday functioning including crime, drug abuse, gang related activities, lack of resources and school performance. Dr. Richman and Dr. Windham informed their audience of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, which imposes a 1% income

tax on personal income in excess of $1 million in California. The goal of Prop 63 has been to increase funding to the public mental health system, and has provided millions of dollars each year for prevention and intervention of mental health services in California. They also provided their audience with examples of service delivery methods, evidence based practices and frames of reference that they utilize to support their clients in maintaining functional and productive lives.

OTTP-LA

Dr. Rhonda Windham, OTD and Dr. Jessica Richman, OTD.

Staff Volunteer at the LA Regional Food Bank

l-r: Dr. Maytal Shvartz, OTR/L, Division Director, Suzanne Afuso-Sugano, OTR/L, Dr. Rhonda Windham, OTR/L, Nancy Haggerty, COTA/L and Leo

Lopez, Data Analyst III)

OTTP joined the AT&T Pioneers to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in their ongoing efforts to fi ght hunger in our community. On October 7, 2015, OTTP staff and employees collected healthy non-perishable food items at their Torrance site, then volunteered at the Food Bank, early on a Saturday morning in November, to pack up and distribute meals to over 20,000 families in LA County.

SSG’s Executive Director Participates in the LA County DMH Faith-Based

Advocacy CouncilSSG Executive Director Dr. Herbert Hatanaka was a panel speaker for the LA County DMH Faith-Based Advocacy Council on 11/5/15. The panel was moderated by Cheryl A. Branch of LA Metropolitan Churches (LAM) a leader in implementing mental health literacy training and education to clergy and laity in LA County. This special session was held at Patriotic Hall in downtown LA. The overall goal was to raise the County’s awareness and understanding of minority health coalitions including, but not limited to the African American Behavioral Health Coalition. Other members of the panel included Dr. Candace Benton, Clinical Director, LA Men’s Place (LAMP); Dr. Gloria Morrow, GM Psychological Services; Mr. Mike Neely, Commissioner, LAHSA; and Miyume McKinley LCSW, Epiphany - A Digital Radio Show on Reducing MH Stigma.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Reducing API Children in the Foster SystemMulti-Agency Collaboration

Dr. Karen Lim of Asian Pacifi c Counseling & Treatment Centers together with top leaders from other community family service providers including the AP Family Center (APFC), Cambodian Assoc. of America (CAA) and Korean American Family Services (KFAM) held a much anticipated press conference on December 9, 2015 in Rosemead, CA at the site of the AP Family Center. The goal of the collaborative is to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of Asian and Pacifi c Islander children in the foster system. Asian children in the foster system number between 600 to 800 any given month. It is a small fraction compared to the 35,000 children in the system overall. But there is a disproportionate lack of culturally-sensitive households for these children as reported by the LA County Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The challenge facing the county is raising awareness and understanding about the foster care system especially within the many Asian and Pacifi c Islander communities located throughout LA County. Many of these children need homes pending reunifi cation with their biological parents. Finding appropriate homes that are culturally and linguistically sensitive to a child’s needs is ideal. Asian and Pacifi c Islander children are often not recognized, or discussed in the context of the foster care system. "There is a notion that the (Asian-American Pacifi c Islander) population is self-suffi cient and doesn't need public services," said Dr. Lim. The outreach campaign will start out focused on the Chinese and Cambodian communities, which among LA's Asian populations have the largest numbers of children in foster care. Public service announcements will be broadcast on Asian-language stations. Informational sessions courting Asian-American foster parents will start this month facilitated by the participating collaborative member agencies. This program was modeled after a 2014 initiative aimed at recruiting parents from the Korean-American community led by KFAM who continues to be a participating member of this new initiative. Executive Director Connie Chung Joe of KFAM said she was initially nervous about generating interest, in part because Asian cultures place a heavy emphasis on bloodlines. But to date, 21 Korean-American families have signed up to be foster parents.This multi-agency collaboration is funded by the LA County DCFS.Please contact Dr. Karen Lim of APCTC for more information at kchenglim@apctc.org

l-r: Estee Song (KFAM), Edie Huang Ames (Chinese foster parent), Herb Hatanaka (SSG), Aris Banico (DCFS), Karen Lim (SSG-APCTC), Connie Chung Joe (KFAM), Henry Lo (Representative from Assembly

Member Ed Chau’s offi ce), Wenli Jen (APFC), Sai-Yuk Ho-Liang (DCFS), Annette Hwangbo (DCFS)

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Peer Advocates Speak Out at NAMI Conference

Emily Wu Throng (green blouse), Rudy Caseras and guests

On December 9, 2015, Emily Wu Throng and Rudy Caserasspoke at BACUP as representatives of NAMI's "In Our Own Voice" program. Their eloquent presentation as advocates for people who are recovering, or who have recovered from a "mental illness" had a profound impact on those in attendance. We are extremely proud of Emily and Rudy for being such strong peer advocates of BACUP and presenters.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

BACUPHalloween Fun

On October 30, 2015, BACUP hosted their annual Halloween party. The afternoon party that went from 11am - 2pm, had a host of entertainment and fun activities, such as Yvett - The Recognized Funny Lady of Comedy, face painting, and a volunteer who dressed up as a clown. This well attended event was held at BACUP and fi lled with lots of "spooky" fun!

Reminders from Human ResourcesPersonal Information Changes submit updates to HR• Emergency Contact Information - Form 330• Home Address - Form 101

Benefi ciaries - if you have had life changing events, update your benefi ciaries through Bentrac, www.benetrac.com• Life Insurance (work 30+ hours/week) - go to Basic

Life/AD&D - Change Benefi ciaries • 403(b) - go to Benetrac Research Library tab,

Mutual of America, 403(b), Benefi ciary Designation. Download the Benefi ciary Designation Form.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

APAITMobil Testing Unit is Operational and Available to Test at Your Site

On February 17, 2015, APAIT launched #ACCESStoSTATUS, a 2-month crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to procure a mobile testing unit (MTU) for its HIV testing program. Thanks to generous contributions, they were able to raise $12,000 through the initial 8-week campaign. After months of researching viable options for their MTU, APAIT recently signed a 5-year lease for a Ford Transit 150 van. The MTU is now fully operational and has begun testing throughout Los Angeles County!While APAIT raised enough money to cover the initial expenses, they will need to continue to fundraise in order to keep their van on the road for the next fi ve years. Therefore, they have relaunched #ACCESStoSTATUS as on ongoing fundraising campaign to cover operational expenses for the MTU. To donate, please visit www.apaitonline.org. If you would like to have APAIT’s MTU test at your site and/or special event, please contact Jimmy Sianipar at jimmys@apaitonline.org, or at (213) 375-3830 ext. 1809.Together we will make a difference, together we will save lives.

l-r: Stacy To, Justin Chang, Jimmy Sianipar, Peter Cruz, Jason Tran, Daniel Nguyen,

Jessica Perez, Jazzmun Crayton

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD from the CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD

As part of November’s Transgender Day of Remembrance commemoration and month-long transgender awareness, the City of West Hollywood’s Trans Advisory Board (TAB) honored APAIT’s dynamic team serving trans and gender non-conforming people.

World AIDS Day - December 1st, was observed by an intimate gathering of people living with AIDS refl ecting

on its ongoing impact and remembering the six APAIT clients lost this year. New art was added to the agency

AIDS quilt.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTSP8

Strategic Plan for 2015-2018SSG is proud to announce the release of our new Strategic Plan for 2015-2018, which was reviewed and approved by the SSG Board of Directors in October 2015. You are invited to review highlights of the plan provided below. This plan outlines the SSG mission, values and priorities and it draws a roadmap for the agency’s direction over the next 3 years. The plan lays out specifi c goals, strategies and milestones to meet all 5 of the Strategic Initiatives listed below. We are confi dent that the Strategic Plan will allow us to remain competitive and on the cutting edge in an ever-changing human service environment. To get more information about the full strategic plan, or if you’d like to provide any comments, please contact Dianna Malak Lopez, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at 213-553-1875 or dmalaklopez@ssg.org

Highlights of our Strategic Initiatives 2015-2018

Who we are...

Special Service for Groups has always been about community. We are a private, nonprofit corporation providing a range of health and human services to multiethnic groups across Southern California and San Francisco. From our beginnings in Los Angeles in 1952 through today, our services have always been rooted in meeting the needs of diverse and underserved individuals and families in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Over the years our programs have been built, expanded, and sustained out of the need to provide culturally and linguistically tailored services to growing ethnic minority communities in the region. Today we continue to specialize in services to these communities at 20 divisions in Southern California and San Francisco.

Where we are going…

SSG’s first priority is to continue sustainable growth and effective programming - especially in those areas identified by internal and external stakeholders including our clients, our staff and the communities we serve. Some major issues that significantly impact (and will continue to impact) agency goals include the Federal Affordable Care Act, California’s tax strategy to fund adequate mental health programming and California and Los Angeles’ plan for prison reform. Of course, trends in both public and private funding for nonprofits continue to be the key driving force for agency growth.

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SSG NEWS HIGHLIGHTSP9

How we will get there…

Five (5) specific strategies have been identified to reach the agency’s goal for sustainable growth.

Strategic Initiative #1 Products, Services and Markets: Modify and create systems that are responsive to key federal guidelines including ACA and Title VI. This initiative will focus on increasing access to appropriate high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery support services and prioritizing the delivery of integrated, coordinated care for our clients through the formation of new healthcare partnerships.

Strategic Initiative #2 Asset and Resource Development: This initiative will focus on maximizing current funding streams (both public and private funding) while initiating steps to diversify our revenue model to include third-party payers and other revenue sources.

Strategic Initiative #3 Technology and Systems: This initiative will focus on keeping up with quickly changing technology systems to ensure adoption of effective and appropriate programming in areas of revenue management, program service models, research & evaluation, electronic health records and more.

Strategic Initiative #4 Strategic Partnerships, Alliances & Networks: This initiative will focus on prioritizing community partnerships that increase the agency’s overall effectiveness and relevance.

Strategic Initiative #5 Infrastructure and Capacity Improvements:This initiative will focus on overhauling old, or investing in new, systems and practices in order to achieve the organizational skills, human resources and infrastructure to support and retain the most capable service providers, as well as respond to stakeholder and consumer demands and expectations.

Special Service for Groups (SSG)905 E. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

www.ssg.org

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HEALTH, WELLNESS YOUP10

SSG’s Health Benefi ts and EAP Services

Take Control of Your Work - Life BalanceAlmost everyone is too busy these days. Improve your well-being by balancing all the important parts of your life at home, social and family relationships, work, fi nances, fi tness, community and when you are facing a major life change, such as marriage, divorce, parenthood, relocation, or retirement.StressStress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive. It can help you meet a deadline, and can even boost your memory. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health.Signs of too much stressYour body reacts to stress by releasing hormones. These hormones make your brain more alert, cause your muscles to tense, and increase your heart rate. In the short term, these reactions are good: They can help you handle the situation that’s causing you stress. This is your body's way of protecting itself.But when stress gets to be too much, your body often lets you know through the following warning signs:• Upset stomach• Headaches• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much• Irritability• Stiff jaw or neck• Weight loss or gain

Ways to relieve stressExercise - Find a type of exercise that works for you. Exercise is a healthy way to release stress, improve your mood and even boost energy.Manage your time - Stress often kicks into high gear when we are coming up to an important deadline. So try making a list of everything you have to do. Prioritize your list and work on the most important tasks fi rst.Relax - Build in time during your day and week to truly relax. Everyone’s different, so fi nd what works for you. It might be taking a yoga class or walking your dog.Be aware - Know what causes you stress and work to prepare for those situations. You may want to rehearse a few extra times before that work presentation, or leave home a bit earlier to make a fl ight.Be realistic - Sometimes you might have to say no. And that’s okay. You don’t always have to take on that extra project, accept another volunteer request or go out with friends. Each of us can do only so much.Don’t self-medicate - Escaping stress through a drink or cigarette might seem like a good idea, but self-medicating will likely affect your mood and health and can even make you feel worse.Reach out - If you’re stressed out, talk to your friends and family. If you feel like you can’t handle the stress on your own, schedule an appointment with a therapist or psychologist.

AetnaA variety of health & wellness

resources and service providers can be found at www.aetna.com.

For mental/behavioral health services (outpatient & inpatient) call Member Services listed on the back of your Aetna ID Card.

HMO 1-800-445-5299PPO 1-877-204-9186

KaiserA variety of health & wellness

resources and service providers can be found at www.kaiserpermanente.org

For mental/behavioral health services (outpatient & inpatient) call Member Services listed on

the back of your Kaiser ID Card.1-800-464-4000

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)3 FREE outpatient counseling sessions

Eligible employees - work 30+ hrs/week, even if medical benefi ts were waived.

A variety of health & wellness resources and service providers can be found at www.

cignabehavioral.com/CGIFor services call and identify yourself as working for Special Service for Groups. An authorization

and a list of potential therapists will be sent to you.

DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS

We used to call it speeding, but the word is ambiguous as it related to how fast we drive.

As we drive, we all make ongoing judgements about safe speed. Important factors all safe drivers consider are: '1. Visibility (low light, rain, fog, snow, etc.)2. Traffi c Congestion3. Vehicle Considerations (load, weight, tire and brake

conditions, etc.)4. Driver Mental and Physical Alertness5. Road ConditionsOne of the most important considerations when considering, "How fast is too fast?" for conditions is stopping distance.

STOPPING DISTANCE = REACTION TIME + BRAKING DISTANCE

Always consider how long it will take you to stop in an emergency, given the highway conditions and your speed. The safe driving goal we all share is universal "crash avoidance."Sometimes driving too slowly for conditions is just as unsafe a behavior as driving too fast. We have all experienced the proverbial "little old lady" in the passing lane on the interstate going 45mph when the fl ow of traffi c is moving at 65mph. But remember, the "little old lady" got old by driving too slowly, not too fast for conditions.What can we all do to operate our vehicles at a speed that is appropriate for conditions? What factors infl uence us to go too fast?1. Take a few moments before you get behind the wheel

to do some pre-trip planning. Assess your appointment/delivery schedule and allow extra time. Consider rush hour travel times.

2. If traffi c or a crash delays you, call ahead and explain. Customers appreciate your thoughtfulness and understand situations out of your control. They will value your time, as you value theirs.

3. Advise your supervisor if your daily schedule is unrealistic given the time, distance and traffi c conditions. Everyone wants you to drive with a safety-fi rst attitude all the time.

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SAFETY

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:• Carefully assess your environment with all your senses.

Be careful not to inhale airborne particles (keep eyes and mouth closed) and be on the alert for heat or smoke. Listen for anything that may still be shifting or falling.

• Then, open your eyes and look around in all directions. Has anything shifted or fallen? Slowly get up, being sure to not hit your head or stumble into anything that has moved. Look at the ground - are there any broken objects or glass that could hurt you?

• When you are back on your feet:You may need to evacuate your building if there was strong shaking, especially if there are reports of structural damage. You may also need to turn off your gas valve if you smell gas. Consider turning off your circuit breakers, but only do so one by one and after you have shut off all light switches to prevent any sparking which could cause a fi re.If you are near a large body of water (the ocean or a large lake), move to higher ground as soon as you can safely do so - damaging waves can arrive within minutes:

- Go on foot. Roads and bridges may be damaged.- If evacuation is impossible, go to the third or higher fl oor of a sturdy building or climb a tree. This should only be used as a last resort.- Stay away from the coast until offi cials tell you it is safe to return. The danger may last for days.

• Once you have determined that you are safe, begin informing others of your status, or check in on others. Text fi rst, talk second - a text is far more likely to go through. Cell lines may be busy, due to the great amount of phone calls others are making. Texts take way less bandwidth than a phone call.For more tips about what to do once the shaking stops, visit earthquakecountry.org/step6. Remember: as the minutes, hours, and days pass, stay vigilant. Aftershocks could continue. You can learn more about reconnecting and restoring as time goes on in the weeks and months following an earthquake, such as tips on fi ling insurance claims and rebuilding, at earthquakecountry.org/step7.

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PERSONAL UPDATESP12

Special Recognition and Personal Accomplishments

Sandra Espinoza, Psy.D. has completed her Psy.D. in Couples & Family Therapy at Alliant International University, Los Angeles, with the dissertation “Perceptions of Parental Deportation on Adult Intimate

Relationships”. Dr. Espinoza expressed appreciation to APCTC and SSG for the support in her pursuit of this doctorate: "I am very grateful towards the whole Metro team for cheering me on these past three years. I am excited for this new chapter as Dr. Espinoza!" In turn, our APCTC team would like to congratulate Sandra for her achievement. “We have been truly inspired by your dedication to effect change in our clients' lives, to fully support team members, while expanding your knowledge in the fi eld. Congratulations, Dr. Espinoza!”

Danielle Trieu-Nguyen, B.S., began her career at AP Recovery Program (APRP) fresh out of college back in November 1995 as a Mental Health Worker with the Day Rehabilitation program, and eventually led the team as the

Activities Coordinator. When the Day Rehab program phased out, she transitioned into her current position as a Mental Health Care Coordinator. Her role allows her to wear many hats, e.g. providing targeted case management, culturally relevant services (Vietnamese), linkage to resources in the community, and individual rehab sessions. “What I value most is the direct interaction with my clients, and fi nding creative ways to connect and empower them. At the end of the day, I am always humbled and grateful for all the experiences and lessons I've learned from my clients.“

20 Years

Presenter at the US Conference on AIDS

Aunsha Hall-Everett, Program Analyst, SSG’s Development Team, presented his research on Intentional Leadership at the United States Conference on AIDS, which was held in Washington DC on September 11th-12th. His research focused on what leaders of HIV/AIDS organizations and Health Departments are doing during the changing HIV/AIDS landscape, i.e. National HIV/AIDS Strategy, High Impact Prevention, and Affordable Care Act. The poster presentation included best practices for mindfulness when leading, and organizational change management. Aunsha facilitated a webinar for CBOs and Health Depts. on Intentional Leadership, and will facilitate a leadership track for Executive Directors at the Black Gay Men's Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS and Other Health Disparities in January 2016, which will take place in Los Angeles.

“Recipe For A Happy New Year”

To leave the old with a burst of songTo recall the right and forgive the wrong;To forget the thing that binds you fastTo the vain regrets of the year that’s past;To have the strength to let go your holdOf the not worthwhile of the days grown old,To dare to go forth with a purpose true,To the unknown task of the year that’s new;To help your brother along the roadTo do his work and lift his load;To add your gift to the world’s good cheer,Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

Author: Unknown

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HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATEP13

SOME DATES TO REMEMBER FOR JANUARY - FEBRUARY

1/1 New Year’s Day (SSG Holiday)1/18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (SSG Holiday)2/8 Lunar New Year2/14 Valentine’s Day2/15 President’s Day (SSG Holiday)

New Mileage Reimbursement RateEffective January 1, 2016, any mileage incurred on SSG business will be reimbursed at the 54 cents per mile.

New California Minimum WageEffective January 1, 2016, the new minimum wage in

California will be $10.00 per hour.