Dear family, friends, and community members,
Thank you for reading the March edition of LBHS’s Community Newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to educate and connect our community to resources by providing information about our events and services. Make sure to keep an eye out for updates!
In this months Community Newsletter, we will provide an overview of our involvement with the legislative session and a few of the events that LBHS has recently attended or sponsored. We will also provide information regarding our groups, classes, services, and more.
Thank you for all your continued support!
Legislative Session Recap
This month marks the end of the 2024 Utah Legislative Session. We were involved on the hill this year, and we wanted to share some of the sessions most important moments here.
Utah Recovery Rally
On February 15th, we had the opportunity to participate in Utah’s Recovery Rally.
We enjoyed tabling in the Rotunda and sharing our resources, participating in the Walk of Remembrance, and listening to community leaders speak. Nata Choi, Director of Peer Services, represented LBHS by giving an inspiring and heartfelt speech on the importance of mental health services and community.
Thank you USARA and NAMI for inviting us to participate in such a special event!
Fuerza Field Trip to the Capitol
On March 14th, Fuerza took a field trip to the Capitol. They were given a tour by Alex, our Graduate Assistant at LBHS, who has experience working at the Legislature.
The kids had a great time exploring one of the prettiest buildings in our state, and they had the opportunity to learn about Utah’s Legislative process and advocacy.
Events
LBHS sponsors and attends organizational events, as well as events in the community. You can find information about past and future events below.
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Training
On March 1st, LBHS provided a training to obtain the State License for Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS). LBHS provided the training in Spanish, and we had 18 graduates receive the certification. After passing the test, we celebrated our graduates by providing a delicious lunch.
We are very proud of our newly certified CPSS’s and can’t wait to see the incredible impact they have on our community!
LBHS in the Community
UndocuWeek Resource Tabling and Tamale Fundraiser at Westminster College
Westminster College is hosting their second annual UndocuWeek. Join us on April 4th at their kick-off event for a resource tabling event and tamale fundraiser.
The event is sponsored by ASW and will feature tamales from La Casa del Tamal.
All proceeds go to local non-profits working to support our undocumented community!
Jornadas Sabatinas at the Mexican Consulate
The Mexican Consulate provides a resource fair almost every Saturday. LBHS will be attending to share resources on the 13th of April. We hope you’ll join us!
Día del Niño/Children’s Day
On April 27th, LBHS will be attending two different community events to celebrate Día del Niño/Children’s Day.
Día del Niño is celebrated every April in Mexico, a day honoring children around the world.
Join us at either event for an afternoon of cultural activities, crafts, food, performances, and fun to celebrate the children of our community, and around the world!
See the flyers below for more information on both events.
Groups and Classes
LBHS offers a variety of support groups and classes for adults and youth. You can find information about the support groups we are currently offering below, as well as a new group that will start in April called Family to Family.
Peer Support and Therapy
LBHS offers peer support and therapy for adults and youth. You can find information about our peer support and therapy programs below.
Staff Introduction: Amanda Martinez, Director of Operations
Amanda Martinez (She/Her) joined Latino Behavioral Health Services (LBHS) in Fall 2022 as the Director of Operation. Amanda identifies as bicultural (Guatemalan/American), first-generation Latina woman who is part of the Queer community and in recovery for mental health. Prior to her work at LBHS, she worked as the Human Resources Manager for Fourth Street Clinic. Other administrative positions include Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment as a client care coordinator, and Macdonald Residence Assisted Living, an Oregon based facility that provides care for formerly homeless individuals and is funded 100% by Medicaid.
Amanda brings a dynamic combination of lived experience and skills with a background in administration. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Utah and a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley University. Amanda also serves on the West Side Community Review Board through University of Utah University Neighborhood Partners and on the University of Utah Pathways for Exploration in Research Careers Advisory Committee. Amanda enjoys spending time with her pets, wife, friends, family, baking, reading, and spending time outdoors.