Avenues
Provides employment focused support and assistance to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Avenues is a Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) funded innovative program that focuses “work first” as the primary tool for recovery. Employment related activities, training and education support are used as the primary tool for recovery. Avenues receives referrals through Santa Cruz County Mental Health (Access and System of Care), mental health probation, jail, court, proposition 36, hospitals, shelters and prevention and early intervention (PEI) staff. Program activities are tailored and flexible to meet the needs of the individuals. Services will average 2 months with flexibility on a case-by-case basis. Daily activities will include job preparedness classes and workshops, hands on training, group and individual volunteer opportunities, individual job search, dual disorder education and 12-step program guidance, education and access. Program operates Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. County Mental Health provide medication support and assessments on site at both locations as needed.
Community Connection will hire and train Peer Community Navigators. Community Navigators will be peers in their own mental health and substance abuse recovery who are hired to provide mentorship, guidance and assistance with volunteering, job search, 12-step recovery meeting attendance and education and other communityintegration activities that promote wellness and recovery.
