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Table of Contents

  1. How did we determine which questions to put on our FAQ list  ... ?
  2. What is this place ... ?
  3. Do people live at the Village ... ?
  4. Can "they" help me with my SSI  ... ?
  5. Whom do I talk to about becoming a member ... ?
  6. How can I get Megan's number ... ?
  7. How is the Village Funded...?
  8. What does an average day look like for a staff person...?

 


How did we determine which questions to put on our FAQ list ... ?

We went around the building asking people what questions they thought should go on this page (in order to make sure that everyone's voice was heard, plus we know that casual conversation is where all of the really good ideas are thought of).  We then took two pieces of large paper  with the headings "What do people ask you the most about the Village?" and "If you could tell someone one thing about the Village, what would it be?" and put them on the wall with crayons and markers attached.  We did this so that people could have the opportunity to anonymously write some of their ideas.   Most of the questions on this list are from these two sources.

 

 
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What is this place... ?

The Village Integrated Services Agency blends all the parts of mental health care- treatment, rehabilitation, family and community support, and self help- to provide all of the help that people with mental illness need for self-sufficient, fulfilling lives.  It tailors services to each individual's mental health needs.  The Village has earned national acclaim and honors for its innovation and is a model for changing mental health care in California and other states.   

For a much more comprehensive answer to this question, please look around at other pages on this website (awards). 

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Do people live at the Village ... ?

If they are making a web site or working on a new proposal, they may feel like they do!
However, no one stays over night at the Village.  Up to 60% of Village members live on their own and the other 40% is divided up into people who live in Board and Cares, Sober Living Homes and various other living arrangements.  
This is actually  the most Frequently Asked Question that people inquire about when they first learn about the Village.
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Can "they" help me with my SSI ... ?

"If a person does not have SSI we will help her apply. We also advocate for members in regards to their SSI, we assist in proper reporting (i.e. if someone begins working), and we also assist with annual reviews." (answer from Tim Morrisse)
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Whom do I talk to about becoming a member ... ?

Requirement for Village Membership is:

  1. Adult (18 years or older) living in the Long Beach Area
  2. Axis I diagnosis (Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depression)
  3. Homeless or Incarcerated, or risk of being so.

If you have more questions call Meggan Gibson at (562) 437-6717 ext. 287, or email her at mgibson@mhala.org

For information about a tour or visiting the facilities, please scroll down and contact the Training Department-  Sara Ford 562-437-6717 *314

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How can  I get Colette's number... ?

Colette is a very pretty PSC, who has many admirers. She will probably have had quite a "lengthy talk" with  the person who is making this website once she reads this FAQ, however, this question was on the list, and therefore needed to be addressed.

You may be able to get her number by asking her for it.  Colette is a Personal Service Coordinator, PSC, (comparable to what other agencies may call a case manager).   There are 9 PSCs on each of our 5 service coordination teams (about and each PSC has a case load of about 17 people.  Each staff member at the Village is free to choose whether or not he or she wants to give members his/her home phone number as one of the many ways to intentionally blur boundaries between members and staff.

                          

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How is the Village Funded...?

The Village gets money through AB 34 funding, billed primarily through MediCal. HAP has a variety of different funding sources- from HUD, SHIA grants, to AB 34 funding.
 

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What does an average day look like for a staff person?
"There are no average days.  That is the beauty of my job" - Erin Von Fempe, Team Director
"Everyday is an everything can happen day." -Joe Ruiz, Associate Director
 

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  How do I visit/tour the Village? Whom should I contact?

Due to a large demand for site visits, information and tours, the Village holds a 3 hour presentation/tour called the Mini-Immersion once a month on a Wednesday from 9-1. Visitors attend the Wednesday morning meeting from 9-10 am, followed by a presentation of our program structure and service philosophy, a tour of the Village and then lunch in our member-operated Deli where you can visit with other staff and members. There is no charge for the training and lunch is $5.  For more information contact:

Charis Walth- cwalth@mhala.org, (562) 437-6717 *254