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- How did we determine which questions to put on our
FAQ list ... ?
- What is this place ... ?
- Do people live at the Village ... ?
- Can "they" help me with my SSI ...
?
- Whom do I talk to about becoming a member ... ?
- How is the Village
Funded...?
- What
does an average day look like for a staff person...?
| 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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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).
No, 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.
"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)
The Village Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) is the triage center for membership. There is a no wrong door approach in HAP and anyone who is interested in receiving services should feel free to come during drop-in center hours. Before coming, please review the information below to better understand the eligibility criteria for enrollment.
Requirement for Village Membership is:
- Adult (18 years or older) living in the Long Beach Area
- Axis I diagnosis (Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Major
Depression)
- Unserved, Underserved (i.e. needs more intense services), or Innapropriately Served (i.e. culturally innapropriate services)
In addition, one (or more) of the below must apply within the last 12 months:
Institutionalized* (Institute of Mental Disease or State Hospital)
Several County Hospitalizations*
Persistently Homeless
Incarcerated*
In Imminent Risk (without family support)
Frequent user of Urgent Care Clinics
*Note: Requests for enrollment for people coming from State Hospitals, IMDs, Jails, & County Hospitals must be referred through the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Adult Navigators. For more information, please contact the Long Beach/South Bay Geographic Initiative at (562) 435-3037.
If you would like more specific information about Village enrollment eligibility criteria, please 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-
Charis Walth (562) 437-6717 x254 cwalth@mhala.org
The Village is funding primarily as a Full Service Partnership through the Mental Health Services Act-MHSA (formerly Proposition 63). For more information about Full Service Partnerships (FSPs), please visit the LA County MHSA website and click on the"Full Service Partnerships" link under the correct age group heading.
The Village Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) is funded by a variety of different sources including the City of Long Beach, Save Haven, HUD, & the Chronic Homeless Program.
Back to Top
"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
Back to Top
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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
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