Self-Help Resources

County Mental Health is committed to centers for clients and family members to provide peer support, activities, groups and education for one another. There are a number of organizations developed to provide individuals and families information and referral services.

• The Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) Drop-in Center is a client run program offering a range of supports and social amenities including coffee, phone access, and a place to socialize or get information about community and mental health resources. MHCAN also offers art, writing, guitar classes, peer support groups and hospital visiting. A computer lab offers Internet access and homework assistance. MHCAN will provide rides to MHCAN, River Street Shelter, doctors, therapists, and the Emeline Campus. Currently open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. including most County holidays, except Sundays. In addition, MHCAN Peer Counselors provide drop-in services and support at 1400 Emeline Avenue in the multipurpose room on Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. MHCAN is located at 1051 Cayuga/Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. For more information and current monthly schedules, contact Bonnie Schell or Greg Warren at (831) 469-0462.

• The Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC) is a program of the Volunteer Center. It offers education, information referrals, technical assistance, community outreach and volunteer opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities, their families, friends, teachers, colleagues, employers and therapists. For more information call (831) 458-1923.

Vocational/Employment Resources

• Community Connection Custom Mailing Services is an in-house, competitive mailing service, located at 300 Harvey West Blvd., in Santa Cruz, which hires individuals with psychiatric disabilities and offers quality service and competitive prices to the community. By working at Community Mailing Services (CMS), individuals have the opportunity to gain work experience, earn a paycheck, and learn all facets of the bulk mail business. Some workers move up to supervisor positions within the mailing service, while some use the work experience as preparation for competitive employment in the community. For more information call (831) 425-8132.
• Career Services is a program of Community Connection, which assists individuals in choosing, preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. Participants set their individual career goals and take advantage of the various support services available. There are classes to assist individuals in determining career goals and in identifying and removing barriers to employment. Job-search assistance is available, including help with resumes, applications, and employer contacts. Individuals may also receive assistance in maintaining their employment including job coaching, weekly job-support group and individual support from Career Services staff as needed. This component has offices at 300 Harvey West Blvd., in Santa Cruz and at 10 Carr Street in Watsonville. For more information call (831) 425-8132 or (831) 768-8132.

• The College Connection component of Career Services provides support, academic guidance, and practical assistance for individuals who choose to pursue education at the community college in preparation for their career goal. College Connection is located within Disabled Students Services at Cabrillo College and can be reached at (831) 479-6512.

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