Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Editor’s note: Youth Recovery Connections’ planned purchase for a building to host its services including medical treatment fell through at the last moment, according to Executive Director Michael Salinas. The organization is seeking a new site at last report.
Youth Recovery Connections plans on offering treatment services within the next few years. That’s thanks to a $1.2 million grant from Prop. 1, a state bond measure designed to fund mental health services across California.
The organization is a nonprofit in San Benito County. Right now, it offers substance abuse intervention and prevention services for at-risk youth.
Executive Director Michael Salinas said that the grant money is a big deal for the organization and the community.
“Because we are a smaller organization, it’s definitely going to not only expand our services but to give the community what they deserve,” Salinas said.
Youth Recovery Connections used the money to purchase a building to expand their services.
According to Salinas, the organization has to wait until receiving the proper licensure to offer treatment services. Once that’s done, the facility will be able to provide medical treatment.
Salinas estimated Youth Recovery Connections currently serves 70 people.
Prop. 1 was passed in March 2024, and includes a provision that distributes $6.4 billion for mental health services all over California.
CalMatters has reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom awarded the first half of the money in May. It’s intended to fund more than 5,000 treatment beds and 21,800 outpatient treatment slots for people struggling with addiction or mental health.
Organizations have to apply for the money to receive it. So far, Youth Recovery Connections is the only organization in San Benito County to receive funding from the bond. Applications for the remaining funding are open until October 28.
Salinas said that with the money, Youth Recovery Connections can reduce the strain on the county Office of Behavioral Health.
“Because it’s a rural county, I think that all of the burden is kind of put on San Benito County Behavioral Health,” Salinas said. “And although I think that they’re doing a great job, I just think that this community is growing so fast, I think that there is not one provider that could provide all the services for this population.”
Salinas also said that he hopes to eventually open a sobriety center.
“We’ve been talking to different stakeholders in the community to hopefully get their buy-in, and things seem to be going pretty well with that,” Salinas said.
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.
We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. It is expensive to produce local news and community support is what keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service, nonprofit news.
You must be logged in to post a comment.