Frank X. Moraga
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805
While in theory the idea of a smaller, more financially accountable government sounds like a good thing, often those government cutbacks adversely affect those most in need — the poor, the disabled, the un- and underemployed.
As a result, the private and nonprofit sectors often have to step in or partner with government agencies to fill those growing needs for services in the community.
For those affected by mental health issues, one option is the Wellness Center in Oxnard operated by the nonprofit Turning Point Foundation, which has a contract with Ventura County Behavioral Health.
The center, at 2697 Saviers Road in Oxnard, is located behind Wal-Mart in the Centerpoint Mall. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Wellness Center provides a welcoming place for those with mental health challenges to receive peer support and take part in a variety of programs to better cope with such issues as anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.
During a typical week members can come in for coffee and lunch and take part in peer-directed sessions on art and wellness, mind power, wellness fun, dating and relationships, relaxation and yoga, along with a monthly eXpresso experience sharing session.
All services are provided free of change under the caring supervision program manager Laura Flores.
The center is currently expanding its efforts to reach out to the Spanish speaking Latino community, and to the Mixteco community, said John Garcia, outreach coordinator for the “Centro de Bienestar.”
“We are averaging about 15 people a day and 25 to 30 people on Saturday,” Garcia said; the facility can accommodate 50 to 60. “We definitely don’t have the numbers that we should have of Mixteco and Spanish-speaking members. We are trying to get the word out through articles in the local papers and radio interviews. Half of our staff speak Spanish and we are looking at hiring a Mixteco peer worker.”
Garcia has also been reaching out to area churches, group homes and other locations to help the Spanish-speaking community learn about and use the Wellness Center.
Peer workers, many who are overcoming drug, alcohol or mental health challenges, receive extensive training including how to help people deal with bipolar and other issues the members may have.
“We have people to teach them how to eat well, how to exercise and we do group programs on meditation, a cooking club and groups all in Spanish,” Garcia said. “They are totally facilitated by the members and by the peers. They run the center,” with the goal of empowering members to take charge of their lives.
The nonprofit Turning Point Foundation was established in 1988 to serve the needs of mentally ill adults. It serves more than 500 clients each year through its shelter, supported housing and rehabilitation programs.
The Wellness Center receives funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health and referrals from the county and from the Hillmont Psychiatric Center in Ventura.
The Wellness Center is expected to add even more members when Ventura County Behavioral Health relocates part of a mental health clinic nearby at the Centerpoint Mall.
Contact Laura Flores or John Garcia at 805-653-5045 or visit http://www.turningpointfoundation.org/programs/adult_wellness.html for more information about the Wellness Center.
— Frank X. Moraga is editor/publisher of Amigos805. He has served as business editor, director of diversity and general manager of a bilingual publication at the Ventura County Star, and as a reporter in the community editions of the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Daily News.
