Maureen Lavengood’s legacy is one of quiet determination, passionate mentorship, and transformative community-building—spanning half a century of service to Monterey County. Her story isn’t just one of accomplishments; it’s a testament to how one person’s steadfast support can shape countless lives.
Growing up in Salinas, Maureen returned after earning her master’s in social work in Washington, D.C., driven by a desire to engage in meaningful community work. She became immersed in adult mental health services during the closure of state hospitals, when individuals with serious mental illness were returning to the community with few resources.
In response to this gap, Maureen joined a group of local leaders—including her husband Wayne, mental health officials, educators, and advocates—who began envisioning a better way. That vision became Interim, Inc. “We wanted people to have more than treatment,” she recalled. “They needed dignity. They needed to be part of a community.”
Though she did not oversee housing development, her role as a founding board member and later as a county contract monitor was instrumental in shaping Interim’s values: client-centered care, housing with support services, and respect for the humanity of those served. After stepping down due to a conflict of interest, she continued her work at Monterey County Behavioral Health, where she helped pioneer the children’s behavioral health system.
After retiring in 2006, Maureen returned to Interim as a mentor to the next generation of social workers. Recognizing the need for trained professionals in the region, she helped launch the Master of Social Work program at CSU Monterey Bay in 2011 and became one of its field instructors. She mentored 66 interns at Interim—many of whom now serve as managers, directors, and board members, including Eva Montes-Portis.
One of those interns, now Clinical and Program Development Officer Dr. Jane Odegard, shared, “She taught us that social work is about relationships—caring deeply about people and meeting them exactly where they are. Her approach shaped not just my career, but how I see the world.”
In 2024, Maureen was honored with the Heart of Social Work Award from the North American Network of Field Educators and Directors (NANFED), presented by CSU Monterey Bay during their annual Social Work Celebration. The award recognized her decades of service, mentorship, and leadership in addressing the regional workforce gap in behavioral health.
“Maureen didn’t just supervise interns; she invested in them,” said Barbara Mitchell, Interim’s retired Executive Director and longtime friend. “She helped them navigate personal challenges and facilitated their entry into the professional world.”
Reflecting on her life’s work, Maureen said, “Being a founding mother of Interim, it has always been near and dear to my heart. I stayed committed because it wasn’t just work—it was impact being made.”
As Interim celebrates 50 years of housing, healing, and hope, Maureen’s contributions remind us that the heart of any organization is its people—those who lead with compassion, listen with intention, and build with care.