Healing Out Loud
Peer Support Recovery and Leadership Programming in Mental Health Recovery Build Tomorrow’s Community Leaders Jesse Shaw’s mental health recovery story reflects how lived experience can become a source of peer support recovery and advocacy that empowers others on similar journeys. A Journey Fueled by Lived Experience As we celebrate Interim’s 50th anniversary, we are proud […]
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS – May 30, 2025
Celebrating Service in the Mental Health Community Award Winners – Left Photo: Kevin Gast, Program Director, MCHOME Program, Interim, Inc.- Middle Photo: Lorena Lopez, Patient Services Representative, Juvenile Justice Team, Monterey County Children’s Behavioral Health; Right Photo: Elizabeth Barrell, Community Support Worker II, MCHOME Program, Interim, Inc. Award WInners – Left Photo: Susan Brier, Group […]
From the Streets to Stability: Ricardo Finds a New Chapter with Interim
When Ricardo arrived at Sunflower Gardens, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done something like this,” he said. “I was nervous. But now—I’m really happy here.”For Ricardo, this moment is part of a bigger story—a story of recovery, resilience, and rediscovering what it means to feel safe and at […]
A Transformative Legacy: Maureen Lavengood & 50 Years of Housing, Healing, and Hope
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 in the field of social work. Growing up in Salinas, Maureen returned after earning […]
Living Well, Means Living Together: One Resident’s Testimonial
For over 20 years, longtime resident John has called his apartment with Interim home. He first connected with the organization with help from his father and started out in Shelter Cove, a transitional supportive housing program. Not long after, he moved into his current permanent home in Monterey, where he’s built a life of independence, […]
Interim’s Nursing Intern Program Partnership Continues to Thrive Under Nursing Administrator Sonja Sheppard’s Leadership
Interim, Inc. continues to lead the way in educating future nurses through meaningful partnerships with local colleges and universities. Building upon the success of Interim’s social work intern program, the organization recognized a critical need for skilled nurses within its various programs, prompting the establishment of a structured nursing internship program. Under the expert guidance […]
Celebrating 50 Years – A ‘Brief’ History of Interim
Interim, Inc. has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1975. What started as a small initiative by families, faith leaders, social workers, and business leaders to support individuals transitioning from state hospitals into community living has grown into one of Monterey County’s most impactful nonprofits. In 2025, Interim is celebrating an incredible […]
Longtime Interim Supporter and Former Board Member Maureen Lavengood Receives Prestigious National ‘Heart of Social Work’ Award
Maureen Lavengood, a cherished long-time supporter, donor, former Board member, and dedicated volunteer of Interim, Inc., was recently honored with the national Heart of Social Work Award by the North American Network of Field Educators and Directors (NANFED). The prestigious award was presented by California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) during their Social Work Celebration […]
Interim Welcomes Three New Board Members
Interim welcomes Arthur Turqueza and Lynna Hilts to the board of directors, and is thrilled to have John Stafsnes return to the board this year. Arthur Turqueza, LMFT Arthur is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. He has worked for multiple Bay Area and Peninsula recovery facilities that specialize in drug and alcohol recovery and […]
Interim Opens Hope Housing Program
Earlier this year, Interim, Inc., in partnership with Monterey County Behavioral Health and Sun Street Centers, started serving clients in Hope Housing. This housing is geared towards those who are homeless and experiencing the need for specialty mental health services, especially those individuals referred through CARE court. Interim is providing a range of wrap-around supportive […]