[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_style” images=”11327,11331,11329,11328,11330″ onclick=”link_no” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The 2018 Annual Mental Health Awareness Banquet, organized by Interim’s OMNI program, brought a crowd of more than 175 consumers, staff, family members and supporters to the Embassy Suites in Seaside on May 4th. This year was creatively themed after Stars Wars. May 4th is also Star Wars day, observed by fans of the franchise. The late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia from Star Wars, also lived with bipolar disorder. The event included an art show, a three-course dinner, dancing, and award presentations. Savannah Alvarez, a Wellness Navigator for Interim, served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Amie Miller, Monterey County’s Behavioral Health Bureau Director, praised the volunteers for their service and noted how Interim really works to create a spirit of community where people reach out to and support each other, helping clients through every step of their recovery.
Kontrena honored Interim’s Success Over Stigma speakers. Success Over Stigma volunteers are taught public speaking skills, to tell their story to others, and instill hope in their peers.
Tammie DeFrece gave the keynote address, and shared how Interim’s many services, including housing, treatment, supportive services, and volunteering opportunities, are helping to facilitate her recovery.
A total of 94 agency volunteers were honored. Interim Board Member John Stafsnes handed out awards to volunteers present.
Sue Ellen Stringer was the winner of this year’s Kristin Hart Memorial Award, given in memory of a former Interim resident to consumers who inspire leadership in others. Sue Ellen is a former board and staff member of Interim, as well as a consumer.
Next year’s banquet is already being planned! Donations are needed to help subsidize the banquet so that tickets can be kept affordable for consumers. For many residents, the banquet is the highlight of their year. If you can help sponsor the 2018 banquet, please return a check in the donation envelope, noting it is for the 2017 Mental Health Awareness Banquet or contact Jocelyn Brady, Development Officer, at 649-4522 ext. 205.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
