A 2-1-1 operator for a day

by Erik Sternad
Executive Director, Interface Children & Family Services

Ventura County Together (VCT) executed a fundraising campaign last week to help support the 40 organizations in our county serving the hungry, the homeless, those without health coverage and in need of information and referrals. I’ve been a member of VCT for the last two years and in order to do my part in raising awareness and raising money, I decided to make this campaign personal… I spent last week trying to experience some of the many challenges that people in our community go through. I went hungry for a day, I slept in my car, and then I spent a few hours answering calls in our 2-1-1 information and referral call center. These were symbolic gestures meant to bring awareness to the need for basic services in our community, but I also learned a lot along the way.

I’ve wanted to answer information and referral calls at 2-1-1 since I first came to Interface, and I was delighted to handle 9 calls - mostly by myself on Friday afternoon! The gracious 2-1-1 staff helped me navigate the database screens, while I did the talking on the phone. They only put me on Ventura County calls (not the other seven counties we serve with 2-1-1…whew!). I gave referrals for domestic violence shelters, bilingual counseling, rental assistance and animal control. I remember handling these kinds of information and referral calls when I was working my way through graduate school, but it’s been a long time.

The best call that I received on Friday was from a single mother with a young child and two elderly parents. This young woman was the only breadwinner for this family, and she was facing a foreclosure and imminent eviction on their home of over 20 years. You could hear the relief in her voice as we helped her with temporary housing support, credit counseling (to help advocate for her with the bank foreclosing on their house), and CalFresh (food stamps) support, for which she easily qualified given the number of mouths she was feeding on her own.  I experienced first hand that 2-1-1 is a powerful resource. Now another family has a shot at re-making their future because of one phone call, and the community resources that will flow from it.

Moments like that remind me of why I’m honored to work at Interface.

Why would I go without food for 24 hours?

by Erik Sternad
Executive Director, Interface Children & Family Services

In my 48 years on the planet, I’ve never gone without food for 24 hours. That seems amazing now that I have put it in writing. So what would compel me to go without food all day on Tuesday? 

I have been supporting the Ventura County Together (vctogether.org) fundraising blitz week and been part of the planning committee for this effort for several months. VCT is a group of 40 local non-profits all focused on addressing the unmet basic needs of so many across our county – the hungry homeless, sick and disconnected.

One morning last week as I woke up, this idea hit me:  I needed to devote one day for each of the areas that VCT supports (food, shelter, healthcare, 2-1-1). So Tuesday was a day of fasting, a small sacrifice to “join” those who were also hungry yesterday in our community.

After skipping breakfast, I was fine until about 11:45am when I started to notice the food in my office, and the food that my colleagues were eating here at Interface. I realized what it must be like for kids who went to school hungry on Tuesday, seeing their friends with their Lunchables and sodas, and getting that tight feeling inside – a quiet humiliation, of going without.

At about 1:30pm, I put a sticky note on my “snack drawer” in my office just in case I got distracted and reached for one of the snacks. I didn’t dare look inside the drawer! How could it be that in our country, in one of the wealthiest counties in our state, we have kids hungry this afternoon? What are we doing wrong as a society that we keep plowing forward without stopping to pick up the little ones? I remember that someone once said as a society we are measured by how we treat those who are most vulnerable amongst us. We’ve got work to do.

I received a few encouraging Facebook posts in the afternoon, and the couple of donations that came in that day were especially uplifting. At those moments I didn’t mind being a little hungry – it’s working!

By dinner time I was watching the clock. I always grab a cookie or a bite of something as soon as I walk in the door from work, so I was feeling lost and realized four times that my body had walked over to the snacks on the counter. “You can do it, you only have until 10:30pm,” I told myself. “Why did you eat so late yesterday evening? If you last ate at 6pm we’d be done by now…” Yes, I was actively arguing with myself.

I kept myself busy with a project at home, but when I sat down to read at 9:00pm, I was actually having a hard time concentrating! It took extra effort to focus my thoughts and track the text. My thoughts again went to that hungry child who I imagined at the same time staring at her homework – “got to think, think, think…” What a horrible extra burden to lay on a hungry child.

By the time 10:30pm rolled around, I was so ready to savor that first bite of an Austrian pastry that my wife had made the day earlier. I usually give thanks for my food, but this time, I was sobered by the opportunity to eat.

Maybe that’s what we’ve done, is we’ve forgotten that eating is a gift, an opportunity and a blessing. I hope many join the VC Together effort to raise funds for our local food providers today – they have more mouths to feed these days and without a whole lot of money to do it with. In the end, I just want to find a way to assure that that young girl in my imagination two days ago has food for tomorrow.

(You can learn more and donate online at VCTogether.org or text VCT to 27722. Thank you!)

SPOTLIGHT: Executive Director, Erik Sternad

 

Interface Children & Family Services' Executive Director, Erik Sternad, took time out of his busy schedule for a quick Q&A!

Q.  Where were you born?

A.   Out in the High Desert in California.  My Dad came from Austria with the proverbial $125 in his pocket and a fresh Chemical Engineering degree to start a family in the states. We lived in a little mining outpost called, "Trona" right across from the huge Potash factory where my Dad landed his first job.

Q.  Will you briefly describe your educational background?

A.   B.S. in Psychology from UC Berkeley; M.S. in Marriage, Family Counseling from San Francisco State University

Q.  And, your work experience?

A.  I developed my own private practice in the Bay Area, treating children, couples and families.  I was particularly drawn to family therapy work and the power that families have for trouble but more importantly for good for every member. I also worked for several major hospitals in their inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units and came to appreciate the power of the multi-disciplinary team!  Many perspectives deepen one’s understanding of the client’s needs. After working for, then leading a non-profit treating kids and families with the most severe issues, I welcomed coming to Interface where we actually prevent problems for many kids and families even before they start!

Q.  How did you become involved with Interface?

A.  My best friend of 30 years lives in Simi Valley and was always trying to get me to move my family to Simi.  I almost missed the opening that Interface had for an Executive Director as I was caring for a family member after a major surgery!  The mission: “strengthening children, families and communities to be safe, healthy and thriving” was a perfect fit for me – what I had dedicated my career to.

Q.  How long have you worked with Interface?

A.  4 years.

Q.  What made you choose to do the type of work you are doing?   

A.   My Mom was a Social Worker and my Dad a Project Leader for large engineering projects, so leading a social service is pretty much like continuing in the family business…

I have always been drawn to helping kids.  I have 5 kids and 5 grandkids...there have always been kids at our house (playing, visiting, and temporarily living there), so I guess it’s pretty much always been about helping kids.  Early in my career, I was trained to understand that healthy families are necessary for healthy kids.  Interface reflects this in our multiple approaches towards strengthening families.

Q.  Since you’ve been involved with Interface, what story have you heard that sticks out in your mind?  The one you use to tell people about Interface?

A.  Susan is a 30-year old woman with one young child.  At 10 years old, Susan was abandoned by her mother and left with an male acquaintance.  This man sexually abused her and addicted her to drugs.  In order to pay for his drug habit, he prostituted this young child.  At the age of twelve, he abandoned her.  Addicted to drugs, she continued to live in the streets.  She has a long history of criminal offenses including drug use, prostitution, and burglary. Susan lived in the river bottom and continued to use, she was pregnant and covered with infected mosquito bites.  When she entered the hospital to deliver, she had not received any prenatal care and her infant was delivered drug addicted to meth.  The child was removed from Susan and placed in protective custody.  In order to regain her child, she would have to enter a drug rehab and prove herself a sober and responsible parent.  And so begins her journey towards sobriety.  During her stay at the rehab center, Susan began attending the Domestic Violence Community Support groups and finally started sharing her life of abuse: sexual, physical, emotional and abandonment.  She was never angry although she had every right to be; she was resolute. When her stay at the rehab ended, there were no shelters for her and her child.  At this point, the child was reunited with mother under certain terms. One was that she needed a stable environment to live in.  I received a call from her worker (CFS) who was advocating for shelter.  We were full at the emergency shelter but made some hasty changes to the living arrangement and placed her and her child.  Susan continued her sobriety and her sober living program while in shelter.  At the end of her 30 days, we had an available transitional home and placed her in our program with the condition that her drug and alcohol case manager would continue to assist. She did.  Susan has one year of sobriety, she is attending parenting classes, and she has bonded with her child.  She is continuing her therapy sessions, however, we don’t know yet if she will continue her path towards a clean, sober and violence free life.  Susan has had a horrific life but she is a strong woman and she has a beautiful child that she loves and loves her in return. She is in a safe environment and has many people cheering her on.  If it were not for our shelters, Susan would have become homeless and it is difficult to say where she and her child could be today.  

Q.  What makes you come to work everyday?

A.  I’m just always amazed at the steady stream of families that, despite the odds against them, continue to reach out for support and help for their children. Families have dreams for themselves and their kids, and despite their misfortune or suffering at the hands others, they keep striving for something better. When Interface is there to respond to those tremendous and overwhelming needs, we are at our best.

Q.  Are you involved in any other non-profit organizations and/or volunteer positions?

A.   The Christadelphian Church in Simi Valley, teaching Sunday School and my wife and I have been youth counselors for several years.  I also provide consultation for church members on a variety of mental health issues and concerns for their children and their families. I’m working with an international team on a resource website for Christadelphians worldwide.

Q.  What activities/hobbies do you enjoy?

A.   Golf, tennis, cycling, home remodeling and listening/occasionally playing jazz

Q.  Is there anything else you would like for us to know about? 

A.  I believe I could be a stand-up comedian, but my kids don’t think I’m funny at all…

Thanks for your time, Erik!  Until next time, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, "The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." 

Our Phones Are Ringing...

...off the hook! 

You may be surprised to learn that Interface Children & Family Services has been providing information & referral services for over 30 years but it has NEVER BEEN AS POWERFUL as it is now by simply dialing 2-1-1! 

I thought it would be nice to share with you examples of calls received by 2-1-1 Ventura County call specialists, in honor of their 6th anniversary celebration held at the beginning of this month and to highlight our just released 2010 Annual Community Report.   

  

An elderly woman we'll call Susan lives in Ventura and was referred to 2-1-1 by a social worker.  Susan called 2-1-1 for resources for her adult daughter who we'll call Jamie.  Jamie is autistic and Susan is concerned about how her daughter will cope if something happens to her mom.  Susan gained information about independent living resources so Jamie can learn to live on her own.  During a follow up call, Susan shared that she was able to connect with resources provided to her by 2-1-1.  Community Action will be able to help her with legal services and the Independent Living Resource Center is offering life skills training so Jamie can learn to be more self sufficient. Susan was happy and appreciative about receiving positive responses from the referral agencies and thanked 2-1-1 for their assistance.

  

A woman we'll call Judy lives in Fillmore and called 2-1-1 for rental assistance.  Judy explained that she receives housing assistance and had just passed her annual housing inspection when she received a notice from the bank.  She spoke with her landlord, who confirmed that the bank’s statement was true - she needed to vacate the premises.  Judy was confused about her housing options and whether her housing assistance would transfer to another home.  During a follow up call, Judy shared that, while she is still very angry about the situation, the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program through the Human Services Agency is helping her relocate and will help her with her deposit and rental assistance.  Judy thanked 2-1-1 for being helpful and patient when she called for assistance.

A man we'll call David lives in Oxnard and called 2-1-1 for rental assistance.  David explained that he was in a bind because his unemployment check was late.  He was frustrated and upset because he had fallen behind in the rent and was worried he wouldn't be able to keep his home.  During a follow up call, David explained that he received his unemployment check and he was able to pay his current rent and make payment arrangements for his back payments.  He had contacted Catholic Charities and although they did not have funds available at the time, they indicated that there would be funds available within the next few days that he could apply for to help pay his back payments. David was very appreciative, stating that his daughter would be able to visit for the summer since he was not going to lose his home.

An Oxnard woman we'll call Rosa contacted 2-1-1 after she and her two young children were evicted from their home.  Rosa explained that she is currently employed, but was not able to afford to pay her rent for the past three months because she only made enough money for food and other small bills.  Rosa was staying with the father of her children but was concerned that it was not a safe environment for them. The Call Specialist reviewed resources with Rosa and she was interested in referrals to agencies for help with housing and for her local Neighborhood for Learning (NfLs).  The Call Specialist encouraged Rosa to call back when she is ready for more assistance. 

These were just a few examples of the over 19,000 calls we receive each year.  2-1-1 provides information and referral services relating to counseling, domestic violence, employment, food assistance, health care, housing, legal assistance, senior services, services for children, substance abuse services, and so much more.  Be sure to tell all of your friends about 2-1-1 so they can "BE IN THE KNOW!"

2-1-1 Ventura County is a program of Interface Children & Family Services in partnership with United Way of Ventura County and First Five of Ventura County.  

For more information on ways you can support 2-1-1 Ventura County with a financial donation, please contact Marti DeLaO, Director of Fund Development at (805) 485-6114, x-641. 

Follow us on Facebook to learn more about the services Interface Children & Family Services provides!

The Umbrella of Mental Health Services

Defining mental health services - now there is a challenge.  Ask the lady sitting in the cubicle next to you and she'll most likely say, "Those homeless men down by San Jon, the schizophrenics, and all those who have bipolar disorder and hear voices."  While there may be some truth to your work neighbor's words, mental health deserves a true definition for all those people unaware of the fact that ADD, ADHD, autism, anorexia, bulimia, and so many others are also mental illnesses.

According to NAMI, mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.  Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.  Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income.  They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. They are treatable and most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.  In addition to medication treatment, psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, peer support groups and other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and that assist with recovery.

Therefore, mental health services for an organization must be vast and comprehensive.  Interface is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Ventura County.  Programs such as the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program; Parent Child Interaction Therapy; Child Abuse Treatment; the Program to Evaluate and Treat Sexual Abuse; Victims of Crime - Surviving to Thriving; the Oxnard Youth Services Bureau; Solutions, Recovery Classroom; Juvenile Drug Court; Child/Youth/Family Focused Emotional Wellness; Early Interventions 0-5 Years - Social & Emotional Wellness; and the Intensive Parenting Treatment Program are examples of the umbrella of mental health services that Interface provides. 

I decided to sit down with Mental Health Director, Joelle Vessels, to learn more about her personal experience and what drives her to do the type of work that most people wouldn't be able to leave at the office.

Where & what did you do prior to joining Interface?

"As a Marriage Family Therapist since 1990, I had a private practice for 11 years providing mental health treatment services to adults, families and children, in addition to contracts providing treatment services in residential treatment centers, shelters, and academic settings.  I’ve provided individual, family and group therapy to children and adults affected by trauma, abuse and mental health issues, conducted community presentations, facilitated workshops and authored a relationship enhancement column for a community newspaper in San Bernardino.  Just prior to coming to Interface, I was a therapist at a non public school working with probation and high risk youth who were gang involved.  I really enjoyed watching my clients come to recognize their potential and begin setting steps to bring them out of poverty or illiteracy.  It was also extremely sad when comforting the parents and family members of a child killed by gang violence."

What made you decide to do the work you are doing?

"It’s kind of hard to put into words what leads someone on the path towards a particular profession like a mental health profession. I suppose it’s a number of personal experiences. I can say that I’ve valued every job I’ve had in this profession and am rewarded by the work. I had been a therapist for 10 years when my oldest son was diagnosed with schizophrenia.  Navigating the various systems was certainly less complicated because of my profession.  Reducing the stigma of mental illness is an underlying theme in why I stay in the work. The stigma experienced by an individual with a biological brain disorder impacts the decisions that individual makes about their day to day life, impacts their self-esteem, what contributions they make to life.  Yep, I’d like to make an impact there for sure."

Given all the challenges involved in the type of work you do, what makes you come to work everyday?

"Interface is doing comprehensive work in the community and I’m a believer in that.  I work for an agency whose mission, vision and values I can support.  And I really enjoy my staff – meeting with them and being a part of the work they are doing with their teams."

Thanks, Joelle, for your insight!  Learn more about the mental health programs Interface provides and be sure to educate your family, friends, and neighbors on mental illnesses because according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 57.7 million or 1 in 4 people in the United States are affected.