Recent News
Tobacco-Free Partnership Covina/West Covina announces Breathe Better Live Better campaign for Smoke-Free Housing in Covina.
On September 29th, 2021, SMRS’ Tobacco-Free Partnership of Covina/West Covina held the Breathe Better Live Better community forum to explore secondhand smoking regulations in Covina. This event allowed residents, health care professionals, and property managers to express their views regarding secondhand smoke regulations. While the forum was held online, some residents gathered in person at the City Grill in downtown Covina, and Mayor Jorge Marquez stopped by as well.
The forum was moderated by Primo Castro from the American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network. He introduced our panelists Daniel Yukelson, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, Melanie Hardy, and Tim Hanes of Emanate Health. Following the brief presentations by the panelists, we began the question-and-answer session led by Joe Rodriguez, Stamp Out Smoke (SOS) Covina Coalition. The session allowed community members to ask questions regarding the health benefits of smoke-free multi-unit housing among others.
The forum is one of three ways we are gathering community input. There is a survey link to our Breathe Better website and also a form to collect testimonials. The Breathe Better website is open until October 15, 2021. Please visit www.breathbetterlivebetter.com to submit your survey or leave your testimonial to support smoke-free housing for Covina residents!
Watch the recorded forum of Breathe Better Live Better campaign for Smoke-Free Housing in Covina here.
Citizens Business Bank recently hosted its 36th annual Charity Golf tournament to raise money for local non-profit organizations.
Albert Grant (Kitchen Supervisor at Rena B), John Catania (Executive Assistant), and Anna Lee (Director of Innovations) had the opportunity to represent Social Model Recovery Systems in the tournament held at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, CA.
This fundraising event presented a great opportunity to network with executive leadership from private businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as philanthropists. Although we did not place, Team SMRS played well, and Anna Lee won an award for the women’s longest drive contest.
Each year, Citizens Business Bank donates proceeds to multiple organizations that are dedicated to making a positive impact on local communities.
In celebration of the National Recovery Month, Social Model Recovery Systems joined the OC Recovery Connection Rally last Saturday, September 25, in Kiwanis Land Park, Garden Grove, CA. The purpose of the event is to build a network of resources for individuals and family to heal and create growth in recovery.
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Thank you to those who dropped by at our booth and always remember, no matter what you’re experiencing, help is always available to support you & those around you.
Pedram Moshfegh, Acting Program Director at Royal Palms recently presented Royal Palms LGBTQ+ Residential Treatment Program to the Transgender Advisory Council of the City of Los Angeles.
The purpose of the presentation was to inform the Trans Community that there are some resources available for them at Royal Palms, and that we do not condone violence nor discrimination to any gender or ethnicity.
We, at Royal Palms, are focusing on how to help and serve a member of the LGBTQ+ community since hate crimes against LGBTQ+ have risen in the past years. According to the FBI, hate crimes are on the rise nationally and that most of the incidents are directed towards the members of the LGBTQ+ community.
At Royal Palms LGBTQ+ Residential Treatment, we welcome and affirm person of every race, ethnicity, gender, religion, marital standing, physical or mental ability, economic status, nationality, race, and sexual identity. We are committed to serving and helping any individuals who seek for help regardless of who they are.
Royal Palms LGBTQ+ Residential Treatment is located in central Los Angeles, an ideal location for adults seeking recovery and a new start in life.
Our mission is to strive to be of maximum service to our residents and our community. We are a nurturing and supportive program focusing on providing the tools and resources needed to embrace second chances and a life of integrity and success.
To celebrate Mexico's Independence Day on September 16, the Rena B staff hosted a Cultural Awareness Celebration highlighting the monumental achievement that Mexico gained when they painstakingly won their freedom from Spanish rule.
Commonly confused with Cinco de Mayo in the U.S., this holiday celebrates the moment when Father Hidalgo called for Mexico's independence from Spain in September 1810. The moment, which became known as the "Grito de Dolores, was the start of the 11-year Mexican War of Independence that resulted in Mexico gaining freedom from Spain after being under colonial rule for over 300 years.
Mexicans around the globe celebrated the anniversary of the country's independence from Spain. The day was commemorated through presentations of a beautiful painting by two residents and historical accounts of Mexican Independence Day delivered by residents and staff. Concluding the event, our housekeeper Elvira Gonzalez, made a wonderfully authentic culinary masterpiece from scratch, Pozole, for the residents, and staff to savor a taste of Mexico.
In remembrance of all those who perished on 9/11/2001, Royal Palms viewed the film FLIGHT 93. The facilitators prefaced the film with reassurance of support if needed. Our residents were reminded of the coping skills they could also employ. All the residents were enthralled and there was an air of dignity in the room. It was mentioned that many of our residents were toddlers and babies when this horrific national tragedy occurred.
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The last 16 months have been a struggle for everyone due to the pandemic. Opportunities to soak up sun rays at one of Southern California’s most picturesque and beautiful beaches were limited. However, recently our residents of the luxurious Rena B were privileged to partake of this leisure-filled, therapeutic, safe, and sober outing. Enjoying the beach while clean and sober meant residents being present to the feel of the sun and salt air, the sound of the waves and music, the smell of the ocean and sand, and the connection with one another and the staff. Now that's a sensory experience that is good for the soul and recovery. Our beach outing was good for the residents and for the Rena B staff (Brandon, Jennifer, James, Nicole, Donnie and David) who worked together to make the trip happen. The teamwork strengthened our connections and the setting allowed us to bond in a new way after working hard for the last 16 months. And it reintroduced many of us to the beach after years of not visiting.
