Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) recently held its quarterly All-Agency Meeting, bringing together staff from across programs and departments.
CEO Bruce Boardman welcomed everyone and shared reflections from participant surveys collected across SMRS programs. Rather than beginning with reports or statistics, Bruce centered the conversation on the voices of the people served every day. He read comments from participants/residents from the programs who spoke regarding personal growth, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Some shared that they were “learning and becoming a better person,” while others spoke about finding stability, rebuilding confidence, and staying sober. Bruce reminded everyone that behind every survey response is a real person with a real story and the impact staff continue to make each day through compassion, consistency, and support, and encouraged everyone to carry those stories with them as a reminder of the purpose behind the work they do.
Director of Human Resources Joyce Y. then offered updates on employee benefits. She welcomed Michelle Silva of Gallagher Insurance to present information on the organization’s health benefits and available employee resources. The presentation gave staff a chance to learn more about their medical plan options, employee support resources, open enrollment information, and healthcare coverage. Employees were encouraged to review their benefits carefully, ask questions, and learn more about resources to support themselves and their families.
Medication Management Coordinator Somer Harrison-Mierau took time to recognize the nursing teams across SMRS and thank them for the care, compassion, and support they provide every day, especially as Nurse Week approaches. She spoke about the important role nurses play in the recovery journey through the comfort, encouragement, and consistency they provide to those they serve. Her words reminded everyone how valued and appreciated their work truly is.
Following lunch, Senior Director of Prevention Services Charles Porter led a cultural presentation on Cinco de Mayo and the importance of prevention, cultural awareness, and community awareness. Charles shared the history behind Cinco de Mayo and discussed how cultural celebrations have often been used in alcohol marketing and industry practices. His presentation encouraged staff to think more deeply about prevention, education, and cultural understanding, and to connect those conversations to the ongoing prevention work across SMRS.
The afternoon also included a presentation highlighting Department of Mental Health (DMH) services across SMRS programs. Program Director Gloria Loera of River Community Covina and Wellness Center, River Community Covina Program Manager Ellaine Hansen, River Community’s Daniel Lugo, River Community Primary Counselor for our DMH Program K.D. Harryman and the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Full-Service Partnership Program Director, Ellen Striverson, shared information about their programs and the support available through DMH-funded services. The presenters discussed the significance of integrated care, case management, psychological health support, and the creation of protected settings where participants can continue to build stability and recovery.
CEO Bruce Boardman closed the event with a Q&A. He encouraged staff to ask questions and share ideas about programs, services, and initiatives. This reminder of our shared mission aims to inspire confidence and motivate staff to continue their impactful work supporting recovery and community strength.
