On November 14, 2023, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) held its highly anticipated quarterly All-Agency Meeting at Almansor Court in Alhambra.
This event brought together staff and interns from our various programs in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley Regions for a day filled with informative sessions and engaging activities. The day commenced with a warm welcome from our esteemed CEO, Bruce Boardman, who took the opportunity to recognize interns, new employees, and those attending their first All-Agency Meeting.
Kristine Larsen, a member of the board of directors, and Ulysses Gutierrez, the president of the board of directors, shared inspiring words that resonated with the organization’s commitment to recovery. Their insights reinforced the importance of the work being done and the impact it has on the lives of those we serve.
Embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving, the All-Agency Meeting incorporated a creative introduction activity: “Pass the Turkey” which allowed attendees to get to know each other by sharing their names, the program they work in, and their favorite Thanksgiving dish. In addition to this ice breaker, Dr. Anna Lee, Director of Innovation, added a dynamic touch to the agenda by organizing a networking activity for attending interns. This activity aimed to foster connections and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, all while encouraging interns to collect valuable business cards for professional development.
Melanie Arellano, Regional Director of Los Angeles Programs, took the stage to deliver an informative presentation on professional attire in the workplace. The presentation highlighted the significance of dressing for success and making a positive first impression. Melanie covered the dos and don’ts of professional attire as outlined in the organization’s employee handbook.
A standout feature of the event was the “Dress to Impress” fashion show, a unique group activity where each table selected a model and a fashion coordinator. Each model showcased professional attire gathered from the generous donations brought in by all attendees. Additionally, some models took the opportunity to present examples of what not to wear in a professional setting, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the event. The donated clothes are intended to support our residents and participants, aiding them in securing employment by providing them with professional clothing options.
The Community Relations Team recognized employee engagement through an email contest, aiming to keep staff informed about organizational news. Five winners emerged from the contest, and two more were drawn from a pool of most engaged employees. The contest prizes offered a sneak peek of an upcoming merch shop, that will allow employees to purchase work-appropriate clothing with the SMRS logo, as well as other gift items like teddy bears and tote bags.
To conclude the event, CEO Bruce Boardman opened the floor for a Q&A session. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about the organization, receive updates on upcoming events, and express gratitude for the hard work and collaboration within the Social Model Recovery Systems community.
Social Model Recovery Systems’ third quarterly All-Agency Meeting was a resounding success, highlighting the organization’s commitment to professional growth, community support, and employee engagement. As the year progresses, Social Model Recovery Systems remains dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion and making a positive impact.
