On March 17, 2026, Mid Valley Outpatient (MVOP), a program of Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), welcomed community partners and providers to its El Monte facility for a Community Providers Meeting focused on connection, collaboration, and recovery.
The gathering brought together organizations and professionals who share a common goal of supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and helping people access the services they need to move forward.
Mid Valley Outpatient Program Director Gerry Barraza opened the meeting by welcoming guests and thanking them for taking the time to attend, especially on a warm afternoon. He shared that the event was an opportunity to introduce the Mid Valley Outpatient team, highlight the services offered at the program, and strengthen partnerships with organizations that help support participants in the community.
During the presentation, guests learned more about the services Mid Valley provides for both adolescents and adults, including:
- Individual counseling
- Therapy sessions
- Group sessions
Levels of care offered at Mid Valley include:
- 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- 1.0 Outpatient Program (OP)
- 0.5 Early Intervention Program
All services are available in both English and Spanish to better serve the diverse communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
MVOP also supports participants through care coordination, helping connect them to mental health services, medical care, school resources, and other community programs. Another service highlighted was contingency management, an incentive-based program that supports participants working toward stimulant abstinence by providing rewards for maintaining negative stimulant test results over time.
Guests also learned about improvements being made through the county-funded RYSE Reset Program, which focuses on enhancing spaces designed specifically for adolescents. During the event, attendees were invited to tour the facility and see a former office being transformed into a dedicated adolescent room. The goal is to create a welcoming and engaging environment where young people feel comfortable and supported as they begin their recovery journey.
One of the most powerful parts of the meeting came when an “alumni of MVOP” shared his personal recovery story. He spoke openly about years of struggling with relapse before finally accepting help and embracing the support offered through recovery programs. With honesty and gratitude, he shared how the guidance he received from counselors, peers, and recovery groups helped him rebuild his life.
Today, he remains committed to his recovery and is determined to give back to others facing similar challenges. He recently completed a program to become a Peer Support Specialist and continues to stay connected to his recovery community while encouraging others to believe that change is possible.
Following his story, Mike Schaub, Senior Director of Community Relations at SMRS, thanked him for sharing and reflected on how powerful it is to see someone move through the stages of recovery and rebuild their life. He also recognized the Mid Valley staff for the warm welcome they gave guests, and for the important work they do each day supporting participants.
The meeting also included a “60-second commercial,” in which each guest had a chance to briefly introduce their organization, share the services they offer, and discuss how they support the community. This gave everyone an opportunity to learn about one another’s programs and explore ways to connect and collaborate.
Attendees also spent time meeting one another, touring the facility, and learning more about Mid Valley’s programs. Many guests enjoyed tacos and refreshments while chatting, getting to know one another, and sharing ideas about how their organizations can work together to better support the community.
This kind of networking event helps build stronger connections and partnerships so more individuals and families can access the care, resources, and encouragement they need on their recovery journey. It also reflects what Social Model Recovery Systems is all about: bringing people together, strengthening partnerships, and working collectively to help more individuals and families in our communities.
