In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) recently hosted two special Open House events in the San Gabriel Valley, at Mid Valley Outpatient (MVOP) in El Monte and the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD) in Pasadena.
The events welcomed youth, families, school partners, community providers, and local leaders for conversations focused on mental health, prevention, substance use awareness, healing, and connection. We aim to remind families that nobody has to face these challenges alone.
The free events were made possible through funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC).
SMRS has continued serving Los Angeles County through programs dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges for the past 40 years.
MID VALLEY OUTPATIENT (MVOP)
Mid Valley Outpatient (MVOP) welcomed youth, families, community partners, and providers for an Open House centered on connection, support, and hope.
MVOP Program Director Gerry Barraza welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of creating safe spaces where people can openly talk about mental health and substance use challenges without fear, shame, or judgment.
Jazmine Garcia Delgadillo, Health Deputy for LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, also attended and shared the importance of accessible behavioral health and mental health services for young people and families throughout the community.
An adolescent alumnus and his mother shared their family’s recovery journey. He spoke about how the program helped him feel supported, understood, and hopeful again. His mother openly shared the challenges their family faced and how support from MVOP helped rebuild their relationship and bring healing to their family. Many attendees were deeply moved by their story and inspired by how healing, connection, and hope all go hand in hand throughout the recovery journey.
Their story deeply touched many attendees and served as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that families do not have to go through these challenges alone.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the facility, meet staff, connect with community resources, enjoy food and games, and build relationships in a welcoming and supportive environment.
PASADENA COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE (PCADD)
Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD) also welcomed youth, families, and community members for a special Open House centered on youth mental health awareness, prevention, and bringing the community together through support and connection.
PCADD Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Program Director Joanna Gomez opened the event with a heartfelt message about the importance of helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Joanna reflected on how conversations about mental health were often difficult growing up and how today’s generation deserves safe spaces where they can openly talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
She also thanked the PCADD staff for the compassion and care they provide every day to participants and families, reminding everyone that even helping one person can make a meaningful difference.
The event featured a special presentation from Dr. Howard Padwa of UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs. Through humor, storytelling, and engaging conversations with attendees, Dr. Padwa spoke about youth substance use prevention, adolescent brain development, mental health, and the importance of delaying substance use during the teenage years.
He also shared encouraging information showing that youth substance use rates have declined over time while reminding attendees that prevention, education, and connection continue to play an important role in supporting young people.
One message that especially resonated with many attendees was Dr. Padwa’s reminder that “the opposite of addiction is connection.”
Throughout the afternoon, guests toured the facility, connected with staff and community partners, enjoyed tacos and games, and built relationships in a warm, welcoming environment. The event reflected the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where young people and families feel supported, understood, and less alone.
As SMRS continues to serve communities across Los Angeles County, events like these help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind families that help, hope, and support are always available.
