{"id":18884,"date":"2026-02-27T10:08:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/?p=18884"},"modified":"2026-03-02T10:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:12:22","slug":"the-power-of-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/2026\/02\/the-power-of-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On February 19, 2026, United Coalition East Prevention Project (UCEPP), a program of Social Model Recovery Systems, hosted The Power of Prevention: Lessons from the Skid Row Oral History Project <\/a>at Inner-City Arts, with support from the Community Centered Emergency Room Project (CCERP).<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In partnership with First 5 LA<\/strong>, the program included research findings, video excerpts from the Skid Row Oral History Project<\/em>, and a panel moderated by Mary Lee, Esq<\/strong>., featuring former youth participants who reflected on lived experience, protective factors, and effective intervention strategies<\/em>. The event featured opening remarks by Mayor Karen Bass<\/strong>, comments by Dr. Barbara Ferrer<\/strong>, Director of LA County Department of Public Health<\/em>, and a presentation from Dr. Cheryl Grills<\/strong>. Representatives from LA City Council District 14<\/em>, Office of Ysabel Jurado<\/strong>; LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis<\/strong>, District One; and CA<\/em> Assemblymember Sade Elhawary<\/strong>, District 57<\/strong>, were in attendance, demonstrating a commitment to prevention and early intervention.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Led by our Senior Director, Prevention Services<\/em>, Charles Porter<\/strong>, Chief Strategy Officer,<\/em> Zelenne Cardenas<\/strong>, and her incredible prevention team<\/em>, the event created a space where people could truly listen, reflect, and connect. Their thoughtful planning and heart for the community were felt throughout the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were also grateful for the support of our Board President, Ulises Gutierrez<\/strong>, and Board Members Jim O’Connell, Kristi Larsen, and Yolanda Cordero<\/strong>, who continue to stand behind and strengthen our mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Presentations emphasized that strong relational connections are foundational to health and well-being, with research linking sustained relationships to a range of positive outcomes across Los Angeles County, particularly the <\/em>Skid Row community<\/strong>. Discussion highlighted how community-based prevention builds resilience, leadership, and practical stability, particularly when approaches are culturally responsive and rooted in authentic community ties. The event showcased examples of community-based prevention approaches in Skid Row and South LA<\/em> that engage and center people with lived experience, including youth. Participants highlighted the need for sustained, multi-year prevention investments, accountability focused on quality-of-life outcomes, and protection of prevention funding. Approximately sixty-five attendees participated<\/strong>. UCEPP staff <\/em>distributed handouts with a QR code linking to the full documentary to support continued engagement<\/a>. The briefing reinforced cross-sector collaboration and strengthened momentum for expanding culturally responsive, community-driven prevention and early intervention efforts in the Skid Row community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cPrevention works. Its impact is measurable, and the benefits extend across generations,\u201d<\/em> said Bruce Boardman, CEO, Social Model Recovery Systems<\/strong>. \u201cWhen young people stay connected to consistent, community-based support, their chances of long-term stability increase significantly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than anything, the gathering reminded us that prevention is about people. It is about listening to lived experiences, building trust, and working together before crises happen<\/em>. The conversations centered on education, engagement, advocacy, and connection, showing that when community voices are lifted up, real change becomes possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At SMRS, prevention is part of who we are. <\/strong>We are honored to support work that lifts community voices, builds hope, and strengthens neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On February 19, 2026, United Coalition East Prevention Project (UCEPP), a program of Social Model Recovery Systems, hosted The Power of Prevention: Lessons from the Skid Row Oral History Project 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