Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.

I would first like to thank our program staff, interns, volunteers, and community partners for your inspiring work during these past several months. Our county has been affected by many hardships and tragedies; I am grateful that our organization’s partnerships and presence throughout the county provided solace and support to those most affected. From our Early Childhood Program support groups to the Pride Center’s Bearing Witness virtual event to distributing resources at Thrive/FEMA’s disaster resource fair, we are meeting people where they are and lending a helping hand as much as we can. I would also like to remind you of our 24/7 Crisis Hotline 650-579-0350 for crisis and mental health support as well as our Resource Line for support and resources for shelter, health insurance, housing, counseling, childcare and more.

We’ve been grateful to celebrate Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month this month with you on our social media channels. Black History Month is a time to honor and bring awareness to African American achievements and struggles throughout history. It is also a time to continue to bring awareness to the current challenges the African American community is facing. Women’s History Month honors the women throughout history whose sacrifice, determination, and perseverance have made an impact in society.

I am very pleased to share that the San Mateo County Pride Center will reopen their doors at the end of March! Join us for their Grand Reopening Party on Friday, March 22 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the San Mateo County Pride Center located at 1021 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. Come meet the Pride Center staff in person, make new friends, connect with old friends, dance, celebrate, learn about the Pride Center and different opportunities to get involved! There will be light refreshments, entertainment and special guest speakers. I hope to see you there.

Finally, I am excited to share that we will be hosting our Mental Health Matters event on Sunday, May 21 from 9 am – 1 pm! This event, in partnership with San Mateo PAL, will honor Mental Health Awareness Month with activities aimed at supporting wellness and connection. Join us for our community wellness event featuring a 5K run/walk, self-care activities, yoga, community partner booths, and special guest speakers focusing on mental health. Registration is open! I can’t wait to see you there.

Sincerely,

Sara Larios Mitchell, Ph.D., MACP

CEO