Friday April 26, 2013

From Rod...

I know that many of our readers are not Santa Cruz residents, so I should start by letting you know that public safety has become a major concern of many residents locally. Sadly, we have recently experienced the tragic shooting deaths of two Santa Cruz police officers. This follows the murder of a citizen on a neighborhood sidewalk by an ex-offender, and the drive-by shooting of a 15 year old boy. Adding to these violent events has been a concern with improperly disposed of needles thought to tied to the operation of a needle exchange program locally. Many citizens believe that the homeless in Santa Cruz help to make the streets unsafe, others worry about what they see as high crime rates including 'the drug problem'.
Janus has always been a willing participant in efforts to improve life in this community, and we will help now in any way we can, but we believe we can be most helpful in bringing real information on the relationship between substance use and community problems such as crime and homelessness. To this end Janus is devoting its annual Spring conference to discussion that will hopefully bring real information to bear on the discussion of these problems, and I have been appointed to the Public Safety Citizen Task Force of the City of Santa Cruz that will help to define the safety issues locally and then develop solutions.
If you can attend the conference, we'd love to have you. If not, we will make a special effort to get the proceedings included in future newsletters.
All the best,
Rod

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Janus ED appointed to the SC Public Safety Citizen Task Force

The Santa Cruz City Council created a Public Safety Citizen Task Force (Task Force) to provide a platform for the community to come together to better understand our current public safety concerns and recommend actions we take to improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz.  The Task Force consists of community members, business owners, students, and safety experts and broadly represent the community. 

Task Force members will work together to identify and explore the underlying safety concerns we face as a community and present their independent findings and recommendations to the City Council.  Rod Libbey, Janus ED, was one of the 15 community  members selected to participate in this task force. 

For more info:  http://www.kionrightnow.com/story/21927257/public-safety-task-force-forms-in-santa-cruz/

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Meet Molly! Janus' Virtual Clinical Assistant!

With the support of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Janus of Santa Cruz has partnered with SENSE.LY to launch Molly, Janus' Virtual Clinical Assistant on the agency website:  www.janussc.org;

Molly is a friendly face who can guide someone who has questions about addiction or services and may be fearful or apprehensive to speak to a "live" Janus professional.  Molly is kind, welcoming and non judgemental and is designed to give comfort and information to anyone who wants to connect.  At this time, Molly only speaks English, however, plans include having her increase her capacity to communicate with  Spanish Speakers. 

Please follow our link and check her out!  Feel free to comment on Janus' Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/janus.sc?ref=hl; or email MariaElena maria_elena@janussc.org;

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A Peek Into OUTPATIENT Services

Janus of Santa Cruz proudly offers Intensive Outpatient Services.  The goal of this program is to help participants build and reinforce skills that will support their sobriety.  As part of the program, clients participate in psycho-educational and treatment based group processes.  Clients build skills in the areas of communication, identifying triggers, dealing with emotions and stress management.  Clients also build peer support with others who struggle with addiction.  They build friendships and social support. 

Theo Jackson is the IOP Counselor who believes that healing is possible and that every individual possess the qualities they need to build a sober, safe, and fullfilled life.  He assists clients find their own path to recovery in a supportive, nonjudgmental manner. 

"IOP in general was a really good learning experience for me, especially the feedback that Theo gave me.  Everything that Theo does he does in a caring manner.  He made me feel comfortable and was a HUGE influence on getting me started in the recovery community.  I always felt that he was a guy that I could talk to and trust.  He would always give me the best advise possible in all areas in my life. He also influenced me in choosing my new career path.  He saw something in me that I didn't know was there.  Because of his support, I have discovered a new passion for me to work in the recovery field. In the program, I got a stable,  supportive  and safe environment that allowed me to grow emotionally, spiriitually and in my recovery. THANK YOU THEO, THANK YOU JANUS!"  --Geoff St. John, graduated August 2012

IOP is ideal for those people who are working and may not be able to attend a residential program.  Meetings are 3 times a week for a total of 9 hours. 

IContact 831.462.1060 for more info. 

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Thank you to Chris Rene and his fans!

Janus of SC thanks Chris Rene and his fans for their recent fundraising effort that raised almost $7,000.00! Funds were raised to commemorate Chris'Journey of Recovery.  We appreciate their generousity and  enthusiasm as champions for recovery. Donations will be used for scholarships for those who cannot afford treatment.  ** Special recognition to Barbara Walls,  who spearheaded the effort!  If you would like to make a donation in Chris' name or if you are interested in becoming a Champion for Recovery, please go to www.janussc.org. 

Please note:  You, too, can own a Janus of Santa Cruz Tshirt! Available  in all colors and sizes at the main office on 7th Ave for a small donation of $10.00. 

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JANUS SPRING CONFERENCE...Creating Informed Solutions

CREATING INFORMED SOLUTIONS:  SUBSTANCE USE AND THE COMMUNITY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CABRILLO COLLGE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MAY 17th 8:30-4:00pm; Cabrillo College Forum

FEATURING:  DAVID MOSS

Before joining the ACLU, David Moss attended The School of Performing Arts in San Diego on a scholarship, he worked as a stand-up comic for several years, appearing on Showtime, HBO and opening for such luminaries as Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson.  He is the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment For the Arts for his solo play CRACKED CLOWN.

Combining his theatrical and life experience, David now works with the American Civil Liberties Union as a Criminal Justice & Drug Policy Educator where he travels to college campuses, community venues and the legislature throughout the state educating  on our failed philosophy of incarceration as a solution for mental illness, drug addiction, social & economic problems.

See David's story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66npKXb0XDM;

$50.00 per person, Lunch Included

 Continuing Ed Units/Hours Available

Download Registration Info @ www.janussc.org;

Call 831.425.0112 for more info.

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Pajaro Valley Chamber Business Expo!

Janus of Santa Cruz is an active Pajaro Valley Chamber member and this month attended their Business Expo.  It was a very well attended  event and allowed the agency to see old friends and make new ones.  Attendees included:

• McDonald's
• Santa Cruz Answering
• Grocery Outlet
• Mar Monte Clinic
• Toys for Toys
• Watsonville Hospital
• Rabo Bank
• Community Action Board 

(Pictured:  Rachael E., promotora and outreach specialist and MariaElena, Deputy Director of Development and Outreach)

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