Momentum for Health

04/17/2026

Most people don’t realize how early mental health challenges can start.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed for adults who work with or support young people — giving you the tools to recognize the signs, step in with confidence, and help connect them to the right support.

This training covers how to identify mental health and substance use challenges, how to respond in a crisis, and how to have conversations that actually make a difference.

If you interact with youth in any capacity, this is important knowledge you carry with you long after the training ends.

Registration is required. Reach out to Kennya Rodriguez at krodriguez@momentumforhealth.org
to sign up.

Saturday, April 25
10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Location: Palo Alto City Library (270 Forest Ave. Palo Alto CA 94301)

04/07/2026

🌸 Spring is a perfect time for renewal and recommitment to our goals—is one of yours to become more confident in supporting your community's mental health?

🗓️ If so, we hope you'll join us for our next FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for adults, taking place Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto City Library.

🫶 MHFA gives you the tools to support someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge—from starting conversations to connecting them with the right resources. It’s a practical, proven way to build confidence, reduce stigma, and create more supportive environments at work and in everyday life.

📩 Take the next step in building a more informed and equipped community.

Location: 270 Forest Ave. Palo Alto CA 94301

To register, please contact Kennya Rodriguez at krodriguez@momentumforhealth.org.

04/06/2026

As the seasons shift and many begin to swap out their winter wardrobe, our unhoused community members — including those who spend time with us at the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) — could use your support.

We’re currently collecting essential items to help individuals navigate daily life with greater comfort and dignity.

Most-needed items:
• Men’s clothing (size Large and above)
• Suitcases, duffle bags, or drawstring bags
• Cell phone chargers
• Headphones

These donations go directly to individuals receiving care and support through the CSU.

If you or someone you know has items to donate, we welcome drop-offs at any time — the CSU is open 24/7.

📍 Drop-off location (open 24/7):
Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)
101 Jose Figueres Avenue, Suite 50
San Jose, CA 95116

03/26/2026

At Momentum for Health, social workers play a vital role in supporting clients, strengthening communities, and advancing our mission every day. This , we invited three of our staff members with backgrounds in social work to share more about their journeys to Momentum, what inspires them, and the advice they would give to anyone else considering the field of social work.

Read on for the full Q&A:

This National Social Work Month, get to know our amazing staff social workers at Momentum for Health.

03/13/2026

Our FY25 Annual Report, "The Power of Momentum" is now available!

This year’s report highlights the Power of Momentum to inspire, empower, and transform the lives of those we serve through our robust continuum of care. Take a look inside to read inspiring client stories representing a variety of our programs, plus organizational highlights and a message from our President & CEO, Michael Scates.

We hope you enjoy reading the report as much as we enjoyed putting it together. 💚📖

03/11/2026

Taking the first step toward mental wellness can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.

La Selva Community Clinic offers a spectrum of no-cost mental health services for English- and Spanish-speaking adults, including psychiatry, case management, counseling, a day program, and support with discount medications. Our team is here to walk with you every step of the way and help you find the care that fits your needs.

Have questions? Call or message 650-484-1428.

La Selva Community Clinic is a program of the La Selva Group, a division of Momentum for Health, and is funded in part by the El Camino Healthcare District.

03/07/2026

Did you know?

- For every person who dies by su***de, approximately 135 others are impacted — including family members, coworkers, and friends.

- Work-related stress affects 83% of U.S. workers.

- Half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24.

- Nearly half of California youth say they don’t know where to turn for support.

The need for mental health awareness, education, and early intervention is real.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings give you practical, trusted tools to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use crisis, start difficult conversations with confidence, and connect people to professional help. Those who complete the training report feeling more prepared, less likely to stigmatize mental illness, and better equipped to build psychologically safe workplaces and communities.

Be part of the solution.

Join us for our next FREE training session for adults on Saturday, March 14 from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM at 270 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301.

To register, please contact Kennya Rodriguez at krodriguez@momentumforhealth.org

03/03/2026

Last week, we were thrilled to join more than 35 fellow nonprofit organizations as well as City, County, and State agencies at California State Senator Dave Cortese's annual Unhoused Health Fair.

This important event provides our unhoused neighbors with access to valuable resources, free dental, vision, and HIV screenings, substance use treatment and harm reduction services, flu shots, bike repairs, and warm meals — all in one place.

At Momentum for Health's resource and information table, we connected with community members and shared vital information about our wide range of behavioral health programs and services that meet each person's unique needs.

Thank you to Senator Cortese, the entire District 15 team, and co-sponsors Supervisor Betty Duong (District 2), Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Gardner Health Services, and Recovery Café San Jose.

We were grateful to be a part of this collective effort focused on care, dignity, and access for all.

02/19/2026

24/7/365 emotional support is a phone call away.

Call TRUST at 408-596-7290 or 988 if you or someone you know needs

🗣️ A compassionate person to listen and talk to…
🍲 A connection to local resources such as food and other basic needs…
🚙 A caring team that can meet you where you are…

📲 Help is available by dialing 408-596-7290 or 988.

02/19/2026

Earlier this month, our Parisi House on the Hill program received a certificate of recognition from Senator Dave Cortese (pictured below, our program director Sara Morales holding the certificate).

Thank you so much to Senator Cortese for this honor and recognition of our efforts to help women break generations of addiction for themselves and their children. Our Parisi House staff members were thrilled to receive this distinction, and we can't think of a better way to start a new year.

To learn more about Parisi House, a program of Momentum for Health, visit: www.parisihouse.com.

02/17/2026

February is Black History Month, and in honor of this special month, we’re excited to share a staff spotlight and Q&A with Ronita Rainey, Lead AOD Residential Coordinator at Momentum's Parisi House on the Hill program.

In this conversation, Ronita reflects on her role in the behavioral health field, the importance of open dialogue to counter stigma, and what this month means to her.

Swipe through for the full Q&A.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today is a reminder that love appears in many forms, including self-love and self-care. Just like the messages on candy hearts, what we tell ourselves can be simple yet powerful.

So today, will you be mine(dful)?

❤️ Mindful that mental health is just as important as physical health.

❤️ Mindful of the ways we show up for ourselves and our community.

❤️ Mindful that reaching out for support is a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know needs support, we’re here. Find out more at www.momentumforhealth.org.