Who we are and why we are doing this

Communities Voices is a nonprofit corporation founded and run by female BIPOC peers. Peers are people with lived experience in the journey of recovery from mental illness, substance use, or both. The services we will provide to our communities are intended to assist with maintaining mental health, fill the gap between mental health services and relieve the strain on overwhelmed mental health service providers. All services provided will be free.

We have big dreams to meet the growing demand for mental health services. We know that meeting our goals will take time, collaboration, and funding, and we have made great strides. Our vision is to help people cultivate resiliency, access the tools they need to become self-sufficient and thrive in their journey of recovery. Our mission is to provide emotional support, non-clinical counseling services, and community services navigation. To build a network of community organizations throughout California to facilitate connections with the public.

Why is peer support necessary, and why should you care? As humans, we go through many challenges in our lifetime. Some of us have better tools than others to overcome these challenges. Sometimes, we can turn challenges into opportunities; other times, they may lead to tragedy and trauma. Peers are people from all walks of life in any career field, cultural background, socio-economic status, etc. That is because mental illness, including substance use, does not discriminate. It can affect anyone at any time. Some of us who have survived mental illness and substance use disorders and live each day in recovery want to help others experiencing similar situations.

Statistical data: Why are we doing this now? According to the California Health Care Foundation, "Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions faced by Californians: Nearly 1 in 7 California adults experiences a mental illness, and one in 26 has a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. 1 in 14 children has an emotional disturbance that limits functioning in family, school, or community activities." According to the CDC "Suicide affects people of all ages. In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34."

Our goal is to have Peer Counselors available at any time to provide Peer Counseling services to members of our communities through chat, phone, or video conferencing. Peer Counselors will also run support groups and skills-building groups. We believe having this accessibility will help relieve stress and maintain mental health practices. People need access to mental health services at any time, not just during regular business hours.

Our Peer-to-Teen Program will be conducted within schools. Peer Counselors will meet at local schools with teens to provide Peer Counseling Services and Life Skills workshops every week. This program will allow us to create an atmosphere of trust with local teens, giving them a safe space to voice their concerns, process feelings and emotions, and learn coping skills and life skills. The pilot program is in the works and should begin this fall!

Other ways to donate: if you prefer to donate by check, please send your check to our mailing address at Communities Voices, 1240 E Plaza Blvd, Suite 604 #374, National City, CA 91950