BACS Opens Criminal Justice Programs

BACS is delighted to announce our new Criminal Justice programs!

BACS Criminal Justice programs serve adults age 18+ who are involved in the criminal justice system. Services assist individuals in all three phases of detention (in custody, re-entry planning, and post-release case management).

Our Criminal Justice programs make sure nobody falls through the cracks, and help prevent recidivism by connecting individuals with their community. Individuals struggle when exiting prison or jail if they lack a support system or experience poverty and/or mental health issues. BACS prevents recidivism by targeting all these issues. Our staff focus on rehabilitation through competitive employment programs, life skills development, behavioral health services, and more. We work to make sure that individuals succeed in re-entering the community, instead of re-entering the criminal justice system.

Happy Anniversary to Case Management!

BACS is pleased to celebrate the 23 year anniversary of BACS’ Intensive Care Coordination / Case Management Program.

BACS opened our Case Management program in 1993 to fill a crucial need in the community: providing psychiatric services and care coordination for people with severe behavioral health issues and trauma.

Our Intensive Care Coordination programs have made a difference for hundreds of people over the last 23 years. Learn more about our Intensive Care Coordination programs here.

Thank you to everyone who makes our Intensive Care Coordination program special!

Participant Success in Wellness Co-Ops

In 2015, Mitchell W. saw a flier for the Wellness Co-Ops at a local mental health clinic, and visited Valley WC. He quickly became an active member of our community.

Mitchell started coming to get out of the house, but after a few visits, he had an epiphany. “It occurred to me then that I needed money and I wanted a job.” Mitchell thought about the support and services available to him at the Wellness Center.  With support from Valley staff, Mitchell got a job!

“My advice to someone that’s looking for work is even if they put in applications and get turned down, don’t get discouraged.  Just keep trying.  Put in more applications!”

Congratulations, Mitchell, and thank you for sharing your story!

 Happenings at Towne House

Towne House has been a hive of activity recently! In addition to our partners at the Lakehurst, our Peer Counselor, Engret Moore, has been getting out into Oakland to assist people from various local residences.

With more people are able to refine our groups and program offerings to accommodate the people participating, and there are many new peer-led activities. Towne House is a vibrant community of people supporting each other, whether over food, art, movies, housing and employment, or fulfilling our mission.

We have developed a partnership with FERC, Family Education and Resource Center, and are offering monthly support meetings for people whose loved ones are living with challenges associated with mental illness. This group meets on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8 PM, all are welcome to attend.

We have also begun to support participants by providing employment support in the form of collaborative discussions with one of our Employment Specialists, Jason Ortega. Jason will be facilitating check-ins with people, supporting them to strategize ways to find sustainable, competitive employment.

Towne House is partnering with City Slicker Farms to develop and expand our garden. In the coming year, you can expect the vegetable, herb and flower garden to grow, strengthening our nutrition program and teaching us all about plants and healthy eating habits.

Hope Intervention Program Success

Shaun Orrante, of BACS’ Hope Intervention Program, was recently honored by family members of one of our participants.

This individual struggled with mental health issues, and came to HIP because he wanted to recover and develop independent living skills. The entire HIP team worked together collaboratively, and Shaun went further by providing psychoeducation and referral to FERC for the parents. Ultimately this participant became connected to ongoing treatment team, psychiatry, and an independent living skills program.

Shaun says “I really enjoy working as a member of HIP. Many participants we work with, in addition to their mental health symptoms also struggle with self-esteem, independent living skills, and family relationships. One of my favorite things about HIP is that I am able to work directly with participant’s and their families in order to support them through difficult transitions. This aspect of my role was particularly significant in the work with this family.”

Great job, Shaun!

Employee of the Month

Kelly Johnson, Quality Assurance Coordinator is our Employee of the Month for March!

Kelley was nominated by her colleagues and the leadership. Many people noted her accountability to the mission and values of the organization. Her integrity for the daily operations of our vast QA system is what allows all of the thousands of services that we provide per month to get billed and for the agency to get reimbursed! Additionally, Kelly took on a major role in our recent headquarters move, and has played an integral role with grace, dedication, and a stability that allows BACS to continue its mission.

Congratulations, Kelly!

Join Our Cause

Do you want to join BACS in our mission to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing whatever it takes? The community has asked us to provide more services than ever, based on need. In 2016, help us make this possible!

Donate

Donate to BACS online by clicking here, or via mail to 629 Oakland Ave, Oakland, CA 94612.

Or, donate gently used blankets, canned goods, and other items to our housing  programs. Email us to learn more.

Work Here

BACS services are always expanding, and we are currently recruiting! Check out our job opportunities.

Learn more on our website or by calling 510.613.0330.