Compassion-guided growth at Vista Del Mar

September 24, 2024

I’ll always remember the first time I saw the Vista Del Mar logo. I was struck by the image of two children seeking shelter under an umbrella, symbolizing comprehensive care. What stood out to me the most was that the children were holding the umbrella, signifying that Vista’s services are determined by the needs of the children it serves. When I took on the role of President and CEO, I realized that expanding the scope of care depended on compassionately meeting the evolving needs of the children and families we serve before challenges arise and the proverbial rain pours down.

Currently, the greatest of those needs is accessible care. Accessible care means a campus that is easy to get to. It means our services are provided directly to your home, it means offering services beyond state borders, and it means addressing substance abuse disorders in youth residents. I am so pleased to share how our services have expanded and improved to meet this moment with strength and conviction.

Campus improvements

The changes start on our campus by creating a space that is easily accessible to the LA community. With the addition of 24-hour security staff, we have made visiting Vista Del Mar and utilizing its many resources a reality for hundreds of children and families. Members of the community can participate in special events happening at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar, or join in on a sporting event hosted at Tommy’s Field at Vista Del Mar- a multi-sport turf guaranteeing every child has an opportunity to play.

Intensive Community Based Services

The call to bring mental health care and intensive services to our community is being answered by Vista Del Mar’s ever-evolving Intensive Community-based Services division which includes Wraparound, Mobile Crisis Outreach (MCOT), Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services (IFCCS), the Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MAT) and the CSEC Youth Advocacy Program. This division epitomizes our agency’s vision of empowering clients and fostering post-traumatic growth through its versatile services.

These programs offer a team-based approach to assist families with open DCFS cases, provide crisis intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and support foster youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. New Director Rebecca Hadar, Psy.D. attributes the success of the program to her staff’s authentic and compassionate approach, which is crucial to starting the healing process for some of the most intensive cases, including supporting the recovery of victims of commercial sex trafficking. Hadar emphasizes the profound impact of these services have on clients during their most challenging life moments- “building trust is the gateway to being able to help someone heal, who often come into services involuntarily, which necessitates significant effort in building trust and rapport.”

B-Chip Substance Abuse Program

Over the past 10-15 years, Vista has observed an increase in youth presenting with substance abuse issues alongside mental health conditions. Recognizing that addressing these co-occurring disorders is crucial for long-term recovery, Vista is bringing substance abuse treatment services in-house and integrating them with existing mental health services.

Vista’s new Substance Use Disorder (SUD) outpatient treatment program is distinct from its current inpatient residential program. Licensed as a healthcare program rather than a social services program, it offers short-term intervention with individualized, strength-based services. Outpatient SUD treatment services are set to begin this summer and will be available to youth in Vista’s various programs.

ORR and Home Studies

One of the most significant expansions of our services allows Vista to make an impact beyond our Los Angeles community, helping ensure the safety of unaccompanied refugee children fleeing unstable environments.

Over two years ago, we launched the Vista Haven program that provides shelter care to youth fleeing traumatic and war-torn environments. The specialized care and services youth receive at Vista Haven provide a stabilizing, safe space to prepare and be united with family in the States.
The newly launched Vista Home Studies Program, part of the

The Home Study and Post Release Services (HSPRS) program, implemented nationwide, ensures the safety, success, and well-being of unaccompanied children throughout their journey with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Vista Safe Homes HSPRS, a key player in this initiative, employs a bilingual team of case managers and clinicians to provide crucial support services, fostering long-term stability for children in their care.

Since receiving its grant in September 2023, Vista Safe Homes HSPRS has made significant strides in Region 9, covering California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and Guam. With 14 dedicated HSPRS Case Managers, the program has already taken on 228 Post Release Services cases and 57 home studies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting unaccompanied children as they transition to life with parents or sponsors.

Staff moral

Our agency emphasizes the importance of staff development and recognition, which has resulted in low turnover rates and inspiring career trajectories within the organization. From former clients becoming staff members to employees advancing from entry-level positions to leadership roles, Vista Del Mar is not just changing the lives of those they serve but also creating a nurturing environment for its workforce. As the organization adapts to evolving mental health needs, it stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in community-based mental health services.

Expansive Horizons (conclusion)

Ultimately, growth at Vista aligns with the complex and ever-evolving needs of our embedded and beloved Los Angeles community and beyond. I believe that when you prioritize compassion and develop a purpose-driven workplace culture, this agency will unlock greater innovation, collaboration, and agency-wide success. The umbrella of care grows based on the needs of the children and families holding it.

Our North Star is to be a benchmark of support for our community and ensure everyone has equitable access to quality services. My goal is that there will be no wrong door at Vista. No matter what aspect of care you need, we will have it or we will coordinate it.