Dear VOCAL community:

The complexities of running a small non-profit came to roost with VOCAL during this past year. As the organization worked to maintain the quality of services we have all come to expect, the demands from membership and funders became increasingly more "vocal" as well. This brought a level of tension in the organization as never seen before. As VOCAL, through its board and staff, worked to keep up with mounting expectations, it was simply too much for the structure to handle. This led to a plethora of changes in the past few months. Its founding staff and executive director, Brian Parrish, has moved on
from the organization. And there have been numerous other changes in regards to staffing: Cassandra Nudel, long-time consultant; Ann Benner, VOCAL Network Program Director; Heather Peck, CO-OP Program Director; and Anna Mendez, REACH Program Director and Director of Operations, have also moved on.

Standing at the precipice, the Board of Directors recommended bringing in an interim executive director and asked me to step up to help guide the organization through this transitional time. I humbly accepted and knew that taking on this daunting task was not to be taken lightly. The first line of action was to determine VOCAL's financial health. This was not looking good, primarily due to a lack of communication. As this has been moving toward resolution, a spending plan for the remainder of the fiscal year has taken shape. Second was to develop an action plan for the organization to meet its contractual obligations. This was accomplished through hhe hiring of a technical assistance support specialist and executive office assistant. Kudos go out to staff members Malaina Poore, Yolande Long, and Bonnie Neighbour for stepping up to the plate and taking on additional and crucial responsibilities as well. And lastly, the Board of Directors continues to take big steps in coming together to take on the tasks of the organization.

In concluding this brief narrative, we share our thanks for the many who came before us and brought VOCAL to this level. I look back and realize that this is a tremendous opportunity for VOCAL. Because of its mission and through its staff, board, members, and many others, there is excitement that has not been seen in quite a while. Energy and optimism have returned. There are big things in our future and each and every one of us can be part of it. I am humbled to have been asked to take on this challenge and look forward to cultivating a vibrant VOCAL, together, with you.

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Meet the New Folks at VOCAL!
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Will Gallik comes back as VOCAL's full-time Interim Executive Director in July. Will was a founding board member and has been a part of VOCAL since 2001. Most recently, he served as the Interim Executive
Director from September to December of 2011 and as executive consultant/coach from January through May of this year. He received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in 2011 and is pleased to be doing what he does best.
Will is a wellness enthusiast. In addition to maintaining physical wellness, he has learned, employs, and teaches others coping and wellness skills ranging from cognitive techniques to qigong - Chinese healing and mindfulness. He has worked at the Wellness Recovery Center, Region Ten CSB's crisis stabilization unit, as a Wellness Recovery Specialist for the past three years and states, "working at Wellness has afforded me the opportunity and flexibility to learn a variety of healing modalities. He takes pride in the fact that he can not only "...practice what I preach but preach what I practice." In the past few years, Will has become certified in auricular acupuncture and is a certified Tai Chi Easy
practice leader. He is thrilled to take on the challenge that VOCAL presents and is looking forward to strengthening the organization as it moves forward.

Mickie Chapman comes on board as a Technical Assistance Program Specialist. She works with consumer operated, peer-run organizations throughout Virginia offering technical assistance. She has experience and education with mental health recovery and nonprofit management. Mickie loves technology and solving problems creatively...some have called her a geek. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grand kids.

Deidre Johnson is the new Executive Office Assistant in the Charlottesville office. She is very enthusiastic and grateful for her new role with VOCAL. She currently attends Germanna Community College and will be graduating in the spring of 2013 with a psychology specialization degree. She plans to attend UVA in the fall of 2013 to major in psychology with the intention of pursuing her Master's degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in grief and child loss.

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Special Announcement from Pamela Hyde at SAMHSA
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I am delighted to announce that Paolo del Vecchio, M.S.W., has been selected to serve as the next Director of the Center for Mental Health Services.  After a full and open search, Paolo proved himself to possess the vision, the energy, and the leadership capacity necessary to steer CMHS into the years ahead.

Paolo has had a long and successful career here at SAMHSA.  Over the course of his 17 years in CMHS, he served as the Acting Director, the CMHS Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, the Acting Director for the Office of External Liaison, and was the first Consumer Affairs Specialist hired by SAMHSA.

Throughout his work, Paolo has been a leader, pushing the envelope on a wide range of consumer issues, including consumer participation and education, issues of discrimination and prejudice, wellness, recovery, trauma, and access to treatment.  Paolo is also a strong and capable leader and manager, serving as a critical part of the SAMHSA leadership and management teams.  

Prior to joining SAMHSA, Paolo worked for the Philadelphia Office of Mental Health in the areas of policy formulation and the planning of a comprehensive system of community-based mental health services addressing homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and many other issues.  He graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in social work from Temple University.  

Paolo has been involved in behavioral health for over 40 years.  As a consumer, a family member, a provider, and a policy maker, he has been and will continue to be a strong advocate for those with mental health conditions and/or addictions, and their families and a valuable asset to SAMHSA.  Please join me in congratulating Paolo and wishing him the very best in his new position.

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You are invited to:  An Interactive Webinar on the Health Care Law
Hosted By the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
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August 21, 2:00 p.m.  

To register: 

https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/255684807

DISCLAIMER: This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes.  We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.