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Dear MHAS Supporter, This month, Mental Health Advocacy Services launched a new website that will make it easier for potential clients, community partners, and other key stakeholders to connect with us.

This new website is mobile-friendly, includes information in English and Spanish, and features an accessibility widget that will help make navigation easier for people with certain disabilities and impairments. Our team is committed to continue working to identify and address areas of improvement to ensure that our website and services are accessible to as many people as possible.

I am excited to officially introduce you to our new website, which you can now tour at www.mhas-la.org. Continue reading this month's newsletter to learn more about MHAS' other exciting updates. Sincerely,

Jenny Farrell Executive Director

REMOVING PETER'S EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS

Peter* has two psychiatric diagnoses that make it extremely difficult for him to maintain full-time employment. Recently, Peter has been looking for a part-time job that would help him both achieve better financial security and alleviate the toll that self-isolation has been taking on his mental health.  During a visit with his medical providers, Peter shared he lost his first job offer due to two criminal convictions on his record. Peter also expressed a desire to put the past convictions behind him and move forward with his life.

Peter was immediately referred to Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) for free legal services via LA County's Medical-Legal Community Partnership. MHAS attorney Jules met with Peter, analyzed his record, and submitted two expungement petitions on his behalf. Within weeks, both petitions were granted. Peter resumed his job search as soon as Jules told him the good news that his convictions had been dismissed. Jules also explained to Peter that a part-time schedule would not make him ineligible for disability benefits, as Peter previously believed. Peter was relieved to learn that he would not have to choose between his mental health and his financial stability.

Last week, Peter was offered a part-time job at a warehouse that can accommodate his needs, facilitate his connection with others in his community, and help him grow his financial stability and independence.

MAKE A GIFT

*Name changed to protect client's privacy.

MHAS HONORED AS A COMMUNITY CHAMPION BY L.A. SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE

We are pleased to announce that Mental Health Advocacy Services has been selected for the Super Bowl LVI Legacy Program – Champions Live Here!

On June 10, the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee honored Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) as one of 56 local non-profit organizations recognized for making a transformative impact in underserved communities across the Los Angeles region. Our Executive Director, Jenny Farrell, and Community Relations Coordinator, Angie Gil, attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of MHAS. The award comes with a $10,000 grant, a professionally produced marketing video, and public recognition of MHAS' work in the lead up to the Super Bowl.

REGISTER: JULY FAIR HOUSING TRAINING

With the California legislature poised to update tenancy protections as of July 1st, this training will provide an overview of any new protections, including improvements to the pandemic rental assistance program, as well as updated information on federal and state fair housing protections. This training will focus on the rights of people with mental disabilities in housing and the legal responsibilities of housing providers.

What we'll cover: Who is protected by fair housing law? How is "disability" defined under fair housing law? Is COVID-19 a disability? Is my landlord's refusal to accept rental assistance a source-of-income discrimination? What is a reasonable accommodation? How do I make a reasonable accommodation request? What if a housing provider denies an accommodation request? Are emotional support animals allowed in no-pets buildings? How do COVID-19 emergency protections help tenants with disabilities? And much more! Who should attend: Tenants with mental health disabilities Mental health professionals Social workers & case managers Housing & homelessness advocates Housing providers All are welcome!

REGISTER

THANK YOU!

Last month, MHAS held an online peer-to-peer fundraiser in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. With support from our Board of Directors, staff, and friends, MHAS was able to raise more than $50,000! These funds will support MHAS' provision of free legal services for low-income adults and children with mental health disabilities.

To everyone who contributed to our campaign, WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!