Success Stories
In 2023,
Painted Brain served over
1000 unique participants
In 2023, Painted Brain served over 1000 unique participants
individuals engaged in Peer Services
individuals engaged in Digital Health Literacy
individuals engaged in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
individuals engaged in Mental Health Services
individuals engaged in Life Skills Development
Testimonials and Impact of Services:
Long-term Success in Mental Health Careers
Program Manager, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Program
Peer support changed my life. I was told by mental health professionals that “people like me” are incapable of completing our education, holding long-term jobs, or maintaining housing—but through the power of peer support I now have my Master’s, my own house, and a career in the mental health field 17 years strong culminating in my current position as Program Manager over PB’s Peer Support Certification Training Program.
I am the evidence that recovery is real and that organizations like Painted Brain change lives.”
Enhancing Skills and Overcoming Challenges
Peer Trainer, Disability Cultural Competency Training Program 2023
“Joining the team as a disability training assistant has not only enhanced my understanding of providing proper support to individuals with disabilities but has also aided me in overcoming my reading challenges in public settings.
I am grateful for the unwavering support from both my trainer partner and the inclusive team, where my reading disability is not a barrier, and fellow trainees contribute to a positive learning environment.”
– Peer Trainer, Disability Cultural Competency Training Program 2023
Artistic Development and Mental Health Support
Artist – Creatives in Residence program 2023 – 2024
“As a person who has experienced mental health challenges over the years, I was grateful to connect with Painted Brain when I did. Like many folks across the world, I sought community and connection after experiencing some life-changing events.
My time with Painted Brain provided me with tools to tend to some parts of my health that needed care and allowed me to make memories with talented people. I was able to do all of this while learning and growing as an artist… One of the most valuable aspects of Painted Brain is how it does not work within a hierarchy.
Everyone there treats each other respectfully, and participation is voluntary, so it is low-pressure. The Peers are skilled and certified in mental health support, and it is obvious how the center operates.”
– Artist, Creatives In Residence Program 2023-24
Transformation and Empowerment through Peer Support
Graduate, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Program 2023
“Their compassion and understanding when it comes to the peer support field and mental health in general.
[My trainers] are amazing instructors who have passed on their knowledge and life experiences to the students who take [the training] to become the next individuals to share the knowledge and life experiences with others. I personally have evolved in just 4 weeks like I never thought I had it in me.Even in my unpredictable circumstances that I am currently going through I feel safe and confident that I can do anything. Thank you, Painted Brain!! I am happy to be a part of Painted Brain. Painted Brain is all the Rx I needed in my life. I thank you for that.”
Community Engagement and Creative Growth
Community Engagement and Creative Growth
“Connections to others and a sense of belonging is vital and essential to the recovery process. Painted Brain has provided exactly such an important connection and creative arts community, using the commonality of mental illness, for over ten years. Painted Brain has been of tremendous value to many Step Up members during that time.”
– Community Member, Therapeutic Arts Groups Program 2024
Populations of Focus
Justice-involved
Trauma Survivors
Substance Abuse
Disability
Housing Insecurity
Marginalized Populations
PB’s CalHOPE Support Program assists Californians in guiding their current situation, managing stress, developing coping strategies, offering emotional support, and connecting them with resources and long-term supportive services
Participants
Individual/Family Peer Counseling Sessions
Support Group Services
Outreach Events
Artistic Development and Mental Health Support
“As a person who has experienced mental health challenges over the years, I was grateful to connect with Painted Brain when I did. Like many folks across the world, I sought community and connection after experiencing some life-changing events. My time with Painted Brain provided me with tools to tend to some parts of my health that needed care and allowed me to make memories with talented people. I was able to do all of this while learning and growing as an artist…One of the most valuable aspects of Painted Brain is how it does not work within a hierarchy. Everyone there treats each other respectfully, and participation is voluntary, so it is low-pressure. The Peers are skilled and certified in mental health support, and it is obvious how the center operates.”
– Artist, Creatives In Residence Program 2023-24
Transformation and Empowerment through Peer Support
“Their compassion and understanding when it comes to the peer support field and mental health in general.
[My trainers] are amazing instructors who have passed on their knowledge and life experiences to the students who take [the training] to become the next individuals to share the knowledge and life experiences with others. I personally have evolved in just 4 weeks like I never thought I had it in me.Even in my unpredictable circumstances that I am currently going through I feel safe and confident that I can do anything. Thank you, Painted Brain!! I am happy to be a part of Painted Brain. Painted Brain is all the Rx I needed in my life. I thank you for that.”
– Graduate, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Program 2023
Community Engagement and Creative Growth
The last few years have been difficult for me, for everyone. I knew of Painted Brain but during the pandemic I was unable to explore deeper. BUT that has changed for me in 2024! I started going to the Community center in person 2 days a week and it has been so much fun. I’ve learned a lot, met new people and created art! There are art supplies and activities so have some fun. Find out how Painted Brain can help YOU with your creativity and mental health.” – Community Member, Therapeutic Arts Groups Program 2024
Long-term Success in Mental Health Careers
“Peer support changed my life. I was told by mental health professionals that “people like me” are incapable of completing our education, holding long-term jobs, or maintaining housing—but through the power of peer support I now have my Master’s, my own house, and a career in the mental health field 17 years strong culminating in my current position as Program Manager over PB’s Peer Support Certification Training Program.
I am the evidence that recovery is real and that organizations like Painted Brain change lives.” – Program Manager, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Program
Enhancing Skills and Overcoming Challenges
“Joining the team as a disability training assistant has not only enhanced my understanding of providing proper support to individuals with disabilities but has also aided me in overcoming my reading challenges in public settings.
I am grateful for the unwavering support from both my trainer partner and the inclusive team, where my reading disability is not a barrier, and fellow trainees contribute to a positive learning environment.”
– Peer Trainer, Disability Cultural Competency Training Program 2023
Painted Brain is one of only nine California state-wide training vendors that have received funding by the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training program and is one of only five providers of the 40-hour specialization training in Peer Services for Justice-Involved.
- This program has served 459 individuals to date through the provision of outreach, recruitment, free scholarship-based training, exam preparation, support, career counseling, and job placement services.
In May 2024, Painted Brain’s PAVE application was approved, allowing us to begin billing behavioral health services through Medi-Cal This will have a large net positive effect on our financial sustainability, as we will no longer be solely funded by grants and fee-for-service contracts for our direct services and programming.