Prop 63 Funds to Support New Staff at Lutheran Social Services

The Big Bear Mental Health Alliance has succeeded in bringing Prop 63 monies to the Big Bear Valley for mental health services.  The Big Bear Mental Health Alliance consists of five core agencies including Lutheran Social Services, Operation Breakthrough, DOVES, Bear Valley Unified School District Healthy Start and the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District MOM Project as well as various service clubs, church groups and Mental Health Consumers.  Contracting with Lutheran Social Services, the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health will be funding several new personnel including a full time psychiatrist, clinical therapist, a 24/7-crisis response program, a full-time Dual Diagnosis mental health and substance abuse counselor and transportation for qualifying Alliance Agency members.  According to Chairwoman of the Big Bear Mental Health Alliance, Eileen Hofer, due to the success of this proposal, most valley residents will not be significantly harmed by the budget cuts in the mental health arena.  Program growth will allow treatment of more residents who would not be otherwise able to receive services within the valley.  For more information, contact the Lutheran Social Services office at 866-5070 or visit their offices in Summit Plaza on Big Bear Blvd. in Big Bear Lake.