A community Open House event took place on Friday June 2
San Jose, CA . 6 June 2023 — Rooted in the heart of the community it serves, Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC) has become synonymous with safety, trust and healing for under-resourced youth and families throughout East San Jose. As mental health needs skyrocket post-pandemic, especially in the neighborhoods and schools whom ARCC serves, the agency hosted a Grand Re-Opening & Open House Event on Friday, June 2nd from 1-5pm at 1245 E. Santa Clara Street in San Jose. Attendees had the opportunity to meet ARCC’s dedicated staff and therapists, explore their newly renovated facility through guided tours, and acquire valuable knowledge about the diverse behavioral health programs available to individuals and families.
In a community where mental health is often stigmatized at best and shunned at worst, ARCC has been the exception to the rule. Having had no major upgrades since 1994, ARCC’s clinic building had fallen into severe disrepair, technologically and physically. Among other things, the space could not adequately support telehealth or social distancing, both of which have become critical components of successful healthcare delivery in today’s healthcare landscape. With the support of key funders including Santa Clara Family Health Plan, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Programs & Jest Us LLC, the clinic underwent a massive, yearlong renovation in preparation for today’s tsunami of mental health needs.
According to the 2022 Children’s Report Card, only 39% of California students rated their mental wellness at 7 or higher on a 10-point scale post-pandemic, compared to 68% of students pre-pandemic. Moreover, the pandemic has exacerbated depression, anxiety, and stress levels among California’s students, especially among Latinos, Black, and multi-racial students. Compounding these challenges, students in Santa Clara County face a 15% deficit in access to school psychologists compared to the statewide average, highlighting the urgent need for accessible mental health services, particularly for non-English speaking youth. In light of these realities, ARCC’s Clinic Re-Opening & upgrade could not have come at a better time.
Key community partners and leaders joined the celebration on June 2nd, including elected officials and representatives from the CA State Assembly, the SCC Board of Supervisors, the San Jose City Council, SJPD, SCC Behavioral Health, DFCS, the Office of the District Attorney, and the SCC Office of Education just to name a few. CA State Assembly Member Ash Kalra summed up the critical role ARCC plays at this point in time for the families ARCC serves when he said, “As we heal individually and collectively from the losses and challenges each of us has faced during the pandemic, agencies such as Alum Rock Counseling Center will be critical in making sure our most vulnerable youth and families are not forgotten, they have a voice, and they can access the behavioral healthcare and other resources they need to heal.”
