Momentum for Health

11/24/2025

We’re thrilled to share that our fall fundraiser, Star Chefs and the Wines & Spirits They Love, raised over $248,000— surpassing our original goal of $213,000!

Thank you to everyone who donated, bid, sponsored, volunteered, or helped spread the word. Your support helps us continue making an impact for the nearly 5,000 individuals we serve each year.

A huge thank you to the 17 incredible chefs and beverage partners who made the evening unforgettable, to Table for Three for hosting, to Allen Brothers and GreenLeaf SF, a Chefs' Warehouse company for their generous contributions, and to our judges for lending their valuable expertise.

We’re also grateful to our amazing venue The GlassHouse and its staff, as well as everyone who donated the incredible variety of auction items we were able to offer. This community’s generosity is truly inspiring!

11/20/2025

Have you ever wondered what to do if a friend, coworker, or loved one was experiencing a mental health crisis?

Join us at the Mitchell Park Library on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. for a free, 1-hour interactive session with Momentum's Mental Health First Aid team (MHFA) - a valuable training that teaches everyday people how to recognize signs of mental health challenges, offer support, and connect individuals to appropriate help.

This free introduction will give you practical tools you can use right away - and a glimpse of what you can gain by participating in the full training!

To register, please visit the link here: https://paloalto.bibliocommons.com/events/6902b96461706d28002039e2

You can also sign up for the same info session on December 13, taking place at the Downtown Library in Palo Alto!

Have you ever wondered what to do if a friend, coworker, or loved one was experiencing a mental health crisis? Join a 1-hour interactive session with Momentum for Health introducing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - an evidence-based training that teaches you how to recognize signs of mental health c...

11/14/2025

Want to feel more confident supporting someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge? Join us for a free Adult Mental Health First Aid training this November.

This accredited, one-day course teaches you how to recognize signs of crisis, offer initial support, and help connect adults to appropriate care. Whether you’re a colleague, friend, family member, or community leader, this training equips you to make a real difference.

Thursday, November 20, 2025
2pm–7pm
1922 The Alameda, Room 107
Free and open to the community (ages 18+)

To register, please email krodriguez@momentumforhealth.org

10/31/2025

A Halloween reminder: Mental health doesn’t have to be scary!

Whether you’re caring for yourself or supporting someone else, small steps make a big difference.

At Momentum for Health, we’re here to make sure no one has to face their challenges or fears alone.

Learn more about our programs and how to get help at momentumforhealth.org.

10/29/2025

Depression is more common—and more treatable—than many realize. But finding the courage to ask for help starts with compassion and understanding from those around us.

This Depression Awareness Month, let’s keep the conversation open. Listen without judgment. Check in on your loved ones. And reach out to us for help if you need additional support. A great place to start is visiting us online: momentumforhealth.org

We are here for you 🫶

10/24/2025

October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness about substance use and misuse and support healthier communities.

This month, we’re highlighting a powerful message from Sara Morales, Program Director at Parisi House on the Hill, about the importance of education around substance use and misuse in breaking cycles of generational addiction.

Parisi House on the Hill was founded in 1994 as the first residential drug and alcohol treatment center in Santa Clara County to allow mothers to stay with their babies and young children through treatment. In 2023, Parisi House merged with Momentum, raising the standard of care to include mental health services, job training, and more.

Parisi House’s dedicated staff, many of whom have their own personal experiences with long-term recovery, foster a nurturing environment where women and their children can improve their lives and chart a new course for the future.

10/21/2025

24/7 emotional support is a phone call away.

Call TRUST if you or someone you know need:

🗣️ A compassionate person to listen and talk to…

🍲 A connection to local resources such as food and other basic needs…

🚙 A caring team that can meet you where you are…

Help is available by dialing 408-596-7290 or 988.

#988

Momentum for Health County Of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services

10/16/2025

As the weather continues to shift, our unhoused community members — many of whom spend time with us at the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) — could use your help to stay safe and warm.

Right now, we’re especially in need of men’s clothing items, including larger and taller sizes. These clothing donations go directly to unhoused individuals who visit the CSU for care and support.

Most-needed items:
• Jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts
• Unused socks, underwear, bras
• Suitcases and tote bags
• Headphones and phone chargers
• Scrubs

If you or someone you know has gently used clothing to donate, please consider dropping them off anytime — the CSU is open 24/7 and always accepting donations.

📍 Drop-off location (open 24/7):
Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)
101 Jose Figueres Avenue, Suite 50
San Jose, CA 95116

10/10/2025

Today is and this year's theme is: "Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies". This theme reminds us of the impact that crises (such as the devastating Palisades fire earlier this year) can have on people and the systems that support them. Evidence shows that 1 in 5 individuals impacted by crises will go on to experience a mental health challenge. Certain groups, including children and frontline workers, are especially vulnerable.

Community support to reduce isolation, evidence-based clinical services, and clear referral pathways across health, schools, and social services are all important components of a response in the aftermath of a crisis or disaster.

The unfortunate reality is that catastrophes of all magnitudes and levels will only continue to occur - but in acknowledging the impact that these events have on our collective mental health, we can work together to offer the necessary support to those affected.

(Sources: WFMH, WHO, UNICEF, APA, SAMHSA, IASC)

10/10/2025

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer a powerful way to support the causes you care about—all while maximizing your tax benefits. When you contribute to a DAF, you may receive an immediate tax deduction, even if you choose to distribute the funds to charities over time.

Plus, your contributions can grow tax-free, allowing you to amplify your impact. This DAF Day, discover how strategic giving can benefit both your favorite nonprofits and your financial future.

This DAF Day, take the next step in your philanthropic journey. Recommend a grant, start a new fund, or explore how your giving can grow—both in impact and in tax savings. Your generosity has power!

Questions? Get in touch with our Development Director, Maru Salazar.
msalazar@momentumforhealth.org

10/08/2025

Last month we came together at The Plex for our annual Employee Appreciation Social — a day to relax, connect, and celebrate our Momentum team. From bingo and co****le to the always-lively staff volleyball tournament, it was a reminder of the energy and community that make Momentum such a special place to work. Thank you to everyone who joined and made the day unforgettable!

10/02/2025

We’re so inspired by this incredible fundraising effort from one of our grant funders, Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, Saratoga, CA in collaboration with Undue Medical Debt. Together, they partnered to erase $2.3 million of medical debt in seven Bay Area counties.

Rev. Joel Martinez at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Saratoga partnered with nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to raise money to pay down medical debt throughout several counties in the Bay Area…