As one of the most challenged areas of California when it comes to opioid use, Modesto was in need of an all-encompassing program that would support youth facing addiction as well as their families.
Center for Human Services’ Youth Opioid Response (YOR) program was created last year to provide the guidance and counseling needed to address this pressing issue. Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Hanat Balimuttajjo, described the program’s mission to “educate, prevent, and reduce substance use as well as any associated problems experienced.” Emphasizing the need for this program in Stanislaus County, she talked about the increase of drug related deaths in the past year.
Additionally, the program is addressing other challenges youth may be facing including alcohol and cannabis use. YOR Counselors aim to raise awareness of all addictive substances and guide youth through recovery. Through a person-centered approach and cognitive behavioral therapy, counselors work to address the needs of the students and the people closest to them.
Hanat describes, “With the matrix model, we allow individuals to process and grow, but also bring families into the recovery process.” Parents are invited to take part in the program by attending parent education events, offered monthly. Hanat expressed excitement about the future of the program. The increase in referrals from school staff, parents, and youth themselves attests that the program is both helpful and wanted. The scope of services also continues to grow as the YOR program collaborates with other local entities.
“We are building partnerships outside of this program,” said Hanat. “All counselors are working with other service providers in our community.”
They have also begun to offer roaming services to reach students at remote schools so that no student is left behind. As a whole, youth are expressing interest in the program and sharing that it’s a safe space for them to come and address life and social issues they are having. With YOR’s services at their fingertips, students have a program to turn to, people to confide in, and a path to recovery.
By: Micaela Meyer, Marketing Assistant
To learn more about these services click here or call us at (209) 424-3841
This service is supported by a federal grant under the State Opioid Response program, with funding provided by the California Department of Health Care Services.
