WHY VOTE NO?
The changes will result in significant cuts to current programs, particularly those that support children and underrepresented communities. Prevention and early intervention programs will be removed, failing to resolve the lack of access to treatment or services. This will reduce access to services for ALL and will not address homelessness, instead imposing a $68 Billion dollar BOND to end the Homeless Crisis in California. The most vulnerable communities will suffer if this Proposition passes.
IMPACT:
The analysis estimates spending on current Mental Health programs would be reduced from $1.34 billion to $621 million under Governor Newsom’s Proposed plan.
Reduced flexibility:
Counties would have less flexibility to determine how money is spent. Based on current expenditures, counties would be required to increase spending on housing by $493 million and on “full-service partnerships” by $121 million. “Full-service partnerships” include intensive wraparound services like case management, housing, employment support, and clinical care.
Program cuts likely:
In order to meet spending targets and caps, counties would likely need to reduce spending on current programs including outpatient services, crisis response, prevention services, and outreach.
Less independent oversight:
The proposed restructuring moves much of the program implementation and oversight authority to the Department of Health Care Services. The change “significantly limits” the independent oversight of the current Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Medi-Cal won’t reimburse for non-clinical programs like classroom interventions and family resource centers that have historically been supported by the Mental Health Services Act.
Closures and shifts:
At-risk youth centers, school-based suicide prevention programs, and infant and early childhood mental health programs would close down. Approximately $140 million annually of existing tax revenue for mental health, drug, and alcohol treatment would shift from counties to the state.
Opposition:
Clare Cortright, policy director for Cal Voices, a coalition of groups representing community mental health organizations, opposes the changes. These groups and others have organized into Californians Against Proposition 1 to oppose the changes on the March ballot. With no professional organization or high-dollar backers, the opposition’s main asset is the outrage from people in the mental health system who fear they’ll be funneled into involuntary treatment. Proposition 1 will be the only statewide measure on the March 5 ballot.
WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING:
Opposition’s stance:
Californians Against Proposition 1 is leading the campaign against Proposition 1. Endorsements for the campaign include Cal Voices, Disability Rights California, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, League of Women Voters of California, and Mental Health America of California. Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California and a leader of the NO on Prop 1 campaign, stated, “At a time when we face a growing mental health crisis with homelessness, Prop 1 actually diverts existing funds from mental health treatment programs so the money can be diverted to government-financed housing projects. In doing so, Prop 1 raids and diverts funding from the very mental health treatment programs that currently serve homeless people! That’s why a bipartisan coalition of mental health treatment advocates oppose Prop 1 and warn of devastating cuts to mental health treatment programs if it passes.”
In honor of Black History Month, Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is pleased to recognize several prominent Black community leaders and organizations making a difference across Senate District 21.
In the Victor Valley, Senator Wilk is shining a light on Mark and Kendra Graham, Founders and Pastors of Abundant Living Family Church HD in Hesperia, for their outstanding leadership and service to the High Desert community.
“The passion and compassion Pastors Mark and Kendra have for the underserved in the High Desert is inspiring. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk to truly make a difference in the lives of those in need,” said Senator Wilk. “From working with people struggling with mental health issues, to helping those in the criminal justice system restart their lives, the important work they are doing is admirable to say the least. It is my pleasure to recognize Pastors Mark and Kendra Graham. Congratulations!”
Before moving to California in 1997, Mark was a regional Human Resources Manager for 3M Company and operated his own consulting business. Kendra was the Executive Director of the Christian Life Child Development Center and sat on the Board of Directors for the State of Michigan’s Toys for Tots program. Both attended Purdue University.
That year, they became members of Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga. They served as Youth Pastors, building a teen congregation to over 800 attendees every week.
On Feb 1st, 2009, they moved to the High Desert and started Abundant Living Family Church High Desert, with a strategic focus on reaching and impacting the community and the less fortunate.
Today Mark and Kendra serve over 500 families a week, and in the last 15 years have served over 70,000 people in the High Desert community. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has also joined onto their “New Hope Reentry Program”, working to reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals with case management, rehab, job resources and more.
Earlier this year, Pastor Mark opened a San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offering a message of hope and leadership guidance for the Board.
“Our biggest accomplishment is the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ weekly as we pastor the amazing congregation of Abundant Living known as Abundant Nation!” said Pastors Mark and Kendra.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) – At the recent San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting held on January 9, 2024, the community of Hesperia was notably represented by Pastor Mark Graham, who led the gathering in both prayer and the pledge of allegiance.
The Senior Pastor of Abundant Living Family Church High Desert in Hesperia brought a message of hope and leadership guidance to the session.
First District Vice Chairman Paul Cook kicked off the meeting by introducing Pastor Mark Graham to the attendees. In welcoming Pastor Graham, Cook expressed his pleasure, saying, “Abundant Living is a striving community that is extremely connected in the High Desert Community, serving over 500 families weekly.”
Over a span of 15 years, Abundant Living’s dedicated teams, with the support of programs like New Hope reentry, have reached over 70,000 individuals. The church provides meals for the housing insecure, support services for the recently incarcerated -then-released, as well as offering personalized service plans for probationary youth to set them on the right path that lead them towards educational opportunities, from high school to higher education.
The collaborative efforts of the Abundant Living Family Church High Desert and the Public Defender’s Office have not gone unnoticed. Their achievements in enriching lives and enhancing community safety were honored by the National Association of Counties with an award in the criminal justice and public safety category.
Pastor Mark, a graduate of Purdue University and former corporate executive at 3M, has dedicated his life to ministry work. His leadership extends beyond the church walls; he is a Commissioner for Behavioral Health in the First District, contributes to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Commission, and serves on the Behavioral Health and Community Justice Consensus Committee.
During his prayer, Pastor Graham sought divine guidance for the council, saying, “I pray for God to bless them and to guide them in their leadership of the County of San Bernardino and its residents. I pray for the safety and peace of this nation, as well as for the men and woman of the Sheriff’ Department and local police departments that serve our community here in San Bernardino County as first responders.”
The pastor’s roots in the faith-based community run deep. Before moving to California in 1997, he and his wife Kendra were Michigan residents, becoming members of the Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga upon their arrival. His leadership skills shone as he served as Youth Pastor before founding the High Desert branch of the church in February 2009, focusing on making a tangible impact on the High Desert community.
For more information on Pastor Mark Graham and the Abundant Living Family Church High Desert, located at 17555 Mauna Loa St, Hesperia, CA 92345, interested parties can visit https://abundantlivinghd.com.