Brianna Williams

By Shannon Eliot

Members of the Transitional Age Youth Initiative, a collaboration between PEERS and Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services that focuses on empowering young adults and actively involving them in systems change, were presented with the Community Service Award in the Child/Adolescence category on Wednesday, May 1. Granted by the Alameda County Mental Health Board at the Senior Community Center in San Leandro, the award is designed to recognize outstanding contributions to the mental health field in Alameda County.

By Shannon Eliot

As part of its expanding effort to promote personal empowerment among consumers, PEERS has launched the monthly Empowerment through the Arts Series. The series, which is part of the Social Inclusion Campaign, features an array of performing and visual arts activities designed to foster communication and self-expression and end internalized stigma.

Nearly one year after receiving a grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, PEERS will be celebrating the last day of Mental Health Awareness Month by premiering its first documentary on Thursday, May 31 at the Alameda Theatre. Entitled "Shine," the film focuses on transitional age youth residing in Alameda County and their experiences in overcoming mental health challenges and making a difference in their community.

The film features three youth with varied life experiences sharing their stories and perspectives of recovery.