Santa Paula Family Resource Center’s CONVIVIR Project celebrates anniversary

The Santa Paula Family Resource Center’s CONVIVIR Project celebrated its one-year anniversary by hosting an open house on Sunday, November 23. CONVIVIR is a collaborative between Interface Children Family Services, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, The Commission on Human Concerns, and Ventura County Probation – Youth Services funded by a generous grant from The California Endowment. In attendance from the Santa Paula Family Resource Center staff were Fernando Medina, director, CONVIVIR, Interface; Karina Pardo, case mentor, CONVIVIR, Interface; Selina Escoto, case mentor, CONVIVIR, The Commission on Human Concerns; Marissa Cervantes, case mentor, CONVIVIR, Interface; Rosalinda Figueroa, case mentor, ENLACE y Avance, Interface; and Martha Castañeda, counselor, CONVIVIR, Palmer Drug Abuse Program. CONVIVIR Steering Council members in attendance included Terry Miler, Interface Children Family Services; Susan van der Veen, Interface Children Family Services; Lisa Chadwick-Peterson, Interface Children Family Services; Ginny Connell, Palmer Drug Abuse Program; and Mary Mall, Ventura County Probation.The CONVIVIR Community Partnership Council was represented by Carl Barringer, Cathy Barringer, Anita Pulido, Martin Hernandez, and Mayor John T. Procter. Also in attendance were community residents and supporters, including Evaristo Escoto, Fillmore Boys & Girls Club, Art Pulido, Mr. and Mrs. Elizarraras, Ms. Pacheco, Mr. and Mrs. Palencia, Faviola Macias, Ventura County Behavioral Health, Ms. Alarcon, Mr. and Mrs. Marin, Ms. Salas, Ms. Cobos, and Ms. Ramirez and family.Recognitions were also awarded at the anniversary event. Elizabeth Blanchard presented Ricky Alamillo, Jr. with the 2003 Elizabeth Blanchard Youth Service Award. Mayor John T. Procter presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Santa Paula to the CONVIVIR Project and another to the CONVIVIR Kidz Care Community Clean-Up Crew. The Santa Paula Family Resource Center was presented with a recognition on behalf of Supervisor Kathy I. Long.