Thriving In The Workplace With Mentoring and Support

To look at her life now, one would never guess what Noel Silva’s past was like. This unlikely executive holds a responsible job and manages a team of employees at the Turning Point Employment Empowerment Center in Modesto.

“Coming to work is therapy for me,” said Silva. I manage a team of employees who have psychiatric disabilities like I do. Two years ago, I struggled to even get out of bed. Today, I start my workday at 8 a.m. and learn life skills on the job. With a good support system I can do this, and even coach others. With sheer force of will and Turning Point, I’m able to feel successful.”

Noting its unique purpose, Kaiser Permanente invests in the value that Turning Point brings through the employment of 400 psychiatrically disabled individuals in a Career Exploration and Mentoring Program.

“We connect with mental health consumers during any stage of their illness,” said Ron Gilbert, Director of Adult Mental Health Services. “Many are ready to contribute to their community and just need support doing it. When you can earn a wage and support yourself, that’s therapy. We are headed in a good direction and Kaiser Permanente is helping us get there.”

For more information about our Community Benefit program here in the Central Valley please contact: 

Marie Sanchez
Community Benefit Manager
Phone: (209) 735-5337
Email: marie.sanchez@kp.org

Additional Community Benefit resources are available online at the KP Community Benefit website.