Wellness Center

Editor, The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Porterville Wellness Center’s grand opening took place on May 30. Thank you to the Porterville community members who have embraced this innovative and supportive wellness center model and the individuals who attend to receive care and support. This Center and the support provided therein leads to full community participation for our consumers as they strive to reach their full potential.

Community-based Wellness Centers provide multiple services and activities within a supportive environment to assist individuals as they improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. The Center is a compassionate environment offering classes such as employment readiness, computer science, résumé writing, budgeting, nutrition, and physical health, support groups for consumers and their families, educational guidance, leadership opportunities, and mentorship with peers who’ve had success as they transitioned into community life.

According to Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020, the collective beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of everyone in the community profoundly affects overall community health. Wellness can look different for each individual, and each individual contributes to the overall wellness of the community.

Community partners involved in consumer assistance include Community Services Employment Training (CSET), the Projects for Assistance in Transitioning from Homelessness (PATH, operated by Kings View), and the My Voice Media Center (operated by the Arts Consortium).

Innovative programs, community partnerships, and new opportunities for all community members, with a view toward justice, health, and success, ensures the community of Porterville continues to thrive. Timothy Durick, Psy.d.,

Director, County Health & Human Services Agency,

Mental Health Branch