BACUP 25-Year Anniversary Open House
By MC Harris, LACDMH Community Worker
For 25 years, the Benefits Assistance Clients’ Urban Project (BACUP) has been supportive of mental health issues and peers’ advocacy concerns since 1987. The open house held in May gave BACUP a chance to give the community a tour of their facility, and network with other affiliates that collaborate with BACUP.
BACUP employees and members outreach throughout Los Angeles County through various SAAC, Client Coalition and System Leadership Team meetings.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) employees came to the event in support, including District Chief Edward Vidaurri, Kumar Menon, Dennis Murata and Deputy Chief Cathy Warner. They stopped by to deliver a message of hope, wellness and recovery. At the event, BACUP received a commendation from the CEO and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to commemorate 25 years of service.
The majority of BACUP client-run wellness center members practice hope, wellness and recovery. One staff member mentioned to me that BACUP is about being involved in community by motivating peers, and it’s a great place to build friendships. BACUP is also about being focused on clients and their families, providing health and wholeness from a grassroots perspective.
