Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) Board President James T. Haas – longtime community volunteer and industrial power engineer for PG&E – has received his third Mielke Award for his on-going perseverance to provide permanent housing to those disabled by mental illness – a key component of TMHA’s mission.
Established by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1986, this honor is given to employees whose volunteer efforts best demonstrate dedication to the well-being of the people in their communities.
Haas volunteers extensively for TMHA; conducting meetings, reading grant proposals, working on housing projects such as Nipomo Street Studios in SLO, fundraising and more. He also volunteers on behalf of Best Buddies, local schools and individuals and families in need. He remains an active visionary, promoting a philosophy of partnerships with other nonprofits in programming, fundraising and cooperative ventures such as permanent, supported housing and expanding work at Growing Grounds Downtown retail store.
Mielke award winners are presented a trophy plus a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization for which they volunteer. “JT’s third Mielke Award reiterates the significance of his outstanding character and contributions, and TMHA recognizes our good fortune in having him as Board President,” said Jill Bolster-White, Executive Director of TMHA.
Further, the Garbagemen’s Association of San Luis Obispo County – who make a special point to donate to local nonprofits throughout the year, presented TMHA with a $3,000 check, which was matched by the Mielke Award.
“I am delighted with TMHA’s support from the SLO Garbagemen’s Association,” Bolster-White said. “I know they are asked for funds frequently and their choice of TMHA is both an honor and indication of their commitment to services for those working to recover from mental illness.”
The SLO County Garbagemen’s Association is comprised of nine county haulers and landfills: San Miguel Garbage, Paso Robles Waste Disposal, Atascadero Waste Management, San Luis Garbage, Mission County Disposal, South County Sanitary Service, Chicago Grade Landfill and Cold Canyon Landfill. Active in SLO County for over 51 years, the association has always made an effort to pool their money to give a large amount to jumpstart a project, or kickoff a large fundraising drive.
“We chose Transitions because they are trying to provide a badly needed program for the some of the most vulnerable residents of San Luis Obispo County, and they have a big mountain to climb ahead of them,” said Tom Martin of SLO County Garbagemen’s Association.
The hill Martin describes is both metaphorical and literal. One of TMHA’s biggest projects taking root is Sunny Acres – an opportunity to preserve and repurpose a historical building that has sat empty on the hill above Bishop Street for 40 years, and turn it into a beautiful, supported studio-housing development. Confusion with another local group has spurred TMHA to change the name for Sunny Acres, which is currently a priority for the project.
Another notable project is 50Now, a concrete solution to homelessness, which will identify the 50 most vulnerable homeless people in San Luis Obispo County and help them receive priority housing and immediate access to programs and services.
“This is an exciting time for mental health services in San Luis Obispo County,” Bolster-White said. “The confluence of community awareness and support will make a tangible difference in ameliorating the lack of housing for people disabled by mental illness. This progress is made possible with support from people like Tom Martin and JT Haas.”
To learn more about TMHA’s permanent supported housing projects, visit www.T-MHA.org
Transitions-Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services. TMHA operates 30 programs at over 35 locations that reach over 2,000 people and 1,500 families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The emphasis of TMHA’s many services is to teach vital independent living skills, and build a framework for community re-entry through personal empowerment and hands on experience. For over 30 years, TMHA has been dedicated to providing housing, employment, case management and life-skills support to teens and adults with mental illness; and support, resources and education for their loved ones. For more information, visit www.T-MHA.org.