The 8th annual Seeds of Hope dinner for the Behavioral Medicine Center at Loma Linda University Health is sure to inspire, while breaking down stigma about mental illness and providing hope for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center in Coleman Pavilion.
After arriving, guests will be invited to walk through a youth patient art exhibit that provides a glimmer into what young patients experience as they go through treatment and as they resume a healthy life afterward. This portion of the program will be set to music and also allow guests to learn more about how pet therapy is integrated into the programs at the Behavioral Medicine Center.
The program and dinner will begin at 6 p.m. A highlight of the program will take place when former adolescent patient Marcela Ontiveros shares her inspiring story of finding hope and continued recovery at the Behavioral Medicine Center. Additionally, her family will participate with her in the program, and her parents will share how the experience helped save their marriage.
The dinner is free but space is limited. Reservations must be made by Monday, Sept. 28, with Tiffanie Engle by calling 909-558-3555 or emailing tengle@llu.edu.
“This mission-driven event will focus on educating the community on mental illness and addiction, as well as raising support for programs and services available at the Behavioral Medicine Center,” says Edward Field, MBA, vice president and administrator for the Behavioral Medicine Center.
Funds raised at the dinner will support programs and services offered at the Behavioral Medicine Center, as well as provide scholarship funds for individuals who do not have access to insurance to cover needed treatment.
“Above all, we want people to come and find out about the great programs offered at the Behavioral Medicine Center,” Field says.
This is the first year for the dinner to be held at Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. Park on the third floor of the parking garage at 11206 Campus Street.