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Telecare Consumer Employees Recognized for Excellence
March 27, 2006
When it comes to recovery, few people can speak as honestly or eloquently as those in recovery themselves. Telecare consumer employee, John Black, and former Telecare consumer employee, Ramiro (Ray) Guevara, are two individuals who share their stories and inspire hope again and again for thousands of consumers, their families, and the community.
Ramiro ?Ray? Guevara - changing the face of recoveryRamiro "Ray" Guevara
Ray was recently honored with the NAMI California 2002 Consumer Award for Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy on Behalf of Mental Health Consumers. His willingness to share his story has been an inspiration. Why does he do it? "I can't help but think there's another 'Ray' out there. That's what motivates me to come out and talk publicly about my journey. I think it might give people some hope."
Ray has recently taken an exciting new position with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. While at Telecare, Ray was a Personal Service Coordinator II at Stanislaus Homeless Outreach Program. "These are real jobs; they're not token positions," he said. "I've seen how Telecare treats its clients. We are client centered. We are caring. We are there to help them reach their highest potential. I've been on both sides of the couch, so to speak, and Telecare is the most client oriented company I have ever seen, either as a consumer or as a provider. I'm very proud to be a part of this organization."
Ray has received numerous awards and recognitions and is featured in a documentary called, "Hope on the Streets." He considers it a gift, "to let people know that there is hope. Nobody is a throwaway person. If you give someone the proper treatment - and a chance - who knows!"
To learn more about Ray or to order a copy of the Hope on the Streets video, you can visit the KQED website at http://www.kqed.org/w/baywindow/hope/index.html.
John Black - changing the face of recoveryJohn Black
John's energy and enthusiasm are infectious and have been an important part of his efforts to spread hope and awareness about recovery. John is a Personal Service Coordinator II at East Modesto Regional Services, in Modesto, California. Through his company, "J.B. Presents," John develops, organizes, promotes and hosts a wide range of community building events. He has raised funds and awareness to support recovery, sobriety, and children.
John is also very close to getting a transferrable Associates Degree from Modesto Junior College and hopes to continue his education with a Behavioral Sciences or Organizational Leadership degree. He is also actively working to establish a role for himself beyond the mental health system. He is recognized in the community of Modesto as a partnership-builder, a publicist for bands, a community events organizer and a well-known community volunteer.
"Life is so sweet right now," says John. "I've had goals. I've been reaching for goals. But right now, my goals are reaching for me. I don't have to go looking for them. They're landing right in my lap."
