Breaking Barriers: Inside The Wellness Center

In this episode of On the Road, we welcome Tyler Nash, Program Manager of The Wellness Center in Oxnard, California. Tyler introduces us to the center's mission of providing accessible mental health services to individuals in Ventura County, particularly those who might otherwise be underserved. He explains how people find their way to The Wellness Center, emphasizing that neither insurance nor money is required to receive support. The center refers to its clients as "Members," who have the autonomy to choose how they spend their time within the clubhouse environment. The staff, known as "Peer Support Specialists," play a crucial role in supporting Members, bringing the benefit of lived experience to their interactions.

Tyler shares that while some individuals stay for a short time, others may engage with the center's services for years. Collaborations with other entities are key to helping Members reintegrate into society effectively. He delves into the origins and uniqueness of The Wellness Center concept and its connection to the peer movement at Turning Point. The center prides itself on being a judgment-free zone, which stands in contrast to the outside world.

Additionally, Tyler highlights the center's mobile services, the dynamic interaction between Members and staff, and the rigorous training involved to become a Peer Support Specialist, including WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) classes. He discusses the uniqueness of The Wellness Center as a walk-in facility in Ventura County, sustained by funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health, ensuring all services remain free for Members. Through this engaging conversation, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role The Wellness Center plays in the community.

 

Watch the full episode HERE

What you’ll learn in this episode:

0:00 Welcome to On the Road and introduction of our guest, Tyler Nash, Program Manager of The Wellness Center

0:32 The mission of The Oxnard Wellness Center is to create a space for people to receive mental health services who may not be reached in Ventura County

1:19 Find out how individuals end up at The Wellness Center

1:59 We learn that you do not need insurance or even money to receive services 

2:41 “Members,” as The Wellness Center refers to individuals receiving services, get to choose how they spend their time in the clubhouse setting

3:28 Tyler tells us that the staff is called, “Peer Support Specialists,” and tells us the benefits of having them support those currently being serviced.

5:15 Some people only stay for a short period of time, others receive services for years at The Wellness Center

5:43 How collaborations with other entities happen to ensure Members can get on track to functioning in society

7:55 The idea of The Wellness Center: Is it a new concept and how did it come together in the beginning?

9:36 Tyler tells us more about the unique value that the peer movement at Turning Point and The Wellness Center

10:59 There is no judging at The Wellness Center, which is no always the case in the outside world

11:38 A mobile version of The Wellness Center

12:43 The interaction between the members and the people that work at The Wellness Center and the training and certification involved to become a Peer Support Specialist including the WRAP classes

17:36 Is The Wellness Center and a walk-in facility something unique to Ventura County

18:08 Funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health and how it keeps it free for members and the type of individuals that come to the center

19:49 A special thank you to our sponsor, Opus escrow

 

Related Episodes:

Growth Beyond Challenges: Cultivating Wellness at Growing Works

Unveiling Humanity Through Compassion, Hope & a Costume

A Recovery Oasis at Nate’s Place

The Wellness Center:
turningpointfoundation.org
Next To Public Health - Center Point Mall
2697 Saviers Rd.
Oxnard, CA 93033
805-653-5045

 

The Turning Point Foundation:
1736 S Lewis Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 586-9900

 

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

 

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.