Personal Stories
MY 988 EXPERIENCE
The 988-crisis hotline has gained traction over the past two years with greater federal support and guidance to states and communities. It can become the bridge from crisis to life-saving support for many years. This blog will provide a realistic experience of dealing with a local 988 crisis response to increase knowledge and bring about meaningful change to improve the system. These thoughts are my own and do not indicate Change Matrix or any partners’ thoughts. It simply serves as a reminder that real people are behind the other line and how we can best meet their needs. In 2023, [...]
Podcasts
Equity in Action Podcast — Episode 7
Equity in Action Podcast - Episode 7 About the Series: Change Matrix has launched a new Podcast Series for 2021, called Equity in Action. Since our inception in 2008, founders Elizabeth Waetzig, Rachele Espiritu, and Suganya Sockalingam have maintained a focus on cultural competence and eliminating disparities. We continue a focus on equity on all of our current projects, continuously look for ways to take action, and look forward to a world where all people get what they need, in ways that work for them, in their communities. What we Discuss in this Episode: Shannon CrossBear, formerly a change specialist [...]
Ongoing Projects
Change Consultant Evelyn Clark Reflects on Closing Out NTTAC Summit
On May 16th, 2024, I presented as a keynote speaker panel for the National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) on Exploring Intersections on Mental Health in the Juvenile Justice System to influence profound change within this system. There were over 500 participants present. This panel was comprised of youth and families impacted by the system, Kristen Powell and Meri Viano, and a researcher, Dr.Kam Williams. I spoke about my lived experience in the Juvenile Justice (JJ) system and my professional experience working with system-impacted youth and families through a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). [...]
CM Messages
Celebrating Pride Month 2024
As we step into Pride Month, we find ourselves at a moment to celebrate, reflect, and honor the rich history and courageous individuals who have paved the way for love, acceptance, and equality. At Change Matrix, we believe in year-round support, sharing resources and creating safe spaces to promote diversity and equality. Change Matrix supports the LGBTQ TA Center, led by the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) with support from Evaluation, Management, Training Associates, Inc. (EMT), which offers technical assistance and training to six grantees under the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP). These organizations enhance mental health outcomes for [...]
Internal Work
Observing the National Day of Racial Healing
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 marks the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing. The day was created by La June Montgomery Tabron of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to be celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The intent is for the day to be celebrated during a time when "racial healing activities happen in homes, schools, businesses and communities across the country with the goal of creating a more just and equitable future for our children," according to Foundation. "When we envisioned (in 2016) how we could support the actions of people inspired by Dr. King," [...]
