Yesterday, we celebrated a major milestone for the Catalyst for Wellness in Community (CWC) Apprenticeship Program… the graduation of our inaugural cohort! 🎓🎉 Three years ago, our first apprentices began an earn-and-learn journey combining paid on-the-job experience, education, mentorship, and professional development as they built careers in behavioral health. We came together at @chabot_college to recognize how far they’ve come. This milestone belongs not only to our graduates, but to the employers, educators, mentors, partners, families, and supporters who have helped make their journeys possible. To our first CWC graduates: congratulations! We are incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished… and excited to see where you go next. ❤️ Learn more about the CWC Apprenticeship Program at catalyst-center.org/apprenti….

Tomorrow, we’re celebrating a major milestone! 🎓 Three years ago, the inaugural cohort of our Apprenticeship Program began their journey. Now, as apprentices complete the program throughout 2026, we’re bringing the cohort together to celebrate just how far they’ve come. The CWC Apprenticeship Program creates earn-and-learn pathways into behavioral health careers, combining paid on-the-job experience, education, mentorship, and professional development. The program expands access to the field (including for people with lived experience and those from nontraditional educational backgrounds) while strengthening California’s behavioral health workforce. Congratulations to our 2026 graduates! We can’t wait to celebrate you. 🎉 Learn more about the CWC Apprenticeship Program at catalyst-center.org/cwcappre….

If continuing education credits are on your to-do list before the end of the year, Stronger Together 2026 is worth checking out. The conference is an accredited continuing education provider through the CA Alliance, and qualifying sessions offer credits across seven licensure and certification types. That means your team can spend three days in Anaheim learning from practitioners and leaders across California's child and family services field, and come home with CE credits that count toward their renewal. The sessions are practical, the content applies to the work, and the community in that room is unlike anything else in this field. August 31 - September 3, Anaheim Marriott. Registration is open now. web.cvent.com/event/72a12e0b…

If continuing education credits are on your to-do list before the end of the year, Stronger Together 2026 is worth checking out. The conference is an accredited continuing education provider through the CA Alliance, and qualifying sessions offer credits across seven licensure and certification types. That means your team can spend three days in Anaheim learning from practitioners and leaders across California's child and family services field, and come home with CE credits that count toward their renewal. The sessions are practical, the content applies to the work, and the community in that room is unlike anything else in this field. August 31 - September 3, Anaheim Marriott. Registration is open now. web.cvent.com/event/72a12e0b…

If continuing education credits are on your to-do list before the end of the year, Stronger Together 2026 is worth checking out. The conference is an accredited continuing education provider through the CA Alliance, and qualifying sessions offer credits across eight licensure and certification types: LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP, Psychologist, STRTP Administrator, Group Home Administrator, and SHRM. That means your team can spend three days in Anaheim learning from practitioners and leaders across California's child and family services field, and come home with CE credits that count toward their renewal. The sessions are practical, the content applies to the work, and the community in that room is unlike anything else in this field. August 31 - September 3, Anaheim Marriott. Registration is open now. web.cvent.com/event/72a12e0b…

The 2026 Stronger Together session lineup is the most comprehensive program we have ever put together. 80+ sessions. Five tracks. Topics ranging from AI governance for nonprofit leaders to dyadic care under Medi-Cal, from sibling placement decisions to building data-driven cultures, from the Foster Youth Tax Credit to coaching-centered supervision. Whatever role you play in California's child and family services field, there are sessions at this conference built specifically for the work you do. Early bird pricing ends May 25. Anaheim Marriott, August 31 through September 3. Register now: web.cvent.com/event/72a12e0b…

The 2026 Stronger Together session lineup is the most comprehensive program we have ever put together. 80+ sessions. Five tracks. Topics ranging from AI governance for nonprofit leaders to dyadic care under Medi-Cal, from sibling placement decisions to building data-driven cultures, from the Foster Youth Tax Credit to coaching-centered supervision. Whatever role you play in California's child and family services field, there are sessions at this conference built specifically for the work you do. Early bird pricing ends May 25. Anaheim Marriott, August 31 through September 3. Register now: web.cvent.com/event/72a12e0b…

We are so proud to see our own Permanency & Youth Engagement Advisor, Celeste Walley, representing the CA Alliance and Catalyst Center on a national stage at the @ACRCVoice Annual Conference in Chicago. As part of the keynote panel, The Partnership Pathway: Co-designing for Impact, Celeste joined leaders from across the country to highlight the importance of aligning practice with outcomes to improve care for youth and families. What makes this effort especially meaningful is its commitment to co-design with youth, families, and frontline staff. By elevating lived experience alongside data and evaluation, this project reflects an evidence-informed approach that strengthens systems of care. We are excited to see this work continue to grow and to bring these lessons back to California in support of better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Join us this Thursday, February 26 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, an interactive and thought-provoking session led by our very own Celeste Walley. In this live training, participants will explore the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and examine how systems have historically engaged individuals with lived experience. Together, we will challenge stigma and bias, confront performative inclusion, and build strategies for meaningful, equitable partnership. Celeste brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the CA Alliance Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth engagement efforts across California and nationally. This reflective session is designed to create space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Do not miss this opportunity to engage in honest dialogue and leave equipped to build systems where lived experience is recognized as leadership. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Join us for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, a powerful session led by our very own Celeste Walley. This live training explores the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and challenges systems to move beyond performative inclusion toward meaningful, equitable partnership. Participants will name and interrupt stigma and bias in real time, examine organizational readiness for authentic collaboration, and develop concrete strategies for recruiting and sustaining true partnership with individuals who bring lived expertise. Celeste brings both professional and lived expertise to this space. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth advisory efforts locally and nationally. This session is designed to be reflective and at times uncomfortable, creating space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Participants will leave with practical tools, shared commitments, and a personalized call to action grounded in equity. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Join us this Thursday, February 26 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, an interactive and thought-provoking session led by our very own Celeste Walley. In this live training, participants will explore the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and examine how systems have historically engaged individuals with lived experience. Together, we will challenge stigma and bias, confront performative inclusion, and build strategies for meaningful, equitable partnership. Celeste brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the CA Alliance Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth engagement efforts across California and nationally. This reflective session is designed to create space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Do not miss this opportunity to engage in honest dialogue and leave equipped to build systems where lived experience is recognized as leadership. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Tonight we celebrated the recipients of the Catalyst Center– @PhRMA Health Leaders Scholarship, honoring a powerful group of apprentices who represent the future of California’s behavioral health workforce. Through the Catalyst Center Apprenticeship Program, individuals with lived experience are gaining paid training, mentorship, and pathways into behavioral health careers that strengthen communities statewide. Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipients whose leadership demonstrates why investing in lived experience is essential to building a responsive, culturally grounded workforce. We are grateful to @SenAishaWahab , @AsmMiaBonta , @maggykrell, and @SenatorAshby for joining us and recognizing these emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of behavioral health in California.

On January 12, the @CaAllianceKIDS and @CaAllianceKIDS will recognize recipients of the Catalyst Center–PhRMA Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship. The honorees are apprentices with lived experience who are building pathways into the behavioral health workforce and strengthening care across California. Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship Event Date/Time: Monday, January 12th, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Location: Smic’s Restaurant | 1200 K St, Sacramento CA 95814 Apprentice Awardees: Calvin Brendell Fammons, Family Paths, Oakland, presented by Assemblymember Mia Bonta Victor Camarena, Tri-Valley Career Center, Chabot-Las Positas College District, Pleasanton, presented by Senator Aisha Wahab Lilly Lee, Alternative Family Services, Sacramento, presented by Assemblymember Maggy Krell Sharell Moore Jackson, Foster Hope Sacramento, presented by the office of Senator Angelique Ashby

On January 12, the @CaAllianceKIDS and @CaAllianceKIDS will recognize recipients of the Catalyst Center–PhRMA Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship. The honorees are apprentices with lived experience who are building pathways into the behavioral health workforce and strengthening care across California. Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship Event Date/Time: Monday, January 12th, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Location: Smic’s Restaurant | 1200 K St, Sacramento CA 95814 Apprentice Awardees: Calvin Brendell Fammons, Family Paths, Oakland, presented by Assemblymember Mia Bonta Victor Camarena, Tri-Valley Career Center, Chabot-Las Positas College District, Pleasanton, presented by Senator Aisha Wahab Lilly Lee, Alternative Family Services, Sacramento, presented by Assemblymember Maggy Krell Sharell Moore Jackson, Foster Hope Sacramento, presented by the office of Senator Angelique Ashby

Stand up for trans youth. Our training "Hands Off Our Youth" on Oct 23rd equips child welfare professionals with the skills to defend and affirm trans young people. Learn to interrupt harmful language, address systemic challenges, and build affirming, stable relationships. Instructor: Mack, an experienced organizer & mental health worker focused on racial justice and anti-oppression. Build the competence needed to protect and support trans youth in your care. Enroll now: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Navigating first family connections is a profound journey for adoptees. Join our session on Oct 21st to learn how to provide safe, supportive, and trauma-informed guidance. We'll cover assessing safety, emotional readiness, boundary-setting, and building honest communication. Equip yourself to skillfully support identity exploration and healthy reunions. Enroll here: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Learn with us in October. Our @catalystcenter1 lineup is here with critical topics for child & family services professionals. From LGBTQ+ affirming care to de-escalation and healing-centered approaches, we've got you covered. Check out all of our courses: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

Housing is more than shelter—it's a foundation for healing. Our Oct 8th workshop, "Building Bridges, Not Barriers," equips clinicians and professionals with a healing-centered Housing First model for disconnected youth. Learn to design housing programs that foster resilience & complement clinical care. Instructor: Tekoah Boatner, a renowned expert with 20+ years of experience. Gain practical strategies to reduce re-traumatization and advocate for systems change. Enroll now: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…

"Integration seemed dangerous, and so I wore masks." A deeply personal blog from our Deputy Director of Training, Ivon Favela. Her journey navigating language, micro-aggressions, and pride is an important read for #HispanicHeritageMonth and beyond. We are proud to share her story. catalyst-center.org/post/emb…

Learn with us in October. Our @catalystcenter1 lineup is here with critical topics for child & family services professionals. From LGBTQ+ affirming care to de-escalation and healing-centered approaches, we've got you covered. Check out all of our courses: catalystcenter.learnupon.com…