Hi friends, 

A couple of months ago, I began a clinical training program at The Relational Center (TRC) in Los Angeles, an organization right in my neighborhood. In prior years, I was somewhat familiar with TRC and but I had not participated in any of their services despite the many interesting options available, like leadership groups, outings to natural spaces to promote wellbeing, and process groups for LGBTQ folks. For those of you that know me well, you know that these are all topics I value so imagine how happy I was when I started to realize everything that TRC offers for the community. 

As a social worker who is building a strong clinical foundation while also recognizing the importance of macro oriented practice and social justice, I am grateful to train with TRC because their values mirror my own in many ways. For example, therapy is seen as an intervention that is political, holistic, and relational to the environment around us-- which includes the relationships with our peers, partners, community, and even society. Most importantly, the therapy I am being trained to provide is non-oppressive, non-pathologizing, and always collaborative with the client. As a therapist training with TRC, I recognize that I may be helping to facilitate some exploration with clients, but I know that clients and I are on equal footing and we should not be impacted by power hierarchies that are typically seen in client-therapist relationships. 

In just a few months, I have been deeply impacted by the work that TRC does in both my personal and professional life. In order to help sustain this work, I am fundraising to help the organization reach and exceed its year-end goal. If you are willing and able, please help me in this process. No amount is too little. 

Thank you,
Rene

Every year we host a year-end appeal that offers our supporters one last opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to The Relational Center before the end of the calendar year. Our goal for the 2018 year-end appeal is $30,000. These funds are critical for sustaining The Relational Center's community. With your support, we can continue to integrate individual healing and systemic cultural change through affordable comprehensive mental health services to low-income and marginalized folks. Help us build stronger, more empathic communities that can change the world!