Client News
City of Gonzales, school district hire new social worker to boost mental health support
Joint funding effort addresses growing need for services among students and residents
City of Gonzales and Gonzales Unified School District have announced their joint funding effort to provide a new licensed clinical social worker, who will enhance mental health support in both the schools and the city.
The new hire means the school district now has two licensed clinical social workers, as well as the city's being able to tap into the expertise of that person to assist Gonzales Police Department in cases where mental health are suspected or confirmed.
"Part of this position was to provide more local ability and depth to address those issues," said Rene Mendez, Gonzales city manager.
Mendez said not only will the social worker be able to work with youth at schools, but they will also be able to make home visits within the city when necessary, expanding their ability to assist beyond the classroom.
"This agreement is an important first step as we begin to establish local mental health support resources for the city and enhances our community policing and public safety services, programs and response," he said.
About City of Gonzales
The city of Gonzales, California is located in Monterey County. The quaint and culturally diverse community of approximately 9,000 people is in the heart of the Salinas Valley’s agricultural and wine region. Gonzales is an established regional leader in agricultural-technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Gonzales is home to companies such as HealthySoil, which manufactures products to improve agricultural crop production; Converted Organics, a natural fertilizer company; Taylor Farms, a fresh vegetable production facility, Mann Packing/Del Monte Fresh, a leading supplier of fresh cut vegetables; Ramsay Highlander, an innovator, designer and manufacturer of technologically-advanced harvesting equipment; Papé Equipment Handling, Braga Fresh, Green Valley Farm Supply, Tessemae’s, American Bioscience, Caraccioli Cellars, and Constellation Brands, an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits.