Masada Homes

Location:
130 West Victoria Street
Gardena, CA 90248
They have two buildings right next to each other. One is for foster family agency and the other is
the community health clinic.

How to contact them:

School: Talk to your teacher and counselor about the available resources
Website: www.masadahomes.org
Email: info@masadahomes.org OR http://masadahomes.org/contact-2/
Phone Number: (310) 715-2020

The mission of Masada Homes

to build a foundation for youth and families; provide quality residential, vocational, and mental
health services so that they may become healthy, independent and productive members of their
communities.

Q&A with Masada Homes

What services do you offer students?
Outpatient services
Foster family support
Medication support
Substance abuse
Family therapy
Individual therapy

What is the FSP department?

Full service partnership community based mental health services - for more intense cases. For
people who havent responded well to normal therapy/ treatment.

How do you reach out to students and families that are in need?
DMH: Department of Mental Health Services
Students can find out about Masada Homes through their school
Primarily a school age service, so schools refer students and families.

Masada Homes is important to students:

Helps them take agency over their own story.
Mental health, like physical health, needs to be taken care of in our everyday lives and
experiences. It affects every aspect of our life, from how we respond to simple everyday
experiences, to how well we can learn and think and interact, to even how physically healthy we
are. When students are able to speak with mental health professionals they are able to understand
their story and take control of the narrative theyre putting forth.

Mental health often isnt discussed in schools.

How often have are people told to get over their depression? How often have people been told
that their anxiety is an overreaction, that they have it easy? The Masada Homes help students
cope with mental illness and the stress they face in their everyday lives. It helps them overcome
the many misconceptions they may have about seeking help and becoming mentally healthy. It
helps them become educated in an area that our schools and our classes may be failing to teach.

With proper health, they can become their best selves and students.
Just like you go to the doctor when youre sick, you should go to a mental health professional
when youre feeling depressed, anxious, etc. We do not expect you to come to school and learn
when you have a fever. The same is true with mental health problems. Masada Homes is one
way our community can help make sure our students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn at each
and every moment.

Masada Homes and the Classroom

Chemistry of the brain
Neurotransmitters
Chemical/hormonal imbalances
Neuroanatomy
Does it matter if its just in your head? (yes, thats just as real as physical)
Mental Illnesses
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability Disorder
ADHD
PTSD
Dont see what youre looking for? Check here:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
Mental illness and heredity
Can I inherit a mental illness?
Genetics of depression/anxiety/etc
 Fact Sheet: https://www.rethink.org/resources/d/does-mental-illness-run-in-
families-factsheet
How to be mentally healthy
Avoiding stressors/triggers
Meditating
Reactive vs proactive
Take time for yourself
Putting first things first
Therapy
31 Tips: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health
Why does mental health matter in a science class?
Mental health is a combination of your biology, chemistry, and physiology.
You need to understand your mental health before you can treat it.
Spreading the word and making sure everyone is educated can help save lives.
Legislation around mental health
Why does it matter to YOU?
Get in control of your story.
If youre not mentally healthy, its hard to keep in control.
Its like going to the doctor, but for your healthy mind.
More helpful links to learn more about mental health and science!
Child and Adolescent Mental Health:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-
health/index.shtml
The Science Behind Mental Illness:
http://www.bestmastersinpsychology.com/science-mental-health/
Brain Basics: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/educational-resources/brain-
basics/brain-basics.shtml

We CAN promote healthy habits, thoughts, and actions in our students. We CAN help them
become the primary agent in their own story by encouraging them to seek help at places like
Masada Homes. And Masada Homes can help students become their best selves with
professional help and safety.
None of us can do it alone. These partnerships help strengthen a schools connection to the
community and emphasize the importance of health and education within the community.