Case Manager Veloria Provides Life-Changing Resources
Barriers Beyond Mental Health
Veloria, one of YES’s dedicated Case Managers, helps young clients and their families navigate barriers to mental health care by connecting them with vital resources like housing support, legal assistance, and basic necessities.
For many youth and families at Youth Eastside Services (YES), getting mental health support is only one part of the journey. Behind the scenes, case managers like Veloria are working to remove the numerous obstacles that stand in the way, including poverty, language barriers, housing instability, and legal uncertainty.
“Many of our clients and their families face significant barriers to accessing mental health services,” Veloria explains. “That includes financial constraints, transportation issues, cultural stigma, and just not knowing what resources are available. Language barriers can be especially hard for immigrant and refugee families.”
A Personalized, Compassionate Approach
In her role as a Case Manager at YES, Veloria is often the person families turn to when they’re overwhelmed, unsure, or on the verge of giving up. Her approach is compassionate and collaborative, grounded in deep listening and cultural responsiveness.
“I take a client-centered approach,” she says. “It’s important that any resource or service aligns with the client’s unique needs, background, and personal goals. I work closely with the youth, their family, their therapist, and their psychiatrist to build a support plan that truly works for them.”
Small Supports, Big Impact
That could mean anything from helping a student get to school to making sure a parent has enough diapers for their baby to navigating the complexities of the immigration system.
One story stands out in Veloria’s mind, a family who had recently immigrated and was facing enormous challenges.
“They were struggling to meet their children’s basic needs. I partnered with KidVantage to get clothing and supplies, and I referred them to the Eastside Legal Assistance Program for free legal advocacy. Over time, as they became more stable, they were able to engage more fully in mental health support and other community services. Watching that transformation was incredibly rewarding.”
That kind of impact isn’t possible alone. Veloria credits several key partners, like Mary’s Place and Friends of Youth for shelter and housing, Hopelink for food, transportation, and employment help, and ELAP for legal support, for helping YES families meet their basic needs and reduce stressors that affect mental health.
Speaking the Language of Trust
And as a bilingual staff member, Veloria brings even more to her role.
“I use my Mandarin and English language skills to support families who would otherwise struggle to access services. It’s meaningful to be that bridge and to make sure they feel heard and supported.”
For Veloria, case management is about much more than handing out phone numbers or making referrals.
“I wish more people knew that case management is deeply relational,” she says. “It’s about building trust, providing consistent support, and walking alongside families as they navigate complicated systems. Our goal isn’t just to help them survive, it’s to help them thrive.”
At YES, case managers like Veloria embody the heart of trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care. They meet families where they are, advocate for their needs, and help create real change—one step, one connection, one human moment at a time.
Providing children, youth, and families the resources they need to manage their mental health and well-being is only made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Please consider making a gift today to continue to provide children, youth, and families with the services and programs that support their mental health and recovery.
Thanks to donations like yours, no family is turned away because they can’t afford to pay for services.
