Airport Marina Counseling Service

: Our 2026 Spring into Well-Being Celebration online auction is now open, offering a fantastic selection of items to suit every taste and budget. By bidding on our auction items, you'll not only snag amazing deals on fun family experiences, travel, fashion, dining, events, and more, but you'll also be contributing to our mission to provide low-cost mental health services and train a new generation of therapists. �The auction includes a great mix of family, fun, sports, and date-night experiences. Family highlights include Universal Studios, the Aquarium of the Pacific, a private bowling party, and a private tour of the Los Angeles Zoo. Sports packages feature tickets to the Chargers, Dodgers, LA Kings, and LA Galaxy. Date nights and getaways include whale watching, sportfishing, a dinner cruise, the Magic Castle, shows at the Pantages with dinner, lunch with a Laker insider, a night at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, a two-night stay at a Wrightwood cabin, a Palm Springs getaway, and gift certificates to Tomat and Café Pinguini. Plus, lots of fun baskets. Our online silent auction will run from today until our Spring into Well-Being Celebration event on May 14. Some items may also be combined or included in baskets. New items will continue to be added to the auction almost daily between now and the Spring into Well-Being Celebration on May 14 so keep checking back for more great deals! The auction will close at 7:30 p.m. on the day of the Spring Celebration, May 14. Winners do not need to be present to claim their items, but they will be responsible for any shipping costs if they cannot pick up their items in person. Don't miss your chance to bid on a wide range of exciting items and support our cause. The auction site can be accessed via mobile phone or computer. Happy bidding! Click HERE to Bid Today: /event/organizations/sf-0013c00001rG9aCAAS/events/vevt:5d1d61c5-fe07-4776-98a8-9a28c172735f/auctions/silent-auction Check out the Spring into Well-Being Celebration event web page at: /event/organizations/sf-0013c00001rG9aCAAS/events/vevt:5d1d61c5-fe07-4776-98a8-9a28c172735f/home/story

Children’s mental health has become an increasingly urgent issue – with 20% of adolescents in the United States now reporting unmet mental health care needs. There is a continuing rise in children’s mental health diagnoses, and a growing concern over the impact social media is having on our kids. Adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems. Between 2018 and 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death among young adults in California, accounting for 20% of all deaths in this age range. Nationally, suicide rates among adolescents aged 10-24 years increased by 62% from 2007 to 2021, and suicide rates increased 8.2% annually from 2008 to 2022 among preteens aged 8 to 12 years. The data supports what we all know: we must check in with our kids and take action to provide those struggling with the support they need. This week, AMCS is focused on Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and its 2026 theme of "Beyond the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection." During this time, we urge everyone to focus on the intersection of technology, family, and child well-being. AMCS encourages your family to join this effort by setting screen time limits, promoting physical activity, and establishing screen-free zones or times, like meals or bedtime. This week, the first week of Mental Health Awareness Month, is an opportunity for people to talk to each other, sit down with their kids, and reach out for help. We urge everyone to learn about the resources and services available to support children’s mental health at www.chhs.ca.gov/youthresources. If you or your child is seeking professional help, you can reach out directly to AMCS by calling (310) 670-1410.

We are just about one week away from our signature fundraiser, the “Spring into Well-Being” Celebration, and this year’s Celebration will include another spectacular wine and spirits basket drawing! Only 50 tickets will be sold for this extraordinary raffle package, valued at over $1,900! One lucky winner will take home a luxurious collection of nine world-class wines and six premium spirits. All proceeds support AMCS’s life-changing mental health programs. Exceptional Wine Collection (Value: $1,000+) Curated for the true connoisseur, this seven-bottle selection features rare and renowned collector-level wines from legendary winemakers across California • Wayfarer Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Pinot 2023 (Sonoma Coast) • Aubert Powder House Chardonnay 2023 (Sonoma Coast) • Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2024 • Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Napa Valley) • Merry Edwards “Richaven” Pinot Noir 2021 (Russian River Valley) • A Saxum “James Berry Vineyard” Syrah Red blend Willow Creek (Paso Robles) • Ceritas “Colina” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (California) Premium Spirits Collection (Value: $900+) Featuring multiple award-winning, 95+ point, and ‘Best in the World’ spirits across tequila, bourbon, vodka, and Japanese whisky. • Nikka Whisky From the Barrel • Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Whiskey • Beluga Gold Line Vodka • Cierto Añejo Tequila • Clase Azul Reposado • Casa Dragones Joven Raffle Ticket Details • $100 per ticket • Only 50 tickets will be sold • Winner takes the entire package • Drawing to take place at AMCS’s Spring into Well-Being Celebration • Need not be present to win Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by emailing Ramona Barnes at [email protected]. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s finest wines, spirits, and dining – all while supporting accessible mental health services in your community. Get your tickets today. Good luck!

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Month! Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. Fortunately, Mental Health America (MHA) has created a wide array of online screening options to help anyone evaluate their mental health. Visit /screening-tools/ to take one of MHA's 12 screenings focusing on everything from depression and anxiety to PTSD and eating disorders. After your mental health test, you will see information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health. Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better. If you or someone you know needs help, please call AMCS at (310) 670-1410. #amcshelps

AMCS is excited to announce its speakers for our PrideFest event in June! The FREE family-friendly outdoor event will feature multiple “Pride stations” with fun and educational activities and games facilitated by therapists from AMCS’s LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center, plus guest speakers, music, food, and more. #amcshelps #pride🌈

We are just about two weeks away from our signature fundraiser, the “Spring into Well-Being” Celebration, and this year’s Celebration will include another spectacular wine and spirits basket drawing! Only 50 tickets will be sold for this extraordinary raffle package, valued at over $1,900! One lucky winner will take home a luxurious collection of nine world-class wines and six premium spirits. All proceeds support AMCS’s life-changing mental health programs. Exceptional Wine Collection (Value: $1,000+) Curated for the true connoisseur, this seven-bottle selection features rare and renowned collector-level wines from legendary winemakers across California Wayfarer Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Pinot 2023 (Sonoma Coast) Aubert Powder House Chardonnay 2023 (Sonoma Coast) Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2024 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Napa Valley) Merry Edwards “Richaven” Pinot Noir 2021 (Russian River Valley) A Saxum “James Berry Vineyard” Syrah Red blend Willow Creek (Paso Robles) Ceritas “Colina” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (California) Premium Spirits Collection (Value: $900+) Featuring multiple award-winning, 95+ point, and ‘Best in the World’ spirits across tequila, bourbon, vodka, and Japanese whisky. Nikka Whisky From the Barrel Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Whiskey Beluga Gold Line Vodka Cierto Añejo Tequila Clase Azul Reposado Casa Dragones Joven Raffle Ticket Details $100 per ticket Only 50 tickets will be sold Winner takes the entire package Drawing to take place at AMCS’s Spring into Well-Being Celebration Need not be present to win Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by emailing Ramona Barnes at [email protected]. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s finest wines, spirits, and dining – all while supporting accessible mental health services in your community. Get your tickets today. Good luck!

Come one, come all to AMCS's 6th Annual PrideFest from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, a FREE family-friendly fair with games, speakers, food, and music to celebrate the LGBTQ community, pride, and mental health. Our keynote speaker is the phenomenal Bamby Salcedo (she/her), trans Latina activist; and our emcee is Dr. Mimi Hoang (she/her), Program Coordinator of the AMCS LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center. We will be featuring "pride stations" with fun and educational activities. And did we mention food, wine, DJ, and prizes? Community vendors are welcome to apply to host a booth. Come to also learn more about our sliding scale LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy services including individual, couples/relationship, and group therapy, as well as our therapist training program. Please reserve your FREE ticket at: bit.ly/pridefest2026 #AMCShelps #pride🌈

The Westchester Mental Health Guild invites you to a fun evening of pairing special wines with delicious food at Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant to benefit Airport Marina Counseling Service: 6 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026 at Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant 193 Culver Boulevard in Playa del Rey An amazing evening of wines paired with five courses of Cantalini’s delicious creations. Welcome Bisol “Crede” Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG First Course Elena Walch Pinot Bianco Alto Adige, Italy 2023 Eastern Pacific Sand Dab Lemon Garlic Sauce With Capers Second Course Jayson Chardonnay Napa Valley, Ca 2023 Lobster Ravioli Lobster Cream Sauce Garnished With Asparagus Third Course Rivetti Nebbiolo Piemonte, Italy 2022 Lamb Chop Rosemary Balsamic Reduction Fourth Course Masi “Costasera”Amarone Veneto, Italy 2020 Short Rib Ravioli Bolognese garnished with Shaved Pecorino �Finale A sweet surprise Reserve your spot ($130 per guest, including wine, dinner, taxes and gratuities) as soon as possible because this event is sure to sell out. There are three ways to reserve your space: 1) Visit the Guild’s website to pay with a credit card or Paypal at /wine_dinner.htm 2) Mail or drop off a check payable to Westchester Mental Health Guild, 7891 La Tijera Blvd, Westchester. (Be sure to include your email so we can communicate with you.) 3) Pay via Zelle: [email protected] When you reserve, please note any food allergies or seating requests. Please act responsibly and arrange a ride home. @cantalinis @westchestermhg

Dine-in or take out your favorite menu items from The Shack; Playa Del Rey, CA and know that you are supporting the Westchester Mental Health Guild and AMCS at the same time! Take out or dine-in Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9, 2026 • 12 to 9 p.m. 185 Culver Boulevard in Playa del Rey The Shack will donate 20% of your order to WMHG. You must present a printed copy of this coupon in order to benefit the Guild. Takeout or Dine-in only. Established in 1972, The Shack’s mission is to provide delicious burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and salads for customers to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. You can also print the coupon directly from the Guild’s website at / @theshack_pdr @westchestermhg

Most people don’t realize how hard it is to find affordable, consistent mental health care in Los Angeles. That gap is exactly what Airport Marina Counseling Service has been working to close for the past 65 years. Our CEO, Eden Garcia-Balis, LMFT, recently sat down with Marsha Wietecha on the Born To Talk podcast to talk about what it really takes to provide accessible, community-based mental health care and why it matters now more than ever. Eden shares how AMCS is removing barriers, supporting thousands of clients, and building the next generation of therapists through our training programs. If you’ve ever wondered how mental health care actually works behind the scenes or why access is still such a challenge, this conversation is worth your time. Listen now: /eden-garcia-balis/

AMCS CEO Eden Garcia-Balis was honored to attend a special luncheon hosted by the Westchester Rotary Club celebrating the extraordinary service of longtime member Val Velasco. Val’s impact on our community is profound. A respected probate attorney in Marina del Rey, she has served on both the Rotary Board and the AMCS Board, and is the longest-serving member of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. Her decades of leadership have helped shape the civic and philanthropic fabric of Los Angeles. The event brought together a remarkable group of community leaders to celebrate Val’s legacy, with tributes from LA City Councilmember Tracy Park, Rotary President Nicole King, and five-time Emmy Award-winning comedian and former NBC weathercaster Fritz Coleman. Each spoke to Val’s character, her generosity, and her enduring commitment to service. AMCS is proud to be part of the community Val has helped build, and deeply grateful for her leadership, partnership, and lasting impact. @councilwomantracipark @westchester.rotary

Airport Marina Counseling Service is excited to be a Community Partner for B+ Well 2026, the Los Angeles Bi+ Task Force’s third annual wellness conference for the bisexual, pansexual, and fluid community and allies. AMCS believes in supporting the health and wellness of marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ community and is aware of the health disparities especially impacting the bi+ population. We champion LABTF’s efforts to address these disparities head-on with a full day of healing, learning, and connecting. The conference will include a stellar speakers lineup and a full day of learning, healing, and connection with bi+ individuals and allies in Los Angeles and beyond. AMCS’s Dr. Mimi Hoang will be the moderator of the conference’s keynote panel: “Honoring Our Legacy of Leaders.” A nationally recognized psychologist, educator, author, and grassroots activist, Hoang is the program coordinator for AMCS’s landmark LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center. B+ Well: A Wellness Conference for the Bisexual, Pansexual, and Fluid Community and Allies will be held on May 9, 2026, at Long Beach City College. Live streaming options will be available. For more information, please visit bit.ly/bwell2026 @drmimihoang