a From one location to 40—Growth and Impact: As the state reconstructed its behavioral health care needs, contracts for programs were awarded to appropriate organizations throughout Massachusetts. Recognizing the value of the services being provided, the Gándara Center was awarded several of these contracts—creating new programming throughout its service territory and expanding from its roots in Western Massachusetts. Industry needs changed and growth was inevitable. Services expanded, additional programs were created, and staff size increased. Today, Gándara is home to more than 40 behavioral health, substance use, prevention, and educational services throughout the state—based in both eastern and western Massachusetts—employs over 860 staff, and serves over 10,000 adults, children, and families in its care. East-Trou credits the nonprofit’s successful expansion to the numerous contracts and grants Gándara secures and the dedication and commitment by its staff. Over the past 10 years, the administrative team has also grown. Investing in team members to help advance Gándara’s mission have pushed the agency, which had humble beginnings, to where it is today. Looking Ahead: As the health care landscape continues to change, Gándara is on the forefront of emerging trends, providing quality care to the individuals it serves. East-Trou said priorities include examining population health and the way it affects how the agency delivers services. “We’re looking at not just the work we do, but the people we serve, and advocating for programs,” he said. “What are the impacts to the community? How can we work with the community? Aside from the services we provide, we’re looking at the all the factors which impact one’s health. We’re doing extensive work in the community to support the populations we serve through providing healthy, educational, and recreational opportunities.” Changes in the MassHealth system also have a significant impact to providers like Gándara. The landscape of how hospitals, providers, and insurance companies conduct business ultimately impact patients. Staying abreast of these changes, said East-Trou, is critical. “We’re really paying a lot of attention to the MassHealth transition,” he said. “And we’re learning how to continue to do business under these new changes; it’s very different than the way things were done before.” What’s next? Keeping up with industry changes and establishing connections where Gándara’s services are valued will continue to be a priority for East-Trou and the Gándara Center, as well as a focus on patient-centered care and meeting the individual where they are for treatment. “The advantage of coming to Gándara is that all of our services are bilingual and bicultural,” said East-Trou. “Individuals in our care have a sense they are ‘coming home.’ When you walk in the door to any of our programs, there’s someone who speaks your language who understands you, understands your culture. That’s what sets us apart. We truly understand the communities we serve.” e Since 1977 DEAR FRIENDS, Join me as we look back on a year of e Looking back on his 35-year career with Gándara, East-Trou has grown alongside the agency he serves. His passion for helping people and giving back to the community are evident through the variety of programs he has advocated for and supports today. Through times of success, growth, and challenges, the agency continues to be a leader in providing culturally sensitive care to the region. As East-Trou looks to the years ahead, he remains committed to the job he was given on Aug. 31, 1982. “I felt like the Hispanic community really gave me a job to do,” said East-Trou. “I want to leave this organization even better than it was when I began. And although it is challenging at times, we were always able to deliver quality services to the most vulnerable popultions. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.” exceptional growth which provided us with many opportunities to serve our communities. Our mission to empower children, adults, and families throughout the Commonwealth has stayed consistent for 40 years. As we enter 2018, we will continue to examine ways to integrate mental health as part of an individual’s overall well-being. We are proud to be a champion in a movement that we recognize is taking shape—without caring for one’s mental health, true physical health cannot be achieved. We can’t do the work that we do without support from our staff, legislators, business partners and donors. Thank you. Kind Regards, Henry Julio East-Trou, Ph.D., LMFT, LADC1 D G d a d á a n v o d a i a n r j C t s l a e e n C c t s t u l e e C u r r e i l a u u d r s a y r m S s o i l r
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