HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOPA Letter of Support R.E.A.L. Program at Reflections Counseling Services Group,Gtrsr-_ Elt\:-r-WASHINGTON, U.S
oRr ANGELES 321 East Fifth Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
February 27,2026
Re: R.E.A.L. Program at Reflections Counseling Services Group
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to enthusiastically support the funding opportunity that is critical to sustain the R.E.A.L.
(Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Linkage) Program here in Clallam County. The R.E.A.L. Program
is a valued community partner and has played an important role in strengthening access to recovery support,
care coordination, and community-based services for individuals experiencing substance use and behavioral
health challenges.
On November 6,2024, our City Council voted in unanimous support of a Memorandum of Understanding
entered into by the Clallam County R.E.A.L. Program under the umbrellas of Peninsula Behavioral Health and
Reflections Counseling Services, and the City of Port Angeles Police Department. Salish Behavioral Health
Administrative Services Organization (Salish BHASO) administers the R.E.A.L. Program for Clallam,
Jefferson, and Kitsap counties. Over the last two years, our partnership has become a vital component of our
local behavioral health continuum. REAL Program members meet individuals where they are, this is ever so
important in our rural community. Without this program, our region would experience a significant gap in
outreach and recovery support services, and everything this organization has to offer in between.
The R.E.A.L. Program is designed to support individuals at risk of encounters with law enforcement and first
responders, particularly those struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health issues.
team engages directly with vulnerable populations, conducting needs assessments and connecting participants
to essential services. Beyond immediate relief, the R.E.A.L. teams assist individuals in accessing safe housing,
treatment programs, and other recovery support services. They also offer long-term outreach, intensive case
management, and recovery coaching, all tailored to the unique needs of each participant.
We wish to express our thanks for their continued partnership and for the work they do to help individuals
move to a path of recovery. Please consider their funding request as their services are benefited greatly
amongst our community.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss this request further.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kate Dexter
Mayor
Cc:City Council
Nathan A. West, City Manager