Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) honored 250 of its members at the 23rd annual Golden Bell Awards, held in November in Palmdale. Members were recognized for their achievements in several areas, including supported living, employment, sobriety, and community integration.
“We are so proud of the accomplishments of all of our members,” said Luis Montes, MHALA chief service officer, North County. “The Golden Bells gives us a chance to celebrate them and their successes.”
Veteran Honored with Highest Achievement Award
Lance Corporal Carlos S., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, was presented with the Highest Achievement Award at this year’s Golden Bell Awards.
Carlos was recognized for his incredible journey from incarceration to pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Pepperdine University. While getting his MBA, he interned at an organization that creates job opportunities for the formerly incarcerated.
“The journey of giving back has taught me that the road to recovery is not without its hardships,” Carlos said. “It requires resilience and a willingness to offer second chances, knowing that not everyone’s journey will be a straightforward success story.”
Read more about Carlos’s journey and the second chances he was given.
‘I Honestly Feel I’m Surrounded by Heroes’
Julio Cesar Ortiz, Emmy-winning Univision reporter, provided the night’s keynote speech.
“I’m honored to be here tonight with an organization that has been advocating for more than 100 years,” Ortiz said. “I honestly feel I’m surrounded by heroes.”
The 2024 Golden Bell Awards were sponsored by Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Lockheed Martin, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Kaiser Permanente, and Antelope Valley Mall.
