Recovery from substance use starts with connection. Our Client Engagement and Navigation Services (CENS) program is there for that first step, helping people navigate and find care that meets their needs without judgement.
CENS is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and access. Through one-on-one support and regular check-ins, our team helps clients take meaningful steps towards recovery. We take care of the details so they can focus on healing.
“Meeting people where they are” is more than a phrase for CENS counselors like Nassim. She puts this philosophy into practice daily for her clients to have the best possible outcome. “We offer a non-judgmental space so people can talk openly about their substance use,” she explains. “We set up what works for them, what fits their life, and what they’re ready for.”
Nassim makes it a priority to find the right level of care for each client—from outpatient services and telehealth appointments to Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), or residential programs. CENS works closely with the Didi Hirsch Substance Use Program, making the transition between services seamless and helping clients get the care they need without added stress.
She also wants people to know that financial concerns shouldn’t stand in the way of getting support. Through CENS, clients on Medi-Cal can access services at no cost, ensuring that help is available to everyone who reaches out.
Our team understands that recovery isn’t linear. That belief also guides the harm reduction approach within our Substance Use Programs. The philosophy centers on keeping clients safe and supported at every stage, whether they’re exploring treatment options, managing relapse, or taking steps to protect their health.
This year, our harm reduction efforts expanded thanks to a generous grant from Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, allowing us to assemble and distribute 1,500 kits in West Los Angeles. Each kit is designed as a practical tool for harm reduction and includes naloxone (NARCAN), fentanyl test strips, and educational materials that empower community members to respond safely and compassionately.
Programs like CENS remind us that recovery can start small—with a conversation, a moment of reflection, or the choice to seek help. Through harm reduction and personalized support, we’re proud to meet people where they are–offering understanding over stigma and connection over isolation.
