Statement on Monterey Park Mass Shootings + Resources for SMC Community

Jan. 23, 2023

Dear SMC Community:

Over this past weekend, what seemed like a bad dream unfolded yet again—this time close to home in Monterey Park, Calif.—during the auspicious and joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year.  This was the 33rd mass shooting in 2023; it is a horrific tragedy that this uniquely American and shameful epidemic of gun violence should continue to take innocent lives. We grieve for the 11 lives lost, for their loved ones and the communities they called home. The loss and grief those directly impacted by this violence must be feeling is hard to comprehend. Our hearts go out to them.

Many Corsairs also live either in or around Monterey Park and Alhambra. Here at SMC, we are family, and in this time of mourning, draw together to offer support and hold space to process this traumatic event. Please make note of the following resources, I hope you will make use of these if needed and also help spread the word:

SMC Wellness Resources for Students & Employees:

• For students, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing provides many wellness and psychological services. For 24/7 emotional support, students can call 1-800-691-6003. Also visit the Center’s website to make an appointment and get a wide range of support.
• SMC faculty and staff may reach out to the EASE Program for free, confidential mental health support and counseling. Or call 800-882-1341.
  
  

Community Counseling Resources:

Pacific Clinics:  Locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Helpline for immediate support, and specialty center serving needs of AAPI families:

• Pacific Clinics
• Helpline: 877-PC-CARES (722-2737)

PC Asian Pacific Family Center: 

• Pacific Clinics Asian Pacific Family Center
• Pacific Asian Counseling Services: Locations in Westchester, Long Beach and San Fernando Valley:

• Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Center: Full Service outpatient treatment center in Central LA / Koreatown

• Asian Mental Health Collective: A therapist directory for AAPI therapists and counselors serving the needs of the AAPI community:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California

Call for Safe Confidential Help, Also Available in Asian Languages:

ENGLISH:  888.349.9695 

普通话/广东话: 800.520.2356 

한국어: 800.867.3640 

TAGALOG: 855.300.2552 

हिन्दी: 855.971.2552 

ภาษาไทย: 800.914.9583 

TIẾNG VIỆT: 714.477.2958 

Community Healing Circles by Asian Mental Health Project

A space for APIDA people to grieve, mourn, love, process and heal in response to the Monterey Park Lunar New Year massacre and years of enduring anti-Asian hate. 

Monday, 1/23 @ 4:30 p.m. PST

Tuesday, 1/24 @ 4:30 p.m. PST

Wednesday, 1/25 @ 6 p.m. PST

Thursday, 1/26 @ 4:30 p.m. PST

Zoom registration for Community Healing Circles

 ~

Keeping you and all those affected in my thoughts for healing and solace—

Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.

Superintendent/President