PEREZ
Manny Perez recently joined the team at Kwawachee Counseling Center as a client advocate in December 2009.
He has a long history of working in various mental health capacities beginning in 1979, such as social work, crisis counseling and inpatient and outpatient counseling facilities.
As a client advocate with a growing caseload of about 30 adults and children at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, Manny Perez is able to put all of his background and skills to good use. He works with clients to assess their concerns, problems, issues and needs, gives them someone to talk to, and helps connect them with tribal or outside community resources that will help them on the road to a balanced and healthy life.
“It’s a combination of everything – we deal with crisis, supportive counseling, case management, referrals and group activities. We also have here at KCC a therapeutic incentive program called the Trading Post. We’re a liaison, and a representative,” he said. “We try to assist in every area of their personal needs and family needs.”
Manny Perez moved with his wife and four children to the United States from Guam in 1993. They decided to make the move as a challenge to themselves, and a way to see more of the world.
After settling in Arizona from Guam, and spending some time managing three large apartment complexes, Manny Perez decided to go back into the mental health field. He decided to switch jobs after the move to mirror his personal challenge with relocating to another country. After realizing he was doing much mental health work anyway with many of his tenants, he moved to Washington and began working as a counselor again. He spent five years working for Comprehensive Mental Health and 10 years with Pierce County Human Services through the mental health program and the crisis hotline. He was laid off in September 2009 and took the job with Kwawachee a couple of months later.
He said he enjoys his job, getting to know and learn Native American culture and working within the vast resources of the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.
“It’s most rewarding when you are able to provide the service – providing them with a solution to their needs, building on their confidence and giving hope and support. We want the community to know that they have a place to go and people to talk to here at KCC and it is strictly confidential. If there is anything we can do to help – we will always take that extra step to help them.
“We are here to help people with their lives and we want to promote a healthy living lifestyle.”
Manny Perez currently lives in Parkland with his wife of more than 30 years. He enjoys oil painting, arts and crafts, exercising, watching movies and eating healthy.
