Hundreds Gather to Honor Valle Monte League

Valle Monte League was honored Thursday morning by Family & Children Services for their tireless work raising millions of dollars for to help people with mental health needs.

The annual ‘Circle of Support Breakfast’, held this year at the Crowne Plaza Cabaña Hotel, aims to raise awareness of and money for the work of Family & Children Services, whose mission is to “build strong, safe, and self-sufficient individuals, families, and communities.”

Valle Monte League has been supporting FCS since 1954. The all-volunteer organization has raised more than $8.5 million in support of mental health services in the Santa Clara Valley.

FCS has provided counseling, caring and support to children, youth and adults in Silicon Valley since 1948. Even those unable to afford care are not turned away. The group focuses on helping clients deal with addiction, depression, and chronic mental or physical illness. They also support families that are overcoming domestic violence and child abuse by offering instruction for building healthy relationships.

Thursday’s event was keynoted by comedian, playwright, and TV and radio host Brian Copeland, who told a hilarious tale of being raised as the only black kid in an all-white suburb.

Diana Neiman, CEO of FCS, said that despite the sluggish economy, her group is thriving.

“We are energized for the challenges ahead and more determined than ever to not turn away a client for lack of need,” she said.