Among community leaders holding the new Sutter Health Mosaic Center’s temporary signage is Mercy Coalition executive director Don Bosley in the top left. Photo courtesy of Sutter Health 

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sutter Health recently invested $569,000 in the West Sacramento Mercy Coalition to house programs of the Mosaic Village, a safe, healing place for those impacted by substance-use disorders, homelessness, mental health illnesses and other vulnerabilities.

Sutter' Health’s six-year investment allows the Mercy Coalition to expand its services for these vulnerable populations to the new Sutter Health Mosaic Center at 929 Drever St., across the street from Mercy Coalition's Recovery Café West Sacramento. 

The Mosaic Center houses the JAM Academy, a workforce development program; a collection and distribution center for emergency food, clothing and hygiene items; and meeting space for School for Recovery classes that help participants make healthier choices.

"Sutter Health's support reflects a commitment to long-term solutions, recognizing that mental health and employment are key factors in healing traumas and preventing recurring homelessness," said Kelly Brenk,

Sutter Health community health director. "Our collaboration exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships, showcasing how healthcare systems can work alongside community organizations to address complex societal issues."

The new Sutter Health Mosaic Center is part of what Recovery Café West Sac calls the Mosaic Village, which brings the Recovery Café's services onto one campus and allows some programs to expand. For example, the new center will add more one-year paid internships for its recovery population as part of the workforce development program.

"Many people will get mental-health care, love and a community of belonging because of Sutter's involvement," said Mercy Coalition executive director Don Bosley.

In October 2022, Mercy Coalition opened the Recovery Café, a partnership with the Recovery Café Network that is comprised of 64 sites across the country. Bosley calls the Recovery Café model "a long-term mental-health strategy that is a game-changer for many" in the West Sacramento area.

That is something about which Sutter Health “feels strongly,” Brenk said.

"Sutter Health believes that mental health services play a crucial role in whole-health stability, recognizing that addressing mental health challenges is integral to breaking the cycle of substance use, trauma and homelessness," Brenk said. "In addition, the workforce development services provided at the new center will contribute to the holistic approach, empowering individuals with skills and resources to restore their lives."

As a not-for-profit organization, Sutter Health is committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. That commitment includes supporting community health initiatives and programs outside of its care facilities.

Sutter Health's total community benefit investment was $822 million in 2023. These funds supported traditional charity care, unreimbursed Medi-Cal costs, health education and community clinics.

 Sutter Health Community Health Director Kelly Brenk makes the investment/donation announcement at a recent Mercy Coalition luncheon. Photo courtesy of Sutter Health