Written by Ryan Wingert
When a mother in the Inland Empire walked through the doors of Pacific Clinics, her world felt like it was collapsing. Depression, anxiety, and overwhelming conflict with her daughter left her feeling lost. “I was a wreck,” she shared. “I cried all the time. I didn’t get along with my daughter. I had no self-esteem…I felt like I was digging a deeper hole and couldn’t find my way out.”
She took a brave step and joined Pacific Clinics’ mindfulness group, not knowing if it would make a difference. But as she connected with others facing similar struggles, she found space to breathe again. Little by little, she learned meditation, how to set healthy boundaries, and new ways to communicate.
Today, her life looks entirely different. She meditates daily, goes to the gym, takes classes, and re-engages with the world with confidence and joy. “I’m proud of myself; I love myself,” she said. “My life is totally different now. I always bring myself back to peacefulness.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that here in the Inland Empire, the need for mental health and wellness support is real and growing. Organizations like Pacific Clinics are true lifelines for our neighbors and families as they navigate these challenges.
Pacific Clinics is a nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization serving across California, with offices and clinics here in the Inland Empire. Guided by its mission to deliver integrated behavioral health care and social services to advance health equity and mental well-being for children, adults, and families, it provides strength-based, culturally responsive mental health and wellness programs for children, youth, families, and adults.
One of the ways Pacific Clinics makes a difference is through its network of Clubhouse programs, community spaces focused on promoting recovery, wellness, independence, and social connection. With locations in Apple Valley, Rialto, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Needles, these Clubhouses offer healthy meal prep classes, transportation, peer support, daily lunches, and even shower and laundry facilities at several sites. These are practical supports that honor people’s dignity and meet real needs.
The organization provides food distributions at five of their six Clubhouses. Between July 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, they distributed 59,250 pounds of food—the equivalent of 101,242 meals—through 40 food distributions across San Bernardino County. In total, in partnership with the San Bernardino Community Action Partnership Food Bank, Pacific Clinics served 1,685 households and 4,868 individuals, including repeat visits. During the same period, Clubhouse cooking groups provided an additional 10,701 meals to members.
This work is critical as untreated behavioral health conditions can contribute to chronic health issues, family instability, and even premature death, which disproportionately affect historically underserved communities and deepen cycles of trauma.
To address these inequities, Pacific Clinics offers a comprehensive system of care, including mental health treatment, substance use services, housing support, and case management. “We envision a world where everyone can achieve health, well-being and a meaningful quality of life,” says Inland Empire Regional Executive Director Maria Murillo. “Too many children, youth, adults, and seniors, especially those facing poverty or behavioral health challenges – lack access to the support they need to thrive.”
Pacific Clinics was selected as one of 40 community-based organizations to participate in the 2025–26 inaugural Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network cohort. During the program’s first year, unrestricted grant funding supported a full redesign of the Family Resource Center in downtown San Bernardino, adding therapy rooms, a group services area, and a computer lab—all built with trauma‑informed design principles in mind. In year two, funding will support Salesforce enhancements to improve data tracking for those served at the Family Resource Center, as well as facility upgrades at the organization’s San Bernardino administrative building.
But the impact goes beyond funding. For leaders like Murillo and Candy A. Curiel, EdD, LMFT, Senior Clinical Director, the leadership development and advocacy training have been just as valuable.
“Our partnership with IEHP Foundation has strengthened our organization’s leadership development and advocacy efforts,” shared Murillo. “The opportunity to engage and network with regional partners serving the Inland Empire, and to advocate together at the state level, has demonstrated a unified commitment to the well-being of Inland Empire residents.”
The lessons and relationships built through the Leadership Network will help the entire Pacific Clinics team as they prepare for changes in Medi-Cal, which a majority of their clients rely on for healthcare access.
Pacific Clinics depends on public funding to support the dedicated people who deliver care every day. When these resources are reduced, it puts staffing, services, and access at risk—especially for those who already face the greatest challenges.
Even when times are uncertain, Pacific Clinics stands strong—meeting people where they are, restoring hope, and helping individuals and families across the Inland Empire build healthier, more resilient futures together.