Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (formerly Verdugo Mental Health) celebrated the renovation of the Glendale facility and the dedication of the Michael D. Antonovich Building on Jan.21.

Las Candelas, a volunteer organization of 40 women members who work to provide contributions to mental health programs for children, was recognized and honored as a supporter of the Didi Hirsch renovation project.

The renovated clinic has optimized its space to increase capacity for clients and to address safety and privacy issues. Las Candelas members in attendance at the celebration event were Las Candelas President Jeannie Flint, Las Candelas Community Service liaison to Didi Hirsch Mary Lane, JC Byer, Glady Kabateck, Monica Sierra and Ginny Simpson. Also in attendance were John Byer (geologist for the original building construction). Civic leaders Monica and Jose Sierra were among those selected to speak about services provided by Didi Hirsch. County Mayor Antonovich, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Fifth District), was in attendance and was commended for his ongoing support. The newly renovated Didi Hirsch building was named the Michael D. Antonovich Building in his honor.

Las Candelas has long been a supporter of Verdugo Mental Health and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services and is proud to have been recognized at the event as a supporter and contributor to this significant renovation. A newly created plaque honoring Las Candelas and other supporters of the renovation project has been placed in the main entryway of the building. Outside the “Birth-to-Five Early Childhood Room” is another plaque acknowledging Las Candelas’ longstanding support of the facility and their monetary donations in memory of Las Candelas members Merle Hollywood and Susan Howard.

  Ginny SIMPSON, Jeannie FLINT