CHAC's Kane Senate District's 'Woman of the Year'

A Mountain View non-profit leader received recognition for her social services work by the State of California yesterday.

Monique Kane, the executive director of the (CHAC), has been named the State Senate District 11's "Woman of the Year" by Sen. (D-Palo Alto), an honor given by members of the California State Legislature to honor outstanding women in their districts.

"I am so deeply honored to have been selected," said Kane in a press release. "It certainly is a reflection of our excellent staff. I started out years ago as a therapist, so I was always in this kind of work, but when I came to CHAC I was amazed at how many lives of children and teens that we touched and how we helped them grow emotionally and build good skills."

As the manager of the nonprofit mental health services agency for the past 11 years, Kane oversees services such as counseling and therapy to children, teens and families dealing with a variety of problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, truancy and gang membership. CHAC also houses The Blosom Project and , a youth program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning teens (LGBTQQ).

Last year, CHAC served 11,917 clients at its clinic and in outreach programs at 31 elementary, middle and high schools.

"The work that Monique and CHAC do with troubled young people and their families is an extraordinary gift to the community," said Simitian. "Under Monique’s leadership, CHAC helps people avoid self-destructive behavior and find the way to healthy lives and rewarding family relationships."

Founded in 1973 under a Joint Powers Agreement by the governments of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills, and the , the , and the , CHAC recently brought in Sunnyvale schools into their counseling program. They now provide services to 31 schools in addition to family counseling at their office on Church Street.

"Monique Kane has been the steadfast leader to ensure that we’ve had uninterrupted counseling service for over two decades in our community," said Dr. Barry Groves, superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos High School District. "She and CHAC have provided mental health and counseling services free of charge to students throughout our community who would otherwise not be able to afford them."

Outside of CHAC, Kane is also active with the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Mountain View and sits on several local boards and advisory committees.

Kane will be honored by Simitian at an event in May.