Mtn. Valley M.H. hires director

January has been a transition period in which Yturriondobeitia, who goes by Jen Y, has been working part time getting up to speed on MVMH operations while wrapping things up with her former employer, Lifeways, in Malheur County.

“Lifeways is Malheur County’s counterpart to Mountain Valley Mental Health in Baker County,” Levinger said.

Both agencies provide services to people dealing with mental health issues and development disabilities, as well as drug and alcohol problems.

It’s been seven months since Levinger gave notice to the board of directors that she was planning to retire, and she said the board conducted an extensive search before offering the job to Jen Y in December.

Jen Y has been working at both places during January because she wanted to give a month’s notice to her previous employer.

On Thursday, Jen Y will be available to meet Baker residents during a community mental health meeting scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Community Connection Senior Center, 2810 Cedar St. in Baker City.

 "We had the same kind of cafe-style meetings two years ago that we are having Thursday evening at the senior center. Last year we tried using a mail survey. This year we’re going back to a cafe-style meeting,” Levinger said.

“The purpose of holding a cafe-style meeting is to make it as comfortable as possible for people to attend and express their ideas,” she said.

Levinger’s retirement ends a 25-year career with MVMH.

“I am happy and excited to be retiring, but I am sad too,” she said. “It’s very different to imagine life without employment — without Mountain Valley Mental Health — because it’s been so many years.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with family — grandkids, kids and parents,” she said.

 Levinger came to Baker City from Portland more than 25 years ago to work as a therapist specializing in treating youths.

Prior to being promoted to director four years ago, Levinger worked several years as a supervisor at MVMH.

The agency is both government and fee funded, with patients paying fees for services based on a sliding scale “so the services are affordable to everyone who needs help,” Levinger said.

During her tenure as director, Levinger said she is proudest of “outstanding staff we’ve been able to put into play,” and of the stability she helped bring to agency and its staff.

She said budget constraints and uncertain state and federal funding are two of the biggest issues facing Jen Y when she takes over as director.

“Our first priority is to provide services to people who really suffer from chronic mental health conditions,” Levinger said.