HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.21.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ Rebuilding Lives_ Local Innovation in Mental Health & Housing Education.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening
attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod;
Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Rebuilding Lives: Local Innovation in Mental Health & Housing Education
Date:Tuesday, April 22, 2025 8:07:36 AM
Please see Board Correspondence -
From: Micki Archuleta <micki@dolphinvoyager.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 8:21 PM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: Re: Rebuilding Lives: Local Innovation in Mental Health & Housing Education
p.s.
I realize that by submitting a complaint regarding the distribution of MHSA funds in this
County, I’m raising a serious issue—but it had to be said. I didn’t set out to call anyone out.
But the truth is, your actions have given us a bad name.
Since launching my business, I’ve had multiple people reach out—unprompted—sharing
concerns about DEI hires funded through MHSA dollars. It turns out this isn’t just a local
concern; it's a statewide issue. I’m done watching people in leadership roles coast while the
communities they’re supposed to serve are left behind.
MHSA money was meant to make an impact, but instead, it was used to hire individuals who
didn’t fulfill the responsibilities that come with such positions—leading, organizing, and
advocating. This kind of mismanagement only strengthens the right’s narrative about DEI: that
it’s about checking boxes, not creating change.
I didn’t go looking for this fight—people brought it to me. They’re paying attention, and
they’re asking what’s being done. That’s why I’m acting.
I’m building something real. I’m not here for performative revolution. I’m here to get results.
This is bigger than vibes and visibility—it’s about delivering the care, leadership, and
accountability our communities deserve.
That’s why I’ve invited you to collaborate with me on the Rebuilding Lives initiative. The
game we’re developing teaches empathy toward the unhoused and—more importantly—it
equips players with advocacy skills. The prototype is free, as are the accompanying lesson
plans in Canvas, Microsoft Tools, and printable formats. Everything is accessible at no cost
because I believe in this work.
I would sincerely welcome your collaboration. Let’s make something meaningful happen—
together.
Micki
On Sat, Apr 19, 2025 at 12:08 AM Micki Archuleta <micki@dolphinvoyager.com> wrote:
Dear Members of the Board,
My name is Micki Archuleta, PhD, MA, MEd (2025). I am a part-time faculty member at
Modesto Junior College and the founder of Dolphin Voyager, LLC. As a native resident of
Merced County, I am committed to advancing local innovation that addresses the
intersection of mental health, homelessness, and community engagement.
To that end, I have developed Rebuilding Lives, an educational video game and research-
based instructional module currently in use with my students. The game presents youth with
choices and scenarios that mirror real-world challenges in housing, mental health access,
and system navigation. It is supported by post-game surveys to evaluate impact and foster
measurable outcomes.
A proposal for a broader Community Advocacy and Resource Center has been submitted to
the Merced Community Foundation and is included here for your review. My hope is that
Butte County can continue to lead by example in finding holistic, educationally grounded
ways to address the overlapping issues of wellness, housing, and civic participation.
I would be honored to present Rebuilding Lives to your board or designated staff and
explore potential avenues for support or strategic alignment.
Sincerely,
Micki Archuleta
Founder, Dolphin Voyager, LLC
Part-Time Faculty, Modesto Junior College
209-489-7356
✉️ micki@dolphinvoyager.com
dolphinvoyager.com | dolphinvoyageracademic.com