Honors and opportunities in Silicon Valley this May

Local groups and individuals in Santa Clara County are getting recognition for their work in mental health and literature this season. A Cupertino-based group recently received an award for its efforts in suicide prevention within the Chinese American community. They put together a program that includes special classes, training materials, and ways to reach people who might need support. This kind of work is especially important because cultural background can affect how people deal with mental health struggles. Meanwhile, anyone who loves writing poetry can take a step toward a special role. Santa Clara County is looking for its next Poet Laureate, someone who will speak up for poetry and the arts. The selection process starts with workshops where poets can learn about the job. There’s an in-person session at the Milpitas Library on July 7, followed by an online one three days later. Poets can even get one-on-one help with their applications if they need it.The Poet Laureate isn’t just a title—it comes with real tasks. The person chosen will read poems in public, work at community events, and receive a small yearly stipend. It’s a chance to bring creativity to people across the county. The deadline to apply is still months away, but getting ready early could help serious writers get noticed. Both the mental health award and the poet laureate search show how the county values different kinds of community work. One highlights the need to support mental health in a way that respects cultural differences. The other gives poets a platform to inspire others through their words. Small steps like these can make a big difference in daily life.