THE LOOP
Welcome to WestCare California!
As we transition into the fall season, WestCare California is proud to share our September and October newsletter. We reflect on the progress, partnerships, and meaningful moments that continue to shape our mission of "Uplifting the Human Spirit."
Over the past two months, our teams across the state have remained dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing challenges related to housing, behavioral health, recovery, and community reintegration. Their compassion, commitment, and creativity have allowed us to strengthen services, expand outreach, and empower those who rely on us for hope and healing.
Across our diverse programs—from residential treatment and mental health services to veteran support, youth initiatives, education and prevention, and housing navigation—staff have continued to meet the evolving needs of our communities with professionalism and heart. Each day, they demonstrate what it means to walk alongside individuals on their journey toward stability, wellness, and opportunity.
Mary Ann Knoy Vice President of Administration WestCare California
In this edition, you will also find brief highlights of several key events that made this season especially meaningful: We were honored to host a visit from Congressman Jim Costa, offering a valuable opportunity to share our work and discuss community needs; our team attended the Central California Women’s Conference, where we connected with leaders and partners dedicated to empowerment and well-being; throughout the fall, our staff also participated in awareness activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness, and National Recovery Month, joining the broader movement to promote understanding, compassion, and resilience; we were proud to take part in Fresno’s Soberstock celebration, standing alongside community members and partners in support of recovery; and we are thrilled to share the success of our 2nd Annual Spirit Gala, where our supporters helped us raise $25,000 for Wings Advocacy Fresno!
As this issue, we hope you feel as inspired as we do by the accomplishments of our teams and the courage of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to uplift communities across California.
EMPLOYEES HAVE THE SPIRIT!
monthsinthiswayhelpedsparkconversationsaboutearlydetection,survivors’stories,andtheimportanceofcaringforoneanother. Asthemonthmovedforward,spiritsstayedhigh—butthecolorschanged.OurSTOPteaminN.Highlandsarrivedinshadesofgreen,shifting thefocustoMentalHealthAwareness.Thissimpleactencourageddialogueaboutstigma,healing,andtheimportanceofsupport.
Breast Cancer Awareness Mental
FUNDRASING FOR THE LIVING ROOM
The Living Room, an extension of our education and prevention department, has worked tirelessly these last couple of months to raise money and have the best Fresno AIDS Walk so far! This year they hosted five community events including a BBQ lunch, a brunch, and multiple Drag Bingos. All together these events raised $7,000, a small expense to their biggest fundraiser of the year. The 14h Annual Fresno AIDS Walk was held on November 8 Read more about the success of that event in the next issue of The Loop.
SUCCESSFUL SOBERSTOCK XX
sponsoringthe53 annualFiestaNight,hostedbyCentro wesupportedcoreservicesinhealth&wellness, igrationsupport,andfooddistributions.Itwasheldat importantforustosupportlike-mindedorganizations suchasCDFtofurtherourmissionofUpliftingtheHumanSpirit.
WestCare programs gathered early on the morning of September 27, 2025, at Eaton Plaza in downtown Fresno to participate in SoberStock XX, an annual community event promoting recovery and wellness. By 7:00 AM, staff from OEND, SJVV, Admissions, MLK, BEAT, and Celebrating Families were setting up four coordinated booths near the historic Old Fresno Water Tower. SoberStock XX provided WestCare an opportunity to strengthen community connections, increase awareness of available services, and support individuals and families seeking recovery resources. WestCare staff also heard from Keynote Speaker and Fresno’s first female Police Chief, Mindy Castro. The event ended with a fentanyl awareness walk through the downtown area.
SUPPORTING THE MISSION
A WARM WESTCARE WELCOME!
We're so proud to welcome new teammates throughout California and celebrate new leaders who are stepping into key roles at WestCare California.
2ND
ANNUAL SPIRIT GALA
RAISED $25,000 FOR WINGS
More Than 200 guests attended our second annual Spirit Gala on October 12, 2025. Each with a common goal, to raise money for our Wings Advocacy program, furnishing as many homes as possible. The gala was an elegant dinner with live music, craft drinks, dancing, and raffle prizes. Guests had time to mingle and learn more about Wings before the Live Auction. At the end of the night, auction winner walked away with private beach experiences, and all-exclusive trips to Nashville, Mexico, and the Caribbeans. WestCare walked away with $26,000 to help provide mattresses, pillows, and bedding for families transitioning out of homelessness.
Thank you to our Sponsors below:
Presenting Sponsors:
EECU
EVC Homes
Transformation Sponsors:
Center Point DAAC
Chukchansi Resort & Casino
Fresno Housing
KS Glass Solutions
RH Community Builders Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy
Reitz Team
Miracle Realty
SPOOKY SEASON BUT MAKE IT WESTCARE
WestCare California embraced the Halloween season with energy, creativity, and a strong sense of community by hosting multiple events throughout the month. Staff and clients came together for trunk-or-treats, potlucks, bingo games, costume contests, festive lunches, and pumpkincarving activities. Each event offered a chance to connect, celebrate, and bring a little extra joy to the people we serve.
By the end of October, it was clear that Halloween had done far more than add spooky fun to our days—it strengthened our teams, expanded opportunities to share resources with those who need us most, and reminded everyone at WestCare California of the power of community, compassion, and coming together with purpose.
Leadership Is Inspired
FUTURE FOCUSED
Chief Operating Officer, Shawn Jenkins, had
the privilege of attending the National Council for Mental Wellbeing conference and listening to Patrick J. Kennedy deliver a powerful keynote. Kennedy’s passion for mental health advocacy, lived experience, and commitment to breaking stigma reminded Shawn why this work matters so deeply and commits us to our mission of uplifting the human spirit.
Commitment to Community
Members of our leadership team attended State of the County, where vision and priorities were discussed. It was an insightful afternoon of celebrating how far Fresno County has come and strategizing on how to continue to be a meaningful part of its future growth and health. Westcare focused on how we can continue to support our community.
CONGRESSMAN JIM COSTA
VISITS WESTCARE
Congressman Jim Costa joined us at the WestCare Administrative Building in September. It was a pleasure to meet with him and discuss how we continue to uplift the human spirit every day. He also met with some of our dedicated they do. A big thank you to the Congressman Veterans and The Living Room programs. programs, the stronger we can advocate for our needs.
WINNERS ATTEND WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
ThankstoWestCareCA,eightluckyrafflewinnersattended theCentralValleyWomen’sConferenceonSeptember16th. ArturoZuno,EvelinaCastillo,KathrynTkac,LauraNelson, JillHutton,VartanuchMessropyan,andVeronicaGonzales wereselectedbyleadershipatrandomwiththeexpectationthattheywouldbeinspired, findareasofgrowth,andcelebratewithotherswhohavelike-mindedmissions.
CORE AWARDS
Continue the journey online!
Thefeedbackwasphenomenal.Keynotespeakeratthe conferencewasSarahRafferty,bestknownforherrole asDonnaPaulsenon“Suits.”Wealsohadagroupsetupaboothattheconferencesopeoplecan learnmoreaboutWestCareandourprograms.
“We loved connecting with everyone at our WestCare booth in the Marketplace and sharing how our staff is making a difference. So many powerful conversations and a great reminder to keep reaching for our goals,” said Ciana Torres, Director of Media & Relations.
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our September CORE Award recipients for the category of Support Excellence:
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Follow WestCare California on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WeAreWestCare
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