WCCA - The Loop (Sept & Oct 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

SEPT & OCT 2025

ISSUE 146

VOLUME 13

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.

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 you explore 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.

Mary Ann Knoy Vice President of Administration WestCare California

westcarecalifornia.org

EMPLOYEES HAVE THE SPIRIT! In September, our STOP team in N. Highlands participated in National Recovery Month by tabling at the 2025 Recovery Happens event.

Community members stopped by to learn about WestCare, share personal stories, and celebrate the power of recovery. Our team offered information on treatment options while also providing wellness materials and interactive activities for families.

The following month, STOP & Data teams in Fresno found a special way to turn their everyday work attire into a vibrant celebration of unity and awareness. Many dressed in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, spreading hope, and encouragement. Observing these awareness months in this way helped spark conversations about early detection, survivors’ stories, and the importance of caring for one another.

As the month moved forward, spirits stayed high—but the colors changed. Our STOP team in N. Highlands arrived in shades of green, shifting the focus to Mental Health Awareness. This simple act encouraged dialogue about stigma, healing, and the importance of support.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

National Recovery Month

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 8th. Read more about the success of that event in the next issue of The Loop.

“Our fundraisers can be hard work, but they bring the community together and ignite our passion for our mission. We invite anyone interested in sponsoring, volunteering, or learning more about our events to give us a call,” said Ashley Morris, Education & Prevention Director.

SUCCESSFUL SOBERSTOCK XX 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 WestCare California had the honor of sponsoring the 53rd annual Fiesta Night, hosted by Centro La Familia Advocacy. As a Bronze Sponsor we supported core services in health & wellness, family strengthening, victim advocacy, immigration support, and food distributions. It was held at the Regency Event Center in Clovis, CA. It is important for us to support like-minded organizations such as CDF to further our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit.

westcarecalifornia.org

Uplifting the Human Spirit Chico Leticia P.

North Highlands Kristina G. Micah G. Shanton A.

Fresno Alejandra J. Alyssa D. Bonnie B. Jack A. Janae R. Jessica M. Juan G. Khushkirat K. McArthur W. Michelle C. Patricia G.

Stockton Andrea C. Jonathan L. Samantha H. Vinny Y.

Richmond Jerome A.

Merced Esmeralda V. Jonathan H. Zoe B.

Bakersfield Mariela L. Nicole D.

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.

“Seeing how much a bed or couch can mean to someone who’s been sleeping on the floor—that’s what this is all about,” said Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager.

Thank you to our Sponsors below: Presenting Sponsors: EECU EVC Homes

Empowerment Sponsor: National Labs Dignity & Hope Sponsor: Amity Foundation

Transformation Sponsors: Center Point DAAC Chukchansi Resort & Casino Fresno Housing

KS Glass Solutions Reitz Team RH Community Builders Miracle Realty Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy

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.

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

FUTURE FOCUSED Leadership Is Inspired

Commitment to Community

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.

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 staff and was impressed with the work they do. A big thank you to the Congressman for also visiting our San Joaquin Valley Veterans and The Living Room programs. The more leadership knows about our programs, the stronger we can advocate for our needs.

WINNERS ATTEND WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Thanks to WestCare CA, eight lucky raffle winners attended the Central Valley Women’s Conference on September 16th.

Arturo Zuno, Evelina Castillo, Kathryn Tkac, Laura Nelson, Jill Hutton, Vartanuch Messropyan, and Veronica Gonzales were selected by leadership at random with the expectation that they would be inspired, find areas of growth, and celebrate with others who have like-minded missions.

The feedback was phenomenal. Keynote speaker at the conference was Sarah Rafferty, best known for her role as Donna Paulsen on “Suits.” We also had a group set up a booth at the conference so people can learn more about WestCare and our programs.

“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:

CORE AWARDS SARA FLOREZ JESUS GARCIA GENA CHERRY

FRANCISCO ROBLEDO MEZA MARTINA DEL TORO

Continue the journey online!

westcarecalifornia.org

CHRISTINA MADRID ERIKA CANDELAS ANNA PEREZ

Follow WestCare California on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WeAreWestCare

VICTOR ROJAS TRINETTA JACKSON TODIYAH “TRE” YEHUDA

JITIN BRAR RICKY LOPEZ JORGE BARBA

WestCare California

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@westcarecalifornia

@westcare