The Loop - California (October 2023)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

OCTOBER 2023

ISSUE 125

October is a significant month in our calendar as we recognize National AIDS Awareness Month. This month-long observance unites communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to reinvigorate prevention, testing, and treatment efforts. This is a time to highlight the strides made in medical advancements while acknowledging the remaining work. By fostering awareness, education, and empathy, we strengthen our resolve to eradicate stigma, support affected individuals, and strive towards a world where HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past. The lessons and momentum gained during National AIDS Awareness Month are essential in ensuring we progress toward a healthier, more informed, and compassionate society for all.

At WestCare California, we are steadfast in our commitment to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for those impacted and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. This month offers us a platform to amplify our efforts through the work of The Living Room, a cherished project of WestCare, and work together towards a brighter, healthier future. The Living Room stands as a beacon of compassion and support for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. This invaluable project offers a haven where those infected or affected by this formidable virus to find solace, understanding, and a network of kindred spirits. Through a comprehensive range of services, The Living Room addresses the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of living with HIV/AIDS. With services such as emergency housing, rapid rehousing, case management, health advocacy, educational resources, and a welcoming community space, The Living Room embodies our commitment to nurturing holistic well-being. It is a place where resilience thrives and where every individual is embraced with dignity and respect, providing them with the tools

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and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives.

One of the most anticipated events on our calendar was the 12th Annual Fresno AIDS Walk and Run, an annual gathering that unites our community in a powerful display of solidarity. This event not only serves as a vital fundraiser for The Living Room but also stands as a poignant symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity. This year's Fresno AIDS Walk and 5K Run was an unforgettable occasion, bringing together individuals, families, and organizations from all walks of life. It was a day to celebrate the progress we have made, honor those we have lost, and reinvigorate our commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. We thank everyone who joined us on Saturday, October 14th, at Woodward Park in Fresno for a day filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and purpose. Whether you chose to walk, run, volunteer, or simply come out to show your support, every contribution played a vital role in advancing our mission.

Let us stand together as we navigate the journey towards a world where HIV/AIDS no longer holds power over our lives. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication!

Mary Ann Knoy Vice President WestCare California, Inc.

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A Living Room Success Story

In May of 2023, we had a client and his wife come to us seeking housing and support. Our client’s wife was about six months pregnant at the time, and both were just recently sober from substance abuse.

Program Spotlight: The Living Room

By Carlene Mendez, Program Director, The Living Room The Living Room, a project of WestCare California, Inc., encourages and supports the well-being and empowerment of persons who are infected with, affected by, and/or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The Living Room's focus is on improving the quality and availability of HIV-specific services for all residents within Fresno County. The Living Room is a social support center that provides a wide range of direct and indirect services. Services include case management, client advocacy, hot meals, harm reduction, housing assistance through Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), rapid testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, and social support groups. The Living Room’s staff provides supportive networks, fellowship, information, education, and referrals. All services are confidential. The Living Room advocates for client empowerment and well-being through the development of healthy self-esteem through positive attitudes, support, and living. The Living Room's services support people as they learn to live healthy and productive lives.

Kudos to Max Shapiro I would like to recognize our new kitchen assistant, Max Shapiro! Max joined the Living Room Team on June 14 of this year.

He is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of our food program and has demonstrated a sincere concern for creating healthy and delicious meals for our clients.

Donation Wishlist The staff of The Living Room are currently seeking new or lightly used donations of: A Surround sound for TV A new radio Raffle prizes for fundraisers held throughout the year If you would like to make a donation, please call (559) 486-1469.

MLK Breakfast at SDA Westside Church

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As a team, we were able to place them into emergency housing through our community partner, The Economy Inn, the month they came to us as they awaited a spot to open up in our transitional housing. This would be the second family that The Living Room has ever housed.

Our client and his family resided in emergency housing for a little over a week before moving into our transitional housing, where they had their own room and shared the apartment space with one other individual. While living in transitional housing, our Lead Case Manager, Yvette Ennis, began working on getting them into our TenantBased Rental Assistance (TBRA) housing voucher program.

In August, their baby was born while in housing with our program! We are so happy to have been part of assisting this family and honored to welcome this new life alongside the parents! Shortly thereafter, our client and his family were able to successfully move into their own one-bedroom apartment in late September!

Fundraisers and donations towards the Fresno AIDS Walk help us to continue offering other services we offer to those we serve. These moments are also special to us as we provide a space for our clients and their families to belong and grow. Thank you to our community for supporting us in our mission to create a place to belong and uplift the human spirit!

By Michael Hendon, Driver for STOP Area 3, WestCare California Each month, MLK Residential partners with the Seventh Day Adventist Westside Church (SDA Westside Church) in an event to Uplift the Human Spirit of our clients from our Men 2 Men program. They are treated to a delicious breakfast and listen to inspiring messages of hope from members of the SDA Westside Church.

Uplifting the Human Spirit 2023 Central California Women’s Conference

In late September, our staff attended the 2023 Central California Women’s Conference in Fresno! It was an amazing event that allowed us to do community outreach for our organization and network with other community-based organizations who were also in attendance. We spoke with approximately 300 visitors who stopped by our booth to learn more about our organization. It was empowering to see other women from other organizations supporting one another and to be on hand for a candid interview with actress and model Brooke Shields, who was this year’s guest speaker. We look forward to participating in this amazing annual event for many years to come!

2023 Fresno AIDS Walk This month, we held our 12th Annual Fresno AIDS Walk at Woodward Park in benefit of the Living Room and the continued support that they provide to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. Thank you to everyone who came out to run and walk in honor of those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and those who live with it. It was tremendous to see our friends, family, and community partners gather together for this event to support our cause and help spread awareness of the virus’ local impact! To our sponsors, donors, walkers, runners, vendors, volunteers, and planning committee members - thank you for your generosity and enthusiasm!

On September 25, our San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) teams from Fresno and Tulare attended the 33rd Central Valley Veterans’ Stand Down event that took place at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. This event provides a wide variety of resources to local Veterans in the Central Valley that range from medical and mental health referrals, legal documentation, clothing, personal hygiene kits, and free haircuts from Lyle’s College of Beauty. We’d like to thank all organizations who are involved in this amazing event that are dedicated to assisting our nation’s heroes!

The 33rd Annual Central Valley Veterans’ Stand Down

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Uplifting the Human Spirit SoberStock XVIII: Fresno’s Longest Running Recovery Month Celebration Returns!

On the last day of National Recovery Month, Community Partners 4 Recovery (CP4R) hosted Sobertstock XVIII at Eaton Plaza in Downtown Fresno. With the help from our WestCare California family of programs, members from our recovery community were able to enjoy themselves at the event with food, live entertainment, a car and bike show, and recovery testimonials (Including our own Western Region COO, Shawn Jenkins!).

This year’s SoberStock event was once again proof that treatment works and that recovery is possible!

Our CORE (Characteristics of Remarkable Employees) Recipients

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WestCare Stands in Solidarity on Purple Thursday

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, staff across WestCare California participated in Purple Thursday with the goal of raising awareness about domestic violence and showing their support. For resources and help, visit https://www.hotline.org/

Heather Stapleton Admin Assistant Administration

Kyle Berry Project Manager Fitzhouse Enterprises

Tracy Herrera Counselor III MLK Residential

Get in touch with our Marketing Department to learn more about what is happening in WestCare California at marketing@westcare.com