The Loop - California (May 2023)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

MAY 2023

ISSUE 120

VOLUME 10

Dear WestCare Family, I am thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you. In our organization's nearly 49-year history, we have witnessed the growth and development of numerous individuals who have dedicated their skills, knowledge, and compassion to further our mission of uplifting those we encounter. Today, it is my utmost pleasure to formally announce the promotions of four outstanding members of our team to our esteemed leadership positions.

Please join me in congratulating Jenny Gonzalez, a long-time WestCare staff member, on her well-deserved promotion to the role of Vice President. Jenny will be joining MaryAnn Knoy as one of our two Vice Presidents. Jenny has been an integral part of our family, and her dedication and commitment to our mission have been exemplary. I am confident that she will bring her wealth of experience and expertise to bear in this new role, contributing significantly to our collective success.

In addition to Jenny, I am delighted to welcome David Daniel, Dayatra Latin, and Maria Rodriguez to our leadership team as Deputy Administrators (DA) as they assume their positions alongside existing DA, Robert Church.

Jenny Gonzalez, Vice President “As a long-time employee, I have had the opportunity to see the agency grow, but most importantly, I have witnessed the immense positive impact that we have made over the years. My new role will allow me to continue to make a positive impact with those that I work with and those that we serve." - Jenny

David Daniel, Deputy Administrator “I am excited about this new opportunity and look forward to supporting our mission and vision while improving the lives of those we serve." - David

Their promotions are a testament to their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to WestCare's values. I have no doubt that their unique skills and perspectives will greatly enrich our organization as we continue our important work.

As we move forward, let us celebrate the accomplishments of our newly promoted leaders and continue to support one another on our collective journey. Together, we will uplift those we serve and create a brighter future for all.

Shawn Jenkins Chief Operating Officer WestCare Foundation - Western Region

Dayatra Latin, Deputy Administrator “Above all, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my WestCare Family. My focus is on improving the quality of services provided by our teams while also utilizing my passion for community, people, food, and fund development with WestCare California.

Through my dedication and commitment, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve in my new role as Deputy Administrator alongside David, Robert, and Maria." - Dayatra

Maria Rodriguez, Deputy Administrator “I am thrilled to take on this new role as your Deputy Administrator and am committed to upholding WestCare's vision to Uplift the Human Spirit!" - Maria

w e s tcare.com

From left to right: Luis, Alfred, Oscar, Danny, Lance, Dayatra, Kevin, Jeffery, Francisco, and Brian

Spotlight: WestCare California's Amazing Maintenance Team!

By Dayatra Latin, Deputy Administrator The WestCare California Maintenance Team has exhibited remarkable achievements throughout the past year. With an influx of over 1,700 maintenance requests documented in our system alone, not accounting for requests received through phone calls, handwritten submissions, emails, and similar channels, their dedication has been unwavering, committed to ensuring facilities conform to regulatory standards and provide a safe environment for our clients, visitors, and staff.

The Fresno Maintenance Team has faced numerous challenges in the current year, primarily centered around several projects involving construction and renovation at our new location, 1850 N. Gateway Blvd. Under the guidance of Maintenance Supervisor, Francisco Gonzalez, the team has embraced these projects as valuable learning opportunities. They have delved into unfamiliar territories, acquiring new skills and fostering a sense of unity. Interactions with team members consistently radiate enthusiasm, leaving one with a sense of inspiration. Some of our team members were recruited through WestCare Works, and their transformation through their work with WestCare serves as an inspiration to others.

The WCCA Maintenance team embraces every task, regardless of its difficulty, as an opportunity to troubleshoot and seek innovative solutions.

Kudos to the team!

The following individuals are integral members of our maintenance team, contributing to WestCare California's mission and vision: MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR: Francisco Gonzalez BAKERSFIELD RESIDENTIAL & RECOVERY RESIDENCE HOUSING: Tim Garzell CCTRP STOCKTON: Ly Nguyen CCTRP SAN DIEGO: Stepfon Stafford VETERANS PROGRAMS, FRESNO, TULARE, MERCED, AND STOCKTON: Jorge Barba FRESNO: Jeffery Arens Alfred Calderon Brian Childers Luis Cortez Lance Curtis Oscar Martinez Danny Sanchez Kevin Strutz These individuals embody the spirit of excellence as they diligently carry out their remarkable work each day, contributing to the overarching success of WestCare California.

Jorge

See the completed construction of SJVV - Fresno's new office on their Facebook and Instagram!

westcare.com

Ly

Stepfon

Tim

Uplifting the Human Spirit

CCTRP’s Efforts are Recognized at Senate Budget Meeting In mid-April, our Chief Operating Officer, Shawn Jenkins and Vice President, Mary Ann Knoy, attended the Senate Budget Subcommittee #5 in Sacramento. This meeting discussed several issues under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Mary Ann provided public comment to Senator Maria Elena Durazo to share about the wonderful work being done at our Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Programs (CCTRP). These comments were made in response to the Senate’s consideration of a proposal for $25 million that would expand Rehabilitative Investment Grants for Healing and Transformation (RIGHT) to support community-based organizations (CBOs) providing in-person, rehabilitative programming.

WestCare California Celebrates Motherhood Mother’s Day is a very special holiday for many, including those within our program who are spending time away from their families to better themselves. In celebration, our programs celebrated in their own way. Our Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) in San Diego celebrated Mother’s Day for their clients with a special brunch. For their clients, this was a day filled with complex emotions, so their staff wanted to create some joy and solace for them. Meanwhile, our MLK Residential program in Fresno created a banner in support of all mothers served and attended a Mother’s Day breakfast presented by Fresno Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church. In all, 31 MLK Residential clients and staff attended and received a free breakfast and gift. Thank you to all who made these events possible, and we hope that everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Truancy Intervention Prevention Program In April, Adolescent Services Counselor, Lupe Arechiga, presented to a group of parents at Kings County’s monthly TIPP (Truancy Intervention Prevention Program) class. This class is designed to reduce youth and family involvement in the criminal justice system - preventing school dropouts and developing healthier families. WestCare Adolescent Services educates parents on how substance use affects school attendance and performance along with providing information on how they can help.

The Office of David Valadao Visits Our Recovery Residence in Bakersfield

Easter Celebrations Over the Easter weekend, our programs across WestCare California celebrated the holiday in their own ways!

At our MLK Residential facility in Fresno, their women’s unit participated in an Easter egg painting activity using river rocks. Most had Easter egg designs, while others had encouraging words to uplift each other while on their sobriety journey. On the other side of the program, the men’s unit held an easter egg hunt! Meanwhile, our Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) in Stockton organized an egg hunt of their own!

On Tuesday, April 25, we received a visit from Guillermo Gonzalez, Kern County Field Representative for the office of Congressman David G. Valadao (California District 22). Guillermo toured both WestCare California’s Recovery Residence and Residential/Outpatient sites in Bakersfield. Our Vice President, MaryAnn Knoy, provided information about the history of WestCare California, Inc. and our various service domains throughout the state while our Deputy Administrator, Robert Church and Program Director, Steven Kruitbosch, provided information about the services provided in Kern County.

Guillermo expressed gratitude for all the work that WCCA does and asked to be invited to our upcoming treatment graduations. To the office of Congressman Valadao, thank you for visiting to see how we Uplift the Human Spirit!

@westcare

Uplifting the Human Spirit Mental Health Awareness Month

Staff Recognition February CORE Awards: Dedication & March Community Based Employee of the Month

Across the state, our WestCare California family celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month this May. With mental health woven into the fabric of many of the programs that we are so proud to offer, our staff made personal pledges that contribute to their self-care and spreading greater awareness of how mental health affects us all.

Stephanie Perez Program Manager Day 1 Families Fund "Stephanie is a hardworking professional who is dedicated and proactive. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that we are providing quality services and ensuring program data is accurately documented. She works closely with her team to ensure all required reports are completed in a timely manner to meet deadlines. Stephanie has been an asset ever since coming on board and is always eager to learn. She never hesitates to assist when needed! She is truly deserving of this award."

- Maria Rodriguez, Deputy Administrator

March CORE Awards: Customer Service

Thao Lee Unit Clerk

Soma Norodom Administrative Assistant

Elisha Simpson Counselor

“These ladies at MLK Residential use their interpersonal skills such as patience, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to ensure clients and the public are at the forefront of every interaction!”

- Jenny Magdaleno, Program Director, MLK Residential

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