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THE LOOP

Dear WestCare California Family,

As we reach the mid-point of the year, we reflect on the significant advancements we have achieved together at WestCare California. Our collective dedication to delivering innovative and compassionate social services remains our driving force and the past six months have exemplified our unwavering commitment to those we serve This year is especially significant as we celebrate 50 years of service in California, commemorated by several events benefiting Wings Advocacy Fresno, one of our newest service additions Our steadfast dedication remains constant amidst numerous exciting changes including facility transitions, improvements, and service expansions.

In February, we celebrated the completion of renovations at the Gateway Campus in Fresno with an open house, reintroducing community members to our services In May, we hosted our inaugural Fiesta on Gateway event to raise funds and awareness for Wings Advocacy Fresno Currently, we are planning our firstever Spirit Gala, which will also support Wings Advocacy Fresno and cap off our year-long celebration of our 50th anniversary For tickets and more information, please visit spiritgala.com

WestCare continues to provide quality services to vulnerable populations in our residential and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation programs Our dedicated staff are committed to helping each individual improve their quality of life The Female Community Re-Entry Program (FCRP) has shown success in reducing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation with several participants graduating from college and others obtaining jobs and securing their place as productive members of society

Our commitment to health education and advocacy remains resolute Last year, The Living Room relocated to our Gateway Campus, joining other essential programs We've also launched the new Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program aimed at reducing fentanyl overdose deaths in Fresno County This initiative provides education, training on reversal medications like Naloxone, fentanyl test kits, and referrals to critical social services Additionally, we are actively preparing for the 13th Annual Fresno AIDS Walk & 5K Run on World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 1st, at Woodward Park in Fresno For more information, please visit fresnoaidswalk org

Within our domain of Veterans services, we have seen increased funding and initiatives that have expanded access to housing for Veterans San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) staff have worked tirelessly to assist Veterans and their families in securing and maintaining housing Over the past six months, we have helped over 412 Veterans with housing services despite challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse disorders (SUDs), and navigating the complex system of benefits and services Our SJVV staff continue to create and nurture partnerships with local organizations to provide tailored support and increase success amongst Veterans in maintaining housing

These achievements are made possible by the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our dedicated staff We are deeply grateful for your continued belief in our mission and your invaluable contributions As we embrace the second half of the year, we invite you to join us in celebrating these accomplishments and recommitting to the important work ahead Thank you for being an essential part of WestCare’s journey We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories and updates as we continue to make a lasting impact together

Vice President WestCare California

Vice President

Program Spotlight: Renaissance at Parc Grove

Renaissance at Parc Grove is an affordable housing complex in Fresno, CA operated in collaboration with The Fresno Housing Authority that is designed to serve Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The complex consists of 40 one and two-bedroom energy-efficient apartments designed to provide safety and comfort to those who have given so much. To qualify, all Veterans must be referred directly by San Joaquin Valley Veterans and be either experiencing homelessness or experiencing homelessness with a disability. For more information on the program, please contact our team by calling (559) 255-8838.

Kudos to Joey Anaya!

Joey Anaya is a Client Service Specialist at Parc Grove and has dedicated himself to revamping the milieu of the program. He provides support around the clock for our Veterans in crisis including mental health advocacy, warm hand-holding, and appointments as necessary for the Veterans in his care. Joey has demonstrated a level of passion for those in his care that is to be commended. He serves as a true example of what it takes to Uplift the Human Spirit!

MLK Residential Celebrates the Fourth of July

Our team at Renaissance at Parc Grove is currently seeking donations of:

Brand new cleaning supplies

Silverware, cooking pots, pans and utensils

Linens and Bedding

Hygiene products

To arrange a donation drop-off or pick-up , please contact (559) 255-8838.

Richard Harmon is a Veteran at Parc Grove who sees life a bit differently than the average individual. He spent many years on “Death Row,” and being there he was forced to live without the simple pleasures of life: the sounds of traffic, birds chirping, and the comradery of positive peer relationships. He was hired as a Lead Veteran Support at Parc Grove. He takes care of the grounds, assists disabled Veterans with various chores, and provides a variety of other Veteran-friendly support services. He often provides prayer support and guidance for those falling down paths of negativity while using his own story as a testimony. From the shadows of yesterday to the blessings of sobriety to peer support and his community acceptance of today, Richard has demonstrated the ability to continuously Uplift the Human Spirit at Renaissance at Parc Grove despite his past. He is onward-looking and very productive in his day-to-day efforts.

Our staff and clients from MLK Residential celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks, a

and activities throughout

Our staff wanted to show their clients the positivity of recovery throughout this patriotic celebration of our country. Thank you to all of our

that made this day of fun possible and to those that pitched in to purchase fireworks!

delicious meal from our kitchen staff,

the day.

dedicated staff

To kick off the Fourth of July weekend, our WestCare California staff from The Living Room and San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) - Tulare decided to serve up special plates for lunch! As part of a client lunch, The Living Room served hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad - all prepared by staff. Meanwhile, our SJVV staff in Tulare had a potluck-style lunch with their team and played bingo in the office to stay cool from the triple-digit heat!

NAEH Conference in Washington D.C.

As a simple act of appreciation for all that they do for those in treatment, staff at our MLK Residential facility in Fresno took time out of their morning to have bagels together. To all of our dedicated staff at the facility, thank you for your steadfast efforts in providing services and support to the men, women, and children within your care!

This past July, we were proud to send staff on behalf of Administration, Housing Services, and San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) conference in Washington, D.C., which focused on new innovations and strategies to ending chronic homelessness. Our staff attended various workshops where they were presented on topics about racial equity, legal rights, and other issues pertaining to our brothers, sisters and Veterans experiencing homelessness. They were also joined by other members on behalf of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC)!

In June, a special baby shower was organized for a member of MLK’s Learning Center staff, Ebonia King! With joy, we wish her and her new little one happiness and health! We’d also like to thank her amazing team members for organizing this special event!