THE LOOP
WestCareFamily,
AtWestCareCalifornia,housingismorethanwallsandaroof Itisthe first step in restoring dignity, safety, and the possibility of a better tomorrow We are proud to offer a wide-ranging continuum of housing services designed to meet people where they are and walk alongside them on their journey to stability From emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and recovery residences to rapidrehousing,homelessnessprevention,anddiversionservices,we take a comprehensive, person-centered approach to ensuring that every individual and family in crisis has a path forward and a team to supportthemeverystepoftheway Weservewithpurposeandpride
Every day, we welcome and walk alongside individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, Veterans, those living with substance use and mental health conditions, individuals affected by HIV and AIDS, justice-involved individuals, and survivors ofdomesticviolence Ourprogramsareintentionallydesignedtoserve thewholeperson–notjusttheirhousingneeds,buttheirdreams,their strengths, and their potential Through housing stability case management and life skills education, we help participants build the foundation needed for long-term independence, teaching tools for budgeting, conflict resolution, daily living, and the skills to thrive on theirownterms
At the heart of our work is the Housing First model, which removes barriers to housing access and sees a stable home as the launching pad for healing, not the reward at the end By prioritizing housing without preconditions like sobriety or income, we empower people to focus on their health, recovery, and personal goals with a sense of securityandhope
We know that when people are safely housed, everything else becomes more possible We are equally guided by a strong commitment to Fair Housing Discrimination, stigma, and systemic inequities have too often stood between people and a safe place to live At WestCare California, we stand against those barriers and actively work to dismantle them Every individual we serve, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background, has the right to equitable housing access, and we fighteverydaytomakethatrightareality
Our impact is only strengthened by community partnerships like Wings AdvocacyFresno,whichhelpstransformfourwallsintoahomebyproviding move-in support, furniture, and household essentials to those transitioning out of homelessness Their work, and the work of our dedicated housing teams, sends a clear message: You are not alone, and you are worthy of comfort, care, and belonging Together, we are building more than housing We are building hope, healing, and new beginnings With every key handed over, every lease signed, and every life stabilized, we are reminded of the power of housing to change lives At WestCare California, we do not just provide services We Uplift the Human Spirit, and we do it with heart, integrity,andunwaveringpride.
Mary Ann Knoy, Vice President
CELEBRATING FAIR HOUSING MONTH: A PROMISE OF DIGNITY AND HOME FOR ALL
April is Fair Housing Month - a time to reflect on the importance of equal access to housing and to recognize the efforts of organizations working every day to make that vision a reality. At WestCare California, Fair Housing Month isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a daily commitment to supporting individuals and families in Fresno who are striving to find safety, stability, and a place to call home.
Fair Housing Month commemorates the landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968, which protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for housing. This law paved the way for more inclusive communities - but the work continues, and that’s where WestCare comes in.
Operating on a Housing First model, WestCare California believes that everyone deserves a safe place to live - no prerequisites, no barriers. By removing the traditional roadblocks that can delay access to housing, we help our community members begin healing and rebuilding their lives from a solid foundation.
Our services include housing navigation, rental assistance, diversion services, and case management, among others Whether someone is at risk of losing their home, needs help finding a place to live, or is navigating a disability that complicates their housing situation, we’re here with support that is compassionate,practical,andtailoredtoeachindividual’sneeds
What makes our work special is not just the services we provide, but the relationships we build We walk alongside our participants as connectors and partners Ourteamunderstandsthathousingismorethanjustfourwallsanda roof-it’sthefirststeptowardself-determination,health,andhope
Fair Housing Month reminds us that access to housing is a right - not a privilege. In Fresno, where the housing crisis has hit hard, our community needs champions who will create fair and sustainable pathways to housing WestCareCaliforniaisproudtobeoneofthosechampions
From our three Fresno locations, we run 10 dedicated housing programs that touch every point of the housing continuum - from homelessness prevention to ong-term stability.
As we celebrate this month, we also celebrate the strength of our community and the lives that are transformed through housing Every success story we witness is proof that when we invest in people, we invest in a better future for all
Housing Success!
By Laura Reynolds, Program Manager, Day 1 Families Fund
Meet Fernando, a single father who was facing an uncertain future while living in a temporary shelter. But thanks to our Day 1 Families Fund program and the incredible teamwork of our Housing Navigator, Education Specialist, and HHAP Diversion team, Fernando’s life has taken a positive turn.
In February of 2025, Fernando was matched to our program through the CES matching process. With determination and dedication, he worked closely with our team to navigate the process of securing housing and employment for himself and his child.
And guess what? Just ONE month later, in March, Fernando was successfully housed!
This is a true testament to what we can achieve when we work together to support families in need. We’re beyond excited for Fernando and his child, and we’re proud of the collaborative effort that made this success possible
FCRP Stockton Receives Recognition from Local Leaders
By Ciana Torres, Director of Media and Public Relations
On March 14, 2025, our Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Stockton hosted a comprehensive tour for WestCare California’s executive leadership, City of Stockton Councilmember Mario Enriquez, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation ‘s (CDCR) Office of Legislation representatives Brian Cote and Joseph Saenz, and CCIII Terren HinojosaandCCIIISarahGonzalezfromtheDivisionofRehabilitativePrograms(DRP)
The tour highlighted our program’s facilities, which include fitness rooms, personal suites, a welcoming kitchen, and a flourishing community garden - all designed to nurture healing and growth The heart of the tour was undoubtedly the powerful testimonials shared by two program clients Theirstoriesofovercomingadversity,reconnectingwithfamily,andembracingaproductive futureresonateddeeplywitheveryonepresent FCRPwasalsopresentedwithanofficialcertificate from City of Stockton Councilmember Mario Enriquez! This certificate acknowledged the program's extraordinary contributions to the community, honoring its positive impact not only on the women it serves,butalsoonthebroaderStocktonarea
Wearedeeplygratefulforthecontinuedsupportofourdedicatedstaff,communitypartners,andall whoattended Together,wearemakingalastingimpactinStockton,empoweringwomentorebuild theirfuturesandstrengthentheirfamilies
YEARS OF IMPACT
By Yvette Ennis, Case Manager, The Living Room
On April 1, 2025, The Living Room, a Project of WestCare California, celebratedits29thAnniversary!Itwasadayofgratitude,appreciation,and remembrance Our Kitchen Assistant Nancy made a homemade meal of gorditas,rice,andbeansthateveryoneenjoyed
After lunch, the festivities continued as staff and clients had cake and participated in other activities such as badminton, lawn darts, billiards, and Loteriatocelebratethisspecialday
Family Grows Together
By Jaclyn Grewal, Facilitator, Celebrating Families!
Meet Jennifer, a resilient single mother, Veteran, and student who recentlygraduatedfromtheCelebratingFamilies!program
Jennifer joined the program to improve her family’s ability to cope with stress, emotions, and communication Her dedication was clear - she never missed a session, and she consistently shared her experiences whilelendingasupportiveeartoothers
By the end of the program, Jennifer and her children had gained invaluabletoolsforbettercommunication Herdaughterevenusedthe lessons from the program to handle a tough situation at school, passingonthoseskillstoherpeers
We’re so proud of Jennifer and her family for their hard work and growth Congratulationsoncompletingthe12-weekcourse!
We had an unexpected guest who visited: Jules Mastro, the founder of The Living Room! Jules shared the uplifting history of how The Living Roomcametobewhatitistoday,andhetouchedeveryone’sheart
Our anniversary marks another year of impacting the lives of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS Through our education and prevention efforts, housing services, and more, we strive to continue to impact the lives of those we serve Next year will be a major milestone for us as we celebrate three decades Stay tuned as we plan for a year full of impact andcelebrations!
We've got awesome events coming your way in the next few months and you're invited to every single one! Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and don't miss out Follow us on FacebookorInstagramsoyou'realwaysintheloopforallthegoodtimesahead!
DRAG QUEEN BINGO NIGHT - SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 | 6PM
Get ready for a night of BINGO and Drag Queen fun! Proceeds raised benefit the Fresno AIDS Walk, the annual fundraiser for The Living Room, a Project of WestCare California. More info found here: facebook.com/westcarecalifornia
FIESTA ON GATEWAY - FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 | 6 PM
This networking mixer is perfect for anyone looking make meaningful relationships and connections. Proceeds support the legacy and work of Wings Advocacy Fresno, a Project of WestCare California. Get tickets here: fiestaongateway.com
SPRING 2025 GRADUATION - WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 | 6 PM
Celebrate the recovery journey of our graduates who have successfully completed their treatment/rehabilitation program. We honor their strong hearts and dedication this evening. More info here: facebook.com/westcarecalifornia
FRESNO AIDS WALK - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025 | 9 AM
The 14th annual Fresno AIDS Walk is back again to pay homage to those affected by HIV/AIDS and in remembrance of the lives lost. Register for a 2K walk or 5K run here: fresnoaidswalk.org
SPIRIT GALA - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 | 6 PM
nd
The 2 annual Spirit Gala promises an evening of fun and meaningful impact as we fundraise and honor the legacies of those who have made significant contributions in our community. RSVP with us early: spiritgala.com
By Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager
co-founder of Wings Advocacy Fresno, a Project of WestCare California, we proudly funded the installation of a peace pole at Dakota EcoGarden Our Maintenance team worked diligently and their positive attitudes were instrumental in ensuring the peace pole was successfully cemented into the ground. It’s a wonderful tribute to Beverly and her legacy, and we’re excited to have it as a lasting symbol of peace and the legacy of her work helping to uplift newly-housed individuals and families.
CORE AWARDS
Craig G.
Emily B.
Fatima J.
Gurvir S.
Herbert C.
Ilene C.
OUR VETERAN SERVICES OUT IN THE COMMUNITY!
By Christina Lopez, Program Coordinator
On March 29, San Joaquin Valley Veterans (Visalia), a Project of WestCare California was honored to attend the Tulare & Kings County Veteran Stand Down - a powerful dayofconnection,resources,andsupportforthosewhohave served
We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to ensure that veterans and their families have access to the services,care,andrespecttheydeserve
ToeveryVeteranwemet-thankyouforyourservice
By Ciana Torres, Director of Media and Public Relations
On March 13th, San Joaquin Valley Veterans (Stockton), a Project of WestCare California was honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic Community Living Center in French Camp, California. This event marked a significant step forward in expanding healthcare services for Veterans in the region and we are proud to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the Veteran community by attending the ceremony. As we continue forward in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, we are excited to see more resources and locations made accessible to Veterans!
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE) Please join us in commemorating our most recent CORE Award recipients for the categories of Calm and Collected, Mentor, and Creativity:
Jaclyn G.
Jenia S.
Jessica R.
Jose O.
Karen T.
Louisa G.
Mayleen M.
Melissa C.
Melissa Z.
Michael N. Nasheka G.
Nou H.
Randi R.
Samuel A.
Shawna C.
WestCare California
@westcarecalifornia
Sreyjet C.