The Loop - California (March 2023)

THE LOOP

March is National Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Women have played a key role in passing on stories and heritage throughout history and in doing so, have helped shape and maintain our connections with our past. I would like to take this opportunity to share a bit of my story.

I am the daughter of a first-generation immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico, raised in the Central Valley working alongside my mom harvesting cantaloupes and tomatoes during my summer vacations from school. Those hot summers in the fields taught me to appreciate everything I had and showed me that I wanted to do something with my life to give back to my community.

I graduated with a degree in criminology and a degree in Chicano studies and began my career as a domestic violence advocate. For the first 14 years of my career, my focus was working primarily with women. I saw myself and my mother in the women that I worked with. I related with their struggles and worked alongside them to help seek their power and ability to overcome the obstacles they were facing. I have dedicated my entire career to empowering others. It is through empowerment that I find my purpose. In my 22+ years of service, I have celebrated countless successes as well as losses, both professionally and personally. Through it all, I have persevered.

Since 2010, I have battled debilitating depression and anxiety after burying one of my children. I am a survivor of domestic violence. I have found myself without a home for my children and me. I have lost everything and have had to start over, time and time again. But those circumstances do not define me. The courage and strength passed down from my mother defines me. The love for my children, both here on earth and in heaven defines me. The passion that I have for seeing others thrive defines me.

I wake up each day, focusing on the good in this world and I choose to contribute to that goodness. I use my voice and share my story full of vulnerability, courage, and pride with the hope that you will use your voice to do the same. And in doing so you will help shine a light for those in journeys similar to ours.

On Mar. 8, we proudly recognized International Women’s Day with the theme for this year being “Embrace Equity.” The purpose of this theme is to understand the importance of equitable action and recognizing that each person, regardless of gender, has different circumstances and therefore allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. This ties in perfectly with the work that we do in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Workgroup, which advances WestCare’s commitment to building the most welcoming, affirming, and inclusive organization for our clients, communities, and workforce.

Program Spotlight: Withdrawal Management

WestCare California, Inc.’s Withdrawal Management program provided at MLK Residential in Fresno serves men who are intoxicated or under the influence and/or in imminent withdrawal. This program offers 24 hour a day nonmedical supervision to those suffering from moderate to severe withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or both. The 15-bed program is licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services as a 3.2 Withdrawal Management (WM) program and is classified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) to be a Clinically Managed Residential program.

Services provided include a thorough diagnostic evaluation and assessment, using motivational interviewing as necessary, monitoring of the clients through their withdrawal, and linkage to the appropriate level of care once they have safely traversed the withdrawal process. Clients must be ambulatory and able to provide for their care. Observation will, at minimum, be every 30 minutes during the first 24 to 72 hours depending on the severity and will decrease to an hourly basis at a time determined by clinical staff based off of a daily assessment of symptoms and progression.

A Statement on Withdrawal Management

As part of the continuum of treatment, withdrawal management is often seen as the beginning of treatment. It is where clients feel the most vulnerable and endure great physical and emotional pain. During this critical time of withdrawal, individuals must learn how to identify existing support structures with family and friends and seek their inner strengths and resources to sustain their sobriety. Withdrawal management concerns the easing of physical symptoms and psychological care for mental distress and medical assistance for emergent needs.

As many clients have said to me, "It's painful than continuing with addiction."

Trajan's Withdrawal Management Story

Trajan has been in Withdrawal Management from March 1 to March 6 and transitioned to residential treatment on March 6.

“This program has helped me greatly in my recovery. The process has allowed me to be able to withdraw comfortably without distraction or complications. Also being separated from other clients has allowed me to focus on my own mental health while I cleared my system of substances. Personally, if I would not have been in the program my first few days here, I would not have calmed down nor have come back to reality. I am glad that I chose withdrawal management, and I am thankful for the staff who have assisted me.”

Angela Romero is the counselor for Withdraw Management. She is a hardworking, passionate, and level-headed person. She is the definition of teamwork and does what is expected to help the unit whenever needed. Angela is never too busy to stop and support clients in crisis and strives to ensure that they receive only the best individual care that their program can provide. Thank you for Uplifting the Human Spirit, Angela!

By Jenny Magdaleno, Program Director, MLK Residential

Kudos to Angelo Romero

Counselor - Withdrawal Management, MLK Residential

Dr. Herbert Cruz, Medical Director, WestCare California

With almost 500 employees, our WestCare California family celebrated our staff in a variety of ways for Employee Appreciation Day on March 3. From lunches, to Dave & Buster's, to gift cards, to boba breaks - we loved seeing all the smiles! Thank you for choosing WestCare to dedicate your time and service, helping uplift the human spirit of those in need.

Black History Month Celebrations

STOP Area 3’s Annual Providers Meeting

At the beginning of March, our STOP Area 3 program held their annual meeting for their subcontracted community-based providers to go over changes that will go into effect in the upcoming year concerning programming and reporting. Thank you to the over 40 providers who attended as we move forward in the year to continue transforming lives, Uplifting the Human Spirit, and working together to end recidivism among the justice-involved population.

Across California, STOP offers a variety of services from treatment placement into residential programs to vocational assistance and more. STOP Area 3 covers from Amador to Kern County.

We also celebrated 22 years of dedicated service from Liz and Vince Saldias on behalf of Positive Visions sober living in Bakersfield, both of whom are now heading happily into retirement!

Celebrating Black History Month

To commemorate Black History Month in February the Women and Children’s Unit at our Martin Luther King Residential facility created a collage honoring the many voices and activism of those who have helped shape the lives of Black communities and others. We would not be where we are today without those who battled against oppression for civil rights for all!

NAEH Conference in Oakla

From March 1 - 3, staff on behalf of WestCare California Administration, San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV), and Housing Services attended the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) conference in Oakland where it focused on innovations and solutions for ending unsheltered homelessness. We attended various workshops that centered around racial equity, legal rights, and other issues pertaining to our brothers, sisters and veterans experiencing homelessness.

Black History Month at SJVV Tulare

In honor of Black History Month, our San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) team in Tulare shared a piece of history that celebrates achievements and the history of African Americans. It was really exciting to see the inspiration and stories behind the contributions of great Black men and women. The team also participated in a potluck that explored many diverse food options and a delicious menu!

Employee Appreciation Day!

A Kitchens for Good Apprentice Story Featuring CCTRP Client, Jen

Everyone makes mistakes – it’s human nature. But what happens when a mistake has dire lifechanging consequences? “Eight years ago, I made a terrible mistake that ultimately led to my incarceration.” Now on parole, Jen came to the stark realization, “Being [justice impacted] makes it harder to get a job.” This is especially challenging to Jen as she has always been an enterprising young woman, gaining certifications to work in many areas, including as a dental hygienist and a dog trainer.

When she learned about Kitchens for Good, Jen hadn’t considered cooking as a career, but she was adamant about creating a better future for herself. The Culinary Apprenticeship program provided a way for her to do that. With its skills training and relationships with Employer Partners throughout San Diego, Jen wouldn’t be hamstrung by background checks and judgement, and would be able to pursue a sustainable career in the hospitality industry. “I knew I needed to go out on a limb to get this training, because otherwise, I had no idea how I was going to secure employment given my status.” Since joining the Kitchens for Good program, Jen has not only gotten her confidence back, but also discovered a passion for cooking. “I see myself being in this industry for a very long time. Thank you so much, Kitchens for Good.”

For more information on their amazing organization and how they help local individuals with barriers to employment learn new skills and find rewarding careers in the hospitality industry, please visit www.kitchensforgood.org

Kudos to the Team

Zulema GaribayReceptionist, Administration

“I’dliketorecognizeZulemaandherworkatWestCareCalifornia’s Administrationoffice.Sheisdiligentandhasshowntremendous improvementsinceshefirstjoinedourfamilyinJuneof2022. Recently,shehashadtoworkaloneandhasnevercomplained. Instead,shehasbecomeincreasinglymoreefficient,accomplishing herworkeffortlessly.Hersmileat8:00a.m.makesthedayofso manyofourWestCarefamilymembers!”

-Dr.HerbertCruz,MedicalDirector

Robert Adams

Veteran

Advocate Client Service Specialist

Debra Borjas

“TheSJVVteaminFresnoacknowledgedRobertforUpliftingthe HumanSpiritinourofficetoday.Earlierthisweek,Robertgathered donationsfromourteamtopurchaseabeautifulflowerarrangement forourClientServiceSpecialist,Debrawhomcelebratedher15-year anniversarywithWestCareonFeb.26andonthe28th,whatwould havebeenher41stweddinganniversary!”

-ChristinaValtierra,LeadVeteranAdvocate,SJVV–Fresno

Dawn Davis

Quality Assurance Assistant, MLK Residential

“Dawnworksdiligentlyeverydaytoensurethemaintenanceand complianceofclinicalrecordsaccordingtovariousregulations.She hasassistedourContractCompliancedepartmentbytrainingnew qualityassurancestaffinasupportiveandeffectivemanner.Sheis alwayswillingtohelpherfellowteammembers.Thankyou,Dawn, forallofyourhardworkandforembodyingthemissionofWestCare byempoweringthoseyoumeet!”

-NancyMontano,QualityAssuranceAssistant

On March 3, the team at The Living Room attended March’s Art Hop,

by Fresno EOC’s LGBQT+ Resource Center. Their team had an amazing time and are always glad to meet with the community and let them know about all of the supportive services that they have to offer for those who are infected, affected, or at risk of HIV/AIDS!

Written by Matthew Farmer on behalf of Kitchens for Good, a longtime community partner of our CCTRP (Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program) site in San Diego!

organized