The Loop

A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

WestCare California Team,

June holds particular significance as we celebrate Juneteenth and National LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, two important observances highlighting WestCare's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865, marking a pivotal moment in American history. Texas was the last state to end slavery, even after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Juneteenth, sometimes called “America's Second Independence Day,” celebrates more than a historical milestone; it is a testament to resilience, freedom, and the ongoing journey toward equality. At WestCare, we honor this day through education, reflection, and community engagement. We have created a Juneteenth toolkit with ideas on how you can continue to learn and educate others about this significant day. Additionally, in 2020, WestCare proudly made Juneteenth an annual paid holiday for all staff, even before it became a federal holiday. We encourage everyone to reflect on the impact of systemic racism and commit to contributing to a more just society.

June is also National LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month is a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and the fight against discrimination. It honors the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the battle against systemic oppression. Pride Month fosters solidarity, encouraging acceptance and understanding while highlighting the community's unique contributions and diverse identities. Our agency is committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can express their true selves. By partnering with local organizations and participating in Pride parades and festivals, WestCare amplifies its commitment to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health. Through these efforts, we honor the spirit of Pride Month and reinforce our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

A few months ago, the WestCare Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Staff Workgroup invited all team members to participate in the 2nd Annual DEI Staff Survey. Out of 1,803 active employees, we received 875 responses, equating to a 48.5% response rate. Although we just missed our goal of 50%, our response rate is impressive for a workplace survey, which typically sees a 5% to 30% response rate. We achieved approximately 300 more responses than last year, representing a 43% increase. Continuous learning is crucial for our growth. We are continuously working towards expanding our DEI efforts to strengthen cultural competency, unconscious bias, and allyship in our programs.

Let us use this time to reflect on our collective responsibility to advance DEI within our workplace and the wider community. Together, we can create a culture that honors our differences, champions equality, and ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered. We look forward to your active participation in this month's events and encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to improve our DEI efforts.

Spotlight: WestCare California's Opioid Education and

Naloxone

Distribution (OEND) Program

The Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program is funded by a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) grant as part of their Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Initiative. The OEND’s program's mission is to reduce the number of deaths in Fresno County related to fentanyl overdose by providing a combination of education and harm reduction resources to the community." OEND will provide opioid education, overdose training on reversal medication, fentanyl test strips, and social service linkages for community members in need. The team in Fresno County is led by Program Director, Carlene Patrick and Program Coordinator, Elisha SimpsonSanchez, who are dedicated to addressing the fentanyl overdose epidemic and providing life-saving information and resources to the community. The program’s Outreach Specialists, Agustin Muniz, Devin Sandoval, and Linda Phetmyxay, along with Research Assistant Brisa Mendoza, will work to bring these invaluable resources directory into the hands of individuals in need of them most. Our team is committed to raising awareness and making a difference in the fight against fentanyl overdoses.

Linda Phetmyxay, the first Outreach Specialist we hired, plays a key role in preparing her team to reach out to community members. She outlines a map of the city for her team to follow and ensures that all necessary outreach items are packed and ready to go.

Devin Sandoval, Agustin Muniz, and Brisa Mendoza are the first team members to represent OEND at Fresno’s Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival. At the event, they successfully educated and equipped over 80 community members with the necessary tools to prevent overdose. Their efforts were commendable in spreading awareness and promoting safety within the community.

Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival

For over 28 years, The Living Room, a project of WestCare California, has been serving the HIV/AIDS community in Fresno and the Central Valley. They have consistently provided a safe space filled with acceptance, support, and assistance to those at risk of, diagnosed with, or affected by HIV/AIDS. Through online and in-person support groups, confidential HIV/HCV testing, providing hot meals, and so much more- The Living Room is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the well-being and empowerment of persons impacted by HIV/AIDS.

This June, staff from The Living Room and WestCare California along with members of the community participated once again in the annual Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival. In celebration of Pride Month and the communities we serve, we are honored to have been able to join the festivities and partake in this momentous community event that celebrates inclusivity, equity, and acceptance.

We’d like to wish a very happy Pride Month to anyone who celebrated and thank everyone who attended or helped us organize this year’s parade entry!

Uplifting the Human Spirit

Pride Flag Raising at Fresno City Hall

In honor of Pride Month, our staff from The Living Room, BEAT, and the OEND Program attended the raising of the pride flag at City Hall in Downtown Fresno Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea and Mayor Jerry Dyer led the ceremony. This is the fourth annual flag-raising ceremony for the City of Fresno to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We were so proud to attend and witness another memorable moment during National LGBTQIA+ Pride Month!

Celebrating Families! Spring Graduation

Congratulations to James and his son, James Jr., for completing our 12-week family-inclusive program, Celebrating Families!

James shared that he learned how to be patient and kind to himself. He commented, "My group leaders understood my feelings and life experiences, and I gained knowledge of things I can use at home to be a better father."

We wish nothing but the best for James and his son. As a single parent, James continues to work on himself and be a better father to James Jr.

For more information about our Celebrating Families! program, please email at celebratingfamilies@westcare.com or call (559) 237-3420, ext. 20377

Remembering Burnett Irons (1948 - 2024)

It comes with great sadness that we mourn the loss of a dear friend and tireless supporter of those in recovery - Burnett Irons

A longtime WestCare California staff with over 12 years of combined service with various positions held in The Living Room, SASCA (Known today as STOP), and Fresno Adult Outpatient - Burnett’s passion for helping others was as strong as his love for making them smile.

For those who had the pleasure of knowing him, he’d often brighten even the toughest of days with his unmatched positive energy, keen sense of humor, and lightning-quick wit.

MLK Residential Celebrates Juneteenth

He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a loyal coworker, and a trusted friend. We will miss you, Burnett, and will forever be reminded by you that even when times are hard, it’s still a great time to stop, smile, and appreciate all that we have.

In June, the team at our MLK Residential facility came together with clients and colleagues to commemorate Juneteenth. The facility was adorned with uplifting images and historical tidbits about Juneteenth, a holiday that signifies the liberation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Clients were educated on the significance of the nationwide celebration. The day included a talent show, a lively volleyball match between clients and staff, and a scrumptious lunch featuring fried chicken, green beans with bacon, mac and cheese, cornbread, and peach cobbler. Special thanks to our kitchen staff for preparing the delicious meal!

This month, we were proud to hold our Spring 2024 Graduation. All of our graduates who completed their respective recovery programs in Fresno and Bakersfield got to walk across the stage at Fresno City College’s OAB Auditorium. Local meteorologist and co-anchor of Great Day on KMPH Fox 26, Kopi Sotiropulos, was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. Senior Case Manager Larry Sanchez from our Stop Area 1 office in North Highlands was our Keynote Speaker and spoke about the power of change and hope after recovery. WestCare California’s Graduation has always been about beginning a new life and committing to a lifelong recovery journey. The experience was not only emotional for our graduates, but inspiring for their loved ones and friends who came out to support them. Congratulations to all of our newest alumni! Here’s to embracing the change.