The Loop - California (March 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

MARCH 2025

ISSUE 141

VOLUME 12

WestCare Family, As we step into March and embrace the arrival of Spring, we find ourselves in a season of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and growth. Spring reminds us that change is not only possible, but essential. With each passing season, we witness the remarkable transformation of the lives we touch and the spirits we uplift. This season of renewal mirrors the work our WestCare team delivers each and every day - where every step forward represents hope, progress, and a brighter future for those we serve and our communities.

March has been a month filled with meaningful moments and milestones that reflect the heart of our mission. From community events to initiatives that directly support those in need, we’ve seen firsthand how the dedication and care of our staff and supporters continue to inspire and uplift the people we serve. Below are just a few highlights from this past month, as we celebrate the growth, connections, and progress we’re making together: MLK Residential’s Alumni Car Show brought together a community of car enthusiasts, showcasing classic vehicles and motorcycles to engage current clients in treatment services. We are happy that we have been able to revitalize alumni as they are an integral part of services and an example of recovery. They offer hope and inspiration to current clients, showing that long-term recovery is possible. Seeing someone who has walked the same path and is now thriving can motivate clients to stay committed to their own recovery journey.

In the midst of rainy weather, the Wings Advocacy Fresno team has been making a significant impact by delivering much-needed furniture to homes and families, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Living Room hosted a heartwarming Valentine's luncheon for their clients, spreading love and connection to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, staff throughout our California programs were treated to a well-deserved Employee Appreciation Day, recognizing their dedication and hard work. These events highlight the spirit of care, connection, and community - making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

As we move through this season of growth and renewal, let us continue to support one another and celebrate the successes that make a lasting impact, no matter how small. The work we do together - whether it’s through providing essential resources, fostering connection, or honoring recovery fuels the mission that drives us forward. Here's to new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and continued growth for all the lives we have the privilege of serving.

Jenny Gonzalez, Vice President

w e s tcare.com

CELEBRATING SECOND CHANCES: Criminal Justice Month at W

By Robert Church, Deputy Administrator, WestCare California

OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES DAY REPORTING CENTER (DRC) Located in Fresno, our DRC program offers various drop-in services, vocational assistance, and linkages to treatment for parolees.

Fresno 559-485-0410

FEMALE COMMUNITY REENTRY PROGRAM (FCRP) - SAN DIEGO & STOCKTON Serving San Diego and Stockton, our FCRP programs provide services to high-risk women who have 45 days to two years left in their sentence. Providing them a place in the community, we address substance use, criminal thinking, family reunification, educational and vocational skills, and more.

San Diego 619-359-8266 Stockton 209-642-8488

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR OPTIMIZED PROGRAMMING (STOP) AREAS 1 & 3 With offices in Chico, North Highlands, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Stockton, our STOP programs serve those on active probation from Kern County up to Del Norte County. We help with linkages to treatment services, transitional housing, pre-employment assistance, and more.

Bakersfield 661-326-0485 Chico 530-830-1180 Fresno 559-214-0264 North Highlands 916-564-4400 Stockton 209-662-6073

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START OR HAVE GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SERVICES? 559-251-4800 info.ca@westcare.com

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As we celebrate Criminal Justice Month this March, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the vital work we do at WestCare and the individuals we serve with our criminal justice programs. Serving this population has been a passion of mine for over 25 years, as I am living proof of what these programs can do for justice-involved individuals.

WestCare California plays a major role in helping people transition from incarceration to flourishing members of their community. Whether it’s one of our STOP participants being linked up from prison to behavioral health, housing, or job services, our DRC program that focuses on providing parolees with a place to seek employment, receive counseling, and build a resume, or our two FCRP programs that allows participants to spend the last few years of their sentences in a comprehensive program that includes addiction addiction counseling, mental health care, vocational training, and the ability to gain their education at all levels. Participants are able to be employed in the community and they are readied for the transition into the community with new confidence, new dreams, and a new life.

We have partnered with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to provide these innovative programs. Over the years, WestCare has cultivated strong relationships with our CDCR partners. Given that 95% of all inmates in the California Prison System will be released, the services we provide make California safer, one client at a time. We understand that reentry into society can be a daunting process. Our services are designed to break down the barriers that often stand in the way of successful reintegration. The biggest barrier for individuals reentering society is a lack of access to care, whether it is Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or mental health treatment services, employment and educational access, employers that are willing to hire a person with a criminal record, etc. Many employers that have hired our participants often comment that our participants are some of the best employees they have. Many of our participants come to work with a sense of gratitude and drive to succeed as they know what it is like to have everything taken away from them.

“At WestCare, we understand that the journey through the criminal justice system can be challenging,” said our DRC team, “but, we believe in your strength and resilience. Every step you take towards positive change is a testament to your courage and determination. Our team is here to support you, uplift your spirit, and provide the resources you need to rebuild your life. Remember, your past does not define your future. With the right support and a commitment to growth, you have the power to create a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. Keep moving forward, and know that we are with you every step of the way.”

When we speak to the community, it’s our job to highlight the tangible differences these programs make. We have fostered positive change in the lives of mothers who have reunited with their children after having their parental rights reinstated, empowering them with the parenting skills gained through our programs. Similarly, we’ve supported individuals like a lifer who was granted a second chance at freedom and now serves as the Director of one of our state’s largest reentry programs. The cost savings to the state are substantial.

Currently, it costs California $138,000 per year to house an inmate in the prison system, while WestCare can provide services at roughly half the cost. Our programs not only lower recidivism rates but also transform lives. This is a far cry from the old approach, where inmates were released with just $100 and a bus ticket back to their community without any real employment prospects or the tools needed to address the issues that led to their incarceration in the first place.

“Our biggest job is to be a source of support for the clients,” said the FCRP San Diego team, “many of whom may have never experienced this type of support or hope for them in their lives. We give them a chance to learn how to change their thinking and change their behaviors. We focus on fostering a sense of empowerment, building self-esteem, personal freedom, and power to make choices.”

As we mark Criminal Justice Month this March, we take pride in the role we play in breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for transformation and empowerment. The future of reentry services is promising with California serving as a model for other states. Funding for reentry services has increased and the linkage to MediCal ensures individuals reentering society have access to the support they need. WestCare will remain at the forefront of this expansion, continuously seeking new and innovative ways to Uplift the Human Spirit.

Thank you for being part of this important mission. Together, we are changing lives and making a lasting impact on those we serve and our communities.

Uplifting the Human Spirit

estCare California

*Names and identifying information from testimonials have been changed to protect client privacy.

LIVES IMPACTED: Testimonials from our Participants ALEXA, STOP - AREA 3

ANTHONY, DRC

“WestCare offered classes every day to help me cope with my mental health and my addiction.

They gave me transportation to job fairs and helped me with my ID and Social Security card.

Because of STOP, I was able to get my high school diploma and I got my RADT (Registered Alcohol and Drug Tech). I’m currently enrolled in college too!

“The counselors at the DRC helped me with my housing and any time I had a problem, they were always available to talk and always provided positive advice and feedback. Without this program, the staff, and all the resources they offered me, I might have relapsed.

The DRC allowed me to get into several programs that are allowing me to become self-sufficient and go at my own pace. If someone is thinking about participating in this program, it would be the best thing they could do if they are serious about getting their life back on track. All the counselors have helped me change my life. Everyone really helps out and wants you to succeed.”

STOP taught me that I had to change my way of thinking. I would like to tell someone that this program works and that sometimes, we need to get rid of our old ideas and behaviors and be willing to do something new if we want to change our lives. WestCare changed my life and I will be forever grateful.”

MARY, FCRP

JAMES, STOP - AREA 3

“Since being a part of FCRP, I’ve enrolled back into college and successfully completed three semesters while being a part of WestCare. On top of that, I have a job now. WestCare has really helped me improve my time management, which has been essential in balancing everything.

“I didn’t know anything about WestCare prior to this. WestCare offered me a clean living environment with three meals a day, and we had counselors and techs around the clock for us in our time of need.

I’ve learned patience and discovered my inner self. I feel confident about my future. I’m about to be on parole in the next couple of weeks and I truly believe I’ll be successful moving forward.

Since I left WestCare, I have accomplished more now than ever. At 45, I just got my high school diploma, passed my RADT, and enrolled in college studying Business Admin. WestCare taught me that if I wanted to be someone different than my past self, I needed to do something different.

There are definitely trials and tribulations - it has its ups and downs. But, like anything else in life, you have to stick with it. It’s a good program that helps you build a safe and positive transition back into society.”

To anyone thinking about going to WestCare, I strongly encourage it. Today, I continue to visit with WestCare. This year has been an amazing journey for me. Thank you to WestCare for the part you played in changing my life.”

A PEEK INTO WHAT OUR WESTCARE CALIFORNIA PROJECTS ARE UP TO! Delivery In the Rain

Valentine’s Party and Bingo

By Debbie Ockey, Volunteer, Wings Advocacy Fresno

By Arturo Zuno, Client Service Navigator, The Living Room

Our dedicated team with Wings Advocacy Fresno, A Project of WestCare California, delivered in the Fresno rain to homes that needed us!

The Living Room, A Project of WestCare California, hosted a fun Valentine’s Day BINGO event for their clients on Thursday, February 13th. Titled the “Heartthrob Yeehaw,” participants were encouraged to come dressed in their best “Country” outfits for a playful twist on the holiday.

Our WestCare clients spent the day assisting with the delivering, setting up new apartments with their new furnishings, and even carried furniture up three flights of stairs! So much of the work we do is a team effort, but it makes us happy to see once empty homes be filled with furniture that can be used by families as they start a new chapter in their lives.

If you have new/gently used furniture, linens, or kitchen items, visit our warehouse to drop them off. Our warehouse is located at: 4323 N. Selland Ave. #105, Fresno, CA 93722 Hours: Monday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Your donations make the pivotal difference in changing someone house into a home!

A Valentine’s Day themed lunch was served, followed by sweet treats such as sugar cookies, cupcakes, candy, and other desserts. After the meal, the fun continued with several rounds of BINGO, where excited players competed for various prizes.

This event was one of several seasonal gatherings hosted by The Living Room to foster a sense of community among program participants. Altogether, the “Heartthrob Yeehaw” event was a cheerful occasion filled with good food, laughter, and connection - creating a fun and supportive atmosphere for all involved.

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

ALUMNI CAR SHOW AT MLK RESIDENTIAL

By Norma Gonzalez, Program Coordinator, MLK Residential Our recently established Alumni Group for our Residential and Outpatient programs organized and hosted one of their first big events: a car show at MLK Residential! The group members met twice a month to ensure successful planning and we couldn't be more proud of how well it was executed. The event featured a modest display of three cars and two motorcycles, live music from local rappers, testimonials, and lunch. One of our alumni member's church generously donated tacos and snacks for all attendees.

The day wasn’t just about the cars; it was about building connections and fostering support. After the car show, the alumni group met to debrief, and one member shared that a client approached him to express gratitude for his speech. The client revealed that they had been considering leaving the residential program but hearing the alumni's stories inspired and motivated them to stay. This was so uplifting to hear!

If you are an alumni and would like to join future events or reconnect, please contact us at info.ca@westcare.com. We’d love to have you!

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

CORE AWARDS Continue the journey online!

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From catered breakfasts and lunches to gift cards and heartfelt thank-you’s, our programs’ leadership took the time to recognize their team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to our mission!

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 category of Organization: Briana G. Christina M.

Ciana T. Crystal C.

Follow WestCare California on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WestCareCalifornia

Devin S. Jessica H.

Vanessa A. Verlena G.

WestCare California

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@westcarecalifornia

@westcareca