THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA
JULY 2023
ISSUE 122
VOLUME 11
WestCare Family, As the summer months unfold, we find ourselves reflecting on the progress we've made together as a dedicated and compassionate team here at WestCare. We always strive to provide comprehensive and innovative social services to those who need it most. Over the past six months, we have worked tirelessly to continue delivering on that commitment and are proud to share the substantial strides we have made in advancing our programs. This year has brought with it many changes in the leadership structure, changes and improvements to our facilities, and an expansion of our services. But one thing that has not changed is the dedication of our team. Whether through our operations teams, direct service teams, or administrative teams - we all contribute to making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. We are thrilled to report that our housing programs have thrived and are providing safe and nurturing environments for countless individuals and families. Through a combination of dedicated case management, counseling and advocacy services, and community partnerships - we have witnessed remarkable outcomes, with many individuals achieving long-term housing stability and reclaiming their lives. Through our comprehensive approach, we not only connect them to immediate shelter, but also work diligently to address the root causes of homelessness - enabling individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Moreover, our commitment to health education and advocacy remains steadfast. WestCare continues to be a beacon of hope and support for those living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, offering crucial services that promote education, prevention, and comprehensive care. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we strive to create a healthier future and reduce the stigma surrounding this complex health issue. Planning and preparation for the 12th Annual Fresno AIDS Walk & 5K Run is in full swing and we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, October 14th at Woodward Park in Fresno. In line with our dedication to the well-being of families, we have also made remarkable strides with our Celebrating Families! program. Through the weekly sessions, their program facilitators empower families to strengthen their bonds, enhance communication, and cultivate healthy familial skills. By fostering an environment of love, respect, and understanding - we believe we can positively impact not only individual lives, but also the fabric of our society. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement from our passionate staff. We are incredibly grateful for your continued belief in our mission and your contributions that allow us to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. As we enter the second half of the year, we invite you to join us in celebrating these successes and renewing our commitment to the vital work that lies ahead. Thank you for your steadfast efforts and for being a driving force behind WestCare's achievements. We look forward to sharing more updates and stories of hope as we embark on the rest of this transformative journey together.
Westcare Family, These past summer months as an organization have been groundbreaking. As we continue to provide social services to the communities we serve, we have also experienced many changes within leadership with the introduction of our new Deputy Administrators and an expansion of our services within our programs. Nevertheless, we have continued to make changes to our facilities as well as continue the commitment to creating an everlasting impact on the individuals that we serve. With our MLK Residential Facility, we have been getting some much-needed upgrades. There will be new lighting throughout the facility as well as new conference room chairs, client sofas, tables, dressers, and much more. In addition, the staff lounge has also been upgraded to offer our hard-working staff an area where they can relax during their much-needed breaks to feel rejuvenated from the work that they do serving our clients daily. We were also excited to hear that we were given an extension to continue services for CCTRP (Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program) - San Diego and with new rates, this will assist in the hiring process of finding quality staff that will provide services to our amazing women served who are finishing their sentence at this facility while beginning their steps towards reentry. This program will continue to assist women to become productive members within their community. As our new leadership team continues to settle into their new roles, we will remain committed to our work with our various teams in identifying new areas of growth and improvement for our services that we are so proud to offer to the communities in which we operate!
Mary Ann Knoy Vice President of Administration WestCare California
w e s tcare.com