WCCA - Spirit Gala Program

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH OUR INAUGURAL

Spirit Gala Saturday 6 PM - 11 PM OCTOBER 12, 2024 The Grand 1401 1401 N. FULTON FRESNO, CA 93721

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING TO

Uplift the Human Spirit

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Thank you for joining us this evening to celebrate 50 years of service and Uplifting the Human Spirit. We are honored to commemorate our Golden Anniversary with you and hope you enjoy it. Drink, dine, and dance the night away with us!

PROGRAM AGENDA 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM VIP Hour 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Doors Open, Silent Auction Begins*, Open Bar Begins* 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Dinner Begins 7:45 PM - 8:00 PM Keynote and Acknowledgments 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spirit Awards Ceremony 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM Open Dance Floor *Silent auction and open bar ends at 9 p.m.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR UPLIFTING THE HUMAN SPIRIT PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Learn more about EECU on pg. 8

OUR BENEFICIARY Proceeds from this event directly benefit Wings Advocacy Fresno, A Project of WestCare California - the most recent to join our family of projects.

Learn more about Wings Advocacy Fresno on pg. 5.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 4 5 6

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA HISTORY SILENT AUCTION ABOUT WINGS ADVOCACY FRESNO SPIRIT COMMUNITY AWARDS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Uplifting the Human Spirit Presenting Sponsor

Empowerment Sponsor

Wellness Sponsor Center Point Dignity & Hope Sponsors Amity Foundation EVC Homes LLC RH Community Builders

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WestCare California : 50 YEARS 1974

1985 THE THIRD FLOOR CDAAPCC receives $100,000 in funding from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to implement a residential treatment program, The Third Floor. Initial operation begins in a warehouse before relocating to its first facility at 120 N. Howard Street in Fresno, CA.

1992

WOMEN ADMITTED

WESTCARE MANAGEMENT

Residential services expand to include women's treatment.

The Third Floor enters into a management contract with WestCare following the passing of founder, Bob Klise.

CDAAPCC

FIRST CLIENT

EXPANSION

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program of Central California is founded to facilitate the creation of a treatment program.

The first client is admitted to The Third Floor.

The Third Floor opens its first recovery residence to promote aftercare.

The Third Floor begins offering outpatient treatment.

1975

1973 2014

2014

1988

1995 2023

2021 FCRP EXPANSION

HOUSING SUPPORT

WINGS ADVOCACY FRESNO

Criminal Justice Services expand with the introduction of the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in San Diego.

WestCare California partners with Saint Agnes Medical Center to provide housing support services at The Holy Cross Health and Wellness Center.

Wings Advocacy Fresno, a provider of donations for recently housed individuals/families, joins the WestCare California family of programs.

HOUSING FOR FAMILIES

NEW MODEL OF CARE

Expansion into Housing Opportunities for non-Veteran individuals/families experiencing homelessness with the Project LiftOFF program.

WestCare California begins to adapt services to align with the new CalAIM model of care.

2022

TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD & MORE

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BID ON OUR SILENT AUCTION: WESTCARE.EVENTS/SPIRITGALAAUCTION

OF UPLIFTING THE HUMAN SPIRIT 1999

2003

2010

WESTCARE The Third Floor merges with WestCare to become WestCare California.

Veterans services are introduced with the HomeFront GrantPer-Diem Transitional Housing Program.

Education & Prevention services are introduced with the Women 2 Women program for mothers who were affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS.

MLK RESIDENTIAL CA’s longest-running program, MLK Residential, is founded, with management provided by WestCare.

PERINATAL SERVICES

THE LIVING ROOM

OPTIONS PROGRAM

The Living Room, a provider of HIV/AIDS care, joins the WestCare California family of programs.

Expansion into Mental Health services with introduction of OPTIONS program.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VETERANS

YOUTH SERVICES IN KINGS

Fresno-based volunteer-ran group by the staff of HomeFront, joins the WestCare California family of programs.

Treatment expands to provide adolescent outpatient services to Kings County youth in Hanford.

Treatment services expand into perinatal services to tie young children into their parents' treatment.

2001

1999

2007

Wings Advocacy Fresno has served some of the most vulnerable and chronically unhoused populations since 2013. Their clients include families, seniors, Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Working in close cooperation with a variety of social service agencies and community partners, Wings Advocacy Fresno provides furniture and household goods to formerly unhoused clients who have received safe, permanent housing.

In September 2023, Wings Advocacy Fresno joined WestCare California's family of projects. We invite you to support their mission as we create a community where everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Community donations help provide our most vulnerable neighbors with the ability to create a real home. Learn more about donation needs on pg. 9.

In 2023, Wings Advocacy Fresno, A Project of WestCare California, had the following impact:

1,388

Persons Served

588

Homes Furnished

905

Volunteers

ON AVERAGE, 15 FAMILIES SERVED PER WEEK 5

Spirit Commu 2024

Community Impact Resilience & Recovery

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Laura Haga Moreno

Delaine David Bill Sr.

Division Chief, Department of Social Services, County of Fresno

Cultural Support Specialist, Fresno American Indian Health Project (FAIHP)

Laura Haga Moreno has been working to eradicate homelessness for nearly 24 years. She is the current Chairperson of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC), whose goal is to provide a comprehensive, coordinated homeless housing and services delivery system. She has been involved with the organization since its inception, serving in various roles, including Secretary and Regional Representative.

Delaine David Bill Sr. is a pillar of community support, both at the Fresno American Indian Health Project (FAIHP) and to his community. As a Mono/Yokut tribal member (Wukchumni), he runs FAIHP’s Sacred Circle program four times weekly, a drum and prayer circle for individuals to use the medicine of Native American drumming as a path towards healing. He leads talking circles and participates in support for our sobriety and wellness program. Delaine remains an incredible resource to anyone who needs him, and he shares his songs at community events and in the hallways of FAIHP. He offers his own property as a place for Native Americans to experience and participate in sweat lodges and ceremonies.

Laura has also been with the County of Fresno for over 27 years and is a Division Chief with the Department of Social Services (DSS), focusing on homelessness and housing services. She has developed various programs within DSS, serving those experiencing and at risk of homelessness, including the CalWORKs Housing Support Program, the Family Unification Program for child welfare families, and the Transitional Housing ProgramPlus, a transitional housing program for young adults exiting foster care. She was a principal contributor in the County’s application and development of Crossroads, the County’s Homekey project, adding 141 permanent affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness. She led the Department’s homeless response during COVID-19 and was a driving force in adding over 500 additional emergency shelter beds to the system. Laura believes in the power of collaboration to make impactful changes to benefit marginalized communities.

Through leadership, advocacy, community engagement, and policy development, meaningful change is possible.

Born in 1964 in the Central Valley, his life is marked by struggles and adversities, but also resilience and recovery. As a young child, he experienced bullying through the school system but persisted with his brother and mother as his motivation. At 18, he left home, not knowing what was in store for him.

After experiencing a life of drugs, alcohol, loss of loved ones, incarceration, separation, rehab, and so much more - he returned to his community to give back in the way he received: a belief, a purpose, a reason to live.

Now, he gives thanks every day for his past, present, and boundless future.

unity Awards Recipients

Social Advocacy

Veteran’s Valor

Dean Jackson,

Raymond Gonzales,

Director of HIV Services, The Source LGBT+ Center

Outreach Specialist, WestCare California

Dean Jackson has been an integral part of The Source LGBT+ Center since its inception, starting as a volunteer on opening day in 2016. Currently serving as the Director of HIV Services, Dean is responsible for the growth and operational success of their HIV & Prevention Services.

Under his leadership, what began as a peer support group has expanded into a comprehensive program offering a range of services such as free rapid testing for HIV, HCV, and syphilis; prescription and insurance assistance for People Living With HIV (PLWH); nutrition support; referrals and case management; PrEP access; pharmacy services, and more. His dedication to direct service has been a lifelong passion.

Raymond "Nacho" Gonzales served two and a half years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and after earning an Honorable Discharge, he transitioned from military life with a deep desire to help others. His personal recovery from addiction in 2004 inspired him to dedicate his life to serving those facing similar challenges. Since joining WestCare in 2007, Raymond has been a pillar of support to the organization and all those we serve, whether in his previous role as an AOD Counselor or his current role as an Outreach Specialist with San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV), a Project of WestCare California.

In 2018, Dean was selected to represent California’s District 22 at AIDSWatch 2018, an annual day of advocacy sponsored by AIDS United. He was appointed to the California Planning Group (CPG) in 2020, a statewide HIV planning body that facilitates ongoing dialogue between key stakeholders, communities, providers, and the Office of AIDS (OA) to advance the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the statewide Integrated Plan. In 2023, he obtained certification as an Apexus Certified Expert for HRSA and the Office of Pharmacy Affairs' 340B program. In 2024, he was selected for the Central Valley’s “40 under 40” program, which recognizes some of the top young professionals in the Central Valley.

What sets Raymond apart is his ability to connect with Veterans on a deeply personal level. His military background allows him to understand and empathize with the struggles many Veterans face - whether it's adjusting to life after service, battling addiction, or facing homelessness. His shared experience fosters a bond of trust and camaraderie, empowering those he serves to seek the help they need. Raymond’s commitment to seeing Veterans move from the streets to transitional living or permanent housing is unwavering, and his passion for advocating for their well-being is matched only by his compassion and resilience.

Despite opportunities to advance in his career, Raymond has chosen to remain on the frontlines, working directly with Veterans, because of his dedication to their cause.

His selfless service, both in and out of uniform, uplifts and inspires the entire community.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit Award Celebrating a Champion of Compassion, Resilience, and Hope

BEVERLY FITZPATRICK In 2012, Beverly Fitzpatrick co-founded Wings Advocacy Fresno and has since dedicated her time to uplifting those who have recently transitioned from homelessness into permanent housing.

Through Wings Advocacy Fresno, she served a special need by coordinating and providing furnishings to the newly housed. Many newly-housed individuals often lack the resources to acquire basic furnishings, leaving them in stark, unwelcoming environments that can trigger feelings of isolation and despair. By supplying essential items like beds, chairs, and kitchenware, Wings Advocacy Fresno helps create warm, inviting spaces that foster a sense of belonging and dignity.

With over a decade of leading Wings Advocacy Fresno, Beverly has fostered community and strong support networks to better the lives and new beginnings of all those served in the Fresno community. Now in retirement, her work continues on through volunteers and partnerships that have been established under her leadership.

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From serving 14 clients in 1974 to now serving 2,500 clients daily, WestCare California commemorates 50 years and beyond of Uplifting the Human Spirit, providing a wide spectrum of health and human services in residential and outpatient environments.

Our team of multicultural, experienced, and credentialed staff is dedicated to providing the best care to everyone who enters our doors. Our goal is to Uplift the Human Spirit by providing the skills and support necessary for individuals to achieve their dreams and transform their lives.

Dedicated to working in partnership with the communities and agencies we serve, our philosophy is to empower everyone who comes into contact with us to engage in a process of healing, growth, and change that will benefit them, their families, their coworkers, and their communities.

Every WestCare California program is part of a continuum of person-centered, traumainformed care that is recognized for clinical excellence, coordinated access, and collaborative innovation.

AWARDED 2024 BEST OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA - SILVER AWARD

Uplifting the

HUMAN SPIRIT

It’s what we do

AT WESTCARE

559-251-4800 | GIVING.CA@WESTCARE.COM | WESTCARE.COM 1900 N. GATEWAY BLVD. #100 FRESNO, CA 93727