The Loop - California - January 2025

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

JANUARY 2025

ISSUE 139

VOLUME 12

WestCare Family, January is a time for fresh beginnings and new goals, and at WestCare California, we embrace this season as an opportunity to reflect on the incredible work we have accomplished and the meaningful milestones we strive to achieve. Together, we continue to uphold our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit, one life at a time.

This January, we proudly recognize Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a cornerstone of our mission and a vital focus for our organization. Substance use disorder impacts countless lives, but recovery is possible with the right support, compassion, and care. This month, we honor the bravery of individuals taking their first steps toward recovery, celebrate the perseverance of those maintaining their sobriety, and express profound gratitude to our dedicated staff who make this life-saving work possible. Your efforts embody hope and healing, turning challenges into triumphs for individuals and families alike.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month is a reminder of the transformative power of our programs and the essential role we play in the community. From our outpatient services to residential care and Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, each service aims to provide hope to those seeking a path to recovery.

As we enter 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing these services and ensuring that everyone who reaches out to us feels seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their lives.

This month, let us celebrate the stories of resilience and recovery that inspire us every day. Whether you are directly providing treatment, offering support through outreach, or working behind the scenes to ensure our programs thrive, you are part of a mission that saves lives. Together, we can make a profound difference, one step at a time. As we move forward into this new year, let us carry the spirit of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month with us, fostering a culture of compassion, hope, and transformation in all that we do. Here’s to a year of renewed purpose and impactful work!

Thank you and take care,

Jenny Gonzalez, Vice President

w e s tcare.com

New Year, New Beginnings:

SE DISORDER TREATMENT AWARENESS MONTH HONORING SUBSTANCE U

By Marina Herrera, Program Director, Belmont Health & Wellness Center, and Nou Her, Marketing Manager

January is not only a time for personal resolutions, but also a time to acknowledge the importance of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month.

We at WestCare California are dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery journeys every day, but this month, we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the heroes who make that possible: our Admissions team. These compassionate individuals are the first point of contact for people seeking help and they play a vital role in guiding those in need toward the care and support they deserve.

When someone reaches out for help, it can be one of the hardest steps of all.

Our admissions team understands the vulnerability in this moment and approaches every individual with respect, empathy, and kindness. Whether someone is self-referred or referred by a loved one, the admissions process is about more than just assessing needs - it's about providing hope.

"I am very proud of the Admissions team's dedication to the individuals we serve and also to the program,” said Marina Herrera, Program Director. “The compassion and care they show not only help ease the transition into treatment, but also contribute significantly to the overall success of the program."

The Admissions team plays a critical role in the treatment process. As the first point of contact, they help individuals through the process of entering treatment.

The Administrative staff handles tasks such as scheduling appointments.

Meanwhile, the Admissions Specialists assess individual needs, recommend the most suitable level of care, and provide guidance on the next steps, ensuring that the person seeking help is supported throughout the entire process. Their work is integral to the overall success of the treatment experience.

PROGRAM ADMISSIONS Belmont Heal th & Wel l ness Center 611 E. Belmont Fresno, CA 93701 559-237-3420

westcare.com

As we celebrate Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month this January, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery. With each person we assist, we move one step closer to a future where addiction no longer holds people back from realizing their full potential.

"Treatment is a vital step in the journey to recovery,” said Admissions Specialist Rosalinda Lopez. “It offers individuals the tools and support they need to overcome substance abuse. It provides a structured environment where healing can begin. Addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction, but also the emotional and psychological challenges. Through treatment, individuals can rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and rediscover their potential, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling future."

Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or you’re continuing on your path, we are here to help. Let this new year be a time of recovery, hope, and new beginnings. If you or someone you know is seeking support, reach out to our Admissions team today by calling 559-237-3420 or sending an email to admissions.fresno@westcare.com to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help.

We believe in you and we are here to support you in every way possible. The road to recovery may not always be easy, but every day is a step closer to the life you deserve. We're honored to be a part of your healing journey.

- Francisco Robledo Meza, Unit Clerk

Uplifting the Human Spirit The 2025 Fresno Madera Homeless PIT Count: Register Today to Join our Efforts It's that time of year again for the Fresno Madera Homeless Point-in-Time Count, also known as the PIT Count. The PIT Count is organized by the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) and measures the number of unsheltered and sheltered people experiencing homelessness, providing a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Fresno and Madera Counties.

Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be held every other year, data gained is used to evaluate the progress Fresno and Madera Counties are making to reduce homelessness, better understand the types of services available according to community needs, and inform policy planning and decision-making.

As part of a joint effort with the FMCoC, WestCare California, among many other community partners, continues to participate in this communal effort.

If you’d like to participate in this important data collection effort, please meet with your supervisor and register to volunteer! Community members are also welcome!

Fresno Registration: http://bit.ly/fresnopit2025 ‪Madera Registration: http://bit.ly/maderapit2025 All participating volunteers MUST attend one in-person training regardless of whether they have participated previously. If you cannot attend the closest training to you, you can attend the next closest. Please still register for the city that you will be volunteering in, though.

SUCCESS STORY: A LIFE IMPACTED BY OUTREACH & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

The OEND team visited Dawn again on November 27. She greeted the team with so much kindness and gratitude. With a smile, she pulled out her new CA Identification card. She said that with the help of the forms provided by Linda, she obtained a certified copy of her birth certificate and a new government ID card without hassle. She felt a sense of relief knowing that she now had a valid form of identification that would make her everyday life a little bit easier.

Following up with the linkage to a housing navigator, Dawn is now receiving the help she needs from her assigned navigator, who is going above and beyond to support her in various ways. From accompanying her to doctor’s appointments to bringing her mail and assisting her in securing shelter, and ultimately, permanent housing, the OEND team and navigator have been a beacon of hope for Dawn.

By Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, Program Coordinator, OEND Meeting 57-year-old Dawn S. in early September was an eye-opening experience for the Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) team.

Dawn lived in an encampment just outside of the city of Fresno, CA. She referred to her living area as “the gray areas,” a place where she had strategically built a shelter out of plywood and a tarp to protect herself from the harsh weather conditions.

Since September, Linda P., an outreach specialist of our OEND team, has visited Dawn once every week or two to see her progress and determine whether she needed any linkages to other services. During each visit, Dawn was provided with a hygiene kit, a lunch sack, water, dog food, and clothing. In addition, linkages were also made for housing and mental health treatment.

Dawn’s living situation highlighted the struggles that many individuals experiencing homelessness face every day. Despite her difficult circumstances, Dawn was grateful for the support and resources that the OEND team provided. Linda and the team were able to educate her about opioid use and distribute naloxone kits to help prevent overdoses in her community.

Before receiving support from WestCare’s OEND team, Dawn admitted that she did not fully grasp the severity of the opioid epidemic and the risks associated with fentanyl.

However, through informational education provided by WestCare’s OEND team, Dawn learned about the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths and the importance of recognizing the signs of an overdose. She also learned how to effectively respond in the event of an overdose, including administering naloxone and seeking emergency medical assistance. This has empowered her to make more informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect herself and others from the dangers of fentanyl and opioids. She shared that she now feels more confident in her ability to recognize the warning signs of an overdose and respond quickly and effectively.

The encounter with Dawn shed light on the importance of outreach programs like OEND. It is crucial for individuals like Dawn, who may not have access to traditional healthcare services, to receive support and resources to protect their health and wellbeing. By reaching out to those living in “the gray areas,” the OEND team can make a real difference in the lives of individuals struggling with opioid use and homelessness.

Meeting Dawn was a humbling experience for the OEND team. It reinforced the importance of our work and served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those facing adversity. The team left the encounter with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their efforts could impact lives and make a positive difference in their community.

Get the resources and education you need: Get in touch with our OEND program for more fentanyl overdose information and resources to recognize the signs of overdose and know what you can do: 559-832-2068 or oend@westcare.com

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES! Our staff had such a fun time celebrating the holidays. From ugly sweaters to potlucks to dress-up days and so much more, every team found a way to bring holiday cheer to wrap up the end of the year! Happy Holidays from WestCare California and may you have a safe and happy New Year!

Introducing our Alumni Program

By Norma Gonzalez, Client Engagement Specialist We are excited to launch our Alumni Program, designed to create a lifelong community of support, connection, and empowerment for all individuals who have completed our treatment programs. Through shared experiences and ongoing education, our Alumni Program offers meaningful opportunities to give back, inspire sustained recovery, and continue personal growth.

Our goal is simple: to help everyone thrive in life beyond treatment. Together, we are stronger and more resilient - building a supportive network that uplifts and empowers each other every step of the way.

Welcome to a new chapter of growth and community. Let's continue this journey, together!

Are you a WestCare graduate and interested in joining our alumni program? Contact one of the following: Marina Herrera: (559) 313-3977 Michelle Stone: (559) 237-3420 ext. 20308 Norma Gonzalez: (559) 265-4800 ext. 20111

CORE AWARDS Anjalee Martinez Brisa Mendoza Carla Marasigan

Continue the journey online!

westcare.com

Christina Cecil Christina Madrid Daniela Guerrero

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 Problem Solver.

Domenica Jimenez Jacqlynn Uribe Luis Cortez

Mayra Galeana Michael Hendricks Michelle Allen

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

Natalie Gonzalez Priscilla Munoz Ruth Sanchez

Sara Florez

WestCare California

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@westcarecalifornia

@westcareca