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WestCareFamily,

Januaryisatimeforfreshbeginningsandnewgoals,andatWestCare California,weembracethisseasonasanopportunitytoreflectonthe incredibleworkwehaveaccomplishedandthemeaningfulmilestones we strive to achieve. Together, we continue to uphold our mission of UpliftingtheHumanSpirit,onelifeatatime.

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 recoveryispossiblewiththerightsupport,compassion,andcare.This month,wehonorthebraveryofindividualstakingtheirfirststepstoward 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 transformativepowerofourprogramsandtheessentialroleweplayin the community. From our outpatient services to residential care and Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, each service aims to providehopetothoseseekingapathtorecovery.

Asweenter2025,wereaffirmourcommitmenttoenhancingtheseservices andensuringthateveryonewhoreachesouttousfeelsseen,supported,and empoweredtoreclaimtheirlives.

Thismonth,letuscelebratethestoriesofresilienceandrecoverythatinspire useveryday.Whetheryouaredirectlyprovidingtreatment,offeringsupport through outreach, or working behind the scenes to ensure our programs thrive,youarepartofamissionthatsaveslives.Together,wecanmakea profound difference, one step at a time. As we move forward into this new year,letuscarrythespiritofSubstanceUseDisorderTreatmentMonthwith us,fosteringacultureofcompassion,hope,andtransformationinallthatwe do.Here’stoayearofrenewedpurposeandimpactfulwork!

Thankyouandtakecare,

Jenny Gonzalez, Vice President

New Year, New Beginnings: HONORINGSUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AWARENESSMONTH

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 theydeserve

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 aboutmorethanjustassessingneeds-it'saboutprovidinghope

"IamveryproudoftheAdmissionsteam'sdedicationtotheindividualsweserve and also to the program,” said Marina Herrera, Program Director “The compassionandcaretheyshownotonlyhelpeasethetransitionintotreatment, butalsocontributesignificantlytotheoverallsuccessoftheprogram"

The Admissions team plays a critical role in the treatment process As the first pointofcontact,theyhelpindividualsthroughtheprocessofenteringtreatment

The Administrative staff handles tasks such as scheduling appointments Meanwhile,theAdmissionsSpecialistsassessindividualneeds,recommendthe 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 workisintegraltotheoverallsuccessofthetreatmentexperience

As we celebrate Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month this January, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery With each personweassist,wemoveonestepclosertoafuturewhereaddictionnolonger holdspeoplebackfromrealizingtheirfullpotential

"Treatment is a vital step in the journey to recovery,” said Admissions Specialist Rosalinda Lopez “It offers individuals the tools and support they needtoovercomesubstanceabuse Itprovidesastructuredenvironmentwhere healing can begin Addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction, but alsotheemotionalandpsychologicalchallenges Throughtreatment,individuals can rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and rediscover their potential, ultimatelyleadingtoahealthierandmorefulfillingfuture"

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 andhowwecanhelp

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

The 2025 Fresno Madera Homeless PIT Count: Register Today to Join our Efforts

It'sthattimeofyearagainfortheFresnoMaderaHomelessPoint-in-TimeCount, 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 ofpeopleexperiencinghomelessnessinFresnoandMaderaCounties

MandatedbytheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment(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 ofservicesavailableaccordingtocommunityneeds,andinformpolicyplanningand decision-making

As part of a joint effort with the FMCoC, WestCare California, among many other communitypartners,continuestoparticipateinthiscommunaleffort

If you’d like to participate in this important data collection effort, please meet with yoursupervisorandregistertovolunteer!Communitymembersarealsowelcome!

FresnoRegistration:http://bitly/fresnopit2025

MaderaRegistration:http://bitly/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 youwillbevolunteeringin,though

SUCCESS STORY: A LIFE IMPACTED BY OUTREACH & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

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By Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, Program Coordinator, OEND

Meeting 57-year-old Dawn S in early September was an eye-opening experience fortheOpioidEducationandNaloxoneDistribution(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 werealsomadeforhousingandmentalhealthtreatment.

Dawn’slivingsituationhighlightedthestrugglesthatmanyindividualsexperiencing homelessness face every day Despite her difficult circumstances, Dawn was gratefulforthesupportandresourcesthattheOENDteamprovided Lindaandthe teamwereabletoeducateheraboutopioiduseanddistributenaloxonekitstohelp preventoverdosesinhercommunity

new CA Identification card She said that with the help of the forms provided by Linda, she obtained a certifiedcopyofherbirthcertificateandanewgovernmentIDcardwithouthassle She felt a sense of relief knowing that she now had a valid form of identification that would makehereverydaylifealittlebiteasier

Following up with the linkage to a housing navigator, Dawn is now receiving the help sheneedsfromherassignednavigator,whoisgoingaboveandbeyondtosupporther invariousways Fromaccompanyinghertodoctor’sappointmentstobringinghermail and assisting her in securing shelter, and ultimately, permanent housing, the OEND teamandnavigatorhavebeenabeaconofhopeforDawn

BeforereceivingsupportfromWestCare’sOENDteam,Dawnadmittedthatshedidnot 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 warningsignsofanoverdoseandrespondquicklyandeffectively

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 realdifferenceinthelivesofindividualsstrugglingwithopioiduseandhomelessness

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

The OEND team visited Dawn again on November 27 She greeted the team with so much kindness and gratitude With a smile, she pulled

her

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 sustainedrecovery,andcontinuepersonalgrowth

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 eachothereverystepoftheway

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 oneofthefollowing:

MarinaHerrera:(559)313-3977

MichelleStone:(559)237-3420ext 20308

NormaGonzalez:(559)265-4800ext 20111