The Loop - California (May & June 2026)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

MAY & JUNE 2026

ISSUE 3

VOLUME 14

PROUDLY REPRESENTED AT LOCAL PRIDE EVENT The Living Room, a project of WestCare California, proudly represented our organization during Fresno’s annual Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 6th. Staff designed a colorful float that displayed the iconic couch with colorful pillows, making a live version of The Living Room logo. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate diversity, connect with the community, and share information about the services available through their program. We were honored to take part in an event that promotes acceptance, and belonging for all.

Welcome to WestCare California!

As we close out the second quarter of the year, I am proud to reflect on the remarkable work taking place across WestCare California.

Every day, our teams throughout the state demonstrate their commitment to our mission by serving individuals, strengthening families, and building healthier communities through compassion, innovation, and excellence.

This edition celebrates the people and partnerships that make our work possible. We are honored to have been recognized as the 2026 Best Nonprofit of Central California, a distinction that reflects the dedication of our staff, the trust of our community partners, and the resilience of those we serve. We also shine a spotlight on one of our longtime donors whose steadfast generosity continues to expand opportunities for those in need.

Inside, you'll read about the success of our Fiesta fundraiser benefiting Wings Advocacy Fresno, an inspiring community car show planned and hosted by our alumni group, and our annual client graduation ceremony, where we celebrated individuals reaching important milestones in their recovery and personal journeys. We are also proud to feature one of our team members on the Kings Partnership podcast, where they shared their expertise and passion for serving our communities.

This issue also recognizes the outstanding people who make WestCare California stronger every day. We are pleased to announce several well-deserved staff promotions, highlight one of our exceptional team members in this edition's Staff Spotlight, and celebrate opportunities for community engagement across our programs. From participating in the Fresno Pride Parade to our Bakersfield team's Cinco de Mayo celebration for Kern County clients, these moments reflect our commitment to fostering connection, belonging, and community.

These accomplishments are more than individual events. They reflect the collective heart of WestCare California. They are made possible by employees who lead with purpose, volunteers who give generously, donors who believe in our mission, and community partners who stand beside us in creating lasting change.

Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of the WestCare California community. Together, we remain committed to transforming lives, empowering individuals, and creating pathways to hope across California.

Mary Ann Knoy Vice President of Administration WestCare California

westcarecalifornia.org

WESTCARE VOTED BEST NON-PROFIT We have officially been named the Best Nonprofit in the Central Valley for the third consecutive year! This prestigious recognition is a direct reflection of our shared vision and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. Going from a Silver finalist to achieving back-to-back Gold awards is a massive testament to our growth, our resilience, and the deepening impact of our programs. This award doesn't belong on a shelf; it belongs to every single WestCare California employee and partner. Your dedication, passion, and tireless hard work is the true engines behind this success.

Check it out!

Find us on page 77 for our ad and 115 for our Nonprofit Win.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: EVC HOMES When we say it takes a village, we’re talking about partners like EVC Homes. We were honored to present EVC Homes with a plaque of appreciation at our 2025 Spirit Gala for their role as our Uplifting the Human Spirit Presenting Sponsor. Beyond their incredibly generous $10,000 contribution, the team at EVC Homes went above & beyond by rallying others to join the cause.

Because of their leadership and advocacy: $15,350 total was raised for our advocacy programs.

129 complete bed sets were provided to neighbors in need.

64 families in our community are no longer sleeping on the floor.

Thank you, EVC Homes, for being the “wings” that allow our clients to soar. We are so proud to walk alongside you in this mission.

2026 Spirit Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

FIESTA RASIED $3000 FOR WINGS More than 60 guests attended our third annual Fiesta on Gateway on Friday, May 1, 2026. Each with a common goal, to raise money for our Wings Advocacy program, furnishing as many homes as possible. Fiesta on Gateway was a Hispanicthemed dinner with live music, craft drinks from Crow & Wolf, dancing, and raffle prizes. Guests had time to mingle and learn more about Wings through our engaging showroom. At the end of the night, raffle winners walked away with items like a premium coffee grinder, a DIY spa kit, quality wine, and more!

Wings walked away with $3,000 to help provide necessities, like mattresses, pillows, and bedding, for families transitioning out of homelessness.

“My committee and I worked very hard to give people a fun and engaging night with WestCare but at the end of the day, the most important thing is to spread the mission of wings and try and gain community support for our clients,” said Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager.

KINGS PARTNERSHIP PODCAST EPISODE FEATURES YOUTH & FAMILY TREE PROGRAM Our very own Barbara Holland, Program Coordinator for Youth in Family Tree, was featured in the Kings Partnership Podcast last month. Barbara sat down with podcast host Iranda Ramirez to talk about the impact Youth & Family Tree is having in the Hanford community. The episode is called Helping Youth Thrive: A Community Conversation and you can find the link below.

Helping Youth Thrive: A Community Converstion

westcarecalifornia.org

Uplifting the Human Spirit

ALUMNI GIVE BACK Recovery alumni organized and hosted a community car show for current clients at the Belmont Health & Wellness Center.

Planned and led entirely by the alumni group, the event brought together current clients and alumni for a day of connection, encouragement, and community. Lunch and snacks were provided for attendees, creating a welcoming space to enjoy the unique vehicles and spend time together.

Home to WestCare's Admissions, STOP, Outpatient, and Intensive Outpatient programs, the Belmont Health & Wellness Center served as the perfect setting for an event that celebrated recovery and reminded current clients that lasting recovery is possible.

As the event returned for a second year, the Alumni Car Show continues to grow into a cherished WestCare tradition. We are so grateful for the lasting impact our staff makes everyday.

A SPECIAL CINCO DE MAYO LUNCH IN BAKERSFIELD Program Director Deon Duffey along with Program Coordinator Sammy Alonzo brought their cookout talents together to give the residents at both Bakersfield facilities carne asada and pollo asada tacos with all the fixings for Cinco De Mayo. Bakersfield locations include a Men’s Residential Unit, a Men’s Recovery Residence program, an Adult Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient program, and a STOP program. Events like these help foster a sense of connection, belonging, and support that is essential to the recovery journey.

#2026WESTCAREGRADUATION Graduation isn't just a one-night event. It is the celebration of resilience and a lifelong journey of staying sober. For WestCare California clients in recovery, graduation also represents the end of their time with us-- They have completed their programs.

Many individuals enter our programs with enough hope to take the first step but little vision of what their future could become. In 2025, men, women, and teens transformed their lives through WestCare's recovery programs. While many completed treatment, 17 graduates chose to walk across the stage, celebrating this milestone alongside family, friends, and the staff who supported them every step of the way.

Keynote Speaker, Val Ferrel

One graduate captured the emotion of the evening while accepting his diploma, saying, "To my siblings in the audience, I just want you to know that you got your brother back."

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments and tears as graduates reflected on their recovery journeys. Many shared that they would not be where they are today without the unwavering support of WestCare staff.

We are incredibly proud of that fact and proud of every graduate who completed their WestCare program.

If you’d like to join next year’s graduation event committee, email Michelle Stone (michelle.stone@westcare.com) and Marina Herrera (marina.herrera@westcare.com).

John Wallaca Award Winners, Erik Gant (left) and Quanisha Mathis (right).

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

PROMOTIONS We intentionally cultivate a culture of conscious development through mentoring, challenging, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, ultimately strengthening both team and the mission. As our teams grow, the best leaders are needed to maintain our excellent services and make WestCare the best care. Congratulations leaders!

Congratulations to Our New PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Congratulations to Our New PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Congratulations to Our New PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Congratulations to Our New

STEPHANIE PEREZ

MISTY BAXTER

ARTURO ZUNO

CARLOS JIMENEZ

CALAIM PRE-RELEASE SERVICES

FCRP STOCKTON

BEAT

FCRP SAN DIEGO

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: THEODORA WILLIAMS Theodora has been an incredible source of inspiration and consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership.

She went above and beyond to secure housing within a week for a Veteran experiencing homelessness and who was battling stage 3 cancer. Using her strong community partnerships, Theodora ensured he received the support he urgently needed. Merced is forfunate to have her!

“Theodora has been and continues to be a key element in the Merced office. Her willingness to help makes the office feel cohesive,” said Gabriel Orozco, Senior Case Manager for SJVV Merced.

UPCOMING: JULY 7 LEADERSHIP LINK Check our shared calendar on Outlook to join this 1:00 PM meeting with Senior Vice President, Jenny Gonzalez and Deputy Administrator, Robert Church.

AUG 21 DRAG BINGO FOR THE LIVING ROOM Email thelivingroom@westcare.com for more information on this FUNdraiser.

SEPT 7 LABOR DAY Offices are closed

JULY 21 LEADERSHIP LINK Check our shared calendar on Outlook to join this 8:30 AM meeting with Senior Vice President, MaryAnn Kony and Deputy Administrator, Michelle Allen.

CORE AWARDS

westcarecalifornia.org

NICHOLAS GASH JAMES KOHLSTEDT 559-218-2865 fiestaongateway.com TYDUS LO MEGAN PERDUE |

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VALENTINA SANCHEZ JONNESHA SHELTON EBONI SHINE DANIEL SERRANO

VANESSA SILVA LYNN STEVENS CHERYL VALENZUELA

CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our April CORE Award recipients for the category of Above and Beyond:

ANTONIO APARICIO LUJAN JR GIANNA BENNEDETTI RUDY FLORES JUAN GUTIERREZ

Continue the journey online!

SPIRIT GALA FOR WINGS ADVOCACY FRESNO Our biggest event of the year is almost here. Visit SpiritGala.com for more information, including how to nominate someone for a Spirit Award.

CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our March CORE Award recipients for the category of Customer Service:

JALA CALDWELL PHYLLIS CARSON JENNIFER DOOLEY-PADILLA ALYSSA DUARTE

CORE AWARDS

OCT 3

AMANI HICKS JILL HUTTON TRINETTA JACKSON MILDRED LAYEL WAGNER

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

LOUISA MADURO JESSICA MAXEY ANGELA ROYBALL TODD SMITH

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA JESSICA WRIGHT ARTURO ZUNO

WestCare California

westcarecalifornia.org

@westcarecalifornia

@westcare