The Loop - California (February 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

FEBRUARY 2025

ISSUE 140

VOLUME 12

WestCare Family, As we step into February, we’re reminded that this month is all about connection, kindness, and the power of community. January was a time to set goals and plan for the year ahead, but now, we’re focusing on what really drives our work. Whether it’s the individuals we serve, the staff who show up every day to make a difference, or the partners who support our mission, everything we do is about coming together to Uplift the Human Spirit and create positive change. No matter how big or small, every act of compassion helps build a stronger, more supportive community for those in need.

In this issue, we’re highlighting the impact of teamwork and how working together makes a real difference. You’ll read about exciting collaborations that are helping bring joy to Veterans on Valentine’s Day and the amazing teamwork of the community to complete the Point-in-Time Count of individuals facing homelessness. We’ll also share about the work being done at The Living Room, where our team is promoting HIV prevention and awareness as an act of love.

Through education, testing, and support services, they’re showing that taking care of your health and helping others do the same is one of the most powerful ways to show love and support in our community.

Meanwhile, our Opioid Education & Naloxone Distribution (OEND) team has been actively engaging with the community, participating in three local events to provide lifesaving training, resources, and Naloxone kits to those at risk. Their dedication to harm reduction and overdose prevention is an essential part of our mission to keep our communities safe and informed. At WestCare California, we know that no one should have to face challenges alone, and these stories remind us why it’s so important to keep showing up for those who need us.

As we continue moving forward in 2025, we also want to take a moment to focus on self-care because helping others starts with taking care of ourselves. The work we do is meaningful, but it can also be challenging, and making time to recharge is just as important as the services we provide.

Thank you for being part of the WestCare California family. Your support, dedication, and kindness truly make a difference!

Mary Ann Knoy, Vice President

w e s tcare.com

LOVE SAFELY: PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH THIS FEBRUARY

Promoting HIV Education, Prevention, and Support

By Ashley Morris, Director of Education and Prevention, and Nou Her, Marketing Manager

True love means protecting yourself and those around you, and that includes “The Living Room is a place where you can feel comfortable to be yourself,” said Ruben Cueva, Outreach Specialist. “It’s a place to discuss everyday issues that are knowing your HIV status. HIV is a preventable virus, but many people face barriers not always widely accepted. The Living Room is a place to belong, a place where you that make prevention and care more difficult, such as lack of access to healthcare or can feel a sense of family and support, a place where you can come to have a hot information. HIV prevention isn’t just about using condoms or learning about safe lunch twice a week, socialize with other members of the community, and know that sex; it’s about understanding the broader factors that can increase HIV risk. This you have a common bond.”

February, as we celebrate love, let’s focus on love that includes care, protection, and prevention for everyone. Love means looking out for ancare Not only do the staff work directly with clients who are the health and well-being of those we care about. affected by HIV, but much of the work we do involves “Your health is a priority and we're here to Whether it’s through regular testing, open conversations, providing our community with HIV prevention education. HIV help you take the next step, whether it’s or making informed choices, we can all play a part in education and prevention are fundamental in breaking the testing, education, or support.” ending the spread of HIV. cycle of stigma, dismantling misconceptions, and promoting - Delanie Sanchez, compassion over fear. By prioritizing education and Care Coordinator, BEAT At The Living Room, A Project of WestCare prevention, we give individuals the power to make informed California, we believe that prevention, education, and decisions decisions about their health and well-being. Education removes the barriers of access to to testing testing is key to protecting our community. The Living Room offers free ignorance, and prevention empowers individuals to take control of their futures, HIV/HCV testing, education, and prevention. Through HOPWA (Housing ensuring that the fight against HIV is one we all stand behind together.

Opportunities for Persons With AIDS), we can also assist with housing needs if you or a family member is living with AIDS and at-risk of or experiencing We encourage everyone to take charge of their sexual health. Know your status, use homelessness. The Living Room also offers in-person support groups, condoms, hot protection, and never hesitate to reach out for support. Whether you're in need of HIV lunches, and more to serve the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS. testing, substance use recovery resources, or housing assistance - we're here to help.

“Knowing your status,” said Arturo Zuno, Client Service Navigator, “and educating yourself helps reduce stigma around HIV and empowers others to do the same."

Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more supportive community for everyone. For more information about The Living Room, a Project of WestCare California, and our services, contact us at TheLivingRoom@westcare.com or 559-486-1469.

We are a place to belong.

The Living Room

Ruben administering an HIV test.

Our HIV/HCV testing is done in a confidential setting.

westcare.com

1850 N. Gateway Blvd #100 Fresno, CA 93727 559-485-1469 TheLivingRoom@westcare.com

Uplifting the Human Spirit

Wings Advocacy Fresno Grateful for The Rotary Club of Fresno’s Support on Delivery Day

Thank You for Supporting "Valentines for Vets"

By Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager

By Ciana Torres, Director of Media and Public Relations

On January 29, we were thrilled to have members of The Rotary Club of Fresno join us for a special delivery day. Their generous support made a significant impact as they helped us deliver and set up furniture and beds directly in the homes of our clients. It was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved, as the Rotarians not only provided hands-on assistance but also had the opportunity to meet some of the individuals they were helping. As one member said, “It’s always a humbling experience.”

WestCare California proudly participated in the Valentines for Vets initiative with the office of Congressman Jim Costa. This heartfelt initiative shows appreciation to the brave persons who have served our country. Thanks to the dedication of our staff and program participants, we contributed over 60 handmade Valentine’s Day cards filled with gratitude and encouragement.

Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we completed our deliveries in record time!

We are incredibly grateful for the continued financial support and partnership we receive from the Rotary Club of Fresno each year. Their commitment to our mission and their longstanding dedication as a funder truly makes a difference in the lives of our clients. Thank you, Rotary Club of Fresno, for being such an important part of our work to affirm every human being’s right to shelter and Uplift the Human Spirit!

Our participation included multiple programs, such as SJVV HomeFront GPD, the Women’s Unit at MLK Residential, the Belmont Health & Wellness Center, and the MLK Children’s Learning Center. Many of our team members went above and beyond, involving their families, friends, and even places of worship - special thanks go to Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church for their support.

This initiative was a powerful reminder of the importance of community partnerships and advocacy in everything we do. Thank you to everyone who took part in making this effort a success!

OUR OEND TEAM OUT IN THE COMMUNITY!

By Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, Program Coordinator, OEND The Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) team recently hosted a dynamic training session for Kings View staff, focused on understanding the effects of opioids and the lifesaving potential of Naloxone. Through interactive activities, participants learned to recognize overdose signs and practiced using Naloxone in mock scenarios. The training also covered key techniques for Naloxone storage, use, and safe disposal. This session was a crucial step in empowering our community partners and working together to reduce opioid overdose deaths in Fresno County.

Both the OEND program and The Living Room, A Project of WestCare California, are vital parts of our education and prevention efforts. These programs were front and center at the Why Not Wednesday street fair, offering valuable resources and information to the public.

By being present at this vibrant community event, we continue to engage with local residents, raise awareness, and provide critical support to those in need.

The power of outreach is truly realized when we meet individuals exactly where they are. Devin Sandoval and Richard Lopez, OEND outreach specialists, are prime examples of this in action.

While engaging with people under a bridge, they provide essential items such as Naloxone, Fentanyl test strips, hygiene kits, sexual health kits, and comforting hot coffee and soup.

This approach not only addresses immediate physical needs, but also nurtures emotional well-being, demonstrating that effective outreach goes beyond resources - it’s about showing compassion and building community.

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

2025 FRESNO MADERA PIT COUNT Thank you to all of our WestCare staff who participated in the 2025 Fresno Madera Homeless Point-In-Time Count, also known as the PIT Count. For three days, WestCare teams, alongside community partners, joined the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) to survey and count in Fresno and Madera Counties, gathering valuable data to help shape the future of housing services for those experiencing homelessness.

A special shoutout goes to our WestCare team involved in the PIT Count Committee, who led the charge in volunteer management, training, marketing, and our media and public relations efforts: Beto Ramirez, Brittany Sosa, Ciana Torres, Mary Ann Knoy, Nou Her, Robert Marquez, and Stephanie Perez.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Our Employee of the Month award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond what is expected in the day-to-day performance of their role. These individuals exemplify the pillars of our WestCare values. Please join us in congratulating them!

Ashley Morris (left) presented with her Nov. 2024 award by Maria Rodriguez (right)

CORE AWARDS Angela Casarez Christina Lopez Darnodo Smith

Continue the journey online!

westcare.com

Gilbert Saldate Gina Sanchez Jessica Holthouser

Michelle Stone (right) presented with her Nov. 2024 award by Marina Herrera (left)

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 Morale Booster.

Jessica Riggs Linda Phetmyxayl Maria Rodriguez

Olivia Amesquita Sandra Rodriguez Sherron Wilson

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

Stephan White Trevor McMahon Wanda Turner

WestCare California

westcare.com/california

@westcarecalifornia

@westcareca