The Loop - California (June 2023)

THE LOOP

DearWestCareFamily,

We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and contributions to WestCareCalifornia,Inc Weareproudtohaveyouaspartofourdiverse and vibrant team. We understand that our collective strength lies in the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each oneofyoubrings

Werecognizethatdiversityextendsbeyondvisiblecharacteristicssuchas race, ethnicity, gender, and age - it encompasses a broad spectrum of attributes, including socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, and more Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic advantage that drives innovation, fosters creativity, and enables us to better serve our diverse consumer base By valuing and respecting individualdifferences,wecreateanenvironmentwhereallemployeesfeel empoweredtocontributetheiruniquetalents,ideas,andperspectives

Together,throughtheworkofourCulturalDiversityCommitteeandour DEI Staff Workgroup, we continue to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture that drives collaboration, encourages open dialogue, and facilitates personal and professional growth We believe that diversity not only enhances our ability to solve complex problems, but also creates a moreenrichingandfulfillingexperienceforeveryoneatWestCare

Join us this month as we observe and celebrate Juneteenth,alsoknown as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, which marks the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the last enslaved African AmericansinGalveston,TexasonJune19,1865 Juneteenthservesasa reminder of the resilience, strength, and struggle of the Black community throughout history It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the progress made toward racial equality and to continue the work needed to dismantlesystemicracisminoursociety.Byacknowledgingandhonoring Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environmentwhereeveryonefeelsseen,heard,andvalued

Throughout June, we join the global LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating love, diversity, and equality. Pride Month holds immense importance as a time to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges faced, and show unwavering support for our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, and loved ones. It is an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity - affirming our commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is cherished and everyone is respected for who they are. We encourage you to take this month as an invitation to learn, educate, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community's achievements as well as its ongoing journey towards full equality.

As we embrace the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, let us commit ourselves to ongoing learning, growth, and action. We encourage each team member to engage in conversations, attend training programs, and participate in initiatives that promote understanding, empathy, and cultural competency. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive WestCare where diversity is celebrated, equity is a reality, and every voice is heard. By creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued - we can truly make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Thank you for being a part of our diverse WestCare team!

Vice President of Administration WestCare California

By Christina Valtierra, Program Coordinator, SSG Fox Hope & Wellness Program

TheStaffSergeantParkerGordonFoxHope&WellnessProgram(SSGFox)allowsSanJoaquinValleyVeterans (SJVV)toprovideresourcestowardscommunity-basedsuicidepreventioneffortstomeettheneedsofVeteransand theirfamiliesthroughoutreachandconnectionstoVAbenefitsandcommunityresources

OURSERVICES:

Peersupportmeetingsandgatherings

Casemanagement

Assessments

Familysupportgroups

Lifeskillcommunityclasses

Veteran Reuben's

Success Story

WHOWESERVE:

Militarymembers,Veterans,andtheirfamilieswhoresidein:Merced, Stanislaus,andSanJoaquinCounties.

HOWTOQUALIFY:

ConfirmationofVeteranStatus

CompletionofMentalHealthScreening/Assessment

We would like to give kudos to our Outreach Specialist, Emily Diaz Emily has a Bachelor of Science from Fresno State in Business, with a concentration in Human Resources. She has been employed with SJVV since February 2023.

She has been a go-getter with the SSG Fox Hope & Wellness program. She has hit the ground running by reaching out to the communities we serve and educating them about our program and the services we offer. She also conducts outreach to the Veteran population to educate them on how we can help and she connects them with our intervention specialist for wellness screenings, if needed.

Thank you, Emily, for being an amazing part of this team!

The following are donation items we always utilize for our Veterans and we'd appreciate any help you can give!

Hygiene items (toothpaste, socks, deodorant, etc.)

Water bottles

Granola bars (or other shelf-stable snacks)

Meal vouchers

Wellness items (journals, planners, fidget tools, stress balls, puzzles, cubes, etc.)

Are you a Veteran in need, or know a Veteran in need of our services?

Our staff is always ready to help and provide linkages to assistance.

CONTACT US: 209-233-3550

SSGfox@westcare com

Veteran Reuben V. was drafted during the Vietnam War. For over a decade, at the age of 73 years old, he was living in Merced County, literally homeless on the streets with what some might call “junk,” but is treasure to him. Through outreach efforts, Reuben became a participant of San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV), was enrolled into our SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) program and referred over to our SSG Fox Hope & Wellness Program.

With collaborative efforts from both teams, this Veteran got housed! The SSG Fox team screened Reuben and identified multiple risk factors in health, environmental, and historical information related to his homelessness. Since enrolling in the SSG Fox Hope & Wellness Program, our intervention specialist works diligently to enhance his quality of life. They are connecting him to the local Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Merced for health care, transportation to the Fresno VAMC (Veterans Administration Medical Center), mental health services, legal services, and are providing him with healthier social support.

Congratulations to Reuben!

Thank you for your service!

Photo: Veteran Rueben with the two of our SSG Fox Intervention Specialists at his new unit. (From left to right: Laura Weil, Reuben, and Nicole Ridge)

Learning How to Save a Life

Staff, on behalf of our Housing Services, participated in our annual CPR Training! This training is to equip them with a potentially lifesaving tool in the event of a crisis. They learned a variety of CPR methods such as hands-only CPR and how to administer CPR with a team. Kudos to our staff for maintaining these life-saving skills!

CelebratingFamilies!celebratedtheirthirdgraduationonJune13,2023.Our graduatingfamilyreceivedaCertificateofCompletionforactivelyparticipatingin the16-week/sessiongroupthathelpsfamiliesbuildastrongerbondandlearnhow tointeractinhealthyways.Duringtheirtimewithourprogram,theywereableto take classes on Feelings and Defenses, Anger Management, Nutrition, Facts aboutAlcohol,Tobacco&OtherDrugs,(ATOD)andmanymoretopics.

ThenextupcomingcohortwillstartinJuly.Anypotentialfamilieswhoarecurrently receiving CalWORKs and Welfare-To-Work services and are interested in attending can contact us at (559) 237-3420 Ext. 20377 or celebratingfamilies@westcare.com

Wewouldalsoliketosharethefamily'sfeedbackregardingtheprogram:

Jenny Gonzalez, attended the National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD from May 11 – 13! This three-day conference aimed to share information and efforts around health disparities that negatively impact the Latinx population to create better health outcomes by bridging the varied disciplines of education, advocacy, and clinical care.

“The past 16 weeks have been great. Every week, we learn something new and implement strategies into our family. It came at the right time in our family when my husband was withdrawing. I wouldn’t change anything about the class. I do feel that it is better with just the one-on-one format with a family member and the group leader. It gave me more confidence being able to really express myself to the leaders and open up about how I was feeling at the time or discuss different things that I had gone through without feeling like other parents in the group were judging me. Marlenny and Blanca made me feel accepted every time I walked into our group and really made me feel like it was my safe space.

We

ealth of information to better improve our services and safe spaces for those we serve! Thank you for representing us so well!

Hall on Fentanyl

In June, we were proud to be a sponsor of KMPH FOX26’s televised Town Hall special that focused on the fentanyl crisis in California’s Central Valley. Our very own Medical Director, Herbert A. Cruz, M.D. was featured as one of the panelists! Watch the on-demand program on FOX26's website!

OUR WestCare MATTERS Open-House

In May, we presented a special open-house event for the OUR WestCare MATTERS (Medication-Assisted Treatment) program that provides clinical services in an outpatient setting for those who are living in Fresno County and have an opioid use disorder. We received a wonderful introductory overview of the program by our Medical Director, Herbert A. Cruz, M.D., as well as opening remarks from our Vice President, Jenny Gonzalez, and remarks from the offices of Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria and Congressman Jim Costa

“As far as my girls, they both loved their group leaders and my oldest daughter talked about how she always tried to give her teachers math problems. I feel like we will all carry this group with us and all the different strategies we have learned. My husband has taken so much from the group and expresses himself more now and tells me when he needs help or when something is bothering him. We both lean on our ‘I’ messages when discussing how we feel to the other person. I cannot thank you enough for this group and the amazing group leaders that you have. You all are doing amazing work for families.”

Coordinator for Belmont s Adult Outpatient

We are thrilled to announce Michelle Stone will be the Program Coordinator for our Belmont Health & Wellness Adult Outpatient Program. Here are a few words from her:

"I started counseling in 2013 after losing my best friend to Cancer. I happened upon the job not really knowing what I wanted to do as a career, but simply looking for an income. I immediately loved the job and quickly became certified. I have been in the counseling field since then, working to continue my professional growth and assist my peers in their professional goals.

"I have since completed my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in psychology and am now certified with CADTP as a SUDCC IV CS. I would not change my career or employer for anything else at this time. My greatest professional achievements and pride come from clients who are successful in their recovery. I have recently been promoted to Program Coordinator at the Belmont Outpatient program in Fresno. My goal is to continue to help clients in their recovery and peers in their professional achievements while upholding the WestCare standard of Uplifting the Human Spirit."

A Special Breakfast for our Dads in Treatment!

In celebration of Father’s Day, clients and staff on behalf of MLK Residential’s Men’s Unit enjoyed a Father's Day breakfast at the Fresno Westside Seventh-Day Adventist Church Thank you to their amazing staff for Uplifting the Human Spirit of those that we are so proud to serve!

Bakersfield Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

On May 19, our team here at WestCare Bakersfield celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month with clients at Planz Park! We had rock painting, softball games, a BBQ lunch, and a presentation about mental health presented by our Mental Health Clinicians, Becky Salas and Maryah Chester. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of greater self-care and awareness!

Housing Services Celebrates Fatherhood

In recognition of Father’s Day, we'd like to share a special shout-out for the dads received Administrator, Maria Rodriguez!

2023 Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival

For over 27 years, The Living Room, a project of WestCare California, has been serving the HIV/AIDS community in Fresno and the Central Valley. They provide a place to belong, a place of acceptance, support, and assistance to those at risk of, diagnosed with, or affected by HIV/AIDS. Through online and in-person support groups, confidential HIV/HCV testing, providing hot meals, and so much more, The Living Room is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the well-being and empowerment of persons impacted by HIV/AIDS.

This June, representatives and staff from The Living Room and WestCare California participated once again in the annual Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival In celebration of Pride Month and the communities we serve, we are honored to have been able to join the festivities and partake in this momentous community event that celebrates inclusivity, equity, and acceptance.

In honor of Pride Month, CORE members on behalf of MLK Residential's Men's Unit made decorations to show their support for Pride! Thank you for standing in support and solidarity!

We’d like to wish a very happy Pride Month to anyone who celebrated and thank everyone who attended or helped us organize this year’s parade entry!

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