THE LOOP
MAGICAL IMPACT
Kindness and connection were the greatest gifts at our MLK facility this year! Thanks to the wonderful teamwork of Sherri Buchanan and Michelle Stone, the families in the Papa Natal M’ella programs at our MLK residential program enjoyed a magical visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. While our media team captured endless smiles and a great team photo, the children made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Sherri and Michelle, for your unwavering commitment to making the holidays special for those we serve!
During November and December, our programs across the state united to turn generosity into action, creating a powerful sense of belonging for thoseweserve FromhonoringourheroesinvariousVeteransDayParadestohostingacelebratoryholidayluncheon,ourteamsworkedtirelesslyto showdeepappreciationforourveterancommunity Theseinitiatives,alongsideoursuccessfulcommunitypillowdrive,providedessentialcomfortand reflectedourcollectivecommitmenttocommunityduringthismeaningfulseason.
Our residential programs brought the magic of the holidays to life, creating lasting memories for families in our care The centers were filled with excitement as they welcomed a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, ensuring that children received gifts and experienced a joyful, traditional Christmascelebration Byfosteringthesemomentsofcelebration,ourstaffprovidedmorethanjustresources;they environment whereeveryindividualfeltvaluedandathome
Aswecloseanotheryear,weextendourdeepestgratitudetoourexceptionalteamforthe unwaveringcommitmentyoubringtoWestCareeveryday Yourresilienceandprofessionalism ensureweremainaleaderinhigh-qualityservice,makingameaningfuldifferenceforthefamilies weserve Thankyouforyourcreativity,yourteamwork,andforembodyingtheverybestofour organization Wearetrulyhonoredtoworkalongsideyou
westcarecalifornia.org WelcometoWestCareCalifornia!
InSanDiego,ourteamdemonstratedtheimportanceofdignityandrespectbycollectingover29suitcasesforp hisimpactful donation ensures that our graduates have a dignified transition as they move toward their next chapter with nsport their belongings Meanwhile, in our offices across the state, shared meals and festive gatherings strengthened our nd support, allowingustoreflectonthecompassionthatdrivesourmissionyear-round
Jenny Gonzalez Senior Vice President WestCare California
FRESNO AIDS WALK & 5K
The Fresno AIDS Walk & 5K (FAW) drew over 200 community members to Woodward Park this year, raising a significant $29,000 for The Living Room. FAW is a signature HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event that honors those affected by the virus and commemorates the lives lost to it.
“Our fundraisers can be hard work, but they bring the community together and ignite our passion for our mission,” said Ashley Morris, Education & Prevention Director
Gilead, a long-time partner aligned with The Living Room’s outreach efforts, signed on as the Top Presenting Sponsor. In addition to several other sponsorships, the event saw outstanding peer-to-peer fundraising participation. Together, these efforts enabled The Living Room to successfully reach its fundraising goal.
The event offered fun for the whole family. Food vendors and a live DJ kicked off the program and stayed throughout the event. A resource fair featured booths from a variety of industries, along with multiple photo booths, raffles with cash prizes, and more.
This year’s entertainment included three drag performances, a musical performance by Liz Lauryn, a Hmong Culture & Art Preservation dance, a color guard presentation by Central CA Color Guard, and a ceremonial drum circle by the Fresno American Indian Health Project ABC 30 News Anchor Margot Kim sang the national anthem, and Pastor Bill Knezovich of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church offered the invocation.
Runners set their marks at 10:00 AM after a Zumba warm-up. As they took off on the marked course, supporters waited by the finish line with signs, cheers, and encouraging words. Families walked together in memory of loved ones; teams represented local organizations; and firsttime
participantsjoinedsimplytoshowsolidarity.
At the finish line, the top three racers were greeted with medals, while all participantswereofferedrefreshmentsandtheunmistakablesenseofunitythatthe FresnoAIDSWalkhascultivatedformorethanadecade.
Thesuccessfulturnoutandfundraisingtotalunderscoretheongoingcommitmentof theFresnocommunityandWestCare’sTheLivingRoomtosupportandadvocate forindividualsaffectedbyHIV/AIDS.
In 2026, we will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Fresno Aids Walk.
NEW GRANT MAKES HEADLINES
Fresno LGBTQ+ nonprofits were recently awarded city funds despite the lack of federal support for these programs. $70,000 was awarded to seven organizations and amongst those seven, WestCare California’s The Living Room. Ashley Morris, Director of Education and Prevention had an interview with reporter, Gisselle Medina from Fresnoland to talk about how the funds will be used. In summary, the amount granted will provide larger support groups for the LGBTQ plus community as well as competence training for staff and greater fundraising efforts to support the HIV/AIDS and Syphilis community in Fresno.
MEANINGFUL COLLABORATION
Our Wings Advocacy program in Fresno partnered by with the Universalist Church of Fresno in December for a one-day pillow drive, helping collect over 90 brand new pillows for our clients. This collaboration shows how a little knowledge of our what we do touches the heart of many and how a little compassion from the community can make a big impact.
“This is what meaningful collaboration looks like, neighbors coming together to meet real needs. We are incredibly thankful for your support and commitment to our mission.” - Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager
westcarecalifornia.org
THE HOLIDAYS AT WESTCARE
Staff embraced the spirit of the season by hosting festive celebrations in offices and programs spaces. They shared special moments with clients and their families. From holiday parties and themed activities to shared meals, these gatherings created spaces for joy, connection, and belonging during a meaningful time of year.
SUCCESSFUL TOY DRIVE FOR FAMILIES
Celebrating Families successfully wrapped up its Holiday Toy Drive, bringing much-needed gifts, warm clothing, electronics and school supplies to children participating in the program. The drive, held from November 17 through December 15, received generous support from community members and bins filled up every week. Staff got together after the drive to wrap the gifts, brining extra holiday cheer.
DIA DE LOS MURETOS
During the Thanksgiving season, WestCare staff came together to ensure clients and their families could enjoy a warm, nourishing meal and a sense of connection during the holidays. The effort reflected WestCare’s commitment to meeting immediate needs while fostering dignity, care, and community For many clients and their loved ones, the meals provided not only food but also a reminder that they are supported and valued.
Our Empowerment Cultural Committee has set up a beautiful altar in the housing department for Dia De Los Muertos. Staff members honored their loved ones by displaying a photo of them on the decorated alter. The alter was on display for the month of November.
San Joaquin Valley Veterans staff invited clients to stand alongside them in local Veterans Day parades in Fresno and Merced The parades provided an opportunity for veterans to be publicly recognized for their service while celebrating unity, pride, and community support. Parade floats were designed and decorated by the clients, staff, and volunteers.
CORE AWARDS
At FCRP San Diego, our clients can stay with us for up to two years. By then, they've accumulated many of belongings. There is a need for suitcases when our participants transition into parole. Angela saw this need and decided to do something about it. She solicited donations of suitcases for our clients and collected more than 29 This is a great example of going above and beyond for our clients. Thank you for Uplighting the Human Spirit, Angela!
DeeDee Aguilar Counselor Tech
LEADERSHIP LINK
We want to hear from you! Join us for the next Leadership Link. (Links emailed monthly)
This recurring 30-minute meeting gives non-managerial staff a direct line to your Deputy Administrator and Senior Vice President. Whether you want to learn more about your department’s direction or share ideas on improving our workplace, all are welcome!
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CORE AWARDS
TERRY WALKER
DAISY RODRIGUEZ
JAMES GLASS
ANGELA ROYBALL
to our awesome team
“Adriana's leadership and initiative have made a noticeable difference. Her support has not only improved daily operations but also helped create a greater sense of stability and teamwork across all three locations.”
Adriana G. Bakersfield, STOP 3
“Angel joined the holiday party committee and was very helpful, volunteered to help with many areas of the party, and did everything with a positive attitude.”
ANDREW BARNETT
ANGELA ROYBALL
JANICE PAYTON
LAURA REYNOLDS
Continue the journey online!
A WARM WESTCARE WELCOME!
We're so proud to welcome new teammates throughout California and celebrate new leaders who are stepping into key roles.
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our October CORE Award recipients for the category of Calm and Collected:
GENA CHERRY
JANICE PAYTON
CYNTHIA STONE
THOMAS MONTEZ
MICHELLE STONE
DAVID DANIEL
JERMAINE SCALES
LIZBETH QUINTANA
TODIYAH YEHUDA
MANPAL SIDHU
BRISA MENDOZA
BRIANNA SANCHEZ
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our November CORE Award recipients for the category of Mentor:
DAVID DANIEL
VICTOR ROJAS
JESSICA WRIGHT
ADRIANA GARCIA
Follow WestCare California on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WeAreWestCare
BRISA MENDOZA
CAROLYN ALVARADO
LUPE ARECHIGA
LAUREN ARCHIE
ABRAIN HICKS
TIMOTHY MALDONADO
DION GOSTON
WestCare California @westcarecalifornia @westcare
westcarecalifornia.org westcarecalifornia.org
Angela Royball Supervising Counselor
Angel R. Fresno, SJVV
Sabrina Pannell Case Manager
Jessica Lloyd Counselor Tech
James Weirich Maintenance Tech
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