THE LOOP
WestCareFamily,
At WestCare California, our mission to Uplift the Human Spirit continues to shine brighter each day, thanks to the unwavering dedication, compassion, and hard work of our incredible team Each monthbringsnewopportunitiestoserveourcommunitieswithheart andMaywasnoexception
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we joined the national conversation to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to champion the importance of access to supportive, compassionate care. Across the state, our teams amplified messages of wellness, encouraged open dialogue, and connected individuals to critical mentalhealthresources OnMay15th,ourstaffproudlyworegreen,a color symbolizing renewal, hope, and vitality reminding us all of the powerofunityandvisibilityincreatinglastingchange Mayalsomarkedaprofoundmomentofcelebrationandtriumphatour 2025 Spring Graduation Surrounded by family, friends, and WestCaresupporters,18graduateswerehonoredforcompletingtheir treatment programs each journey a powerful testament to perseverance, transformation, and the life-changing impact of our behavioral health and substance use recovery services To our graduates:yourcourageandcommitmentinspireusall
Adding to the spirit of connection and celebration, our second annual Fiesta on Gateway brought together alumni, supporters, and community partners for an unforgettable day of joy, unity, and purpose This vibrant event was more than a celebration it was a catalyst for change, raising essential funds for Wings Advocacy Fresno, A Project of WestCare California Wings Advocacy Fresno provides furnishings and essentials to individuals and families as they transition into permanent housing, turning empty spaces into warm, welcoming homes and helping ensure that every new beginning starts withdignity
Each of these milestones reflects the heart, resilience, and impact of our team. Your dedication not only changes lives it transforms entire communities We are endlessly grateful for every team member, volunteer,partner,andsupporterwhomakesthismissionpossible
Together, we continue to build healthier, stronger communities one lifeatatime
Jenny Gonzalez, Senior Vice President
Housing Services and Supports
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: CELEBRATING RESILIENCE
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the strength it takes to rebuild, to heal, and to transform At WestCare California, every person who walks through our doors is on a journey of change, whether it’s breaking free from the chains of generational addiction, finding hope after years of incarceration, or rebuilding a life after experiencing homelessness The road ahead is never easy, but with support, commitment, and compassion,thesejourneyscanleadtoincredibletransformation
WeatWestCaregobeyondsimplyprovidingservices;webuildrelationships, offer unwavering support, and meet each client with kindness and care Our staff pours their hearts into the work they do, day in and day out, creating an environmentwherelivesarenotjustsupported,buttrulyuplifted
DERRICK BRESSEL
Program Director, Day Reporting Center
Self-check before interacting with a population that will need all of your time and attention to assist them If you are unable to provide nonjudgmental and professional services, speak to your supervisor fordirectionandseektheassistance ofapeer”
ROBERT CHURCH
Deputy Administrator
You must have a full life outside of work that includes time for yourself Exercise, diet, self-care, and health are very important You cannot transmit what you do not have or practice”
However, the work we do is not without its challenges Witnessing the ups and downs of our clients’ journeys can be heavy, which is why it’s essential to care for our own team To continue the vital work of transforming lives, it’s important to nurture the mental health and well-being of those who give so much of themselves
This May, we’ve asked our leadership and management teams to share their best practices for creating a workplace where mental health is not justacknowledged,butactivelysupported.Theseinsightsshedlightonhow ourleadersbuildresiliencewithintheirteamsandfosteraculturewheremental wellnessisprioritized,allowingourteamtobettersupporttheclientstheyserve Together,werise Together,weheal Together,wechangelives
ELISHA SIMPSON-SANCHEZ
Program Coordinator, OEND
My advice is to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup taking care of yourself is essential to being able to care for others Don’t hesitate to ask for help, take breaks, and use the resources available to you Your well-being matters as much as the workyoudo”
JENNY MAGDALENO
Program Director, MLK Residential
Validation goes a long way I make a point to recognize staff contributions, celebrate their successes, and show appreciation, because feeling seen and valued boosts morale and resilience”
LAURA REYNOLDS
Program Manager, Day 1 Families Fund
MyteamandIhavetakenthetimeandopportunitytosharewithone anotherthingsinourworkthatmaybe"triggers"forusindividuallyin ourlineofwork Ifweencounterthosewhileworkingwithclients,we have an agreement that we will support one another and be there to assist, guide, or support so that the mental health and well-being of ourselvesandtheclientareprioritizedandbestaddressed Thishas created an environment of trust and support for our team that is invaluableandhasbestservedourclientsineveryway”
SARA FLOREZ
Program Director, Adolescent Services
Having someone to talk to when things feel heavy has helped me tremendously I also have a rule that once my badge comes off, I am no longer wearing that "counselor" hat I use this physical expression as a way to separate my emotions fromtheday-to-daystresses”
Adolescent Services
FCRP San Diego Participants
SJVV, Visalia
Day 1 Families Fund
Fiesta on Gateway 2025: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community
By Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager
Our 2nd Annual Fiesta on Gateway was a beautiful success and it’sallthankstoYOU,ourincrediblecommunity!
On Friday, May 16th, we gathered in celebration, connection, and purpose to raise awareness and support for Wings Advocacy Fresno, a Project of WestCare California Together, we’re turning emptyhousingintolovinghomesforindividuals,families,andveterans transitioning out of homelessness and every smile, every donation, and every moment of joy at this event helps make that mission a reality
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to supportus Yourpresencemadethenightunforgettable
A special shoutout to the amazing MLK Residential Cooks who filled the air with the delicious aroma of fajitas and kept everyone refreshed with their amazing drinks your talents brought the flavor and the spiritoftheeventtolife!
To our incredible Wings volunteers Jayne and Scott thank you for helpingmanagetheWingssetupandsharingyourtimeandenergyso generously Yourdedicationisattheheartofwhatwedo
And to our hardworking WestCare volunteers we see you, we appreciateyou,andwecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyourcommitment tomakingtheeventrunsmoothlyfromstarttofinish
We're already looking ahead with excitement so mark your calendars for May 2026 when we’ll return for our 3rd Annual Fiesta on Gateway!It’sgoingtobeevenbigger,brighter,andmoreimpactful
By Ashley Morris, Education & Prevention Director
Attending the 10th Anniversary NaLa Conference was an inspiring and enriching experience The conference brought together a diverse group of healthcareandsocialserviceproviderswhosharedacommongoal:improvingthe healthoutcomesofourLatinxcommunitiesthroughculturallyresponsivecare
The workshops were impactful, covering a wide range of topics such as approaches to ending the HIV epidemic, assessing trauma to prevent lack of medical adherence, HIV prevention, aging with HIV, navigating healthcare challenges, and improving care continuity- to name a few Each session was led byanexperiencedprofessionalwhosharedreal-worldinsightsandpracticaltools Inaddition,thesessionsconsistedofpowerfultestimonialsthatweretouchingand impactful
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to networkwithpeerswhoworkwiththesamepopulationsacrossthecountry These interactions sparked thoughtful discussions and idea-sharing that highlighted the importanceofinterdisciplinarycollaborationwhenservingourLatinxpopulations
The NaLa Conference reinforced the importance of understanding the unique barriers Latinx communities face in accessing healthcare, including stigma, cultural differences, and systemic inequities It also gave me new perspectives on how I can be more proactive and inclusive in my approach to care NaLa inspired metobemoreintentionalandprovidedinvaluableeducationpertainingtohowwe can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for the people we serve
All in all, this conference was a meaningful experience that deepened my commitment to health equity and equipped me with new strategies to support the well-beingofthecommunitiesIserve IlookforwardtoapplyingwhatI’velearned and staying connected with this vibrant network of professionals dedicated to makingadifference
2025 NaLa Conference
SPRING 2025 GRADUATION
Our Spring 2025 Graduation celebrated 18 graduates who have successfullycompletedourWestCaretreatment/residentialprograms WithakeynotefromourveryownOperationsCoordinator,Thomas “Eric” Sanchez, and emceed by OEND Program Coordinator, Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, this event culminated all of our WestCare effortsforaneveningthattrulyUpliftstheHumanSpirit
Thiseveningwasacelebrationofnotjustthepastworkourgraduates have put in to reach this point, but also all the work they are actively doing each and every day to continue their path of recovery As our keynote Eric said, “I broke the generational curse of addiction in my family My kids are not living the life I lived” This moment marks a change that goes beyond just the individual but their family, friends, andcommunity
Thankyoutoeveryonewhocameouttosupportourgraduatesandto our WestCare Graduation Committee for pulling it all together We especially thank the Office of Senator Anna M. Caballero for providingcertificatesofrecognitiontoeachofourgraduates
CORE AWARDS
CDCR Donates to FCRP Stockton
Our Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Stockton is accepting donations of professionalclothingandaccessoriesforourfemaleparticipants Thewomenweserveusethe donationstoattendinterviewsandpursueopportunitiesconfidently!
We express great thanks to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for already donating to our women, and we are grateful for their generosity in sharing ourneedthroughtheirownnewsletter!
Ifyouwouldliketodonate,youcandropofformaildonationstotheaddressbelow: 1609 N. Wilson Way Stockton, CA 95205
We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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 categories of Dedication:
WestCare California @westcarecalifornia
Abrain H.
Amrit S. Amy H. Charlene W.
Daniela M. Edward C. Elina H. Elisha S.
Erica C. Gerald S.
Jasmine L. Magdalena L.
Marissa H.
Melissa R.
Natalie G. Sammy A.