The Loop - California (May 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

MAY 2025

ISSUE 143

VOLUME 12

MLK Residential

WestCare Family, 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 month brings new opportunities to serve our communities with heart— and May was no exception.

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 mental health resources. On May 15th, our staff proudly wore green, a color symbolizing renewal, hope, and vitality—reminding us all of the power of unity and visibility in creating lasting change.

May also marked a profound moment of celebration and triumph at our 2025 Spring Graduation. Surrounded by family, friends, and WestCare supporters, 18 graduates were honored for completing their 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: your courage and commitment inspire us all.

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 with dignity.

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, and supporter who makes this mission possible.

Together, we continue to build healthier, stronger communities—one life at a time.

Jenny Gonzalez, Senior Vice President

westcarecalifornia.org

Housing Services and Supports

SJVV, Visalia

Adolescent Services

Day 1 Families Fund

FCRP San Diego Participants

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, these journeys can lead to incredible transformation.

We at WestCare go beyond simply providing services; we build relationships, 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 environment where lives are not just supported, but truly uplifted.

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 just acknowledged, but actively supported. These insights shed light on how our leaders build resilience within their teams and foster a culture where mental wellness is prioritized, allowing our team to better support the clients they serve.

Together, we rise. Together, we heal. Together, we change lives.

DERRICK BRESSEL

ELISHA SIMPSON-SANCHEZ

Program Director, Day Reporting Center

Program Coordinator, OEND

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 for direction and seek the assistance of a peer.”

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 work you do.”

ROBERT CHURCH

JENNY MAGDALENO

Deputy Administrator

Program Director, MLK Residential

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.”

westcarecalifornia.org

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 My team and I have taken the time and opportunity to share with one another things in our work that may be "triggers" for us individually in our line of work. If we encounter those while working with clients, 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 ourselves and the client are prioritized and best addressed. This has created an environment of trust and support for our team that is invaluable and has best served our clients in every way.”

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 from the day-to-day stresses.”

Uplifting the Human Spirit 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’s all thanks to YOU, our incredible community!

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 empty housing into loving homes for individuals, families, and veterans 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 support us. Your presence made the night unforgettable.

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 spirit of the event to life!

To our incredible Wings volunteers Jayne and Scott — thank you for helping manage the Wings setup and sharing your time and energy so generously. Your dedication is at the heart of what we do.

And to our hardworking WestCare volunteers — we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t have done it without your commitment to making the event run smoothly from start to finish.

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’s going to be even bigger, brighter, and more impactful.

2025 NaLa Conference

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 healthcare and social service providers who shared a common goal: improving the health outcomes of our Latinx communities through culturally responsive care.

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 by an experienced professional who shared real-world insights and practical tools.

In addition, the sessions consisted of powerful testimonials that were touching and impactful.

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with peers who work with the same populations across the country. These interactions sparked thoughtful discussions and idea-sharing that highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when serving our Latinx populations.

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 me to be more intentional and provided invaluable education pertaining to how we 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-being of the communities I serve. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned and staying connected with this vibrant network of professionals dedicated to making a difference.

@westcarecalifornia

Uplifting the Human Spirit

SPRING 2025 GRADUATION Our Spring 2025 Graduation celebrated 18 graduates who have successfully completed our WestCare treatment/residential programs.

With a keynote from our very own Operations Coordinator, Thomas “Eric” Sanchez, and emceed by OEND Program Coordinator, Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, this event culminated all of our WestCare efforts for an evening that truly Uplifts the Human Spirit.

This evening was a celebration of not just the past work our graduates 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, and community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our graduates and to our WestCare Graduation Committee for pulling it all together. We especially thank the Office of Senator Anna M. Caballero for providing certificates of recognition to each of our graduates.

CDCR Donates to FCRP Stockton Our Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Stockton is accepting donations of professional clothing and accessories for our female participants. The women we serve use the donations to attend interviews and pursue opportunities confidently!

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 our need through their own newsletter!

If you would like to donate, you can drop off or mail donations to the address below:

1609 N. Wilson Way Stockton, CA 95205

We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CORE AWARDS Abrain H. Amrit S.

Amy H. Charlene W.

Continue the journey online!

westcarecalifornia.org

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: Daniela M. Edward C.

Elina H. Elisha S.

Erica C. Gerald S.

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

Jasmine L. Magdalena L.

Marissa H. Melissa R.

Natalie G. Sammy A.

WestCare California

westcarecalifornia.org

@westcarecalifornia

@westcare