The Loop - California (May 2024)

THE LOOP

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Dear WestCare Family,

As we present the May issue of The Loop, we acknowledge Mother's Day. It’s a time for us to reflect on the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives and the world around us. Mothers are the unsung heroes, the steady hands that guide us, the warm embrace that comforts us, and the wise voices that counsel us. Their contributions are immeasurable, shaping not just their families, but the very fabric of society.

For me, the importance of mothers is deeply personal. My mother was a constant source of support and strength. She was always there for me, whether I was celebrating a success or navigating a difficult period. Her home-cooked meals are among my fondest memories, not just for their deliciousness, but for the love and care that went into each one. She uniquely made everyone feel welcome in our home, creating a space filled with warmth and acceptance.

In her challenging times, I felt honored to be able to give back some of the love and support she had always given me. She lived with me twice during my adult life, the second time being at the end of her journey. Caring for and being there for her was a privilege, as she had always been there for me.

I think of her often and find comfort in her wise counsel, which continues to guide me even now. I like to believe that she still watches over me, her spirit is a constant presence in my life.

As we honor all mothers this month, let's take a moment to appreciate the profound influence they have on us. Theyarethebedrockofour families and communities, offering unconditional love and selfless dedication. To all the mothers out there, thank you for everything you do. Your strength, wisdom, and love make the world a better place.

Dear WestCare California Team,

“Looney Bin,” “Nut House,” “Bedlam,” “Asylum.” What do these terms conjure up? Places of safety or compassion? What about the terms, “nut job,” “lunatic,” “schizo,” or “maniac?” These are all words to describe one who might be criticized or shunned by society and are such pejorative terms for hospitals or persons inhabiting those hospitals, namely psychiatric hospitals. Unless you are such a person or are the parent or child of a loved one who suffers from mental health conditions, you may not know the negative effects of this way of labeling. The pain of mental health and lack of awareness perpetuate stereotyped ways of thinking about people who live with mental health issues every day.

According to The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s estimated that 169 million people live in areas where there are shortages of mental health professionals and that rural areas are more impacted by this issue. Rural communities have shortages that are over double that found in urban centers. Furthermore, other factors such as reimbursement, ability to pay, and other barriers to accessing care increase this trend. If this alone doesn’t raise awareness consider this: One in five adults in the United States experience a mental illness in any given year, with depression and anxiety disorders being among the most common. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges - emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues proactively.

How can we create an impact in our own lives or spheres of influence to promote better ways of understanding mental health awareness? What can we learn about our sense of well-being? How can we better promote a sense of wellness in ourselves? The vast choices that we have sometimes lead up to one choice that we place as a priority to live a better life for the sake of our health. Prominent public figures, celebrities, and influencers have gone on to share their firsthand experiences with mental health, sharing their contributions to reducing the stigma behind mental health and encouraging open conversations about it.

There is still much work to be done to ensure that mental health remains a priority and that all individuals and communities have access to the care and support they need. Continued efforts to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and expand access to mental health services are essential to building a society where mental health is valued and supported.

Edward Crossman, LMFT Clinical Director WestCare California

Edward Crossman

WestCare California, Inc. is dedicated to providing critical mental health support across Madera County through three specialized programs designed to address various crises and offer essential services to individuals in need. Through these integrated programs, WestCare California, Inc. ensures that Madera County residents have continuous access to mental health support and crisis intervention, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Crisis Psychiatric Response Services (CPRS)

Operating primarily during evenings and weekends, the Crisis Psychiatric Response Services (CPRS) team plays a crucial role in Madera County Jail and Madera County Juvenile Hall. This team conducts crisis interventions and mental health assessments, assisting with evaluations for involuntary psychiatric treatment under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150. The CPRS team also provides afterhours coverage for the Family Urgent Response System (FURS), ensuring continuous support and coordination with the Madera County Department of Social Services. Their services are available from 4:00 pm to 8:30 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.

Madera Mobile Crisis

The Madera Mobile Crisis team offers vital county-wide outreach, focusing on individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, substance use, or cooccurring crises. This team works in tandem with the City of Madera's Police Department (MPD), Madera County Sheriff's Office (MSO), and the Madera County Department of Behavioral Health Services. They are available to accompany law enforcement to residences or specific locations, providing crisis de-escalation, wellness planning, and links to community resources for both adults and youth from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Crisis Care Mobile Unit

The Crisis Care Mobile Unit (CCMU) ensures immediate crisis care and outreach, operating alongside other community services. This unit provides similar support to the Madera Mobile Crisis team, including mental health services, crisis de-escalation, wellness planning, and referrals. Available during the same hours as the CPRS team, from 4:00 pm to 8:30 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and holidays, the CCMU collaborates closely with Madera County’s Behavioral Health Services, Social Services, and law enforcement to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

Outreach Days From Our California Programs

A huge shoutout to our Day 1 Families Fund Program Manager Laura Reynolds for attending the recent unveiling of the Saint Agnes Rural Mobile Health Clinic! The brand new mobile unit will provide screenings, immunizations, and specialty services to rural communities throughout the Central Valley. Thank you to the Holy Crossstaffforinvitingourteamtoshow supportonbehalfofourorganization!

Thanks to the Fresno Grizzlies, our San Joaquin Valley Veterans team in Fresno participated in Community Outreach Nights at Chukchansi Park. This opportunity allowed our Outreach Specialist Steven Garcia and Veteran Advocate Joseph Guzman to tell attendees about our Veteran services that we offer across the CentralValley.

(559) 673-3508

https://bit.ly/3WQnrA0

The following individuals are integral members of our Madera Mental Health Programs, contributing to WestCare California's mission andvision:

MADERA MOBILE CRISIS: Lorinda Gonzalez

CRISIS CARE MOBILE UNIT (CCMU): Enrique Rosario, LPHA

CRISIS PSYCHIATRIC RESPONSE SERVICES (CPRS): Yelena Debenedetto, LPHA

These individuals embody the spirit of excellence as they diligently carry out their remarkable work each day, contributing to the overarchingsuccessofWestCareCalifornia.

During the week of Cinco De Mayo, our MLK Residential facility in Fresno celebrated by dressing up in festive attire and decorating the staff lounge with handmade decorations that included facts about the significance behind Cinco De Mayo. Thank you to all of our WestCare California staff at MLK Residential who participated in this event.

This 24/7 hotline was provided by the Madera County Department of Behavioral Health for those in need of access and crisis services. For more information, please visit

Uplifting the Human Spirit

WestCare California Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Across the state, our WestCare California family participated in Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health is woven into the fabric of many of our programs. In honor of spreading awareness and encouraging more open conversations about mental health, our staff has made personal pledges that contribute to self-care. Joining together as an organization during Mental Health Month is significant towards the services that we provide to our clients. It gives a sense of support, hope and renewal.

Fiesta on Gateway Mixer Raises Support and Creates New Memories

On May 17, we proudly presented our first ever Fiesta on Gateway mixer at our Gateway Campus in Fresno. This event continued the celebration of our 50th anniversary, but was also a special night of awareness and support for the amazing work that one of the newest members of the WestCare California family, Wings Advocacy Fresno, is doing in our community! To make a great night even better, attendees danced the night away with their friends and got to enjoy an amazing taco dinner prepared by our talented kitchen staff at MLK Residential!

We’d like to give a very special shout-out to Beverly Fitzpatrick, one of the original founders of Wings, for sharing the story of how in 2013, their group of volunteers saw a need and devoted their time, resources, and passion to ensuring that anyone who is transitioning off the streets is greeted with a home that is welcoming as they continue their journey of healing and self-sufficiency.

From our amazing staff and volunteers to our generous donors – thank you to everyone who made this event one to remember! If you weren’t able to attend, but would still like to donate a one-time or recurring donation to support Wings' continued mission, please visit: WestCare.link/donatetowingsfresno

Drag Queen Bingo at The Red Lantern

The Living Room held their first Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser of 2024 at The Red Lantern to support the upcoming Fresno AIDS Walk that will take place on Dec. 1st, World AIDS Day. The emcee for the event was none other than Mizz Deevuh Stolengoodz herself! The next bingo event will happen on July 27 at Splash Fresno in Fresno’s Tower District. (See back page for more info)

You can donate and register for this year’s Fresno AIDS Walk at https://bit.ly/3xBjjsT

For more information about the Living Room’s services, please call (559) 486-1469 or email thelivingroom@westcare.com

Day at WestCare California

In mid-April, WestCare California staff donned their denim to raise awareness about the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and to show solidarity with those affected by such heinous acts. For over 25 years, Peace Over Violence has championed this cause, using this act of protest to support survivors and combat victim-blaming attitudes. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Denim

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