The Loop - Californa (June 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND CALIFORNIA

JUNE 2025

ISSUE 144

VOLUME 12

WestCare Family, As we welcome the warmth of summer, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the positive energy and new opportunities this season brings to our clients and to the communities we serve. Summer is a time of growth, renewal, and connection, and this month’s issue of the WestCare California newsletter highlights just that.

From our heartfelt participation in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival, where we proudly stood alongside our diverse and vibrant community, to the Memorial Day pizza party with our San Joaquin Valley Veterans, this month has been filled with meaningful moments that strengthen the bonds we share. We also celebrated two incredible graduates from our Female Community Reentry Program, marking a monumental step in their journey toward success.

Meanwhile, in Hanford, we participated in vital Mandated Reporter Training, ensuring that those who care for our most vulnerable populations have the tools they need to make a difference.

In this season of growth, we celebrate the victories that reflect the resilience and dedication of everyone in our WestCare community.

Each milestone we achieve together is a testament to the unwavering c

commitment of our staff, clients, and supporters. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a significant step toward personal transformation, every win brings us closer to our mission of empowerment, healing, and lasting change.

As the days get longer and the warmth of summer surrounds us, let’s take this time to continue spreading kindness, supporting each other, and celebrating every success along the way.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. Together, we are making an impact that will last long beyond the summer months.

Mary Ann Knoy, Senior Vice President

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CELEBRATING PRIDE: WE ARE HERE TOGETHER This June marked another amazing month of Pride at WestCare California.

From participating in the local Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade & Festival to attending two flag-raisings in the city of Fresno, we are proud to highlight our teams, who continue to provide services for vulnerable populations.

This Pride month, we continue to make significant steps toward visible community support and leadership in support of those we serve in California.

Regardless of the month, however, let’s continue to spread love and work towards a future where everyone can live openly and authentically.

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH: A DAY OF COMMUNITY This Juneteenth, WestCare California had the honor of participating in the Juneteenth Experience in the River Park shopping area in Fresno, CA. Our dedicated staff and clients volunteered to support this meaningful event.

We recognize Juneteenth as a moment of liberation, reflection, and empowerment. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for freedom, equality, and justice. This aligns closely with our mission to provide compassionate care, uplift communities, and help individuals reclaim their lives, especially those who have faced significant hardships.

Volunteering at the Juneteenth Experience was a special opportunity for our clients currently going through treatment. It was an empowering day that connected them to a broader community of resilience and strength, while also giving them the chance to contribute in a meaningful way.

By participating, we honored the past, celebrated progress, and reflected on the work that lies ahead!

CONNECT WITH US! We are always seeking opportunities to be out in the community. If you are hosting a community event or have a tabling opportunity, please contact us! We’d love to be there. Reach out to us at: info.ca@westcare.com Seeking volunteer/intern opportunities at WestCare California? Visit our website to fill out our volunteer/interest form: westcarecalifornia.org/volunteer

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

MEMORIAL DAY IN VISALIA

By Christina Lopez, Program Coordinator, SJVV Our San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) in Visalia came together to celebrate Memorial Day with great company, sweet treats, and some mouthwatering, delicious pizza!

A heartfelt thank you goes to Visalia Planning Mill for their incredibly generous donation. Your support in honoring those who served made this gathering even more meaningful. It’s gestures like these that remind us of the power of community and the importance of showing gratitude to our veterans.

Memorial Day is about remembering the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. This event allowed us to connect, reflect, and celebrate our shared commitment to supporting veterans.

It’s moments like these that strengthen the bond within our community and remind us of the resilience and courage that define our heroes.

BREAKING THE STIGMA CONFERENCE: A DAY OF INSIGHT, EMPATHY, AND ACTION

By Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, Program Coordinator, OEND The Breaking the Stigma Conference in Kingsview, CA, provided an invaluable space for our staff to deepen their understanding of mental health, substance use, and the powerful impact of stigma. Our team members from various programs reflected on their experiences, sharing insights that not only reinforced our mission but also renewed their commitment to advocacy.

someone could emerge on the other side once they received the help they needed. This experience has renewed my sense of purpose in reducing stigma, especially around substance use and the unhoused."

Devin Sandoval, Outreach Specialist, OEND echoed similar sentiments: "What I learned at the conference is that mental health is crucial for overall well-being. We discussed coping strategies, mindfulness, and the importance of support networks. The speakers emphasized reducing stigma and how we can educate the community to bring more empathy and support for those facing mental health challenges. The personal stories shared were powerful and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of hope and recovery."

Mark Campbell, Program Coordinator, BEAT, shared: "The Breaking the Stigma Conference was more than an event—it was a deep well of human stories, vulnerability, and courage. What stood out most was the raw honesty shared by speakers and participants about the personal toll of mental health struggles and substance use. There was a clear, collective call to shift the narrative—from one of shame and silence to one of empathy and understanding. The event reinforced the truth: words can This conference reminded us that our work is more than either build stigma or break it." just treatment—it’s about humanizing those we serve, Richard Lopez, Outreach Specialist, OEND: advocating for dignity, and dismantling the barriers that "The stigma reduction seminar was incredibly valuable. I stigma creates. Our staff left the event with a renewed was especially touched by the personal stories of the sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to breaking panelists, seeing and hearing real-life stories really the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use helped drive the ideals of what it means to advocate for in our community. our community members. It was inspiring to see how someone

COMMITTED TO YOUTH SAFETY IN HANFORD

By Sara Florez, Program Director, Adolescent Services Our Adolescent Services and Youth & Family TREE teams in Hanford participated in a Mandated Reporter Training, hosted by Kings Partnership and Kings County Human Services Agency.

We gained valuable insight on who mandated reporters are, what situations require reporting, and the laws that help keep youth safe.

These trainings help us stay ready to support, protect, and educate.

Thank you to our partners for helping us grow stronger together!

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

UPCOMING 2ND ANNUAL SPIRIT GALA

FCRP Clients Earn Diplomas and Begin College Journey

By Randi Ruble, Program Director, FCRP, San Diego We are thrilled to announce that two of our dedicated clients at our Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP), San Diego, have reached a monumental milestone by earning their high school diplomas! Their hard work and perseverance have paved the way for them to attend college, where they will continue to pursue their academic, career, and family reunification goals.

This achievement is not just a testament to their determination and resilience, but also a significant step towards a brighter future. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to support them as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. Join us in celebrating their success and wishing them the best as they move forward to achieve their dreams!

CORE AWARDS Alisia B. Amy H.

Antonio L. Brandi M.

Continue the journey online!

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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 category of Dedication: Daniela M. Darnodo S.

Don B. Jacob B.

John B. Joshua C.

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

Maranda B. Monique M.

Nou H. Shawntia P.

Steven L. Terri R.

WestCare California

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@westcarecalifornia

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