THE LOOP
WestCareFamily,
Aswewelcomethewarmthofsummer,it’saperfecttimetoreflecton 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 Californianewsletterhighlightsjustthat
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 momentsthatstrengthenthebondsweshare Wealsocelebratedtwo incrediblegraduatesfromourFemaleCommunityReentryProgram, 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 populationshavethetoolstheyneedtomakeadifference
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, andlastingchange
As the days get longer and the warmth of summer surrounds us, let’s take this time to continue spreading kindness, supporting each other, andcelebratingeverysuccessalongtheway
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. Together, we aremakinganimpactthatwilllastlongbeyondthesummermonths
Mary Ann Knoy, Senior Vice President
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 attendingtwoflag-raisingsinthecityofFresno,weareproudtohighlightour teams,whocontinuetoprovideservicesforvulnerablepopulations
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 towardsafuturewhereeveryonecanliveopenlyandauthentically
CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH: A DAY OF COMMUNITY
This Juneteenth, WestCare California had the honor of participating in the JuneteenthExperienceintheRiverParkshoppingareainFresno,CA Our dedicatedstaffandclientsvolunteeredtosupportthismeaningfulevent
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 whohavefacedsignificanthardships
VolunteeringattheJuneteenthExperiencewasaspecialopportunityforour clients currently going through treatment It was an empowering day that connected them to a broader community of resilience and strength, while alsogivingthemthechancetocontributeinameaningfulway
Byparticipating,wehonoredthepast,celebratedprogress,andreflectedon theworkthatliesahead!
CONNECT WITH US!
Wearealwaysseekingopportunitiestobeoutinthecommunity Ifyouarehosting acommunityeventorhaveatablingopportunity,pleasecontactus!We’dloveto bethere Reachouttousat:info.ca@westcare.com
Seekingvolunteer/internopportunitiesatWestCareCalifornia?Visitourwebsiteto filloutourvolunteer/interestform:westcarecalifornia.org/volunteer
BREAKING THE STIGMA CONFERENCE: A DAY OF INSIGHT, EMPATHY, AND ACTION
By Elisha Simpson-Sanchez, Program Coordinator, OEND
TheBreakingtheStigmaConferenceinKingsview,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 renewedtheircommitmenttoadvocacy
MarkCampbell,ProgramCoordinator,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 wasaclear,collectivecalltoshiftthenarrative fromone of shame and silence to one of empathy and understanding The event reinforced the truth: words can eitherbuildstigmaorbreakit"
RichardLopez,OutreachSpecialist,OEND:
"The stigma reduction seminar was incredibly valuable I was especially touched by the personal stories of the panelists, seeing and hearing real-life stories really helped drive the ideals of what it means to advocate for our community members It was inspiring to see how someone
By Christina Lopez, Program Coordinator, SJVV
OurSanJoaquinValleyVeterans(SJVV)inVisaliacametogetherto celebrate Memorial Day with great company, sweet treats, and some mouthwatering,deliciouspizza!
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 gratitudetoourveterans
Memorial Day is about remembering the brave men and women who sacrificedsomuchforourfreedoms Thiseventallowedustoconnect, reflect, and celebrate our shared commitment to supporting veterans It’s moments like these that strengthen the bond within our community andremindusoftheresilienceandcouragethatdefineourheroes
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, especiallyaroundsubstanceuseandtheunhoused."
Devin Sandoval, Outreach Specialist, OEND echoed similarsentiments:
"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 Thespeakersemphasizedreducingstigmaand 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"
This conference reminded us that our work is more than just treatment it’s about humanizing those we serve, advocating for dignity, and dismantling the barriers that stigma creates Our staff left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use inourcommunity
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!
UPCOMING 2 ANNUAL SPIRIT GALA ND
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 ReentryProgram(FCRP),SanDiego,havereachedamonumentalmilestonebyearningtheir highschooldiplomas!Theirhardworkandperseverancehavepavedthewayforthemtoattend 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 significantsteptowardsabrighterfuture Weareincrediblyproudoftheiraccomplishmentsand excitedtosupportthemastheyembarkonthisnewchapteroftheirlives Joinusincelebrating theirsuccessandwishingthemthebestastheymoveforwardtoachievetheirdreams!
