WCCA - The Loop - July & Aug 2025 (11x17) (8.5 x 11 in) (1)

THE LOOP

Welcome to WestCare California!

The past two months have been a testament to the dedication and impact of our WestCare California teams. We're proud to share stories that embody our mission.

Jenny Gonzalez Vice President WestCare California

Our team at The Living Room was honored with the President's Award at the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade, a powerful recognition of our commitment to our community. This success was echoed in other community partnerships, as our Celebrating Families! team connected with families at a local back-to-school event, providing essential resources.

We are also thrilled to introduce new leaders, including Michelle Stone, our new Director of Residential Services, and Jenny Magdaleno, our new Program Director of STOP Area 3. Their expertise, along with the passion of all our new staff, will be vital as we continue to serve our clients.

We were also honored to have WestCare’s Deputy Administrator, David Daniel, interviewed by ABC 30 about the implementation of Proposition 36, highlighting our work in providing treatment as an alternative to incarceration.

These accomplishments are a direct result of our staff's hard work and compassion. Through it all, we remain deeply proud of our staff for consistently showing up and providing quality, compassionate services to those we serve every day.

ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS IN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Manuel I., Program Coordinator for the SSG Fox Hope & Wellness Program, represented the San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) at Congressman Adam Gray's Veteran Advisory Committee alongside Lauren Pope, Program Coordinator, SJVV-San Joaquin Valley Veterans for Merced. During the meeting, Manuel briefed attendees on the critical work being done through the SSG Fox and SSVF programs to support veterans in our community. His participation highlights our ongoing commitment to collaborating with key leaders to advocate for the needs of those we serve.

On Saturday, August 16, The Living Room was honored to be recognized with the President’s Award for our parade entry in the 2025 Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade! �� This recognition highlights the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our team, clients, and WestCare staff in showing up for and celebrating Fresno’s LGBTQ+ community

Education&PreventionDirectorAshleyMorrisandOENDProgramCoordinatorElisha Simpson-Sanchez attended the Fresno Pride Winner Appreciation Event at Fresno City College, where they joined fellow parade winners, volunteers, and community partners for a day of connection, celebration, and gratitude The event featured a delicioustacolunch,games,activities,andtheofficialawardceremony

BRIEFING CONGRESSMAN GRAY'S VETERAN ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

We are deeply thankful for this honor and proud to continue uplifting and supporting our community through inclusive programs, prevention services, and spaces like The LivingRoom Together,wecelebratediversity,resilience,andpride

THE LIVING ROOM HONORED WITH PRESIDENT'S AWARD FROM FRESNO RAINBOW PRIDE

Our Celebrating Families team recently had the pleasure of partnering with our friends at Rainbow Housing for their annual back-to-school event. It was a fantastic day of community connection, where we were able to share important resources and serve meals to all the children A special thank you to our amazing MLK cooks for providing the bagged lunches and fun stickers for the kids! Seeing everyone come together truly embodies our mission of uplifting the human spirit We'reproudtosupporteventsthatmakearealdifferenceinthelivesofthefamiliesweserve

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITH RAINBOW HOUSING

A WARM WESTCARE WELCOME!

We're so proud to welcome new teammates to the WestCare family and celebrate new leaders who are stepping into key roles.

We extend a huge welcome to our two new directors: Jenny M., Director of STOP Area 3, and Michelle S., Director of Residential Services at our Martin Luther King facility.

Every Monday, our Merced camaraderie for local veterans. Led by the support from the SJVV team, this weekly heroes to connect, relax, and share stories. out, the friendly competition is on, and the focus is on creating a supportive community. It’s a small way we can honor their service and ensure they have a place to belong.

A special welcome also goes out to all our new staff members joining us across the state, from Stockton and Hanford to Bakersfield, San Diego, and Fresno. Your passion and commitment are what make our WestCare family so strong. We are thrilled to have you all on board as we continue our mission to help those we serve.

THE STOP AREA 1 TEAM BUILDS STRONGER BONDS

Before the long weekend, the STOP Area 1 team took some time to recharge and connect with a team-building activity. We're proud to have a team that not only works hard but also supports each other, strengthening our bonds to better serve our community.

BILLIARDS & CAMARADERIE: MONDAY NIGHTS FOR MERCED VETERANS

WestCare's Deputy Administrator, David Daniel, recently spoke with ABC30 about the implementation of Proposition 36. This new law offers a path to recovery by allowing courts to mandate treatment instead of incarceration for individuals with certain drug-related convictions. WestCare is proud to provide these vital services, helping people rebuild their lives and reduce recidivism.

What a sweet way to celebrate the 4th of July! Our Merced team, led by the SSG Fox Hope & Wellness Program and the SJVV team, hosted an ice cream social to show our gratitude to the veterans in our community. We are honored to be a part of their journey, and we thank them for their incredible service to our country.

TREAT

Uplifting

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY: A NIGHT OF HOPE

WestCare was honored to attend the second annual Night of Hope Gala for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a "Ray of Hope Sponsor." This event celebrated NAMI's vital work in promoting recovery and fighting the stigma around mental illness through education and support programs.

We are proud to support their mission and stand with our fellow community partners in this important cause. Representing WestCare at the event were Senior Vice President Jenny Gonzalez, Deputy Administrator Michelle Allen, Director of Housing Support Services Stephanie Perez, and Director of Media and Public Relations Ciana Torres.

Our support with organizations like NAMI is key to building a stronger, more supportive community for all.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our July CORE Award recipients for the category of Moral Booster:

CORE Awards are

on a

to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our June CORE Award recipients for the category of Problem Solver: