Issuu

Breathe Magazine

Summer 2020

UNITED CHANGE

FREE TUITION A TRUE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE VISIT COS.EDU

Stay Safe From COVID-19

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced through coughs or sneezes, and these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. Even if you aren’t exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, you might still carry it.

Ways to Stay Safe Practice social distancing

If sick, STAY HOME

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces often

Wear a face covering when out

Cough or sneeze in a tissue or your bent elbow – not your hands!

Wash your hands often

Contents A Healing Journey How to start healing from trauma

Written By: Gwen Schrank

Back to School Reminders and Tips The New Normal?

Written By: Gwen Schrank

Creating Change For Future Generations COS is opening doors with EOPS Programs Written By: COS Colaboration

Resource Directory Congratulations 2020 Graduates

24 18

Thanks Essential Workers

Community Memorial Covid 19

Breathe Traumatic Experience

Journal Pages

Unite

ed Prayer

Contents Hope The change we seek in the world Written By: Noah Whitaker

Creating United Change LGBT Youth creating change for the future Written By: Brian Poth

Black Lives Matter Frequently Asked Questions Written By: Gwen Schrank

www.gsclubhouse.org For Additional Information

On the Cover Photograph by Sal Marro Photography Contents Photograph by Sal Marro Photography

EDITOR IN CHIEF MARTIN VELSCO-RAMOS BREATHE.MARTIN@GMAIL.COM

Breathe Magazine

ART DIRECTOR

Destina Hernandez EDITORS

Special Thanks To Breathe Magazine Cover Participants

Brittany Schrank Brandon Schrank

Natalie Bolin

Michael Harris

Joseph Hamilton

Emmitt Harris

Casie Ennis

Troy Harris

Dayna Wild

Dallas Harris

Donna Ortiz

Brian Poth

Cherale Holt

Lt. Michael Harris

Rosemary Cabrera

Sereena Harris

Abby Mendoza

Jason Salazar

Brent Calvin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Lutz

Brittany Schrank

Miriam Sallam

Grayson Anderson

Kelelyn Photography

Darlene McClure

August Anderson

CONTACT

Brandon Gridiron

Gwen Schrank

Nick Vargas

Kristi Boydstun

Lance Brooks

Salina Marroquin

WRITERS

Gwen Schrank Brian Poth Noah Whitaker NAMI COS Colaborators Abigail Konig Carrie Konig Sabrina Eakes Megan Quevedo

Salina Marroquin Sal Marro Photography

206 E. Oak Ave Visalia, CA 93291 schrankclubhouse@gmail.com www.gsclubhouse.org DISCLAIMER: Breathe Magazine is published quarterly and distributed online. Views expressed in publication are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of Breathe Magazine or our advertisers. Our goal is to provide mental wellness resources and stop the stigma associated with mental illness by providing a platform for people to share their journeys. All adverising funds goes towards Schrank’s Clubhouse a 501c3 non-profit to help those who suffer become integral parts of society. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Founder Gwen Schrank

www.gsclubhouse.org

Gwen Schrank

Founder of Breathe Magazine gwenschrank@gmail.com

Hi Friends, It’s mid-summer, the weather is hot, tensions are high, and our community is unsure about what the future holds for our families and loved ones. Each page in our summer issue of Breathe Magazine was created to help you through some very difficult times. We are focused on providing you with answers and information that will help relieve a little stress and figure out ways to come together and unite for the sake of our community. In this issue you will get information on how to start the healing process from dealing with a traumatic experience in your life and tips for helping you and your family prepare for the first day of school. And don’t forget to check out information about Black Lives Matter. We will unpack some of the questions that people in our community are asking about the protests and some statistical data to show why people are coming together to create united change. Last but not least, we want you to know that we appreciate our essential workers and some cool shout outs to a few businesses and friends who kept us going through Covid-19 and still. We ask that you all stop and take a minute to relax, BREATHE, and be thankful that you are alive. We are very grateful to have you read this issue. You can share it, download it, print special articles, and send us your comments and feed back. We are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Blessings and Love to you!

Gwen Schrank www.gsclubhouse.org

BREATHE MAGAZINE AND CLUBHOUSE VISALIA

COMMUNITY MEMORIAL LET'S REMEMBER AND HONOR THOSE WHO LOST THE BATTLE TO COVID-19

TAKE A DEEP BREATH RIP FRIENDS GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

A Healing Journey

Written by: Gwen Schrank

Becoming Aware of How Your Traumatic Experiemce Has Affected You

We are in an interesting time in our country’s history. It seems as if the world has been shaken multiple times and turned upside down. We are experiencing trauma on so many different levels of our mental, physical, and social wellbeing. I won’t go through the list of things that are unfortunate experiences that we are enduring, but I would like to discuss the trauma that is being caused by it and some ways that we can start working towards healing and bringing people back together. I can’t think of one person who isn’t affected by our daily struggles. It is hitting everyone from the richest to the poorest, from the strongest to the weakest, and everyone in between. I have been reading and studying a workbook called “ Beyond Trauma” written by Stephanie S. Covington. In the workbook it states: Trauma impacts our lives in many different ways. It makes us feel like we are losing control of our lives.

Trauma controls our memories, thoughts, and dreams. It makes us lose concentration on things that would normally be easy for us to focus on. It also often times brings up feelings of guilt, sadness, fear, anxiety, depression, and a different self image of ourselves. Many times we have triggers that will set us off either physically or emotionally. It can be things such as sounds, places, a smell, the sight of a person or a behavior that reminds you of the past trauma. When we are triggered, the body reacts as though it is reliving the traumatic experience of the past. When a person is going through or reliving these triggers, we ofter revert to one of the 4 F’s: Fight, Flight, Food, F**K (sex). Those are some of the negative coping experiences that most people have learned throughout the years to release stress or process through their

emotions. Unfortunately those are unhealthy ways of coping because the problem still remains afterwards, and most often times gets worse. Relationships are also impacted by our traumatic experiences. It is often hard to maintain relationships when experiencing past struggles of the trauma. Some of the problems that we experience with relationships include: •

Idealizing relationships

•

Fear of commitment

•

Self-imposed isolation

•

Triangulating with others

•

Humiliating interactions

•

Involvement in abusive or criticizing relationships

•

Difficulty trusting self or others with intimacy

•

Tolerating patterns of abuse or excessive neediness

•

Emotional and physical carpeting of others at the expense of self

Sexuality is also impacted by trauma. This may be true whether or not you’ve experienced sexual abuse. Some of the things that occurs includes: •

Avoidance or fear of sex

•

Approaching sex as an obligation

•

Negative feelings with touch

•

Difficulty with arousal, sensation

•

Emotional distance during sex- (Spacing out)

•

Disturbing sexual thoughts and images

•

Compulsive or inappropriate sexual behavior

•

Difficulty in intimate relationships

Last but not least, I want to address how dealing with trauma can cause a person to become an addict or spiral back into a previous addiction problem. It is a way that some people use to self-medicate by using substances to numb themselves and avoid the effects of trauma. Again, It feeds off of the 4 F’s that we discussed earlier ( Fight, Flight, Food, F**K) People believe that by reverting to addiction it will help them do the following:

•

Make connections with others

•

Comfort themselves

•

Manage or avoid feelings

•

Escape physical pain

www.gsclubhouse.org

•

Ease social withdrawal

•

Create distance

•

Build courage

•

Try to make the world seem better

•

Forget the past

•

Increase a sense of vitality

•

Feel comfortable with sexual intimacy

•

Dissociate (achieve an altered state)

•

Feel Numb

•

Rewire brain

•

Maintain the status quo

Let me be clear, Non of these attempts are healthy nor do they help people heal from their traumatic experiences, but it is important for a person to become aware and recognize some of the signs and symptoms of needing help. There are multiple ways for people to heal, but it requires time, patience, awareness, and support. We have to be committed to our journey of healing on a daily basis and we have to constantly remind ourselves that we are worth it. Now let’s focus on some things to get you started on the process with your healing journey. Please note: you can download Breathe Magazine and print as many copies of the journal pages that you need. I also recommend you purchasing the workbook “ A Healing Journey” by Stephanie S. Covington for additional resources and information. She is with the Center for Gender & Justice Institute for Relational Development. The first steps with the included journal pages are to identify a trauma that has effected you. It can be from your Childhood, Adolescent years, or Adulthood. There are multiple types of trauma: Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Mental Abuse, Sexual Abuse. There are always physical reactions and psychological reactions. It will help you to become aware and take notice about the ways that you are reacting, and how your symptoms are showing up. Journaling is a good way to write down things that you are experiencing, and it gives you the ability to become aware of patterns, triggers, and your feelings. It will also help you communicate with a professional therapist, doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The more you are aware and record your experiences, the better chance you have at getting the correct help that you need for healing, and maintaining the life that you always imagined for yourself before the trauma.

Use Journal Sheets on pages 26-27

Gwen Schrank is the Co-Founder of Clubhouse Visalia and Founder of Breathe Magazine. She loves doing life with others and spending time with her 2 grandkids!

www.gsclubhouse.org

Get smart about your coverage!

559.697.3292 Danielle Griffiths Your Local Farmers Agent | CA License # 0L84673 1126 N Chinowth St Visalia, CA 93291 dgriffiths@farmersagent.com

One Love Nail Salon @onelovenails_ Text 559-730-8804 108 S Church St, Visala 93291

ADMINISTRATION Keep Lines of Communication Going: • Clear and positive messages go a long way for teachers and parents. Better Professional Development in an uncertain future that includes: • Trauma Informed Instructions • Team Building and Collaboration • Dynamic hybrid learning and distance learning. Family Engagement with deeper relationships with families and caregivers. Provide lots of Resources for Teachers, Students, and Parents.

TEACHERS Be Authentic: Use approaches that bring you joy as you find a way to incorporate the interest of the students. Be Familiar: Strike balance between trying new resources and not overwhelming students in the process. Be Simple: The goal should be for all instruction to be as easy to access as possible. Tasks can be technologically simple to complete but still require depth of knowledge. Be Flexible: Give students choices with options to show their level of understanding. Be Organized: Instruction should be clearly outlined for student and any who supports them.

PARENTS Set the Tone: Help your kids get excited about learning regardless of the system that is being used to keep them safe and healthy from Covid-19 Be Familiar: Read all instructions and prepare in advance for your children. Go over plans with kids in advance so that they know what to expect. (Smile) Be Organized: If they attend classroom learning, make or buy masks for them. Write down and post a daily, weekly, or monthly planner. Be Supportive : It’s a transitional time for everyone. Support teachers and administrator and help provide solutions. Connect: Reach out and discuss childcare options with family, friends, and neighbors.

STUDENTS Go to bed on time: You need to get enough sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast: It will help you keep your mind focused until lunch time. Be Organized: Use good work habits, write down assignments, turn in homework on time. Ask teacher if you need help. Pay Attention to Directions : This will help you succeed throughout the school year. Connect: Keep a sense of humor, make new friends, and enjoy your learning experiences. Work and Study Hard: You Got This!

YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS.

Advertise With Us! We are a quarterly magazine that was created to get your resources out to the people that need it. WE CONVEY YOUR MESSAGE YOUR WAY

Breathe Magazine Contact Gwen Schrank gwenschrank@gmail.com for additional information

Kelelyn

P H O T O G R A P H Y

V I S A L I A ,

C A

2 0 9 - 6 0 4 - 4 7 2 2 17

“This year as a Senior, I tried to create unified change in my community by starting a women’s club at El Diamante High School. It will provide a safe space and empower high school girls for years to come. Currently I’m making efforts to stand in solidarity with and amplify African American voices in Visalia by making and posting signs at my highschool. I believe that the future of social, economic, and political change falls on my CLASS OF

2020 Abigail Konig

generation. It’s our time to rise up and use our continous actions and activism to work towards a better future for all human beings.”

Abigail Konig

El Diamante High School

“I’m planning on creating united change by helping people that have suffered from strokes. My dad had a stroke my freshman

CONGRAT

WE'RE P YO

2 2

year of high school and it completely changed my world. I want to help individuals who

GRAD

have suffered feel like they can enjoy life again and do some of the activities they once did. People everywhere deserve to feel normal. I want people who have a disability to know that it does not define them as a person.”

Abby Mendoza

CLASS OF

2020 Abby Mendoza

El Diamante High School

“Throughout my life I have always helped people. It makes me happy inside and out. I’ve been asked what would I want to do to contribute to the world? I comsidered being a nurse or doctor. I finally realized that I wanted to help people all over the world heal from diseases. I want to help people feel good about themselves. I want to help people who can’t afford to get surgeries. I don’t want money to be and obstacle that prevents

ULATIONS!

PROUD OF OU!

0 0

DUATES

people from living or dying. How much one has should not determine whether or not you get

CLASS OF

2020

proper health care. I want to change that.” Sabrina Eakes

Sabrina Eakes

El Diamante High School

“I would like to create united change by becoming a clinical psychologist. I want to help kids who are going through hard times to have someone to talk to. I want them to always feel like they have someone in their corner. I want kids to know that they can become anything they want to. They need to know that they can become a President of the United States, a company CEO, or who knows, perhaps a Super Hero! I want them to know that they can change the world too!” Megan Quevedo

CLASS OF

2020 Megan Quevedo

El Diamante High School

EOPS Black Heritage Event Spring 2020

COS “CREATING CHANGE

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS” The College of the Sequoias will begin its 94th year when classes commence in the fall. The College serves over 15,000 students across campuses in Visalia, Hanford, and Tulare. Each campus offers a full range of comprehensive general education and transfer courses and has its own Career and Technical Education programs. In Visalia, those programs include Nursing and Allied Health; in Tulare, its Agriculture, Welding, and Architecture; and in Hanford, the College offers several public safety career options. The College is guided by four broad goal areas as documented in its 2015-25 Master Plan. Those areas are Growth, Success, Equity, and Sustainability. Recent events have shown a spotlight on efforts taken by institutions to ensure all students receive the support they need in order to be successful. The following three programs are examples of the types of services offered to traditionally underserved populations.

Celebrating 50 Years of The Extended Opportunity Program (EOPS)

WWW.COS.EDU

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

to the ones that students are currently facing. They are true inspirations and role models to the students they serve. The EOPS program strives The Extended Opportunity Program and Services daily to promote a culture of student success and (EOPS) program recently celebrated its 50th is committed to continue to “open doors” for anniversary! Senate Bill 164 authored by California underrepresented students seeking an opportunity Senator Alfred E. Alquist was signed into law for higher education at College of the Sequoias! in 1969 establishing the existence of the EOPS program. The EOPS program at College of the Student Success Program Sequoias (COS) is one of the original programs in The Student Success Program was started as part the state. At COS, the EOPS program currently of the College’s state-required Equity Plan. The serves over 1,200 unduplicated students each program consists of several different Student academic year. Throughout its tenure, the EOPS Success Coordinators who each have a caseload program has been highly successful and has fostered of students from disproportionately-impacted and promoted a culture of student success. For populations. Some of the populations that are that reason, it has been deemed a “model program” outreached and served are ESL, Undocumented, throughout the state. Black/African-American, Veteran, Academic/ The mission of the EOPS program is to recruit and Progress Probation, Career Tech Ed., and Former successfully retain college students of educationally Foster Youth. Student Success Program participants and socioeconomically challenged backgrounds must meet with their designated coordinator and throughout Kings and Tulare counties. The primary counselor several times during each semester. purpose of the program is to prepare students to Students participating in the program record higher transfer to a four-year university, complete an course completion and GPA rates, more units associate degree or vocational certificate in order to taken, and lower withdrawal rates on a semester acquire the desirable career related skills necessary basis. The Student Success Program takes students to obtain employment. on 4-year college and university campus tours, The majority of EOPS students are first generation college students who are breaking the cycle in their families as they pursue higher education and the “American Dream.” They are trailblazers leading the way for future generations in their families to follow suit. Over the years, the EOPS program has fostered many successful students who have transferred and done great things. Another integral component of the EOPS success is the staff. EOPS staff are a true reflection of the student population we serve. The majority of them were first-generation college students who overcame similar obstacles

WWW.COS.EDU

holds scholarship and FAFSA workshops, DREAM student trainings, and professional development trainings for faculty and staff. The program serves over 2500 students per year. A2MEND The College of the Sequoias was one of the first five community colleges in the 114-institution California Community College system to sponsor a student chapter of the African American Male Education Network Development (A2MEND) organization. The program supports its Men of Color through a community-based mentor program, visits to 4-year universities and colleges, and attendance at statesponsored conferences. The A2MEND student chapter has partnered with feeder high schools and conducted a leadership institute for high school and college African American/Black students. The A2MEND students have also coordinated a “Brothers United” event in which a diverse group of students had authentic dialogue about domestic violence and sexual assault scenarios. Community sexual assault experts, a Tulare County prosecutor, and the school’s Chief of Police were present to share their perspectives. Students from the A2MEND

program have transferred and/or graduated from HBCUs, CSUs, UCs, and out-of-state institutions. At least five scholarships have been awarded to A2MEND students because of their involvement in the student charter. In addition to the three programs discussed, the College of the Sequoias has several other programs that intentionally target underrepresented or disproportionately impacted student groups (such as Puente, TRIO, MESA, Giant Dream Center), and strategically tailor services to ensure successful completion and transfer. Best practices, such as a case management approach and cross-program communication have provided a net for all students and are driven by an individual and need-specific student approach. The College of the Sequoias takes great pride in its support and advocacy of its students and the communities we serve! Go Giants!

A2Mend 2019

WWW.COS.EDU

SAY

THANK YOU TO

ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS WE CAN'T MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU Private and Public Healthcare Workers Hospitals Manufacturer Workers (Healthcare Law Enforcement, Public Safety Officers and First Responders Food and Agriculture Workers Energy, Natural Gas and Fuel Systems Workers Petroleum Workers Waste and Waterwaste Workers Transportation and Logistics Workers Public Works and Infrastructure Workers Communications and Information Technology Workers Community and Government Workers Critical Manufacturing Workers Hazardous Materials Workers Finanicial Service Workers Residential and Facilities Workers Every Worker who was called upon during this critical time in our country

Please let us know if you would like to add your organization to our Mental Health Directory. We are interested in including any organization that helps with Mental Wellness.

WWW.211TULARECOUNTY.ORG 25

BREATHE JOURNAL DOWNLOAD BREATHE MAGAZINE AND PRINT JOURNAL PAGE

BEGIN YOUR HEALI NG JO URNEY This journal page is for anyone who is wanting to start finding ways to heal from past traumatic experiences in your life. We believe that the best person to help you heal starts with your participation with the process. We also want you to know that you are not alone. This magazine was created to help give and find resources for people to heal, work together, share stories, and get access to organizations that are availble to help you with personal growth in a l o v i n g r e s p e c t f u l s e t t i n g . W e w a n t t o h el p y o u s u c c e e d i n e v e r y area of your life. "Make every moment count."

Trauma in our lives List One Trauma Experience that you remember in your life. Trauma Event:

How was life before the event?

How was life after the event?

How do you view the overall impact of the trauma in your life?

"It is in the darkest moments that we must focus to see the light" Aristotle

Take A Deep Breath. You're Okay. You're Alive!

Trauma in our lives It is important to remember your feeling in the process because it is part of your healing journey and right now you are safe because you are in your own presence. This will help you see your strengths, resiliency, and survival skills. Was there full consent Or coercion with you trauma event?

Was there an element of betrayal, loss of trust?

Was there violence, pain, restriction, force, or bodily harm?

Did it feel like abuse to you?

Did you feel afraid?

In what ways has this trauma affected your relationships?

Take A Deep Breath. You're Okay. You're Alive! Visit www.gsclubhouse.org for additional resources

HOPE

Written By: Noah Whitaker

The Change We Seek In This World Currently it seems like everywhere we turn we are assaulted with negativity. A pandemic, economic struggles, a frenetic stock market, protests, riots, unrest, bullying, all manner of disruptions. I imagine that, if asked about word association with 2020, one might respond with choices such as: turmoil, despair, disruption, fear, or hatred. We find ourselves amid tumultuous times that can make life challenging and unpredictable. We struggle. We feel alone. Feel frightened. We might struggle with thoughts of wanting everything to just… go away. Perhaps even thoughts of wanting to die. “The times they are a-changin’.” – Bob Dylan We also find ourselves surrounded by innovation and long-overdue progress. These are times rife with opportunities that can help us to grow and build a better future. One need look no further than the rapid adoption of videoconferencing technologies that are opening new frontiers for connection, support, and interaction. Word association with this outlook might yield terms like progress, momentum, hope, affirmation, empowerment, and love. We strive. We find solidarity. We are encouraged. We develop previously unknown strength. We grow and embrace a better world than we were born into. We are hope. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi One such positive advancement has been the elevation of the conversation of mental and emotional health. Stigma is decreasing while access to care and supportive services are increasing. The increase certainly isn’t enough to fill the current and growing need, but this is progress nonetheless, and we inch toward a healthier future. Our challenging times are also fostering new and exciting partnerships and approaches, such as The Visalia Wellness Center’s activity kits helping to promote good mental health; The Source LBGT+ Center’s Virtual Center providing online support, education, and interaction; Clubhouse Visalia’s online support efforts; and the widespread utilization of telehealth, including therapeutic services by numerous behavioral health care providers.

www.sptf.org

We’re also seeing energetic engagement and growth among those with lived experience. This movement is centered around improving representative voices in decision-making processes and oversight by including people who have or do live with a condition such as major depression, schizophrenia, a history of abuse, or other experiences that provide unique insight and knowledge. Those with lived experience help to improve our systems in sometimes simple but often significant ways, such as including door greeters welcoming lobby visitors, to peer navigators that help new folks learn about and engage in the system of care, to major system-level decisions, such as the programs and services that are offered and how. Of course, one may ask, “How does any of this relate to suicide and suicide prevention?” Let’s take a gander at the past to give us a great lens through which to view the present. The foundation of our modern understanding of suicide starts with French sociologist Émile Durkheim. His approach took suicide from being an individually driven phenomenon to instead view it as being the result of social factors. This could come

from daily life being far too controlled or too unpredictable and chaotic, both of which can lead to hopelessness and purposelessness. According to Durkheim, suicide could also be explained by the level at which a person is connected to groups, either too little (lacks support) or far too much (in which the survival or ideals of the group are greater than the person). A major modern leading theory is Dr. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Joiner’s understanding is centered around thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, combined with acquired capability, which all influence risk. People are social creatures and thrive best when supported by peers and others. If something causes a break or lack of engagement in these support structures, it can elevate risk. Persons who don’t see their value or contribution can feel like they are a burden upon others and they may believe those around them would be better off if they were dead; that is perceived burdensomeness. Humans are naturally born with an instinct to survive, but over our lifetimes we can have experiences, such as abuse or neglect, that cause trauma

www.sptf.org

or possibly normalize suicide, which is why the capability for suicide can be acquired. Suicide is driven by both individual characteristics and social factors. Suicide is likewise prevented through both individual and social factors. Suicide is prevented by spaces of belongingness that help increase opportunities to contribute, which reduces perceived burdensomeness. These are peer-run groups such as Clubhouse Visalia, the Visalia and Porterville Wellness Centers, The Source LGBT+ Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and A Combat Veterans Hope, service clubs such as the Lions Club, Rotary International, and the Elks, and faith-based organizations. These protective benefits can be enhanced through collaborative efforts that, again, increase belongingness and decrease perceived burdensomeness. The influence of negative experiences that increase acquired capability can be addressed. An individual’s quality of living can be greatly enhanced by behavioral health services, including talk therapy, psychotropic medications, building coping skills, and peer support. A person who has had traumatic experiences might benefit from therapeutic approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Prolonged Exposure Therapy. Difficulty with daily living and coping skills can be addressed via tool-based approaches such as Dialectical or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (DBT or CBT). Most of the organizations previously mentioned have helped increase awareness of and access to resources such as these. Our future can be chaotic and bleak, or it can be flourishing with opportunity and growth. We can stand in the face of these great storms and be resolutely dedicated toward building greater supports, understanding, collective action, and hope.

“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” – Maya Angelou Noah J. Whitaker is the Community Outreach Manager for the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency and serves as the Director of the Tulare County Suicide Prevention Task Force. He can be reached at sptf@tularehhsa.org or (559) 624-7471. Please visit www.sptf.org or join us on social media at www.facebook.com/hope.sptf. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.

www.sptf.org

Noah J. Whitaker is the Community Outreach Manager for TCHHSA and enjoys cooking for his family of seven who recently tried Octopus.

NAMI Tulare County is an affiliate of NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing essential education and support groups for people living with mental illness and their loved ones. We advocate for access to mental health services, treatment, support, and research. We are committed to addressing the mental health needs of our community, replacing stigma with understanding, and building a community of hope for all of those in need. NAMI Tulare County offers free, confidential, peer-led support groups for those affected by mental illness. Our Family Support Group is available in Visalia and Porterville and is for those who have loved ones with a mental illness. Our Connection Support Group is a recovery support group for adults with a mental illness and is available in Visalia. We want those in our community who are affected by mental illness to know they are not alone. NAMI Tulare County raises awareness and offers essential, free educational classes that are endorsed by the national organization. Mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults. Half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Early intervention programs can help people with mental illness lead productive, dignified lives. We educate each other so that we can make better choices for ourselves, for those we care for, and for future generations. We come together to celebrate mental illness recovery, to honor those who have lost their lives to mental illness, and to combat stigma, promote awareness, and advocate for better services. Even though we share overwhelming problems in common, we also share a common strength, a common understanding, and a common wisdom that forms a community of hope. PLEASE NOTE: NAMI Tulare County takes the safety and health of our members and the community very seriously. Due to the circumstances of COVID-19, our support groups and education programs have been cancelled until further notice. Please visit our website for up-to-date information about our services and for resources during COVID-19: https://namitularecounty.org

www.namitularecounty.org 32

TURN IT UP a dv e n t u r e a m p l i f i e d

Explore all of the activities on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. CARIBBEAN • SOUTH PACIFIC • EUROPE • MEXICO • AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND ALASKA • CUBA • ASIA • AND MORE

Specializing in family, couples, maternity and graduate sessions.

“I want to freeze your memories and create art /Y 0Y 0 / Y Y / / 0 F

Shannon Jones

Franchise Owner and Travel Advisor

414-600-9178

www. u l t i m a te a dve n t u re s .co m s . j o n e s @ c r u i s e p l a n n e r s .co m FLST# 39068 • CST# 2034468-50 • HST# TAR-7058 • WAST# 603-399-504

salmarrophotography@gmail.com | 559-667-8772

C.S Lewis said, “ You can’t go back and change the begininning , but you can start where you are and change the ending.” There has been so many wrongs made in our nation’s history... in the history of our state, county, and our city. I cannot change the past. I cannot right wrongs; but in this moment of time; I can use my voice and actions that I hope are a step forward for change. All I have is the realm of influence God has given me. As I love others. and by love I mean tangibly demonstrate that they are seen, heard and loved, and continue teaching my children to love intentionally. My prayer is that we can influence change in our community. Carrie Konig

“We believe that when everyone feels safe and included, the whole community thrives.”

The Source

CREATING UNITED CHANGE Written By: Brian Poth

The Source LGBT+ Center began as a community-driven effort to provide spaces in our communities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and their allies. Tulare County hasn’t always been a safe place for those who are different. That is changing. In 4 years we have been able to shift the narrative for queer folks to create a more inclusive, welcoming community that is safer for all people. But it didn’t happen alone. When we opened, we didn’t know how or if we would be welcomed. Many of our LGBT elders were cautious about having a physical space on Main Street. Co-founders Brian Poth and Nick Vargas had both been living in large cities like SF and LA for so long, they had no idea the bravery it took to be “gay and stay” in your own small, rural, conservative community.

Pride Visalia

transgender support and social groups. We also have youth programs, recovery groups, training for medical providers, school districts; and we partner with healthcare providers to become more competent in treating LGBT+ individuals.

We host a yearly Pride in downtown Visalia that has become a staple in our community The Source owes its existence to the LGBT to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the folks that paved the way in this area to create Central Valley. We are the only organization a community that was ready to accept us. providing these services, programs, and events in Tulare/Kings Counties. We now provide free one on one mental health, HIV medication, supportive housing, 36

“How many years has it taken people to realize that we are all brothers and sisters and human beings in the human race?” -

Marsha P. Johnson

Now more than ever we are ready to lift up the voices of the most marginalized in our community. We unite with them and stand with them to ensure change continues to happen. We stand with other communities Tulare Kings Hispannic Chamber of Commerce of color to challenge oppression, homo/bi/ Nonprofit of the Year 2018 transphobia, racism, and sexism. We know that we are not alone. Gwen Schrank for her vision and leadership in our community. It’s time to listen, learn, Our youth have taken the lead on so and lead with empathy. The Source LGBT+ many levels. They see a better community. Center, our staff, and board are proud to join Something we can only imagine. They know our community in the promise of a better that they can make a difference. We are tomorrow. following their lead. The Source is proud to be part of a community that is doing the right thing. We are challenging old ideas and old systems that no longer serve us. This “United Change” is a communitydriven effort that is just beginning. We are grateful to Clubhouse Visalia and its CEO

United Change happens together.

Brian Poth is Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Source LGBT + Center. He can be reached at Brian@thesourcelgbt.org

For more information about The Source’s programs and services visit thesourcelgbt.org 37

Black Lives Matter

What Does BLM stand for? Black Lives Matter What is its mission and goal? BLM mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to interven in violence infliced on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. BLM intentionally builds and nurtures a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative not depleting. How is BLM guided? BLM is guided by the fact that all Black lives matter, regardless of actual or perceived sexual identitiy, gender identity, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs, or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location. Is BLM part of Antifa? NO... BLM has nothing to do with Antifa Do BLM support looting and destroying properties? No... BLM is a peaceful organization to stop the systemic racism that occurs within the lives of Black people all over the country. Looters are criminals who try to take the focus off of the real problems of racial injustices and inequality that happen daily in our country. How Can you Help? Treat others the way you would want to be treated and stand up for equal justice, economic equality, and speak against racist behaviors and ideals. If you would like more information about Black Lives Matter please visit the website. www.blacklivesmatter.com Please see next page for statistics of racial injustice and inequality disparities among African American Communities in the United States of America.

Statistics on Racial Injustice and Inequality

CUTE BABIES

SHOUT UNITED CHANGE

KIDS

OUTS Friends

Family

COMMUNITY 41