EASTER CHEER IN VISALIA
San Joaquin Valley Veterans in Visalia brought joy to local Veterans and their families with a heartfelt Easter gathering. This event took place the week before Easter; as families arrived, children were greeted with colorful baskets filled with treats and surprises, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. In total, about 30 families attended, and every child received an Easter basket. The event was a meaningful way to show appreciation and build community, ensuring no child left without a smile. Way to go SJVV!
Welcome to the latest edition of The Loop. As we transition into the vibrant months of spring, we find ourselves reflecting on our guiding principle: Uplifting the Human Spirit. Throughout this issue, you will see exactly what that looks like in action, from the festive Easter baskets handed out to veteran families in Visalia to the life-changing housing and health milestones achieved by our Cal AIM clients.
Upcoming Key Dates
May 20: The Living Room Lunch Fundraiser
May 25: Memorial Day – Offices Closed
June 1: National Men’s Health Month – Wear Blue!
June 3: Graduation at Fresno City College (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
June 19: Juneteenth – Offices Closed
Jenny Gonzalez Senior Vice President WestCare California
WESTCARE WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
Staff from WestCare California recently participated in the Central District Women’s Empowerment event hosted by the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Community ReentryUnitonMarch26attheFresnoParoleComplex.
Coordinated by Parole Agent II Specialist Melissa Cutshall, the event brought together approximately 100 attendees, including community partners, to create a space focused on support,growth,andopportunityforwomeninreentry.
WestCare California STOP leaders connected directly with participants, highlighting STOP servicesandsharingstoriesofresilienceandtransformation.Theirpresencehelpedreinforcea messageofhopeandemphasizedtheresourcesavailabletowomenseekingpositivechange.
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
STAFF HIGHLIGHT: CRAIG GRANT
Craig Grant, Community Service Representative for STOP Area 3, received the Core Award of EncouragementinJanuary2026 AccordingtoSTOPProgramDirector,JennyMagdaleno,this recognition reflects the positive impact he has around the office, in the community, and the consistentencouragementheprovidestotheteam
“Thank you for everything you do and for embodying our core values Congratulations again on thiswelldeservedaward,”saidJennyMagdaleno.
OurWingsAdvocacyprograminFresnowerethebeneficiaryofastudentledpillowdriveand receivedof90pillowsinaday.StudentsfromFresnoStateUniversityorganized,promoted,and ran a pillow drive on April 10 with a goal of collecting 50 new pillows-- safe to say they exceededtheirgoal,makingabiggerimpactonindividualsacceptingWingsservices. th
Although Wings collects used furnature and home goods, cannotbereusedduetosanitaryissues.Wewantour justonewayWingsbringhope&dignitytoindividuals
WESTCARE VINTAGE DAYS
WestCare California proudly participated in California State University, Fresno’s annual Vintage Days event by managing aninformationalbooththroughoutthethree-daycelebration.The eventprovidedanopportunityforstafftoengagewithstudents, families, and community members while sharing valuable informationaboutthewiderangeofservicesoffered.
EachdayfeaturedatleasttwodifferentWestCaredepartments, highlighting the organization’s diverse programs. On Friday, April 17, representatives from The Living Room, HOPWA, OEND,PrEP,andBEATopenedonahighnote.Saturday,April 18, included staff from CalAIM Services, Admissions, and Outpatient programs.TheeventwrappeduponSunday,April 19, with participation from the San Joaquin Valley Veterans andHousingServicesteams.
By rotating departments throughout the weekend, WestCare ensuredabroadrepresentationofitsprogramsandexpertise.
N. Highlands
Fresno
Welcome to the team!
A special welcome goes out to all our new staff members joining us across the state, from Chico to San Diego. You are valuable! Your passion and commitment will make a huge impact in our communities and in turn make our WestCare team stronger. We are thrilled to have all of you on board as we continue to serve, empower, and Uplift the Human Spirit
Fresno
Kurt Harris
Hailey Juarez
Joselyn Leon
Juan Marquez
Terrance Nelson
Fresno
Christopher Flores
Ricky Hagan
Carson Thomas
Jeremy Wilson
Aundresha People
Brianna Salwasser
Allyson Vallijo
San Diego
Carlos Jimenez
A PROGRAM ON THE MOVE: THE LIVING ROOM FRESNO ADDS PROGRAM, STAFF DEVELOPMENT,
& HOSTS FUNDRASIERS
Merced
Hanford
Bakersfield
Samira Ataee
Christina Smith
Gabriel Orozco
Souk Her
Stockton
Naomi Atkins
Desiree McGee
Sean Smith
Gianna Benedettii
SUBMITTED BY A READER: JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
“ECM [Enhanced Care Management] noticed me and found me. They offered me assistance at every level of care needed, not only to heal but to thrive moving forward. I will forever include ECM in my success story.” - Client of ECM (Cal AIM Services)
If you’d like to submit your own story, email jessica.maxey@westcare.com. For client testimonials, please share this link:
UPCOMING:
MAY 25
Memorial Day- Offices Closed
JUNE 1 National Men’s Health Month
Wear blue on June1st, snap a team or individual photo, and share with jessica.maxey@westcare.com by June 4th to be featured on our Instagram.
DEON DUFFEY
LORENZO GILLIAM
CRAIG GRANT
ANN INTERIANO
HERBERT CRUZ
NICOLE DE LA O
ROBERT DONALDSON
ANDREA GONZALEZ
Continue the journey online!
JUNE 3
Graduation at Fresno City College Auditorium 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Clients who have completed a program in 2025, will recieve a certificate of achivement. All are welcome to attend.
JUNE 19 Juneteenth- Offices Closed
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our January CORE Award recipients for the category of Encouragement:
CHEYENNE IZZO
JOHNATHON LEE
ANTONIO LUJAN
CHRISTINA MADRID
TRAVIS MOSES
JANICE PAYTON
STEPHANIE PEREZ
JAMIE PIMENTEL
DARNODO SMITH
CIANA TORRES
ASHLEY VELA
ERLINDA VARGAS
CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our February CORE Award recipients for the category of Dedication:
CHEYENNE IZZO
PAULA JIMENEZ
ANA LOPEZ
GAIL MARTIN DEL CAMPO
Follow WestCare California on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WeAreWestCare
ROBERT MOTLEY
COURTNEY NAEGLE
VICTOR ROJAS
DAISY RODRIGUEZ
YEE THAO
ERLINDA VARGAS
MAYLY YANG
ERIC YATES