The Loop - California (May & June 2026)

PROUDLY REPRESENTED AT LOCAL PRIDE EVENT

The Living Room, a project of WestCare California, proudly represented our organization during Fresno’s annual Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 6 . Staff designed a colorful float that th displayed the iconic couch with colorful pillows, making a live version of The Living Room logo. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate diversity, connect with the community, and share information about the services available through their program. We were honored to take part in an event that promotes acceptance, and belonging for all.

Welcome to WestCare California!

Aswecloseoutthesecondquarteroftheyear,IamproudtoreflectontheremarkableworktakingplaceacrossWestCareCalifornia. Everyday,ourteamsthroughoutthestatedemonstratetheircommitmenttoourmissionbyservingindividuals,strengtheningfamilies, andbuildinghealthiercommunitiesthroughcompassion,innovation,andexcellence.

Thiseditioncelebratesthepeopleandpartnershipsthatmakeourworkpossible.Wearehonoredtohavebeenrecognizedasthe2026 BestNonprofitofCentralCalifornia,adistinctionthatreflectsthededicationofourstaff,thetrustofourcommunitypartners,andthe resilienceofthoseweserve.Wealsoshineaspotlightononeofourlongtimedonorswhosesteadfastgenerositycontinuestoexpand opportunitiesforthoseinneed.

Inside,you'llreadaboutthesuccessofourFiestafundraiserbenefiting WingsAdvocacyFresno,aninspiringcommunitycarshow planned and hosted by our alumni group, and our annual client graduation ceremony, where we celebrated individuals reaching importantmilestonesintheirrecoveryandpersonaljourneys.Wearealsoproudtofeatureoneofourteammembersonthe Kings Partnershippodcast,wheretheysharedtheirexpertiseandpassionforservingourcommunities.

ThisissuealsorecognizestheoutstandingpeoplewhomakeWestCareCaliforniastrongereveryday.Wearepleasedtoannounce severalwell-deservedstaffpromotions,highlightoneofourexceptionalteammembersinthisedition'sStaffSpotlight,andcelebrate opportunitiesforcommunityengagementacrossourprograms.FromparticipatingintheFresnoPrideParadetoourBakersfieldteam's CincodeMayocelebration forKernCountyclients,thesemomentsreflectourcommitmenttofosteringconnection,belonging,and community.

These accomplishments are more than individual events. They reflect the collective WestCare California. They are made possiblebyemployeeswholeadwithpurpose,volunteerswhogivegenerously, donorswhobelieveinourmission,andcommunitypartnerswhostandbeside usincreatinglastingchange.

Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupportandforbeinganessentialpartofthe WestCareCaliforniacommunity.Together,weremaincommittedtotransforming lives,empoweringindividuals,andcreatingpathwaystohopeacrossCalifornia.

westcarecalifornia.org

WESTCARE VOTED BEST NON-PROFIT

We have officially been named the Best Nonprofit in the Central Valley for the third consecutive year! This prestigious recognition is a direct reflection of our shared vision and i i h ii serve GoingfromaSilverfinalisttoachieving ent to our growth, our resilience, and the doesn'tbelongonashelf;itbelongstoevery r Yourdedication,passion,andtirelesshard profitWin.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: EVC HOMES

Whenwesayittakesavillage,we’retalkingaboutpartnerslikeEVCHomes Wewerehonoredto present EVC Homes with a plaque of appreciation at our 2025 Spirit Gala for their role as our Uplifting the Human Spirit Presenting Sponsor. Beyond their incredibly generous $10,000 contribution,theteamatEVCHomeswentabove&beyondbyrallyingotherstojointhecause Becauseoftheirleadershipandadvocacy: $15,350totalwasraisedforouradvocacyprograms 129completebedsetswereprovidedtoneighborsinneed. 64familiesinourcommunityarenolongersleepingonthefloor

Thank you, EVC Homes, for being the “wings” that allow our clients to soar. We are so proud to walkalongsideyouinthismission

FIESTA RASIED $3000 FOR WINGS

More than 60 guests attended our third annual Fiesta on Gateway on Friday, May 1, 2026. Each with a common goal, to raise money for our Wings Advocacy program, furnishing as many homes as possible. Fiesta on Gateway was a Hispanicthemed dinner with live music, craft drinks from Crow & Wolf, dancing, and raffle prizes. Guests had time to mingle and learn more about Wings through our engaging showroom. At the end of the night, raffle winners walked away with items like a premium coffee grinder, a DIY spa kit, quality wine, and more! Wings walked away with $3,000 to help provide necessities, like mattresses, pillows, and bedding, for families transitioning out of homelessness.

KINGS PARTNERSHIP

“My committee and I worked very hard to give people a fun and engaging night with WestCare but at the end of the day, the most important thing is to spread the mission of wings and try and gain community support for our clients,” said Brittany Sosa, Community Relations Manager.

PODCAST EPISODE FEATURES

YOUTH & FAMILY TREE PROGRAM

Our very own Barbara Holland, Program Coordinator for Youth in Family Tree, was featured in the Kings Partnership Podcast last month. Barbara sat down with podcast host Iranda Ramirez to talk about the impact Youth & Family Tree is having in the Hanford community The episode is called Helping Youth Thrive: A Community Conversation and you can find the link below.

ALUMNI GIVE BACK

Recovery alumni organized and hosted a community car show forcurrentclientsattheBelmontHealth&WellnessCenter Plannedandledentirelybythealumnigroup,theeventbrought together current clients and alumni for a day of connection, encouragement, and community. Lunch and snacks were provided for attendees, creating a welcoming space to enjoy theuniquevehiclesandspendtimetogether

Home to WestCare's Admissions, STOP, Outpatient, and Intensive Outpatient programs, the Belmont Health & WellnessCenterservedastheperfectsettingforaneventthat celebrated recovery and reminded current clients that lasting recoveryispossible.

As the event returned for a second year, the Alumni Car Show continues to grow into a cherished WestCare tradition. We are sogratefulforthelastingimpactourstaffmakeseveryday

A SPECIAL CINCO DE MAYO LUNCH IN BAKERSFIELD

Program Director Deon Duffey along with Program Coordinator Sammy Alonzo brought their cookout talents together to give the residents at both Bakersfield facilities carne asada and pollo asada tacos with all the fixings for Cinco De Mayo. Bakersfield locations include a Men’s Residential Unit, a Men’s Recovery Residence program, an Adult Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient program, and a STOP program. Events like these help foster a sense of connection, belonging, and support that is essential to the recovery journey.

#2026WESTCAREGRADUATION

Graduation isn't just a one-night event It is the celebration of resilience and a lifelong journey of staying sober For WestCare California clients in recovery, graduation also represents the end of their timewithus--Theyhavecompletedtheirprograms

Manyindividualsenterourprogramswithenoughhope to take the first step but little vision of what their future couldbecome In2025,men,women,andteens

transformed their lives through WestCare's recovery programs. While many completed treatment, 17 graduates chose to walk across the stage, celebrating this milestone alongside family, friends, and the staff who supported them every step of the way. Onegraduatecapturedtheemotionoftheeveningwhileacceptinghisdiploma,saying,"To mysiblingsintheaudience,Ijustwantyoutoknowthatyougotyourbrotherback"

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments and tears as graduates reflected on their recovery journeys. Many shared that they would not be where they are today without the unwaveringsupportofWestCarestaff

We are incredibly proud of that fact and proud of every graduate who completed their WestCareprogram

If you’d like to join next year’s graduation event committee, email Michelle Stone (michelle.stone@westcare.com) and Marina Herrera (marina.herrera@westcare.com).