The Collaborative Bulletin is created by Jasmine P. Corena & Likhi Rivas

Message from the CEO

West Modesto Community Collaborative is heading to new and exciting programming and events for September. September – October is Hispanic Heritage Month. (September 15^th thru October 15^th) Saturday, September 16^th, Mexico’s Independence Day, WMCC has organized a Family Health and Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We expect large numbers of community attendees, services to be provided are health screens, vaccines, school backpacks, and various resources from different agencies that will be in attendance. We will also have music, raffles, and much more.



El Concilio will also recognize the agency at their September 29^th Award Dinner as the 2023 La Raza Award given to an agency serving the Modesto and Stanislaus County community. This recognition goes to the great work done by the WMCC Staff, who are committed to improving the environment for economic development and community resiliency for better well-being. “At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought, but what we build; not what we got but what we shared; not competence but our character; and not success but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of compassion.” - Anonymous

Perfecto Munoz

Chief Executive Officer

August Monthly Recap

Migrant Center Visits with The Valley Thrive Awareness Initiative:

The Valley Thrive Awareness Initiative had a busy month as they visited three migrant centers located in Stanislaus County! The team went door-to-door visiting every unit to provide more information on extreme heat and heat-illness. Due to a majority of these families working at nearby farms or warehouse facilities, we wanted to give them proper resources to combat hotter days whether it be at their workplace or at home. Some of the resources we were able to provide were bandanas, sunscreen, electrolytes, and towels. We thank every person that opened their door and welcomed our team into their home with positive energy. We cannot thank you enough for all the hard work that allows families throughout California to have food on their tables. 

Fun fact: Using fewer than 1% of U.S. farmland, the Central Valley supplies 8% of U.S. agricultural output (by value) and produces 1/4 of the Nation's food, including 40% of the Nation's fruits, nuts, and other table foods.  [Source]

Kids Being Water-Wise at WMCC:

The goal of the Valley Thrive Awareness Initiative is to provide the community with resources and education on major environmental issues in the central valley such as extreme heat and water conservation. The team had the opportunity to hold a workshop with the Lightning Bugs, a program for children ages 1 to 5 years old. In the workshop we held a discussion on water conservation, how parents and children are saving water throughout the house, and what are new methods they can implement in their day-to-day life. Each child was able to take home a goodie bag which included a timer, toothbrush, and laminated card that showed ways to save water in the bathroom. If you are interested in learning ways to save our water, you can visit the website below.

Community Builders:

As always, we encourage community members and stakeholders to attend the community builders' meetings! In our past meeting, WMCC's economic analyst presented a draft of the survey designed for The People's Plan that will be going out to the community soon. The input of the community continues to be highly requested as we want the survey to reflect demographics and factors that impact day to day life for Modesto citizens. We ask to participate in our following community builders meeting as it will be another opportunity to make your voice heard in this survey. The Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority joined this meeting to discuss the homes that are currently being built on Vine Street, city and county responsibilities, and the process of housing projects such as this.

Check out what the WMCC Team did this month:

WMCC Program Spotlight:

Senior Luncheon

Join the party at West Modesto Community Collaborative's Senior Luncheon program! Age is just a number because everyone is welcome, and eligibility is as easy as registering on your first visit. On the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 601 S. M.L.K. Dr. in Modesto, CA 95351, we serve up delicious homemade meals and a side of socializing. So, come hungry, bring your appetite for fun, and let's make every lunch a memorable experience together!

To learn more about our Senior luncheon program, visit our website today at www.westmodestocollaborative.com.

Employee Spotlight:

Blanca Marin-Candelario is a West Modesto Resident. She grew up going to the local schools in the neighborhood. She is married to Tomas Candelario and has seven children. Blanca graduated from Modesto Junior College in the Child Development field. She hopes to one day pursue her dream of opening a quality Childcare Center.

Blanca began her WMCC role as an Outreach Worker. She did door-to-door canvassing and organized community picnics with the purpose of getting the community resources that WMCC offered. When Lightning Bugs was funded, Blanca was offered the project coordinator position due to her child development experience. Because of WMCC's rapid growth, Blanca was offered an administrative position in her current role as Executive Assistant.

In her current role, Blanca works on administrative duties with the purpose of supporting the Executive Team. She assists the executive team and all other project coordinators in multiple projects. She attends meetings and conferences to bring back valuable information. In October 2022, she attended the North Carolina Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Conference, participating in workshops, trainings, and leader-led activities. Blanca also supervises two administrative support staff that work to gain skills to move on to other future career opportunities. 

Blanca is an active juror in the 2023-2024 Stanislaus Civil Grand Jury. Along with her peers, they are considered the Civil Watchdogs for the county, she will work hard to fulfill her duties during the year-long term. She also highly encourages community members to apply for the Civil Grand Jury position in March 2024. Blanca hopes to keep supporting the community in which she grew up. She believes in advocating for equitable access to opportunities for all community members. She is always happy to support after-hour events, knowing that some community members can only make those later times. Blanca will continue growing in her role with her community's interest at heart.

Upcoming Events

Community News

Have something to share? For inquiries please email our Communications Director: Jasmine P. Corena

jcorena@westmodestocollaborative.com



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Do you have an interest in getting involved within your community? In this episode, we sat down with Ron Deloch an advocate for the West Modesto community! Ron gives us more insight into the West Modesto People's Action Council's purpose, how it came about, and his continuous love for the community.

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