The Collaborative Bulletin is created by Jasmine P. Corena & Likhi Rivas | |
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May is Mental Health Month, a time when we must prioritize our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In the face of many challenges, it's crucial that we support our loved ones not just during this month, but every day of the year. It's important to note that loneliness has been declared a Public Health crisis by the CDC, so let us not forget those who may be struggling and lack a support system. Our mental health is just as essential as our physical health, and we must make it a priority.
While we celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, let us also remember the significance of the event. It's essential to celebrate safely with our families and loved ones and enjoy the festivities while keeping in mind the importance of mental health.
Perfecto Munoz, Chief Executive Officer.
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The Art of Drama and Speech to Leadership Youth Program
In partnership with The Gallo Center for the Arts and Modesto City Schools, West Modesto Community Collaborative's youth program is now in session! Our after-school program is a unique blend of leadership development and theater training, designed to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to excel both on and off the stage. Instructed by Modesto native, Maribel Torres, students will have the opportunity to amplify their creativity and leadership skills through theater lessons, role-playing activities, and field trips.
The spring session will be a six-week course from April 17th to May 24th at the King Kennedy Memorial Center. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open enrollment will continue through the spring session, so join us to receive a glimpse of the program! Register today by clicking below:
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Homebuyers Seminar
This month the first-time Homebuyer Seminar took place at the King Kennedy Memorial Center by Fast Real Estate brokered by eXp Realty. The goal of this seminar was to educate the community on the home-buying process. eXp Realty was joined by Team Alvarado from Fairway to discuss the financing process where they went over FHA loans, VA loans, conventional loans, and assistance programs. eXp Realty hopes to hold more informational sessions on buying a home for the first time, so keep your eyes open for future dates!
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Community Builders Meeting
“Abre tu mente, open your mind,” a quote spoken by one of Modesto’s community members at this past Community Builders Meeting. Community members continued to speak about Stanislaus 2030 Economic Plan and the barriers that prevent average Stanislaus citizens from adding their voices to the conversation.
As June approaches, community members hope to meet up with Ana Padilla from UC Merced, Dr. Manuel Pastor and the creator of The People’s Plan to create their own plan for Stanislaus county. The objective of these meetings are to continuously have community members be part of conversations on political, economic, and social issues. If you’d like to participate, you can visit the King Kennedy Memorial Center every third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.
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Equity on the Mall
On April 26th, 2023, West Modesto traveled to the state capital to take part in Equity on the Mall, an event organized by The San Joaquin Valley Health Fund and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. This gathering brought together community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and elected officials to discuss issues that are important to the residents of the Valley.
During this event, we actively advocated for equity in various areas, including education, housing, environmental issues, healthcare, and workers rights in the valley. Our message was clear- we stand for fairness and equality for all in the Valley! As a community, we proudly assert that the Valley is rising, and we will continue to fight for the rights of our people.
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WMCC Program Spotlight:
Zephyr Clarke Wellness Center
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The Zephyr Clarke Wellness Center is located within the residential area and provides support groups and counseling services to individuals, families, young adults up to 25 years of age. The program assists individuals with mild to moderate mental health symptoms or diagnoses. The team is guided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker clinician, social worker, and masters of social work student interns.
Eligibility
- Stanislaus county resident
- Have children under the age of 18
- Low income, uninsured, underinsured
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Mild to moderate mental health symptoms
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Meet the Team:
The team members speak a few words on their experience in working at the West Modesto Community Collaborative Wellness Center.
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Andrea Prado, LCSW
"I have been part of the WMCC team for six years. It has been rewarding to see how the organization has evolved and continues to support the community it serves. WMCC strives and is committed to empowering the community, by having consistent community involvement, learning opportunities, collaboration, and engagement. WMCC is accessible and embraces human connection, safety, and inclusion. I appreciate the staff and the support I receive. Management truly cares about their team’s wellbeing; they take the time to actively listen, support working moms, and they take steps to improve the team's working environment."
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Adrianna Gonzales
"Interning at WMCC has truly been an amazing and heartwarming experience. I have been able to grow so much as a person and professionally, while working and meeting with people and resources from the community. It has been such a great opportunity to be able to work alongside the WMCC staff and volunteers to help provide services and resources to our community."
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We would also like to recognize Karina Chavez Barragan who is an intern from CSU Stanislaus and Leslie Benitez who is a social worker at the Zephyr Clarke Wellness Center.
(Not featured in section).
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During these past few months, our team at the wellness center has begun The Art of Self-Care workshop. Self-care is essential for one’s overall well-being. The 5-week workshop focused on providing knowledge and skills to help one develop a self-care plan. Participants learned about different self-care activities and how they can help one cope with negative emotions such as stress and improve one's mental, emotional, and physical health. Some of the activities included arts/painting, mindfulness strategies, and physical movement. The facilitators collaborated with a local yoga instructor to have one yoga session facilitated for participants. Below are some painting that the participants created along with quotes of why they chose this place as their happy place: | |
"The beach because since I was a child, my parents would take me and we always enjoyed that quality time together. Now, God has granted me the opportunity to take my daughters every year and we enjoy it the same way. The smell of the ocean, the birds, and feeling the sand between my toes." | |
"Nature, the ground, grass, the sky, the air, the rivers, the sounds of the wind, and the singing of the birds." | |
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Community Organization Spotlight:
El Concilio- Youth Behavioral Health Outreach Program
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The Youth Behavioral Health Outreach Program at El Concilio CA focuses on destigmatizing mental health within youth aged 12-25 in Stanislaus County. Our goal is to connect individuals with appropriate services and bring awareness to mental health in the communities we serve. We love joining the communities when they make events or even parent education nights to show parents and family members what’s going on with our youth. We have started an art group that allows youth to have a safe space to express themselves artistically while actively practicing coping skills. We find new ways to get individuals involved in caring about themselves, because after all, everyone has mental health.
Connect with us and let's start talking about your mental health. You can reach us at (209)338-5715
Link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElConcilioCA
Link to website: https://www.elconcilio.org/
Link to IG: https://www.instagram.com/elconcilioca/
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Community News
Have something to share? For inquiries please email our Communications Coordinator: Jasmine P. Corena
jcorena@westmodestocollaborative.com
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Breaking the Stigma: West Modesto Community Collaborative staff opens up about their mental health journey, reminding us that seeking help is crucial in achieving overall wellness. Let's come together this Mental Health Awareness Month to support and uplift each other!
Click on the picture to read 7 different staff members' experiences with Mental Health!
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Helen White Trail Walkathon
Join us Friday, May 12th & 26th for a walk for Mental Health Awareness. Community members are invited to participate as we join together on the Helen White Memorial Trail!
Walks begin at 9:00 am on the 12th & 26th! They are each a 1hr and a half. Fruit and water will be provided at the end of each walk.
On May 15th there will be a presentation in Spanish on Mental health awareness and on May 30th there will be an English presentation. Both will take place at 9 am.
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Stay Up-To-Date with West Modesto | | |
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Vibin' with West Modesto
West Modesto Community Collaborative and The Community Builders Project present Vibin' with West Modesto! The groovin' podcast is here to Empower, Elevate and Educate the community on the different resources offered, upcoming events, and what West Modesto Community Collaborative is doing in your community!
In the latest episode, Jasmine and Karlha sit down with two out of the 3 founders of Debrief, Nancy, and Jose. We spent time getting to know them as individuals and what they did before they got into the work they do today! Sit down and tune in to learn more about how Debreif came about and the impact it is creating in our community!
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