From the desk of Executive Director Yolanda Randles

February 2023 Edition

February is a time for reflection as we commemorate Black History Month, and also a time to think about matters of the heart as we celebrate Valentine Day. As executive director of the West Fresno Family Resource Center, I’d like to add another word to this month to reflect upon – health. Undeniably, the work of this agency is rooted in a rich history, in addition to the love community and the aim of better health outcomes for the citizens of West Fresno.

More than 21 years ago this agency was founded by two doctors and a community advocate - Dr. Noel Smith, Dr. Edward Mosley and Miss Mary Ella Brown. Then it was called West Fresno Health Care Coalition whose aim was to reduce health disparities on Fresno’s west side. “Reducing disparities” are buzz words we hear all the time now, but 21 years ago, it was Dr. Smith, Dr. Mosley and Mrs. Brown who served as pioneers for reducing health care inequalities. They were relentless in their endeavors to make everyone aware of the gaps in the health field.

They started this agency which has grown so much over the years – the growth is due much in part to a dedicated staff who love this community and has the same goal as the founders – optimum health. Last year, nearly 20,000 community members graced us with their presence, showing up for vaccines, health care information, programs and services. All this work also could not be done without the support of our many funders, partners and volunteers. We all see the need for improved health outcomes. The resource center is steadily growing, adding new programs to meet the needs of the community. That’s because here at the West Fresno Family Resource Center, our founders’ goal of reducing health disparities is something we embark upon every day.

“HEAR US”

The family resource center host listening sessions to better serve individuals in recovery

The West Fresno Family Resource Center is participating in a new project that is designed to uncover better ways to treat individuals who are experiencing severe mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and substance use disorder.

“HEAR US,’’ is the calling cry the new program that includes focus groups and listening sessions of individuals who discuss how recovery works for them. The project is sponsored by the California Department of Health Care Services Health Care Services and managed by the Sierra Health Foundation with support from the resource center.

“The goal is to bridge the gap in services provided based on feedback from the participants,'’ said Janice Mathurin-Boyd, Director of Operations at the family resource center. “From the listening sessions, we will develop programs.’’

The family resource center works with community partners such as Westcare Inpatient Treatment, Westcare Sober Living and BAART Methadone Clinic. In addition to providing safe places for their clients to be heard, the center also provides services to males and females who come from underserved communities, lower social economic environments, people of color, and who are a part of marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+. Further, the center trains trainers/peer ambassadors to co-lead and facilitate listening sessions, focus groups, facilitated drum circles, while gathering community input to help inform standards for accessing equitable health behavioral recovery services. This program is for an 8-month period from November 2022 until June 2023.

Based on responses from a recent focus group, which included a drumming session, individuals are enjoying the new project. Here is what individuals who participated in the drumming session had to say:

"This was a good experience and a good stress reliever I am glad that I got the opportunity to participate."

"I am so grateful for the experience and the gift card."

"Drumming will now be my new therapy."

A listening session will be held at the Maxie L. Parks Community Center,

1 p.m.- 2 p.m. on April 3, 2023.

Sweet Potato Project 2 highlighted

during Student Leadership Conference

Staff of the Sweet Potato Project 2 staff attended the 2023 African American Student Leadership Conference College and Career Fair held at the Fresno Convention Center in February.

More than 1,000 youth heard about the sweet potato program, which is a prevention program that aims to prevent and/or reduce school drop-out, gang involvement, and substance use initiation for African American youth by decreasing internalized oppression, hopelessness, and low collective efficacy, while increasing engagement in collective economic activity, college intentions, mentoring, and leadership development.

For more information on the Sweet Potato Project 2, please contact Patrick Hamilton at (559) 621-2967

The family resource staff attends the 2023 Networking California for Sickle Cell Care Annual Meeting

WFFRC's Adult Sickle Cell Program staff attended the first Annual Clinical Meeting and Reception hosted by the Networking California For Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC) and the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation. The meeting took place in Sacramento in early February.

Staff had the pleasure to gather with clinicians, program staff, and community health workers who participate in the NCSCC initiative throughout California. The meeting discussed the project's impact on the sickle cell disease (SCD) community, and future goals and expectations for the initiative.

NCSCC staff were inspired and eager to continue to work with SCD community and aspire to help as many warriors as possible.

For more information on the NCSCC initiative? Please contact Toni Wilson, at (559) 621-2967

Next Food Distribution Days

March 2, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 9, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 16, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Senior Food Drive (60 and older)

March 6, 2023, Maxie L. Parks Center

1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 7, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

COVID Vaccinations offered at Maxie Parks and Mary Ella Brown Community Centers

The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. The West Fresno Family Resource Center partners with UCSF Fresno Mobile Heal & COVID-19 Equity Project to offer vaccinations throughout the year. Whether you need your first shot or a booster, the center can accommodate your needs. Please see the following calendar for the next vaccine clinics.

Next Vaccine Clinic Days

March 2,2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

March 6,2023, Maxie L. Parks Community Center

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

March 16,2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

February

25

Unsung Heroes -- Black Veteran's Luncheon

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Maxie L. Parks Community Center

1802 E. California Ave. Fresno, Ca

March

7

Adult Health Class -- Nutrition and Healthy living

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Maxie L. Parks Community Center

1802 E. California Ave. Fresno, Ca

March

1

Senior Wellness Wednesday

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mary Ella Brown Center

1350 E. Annadale Ave. Fresno, Ca

March

15

Senior Wellness Wednesday

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mary Ella Brown Center

1350 E. Annadale Ave. Fresno, Ca

Weekly Activities

Tuesday

Adult Health Classes

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Maxie L. Parks Community Center

1802 E. California Ave. Fresno Ca 93706

Thursday

Food Distribution

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Mary Ella Brown Community Center

1350 E. Annadale Ave. Fresno, Ca 93706

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