From the desk of Executive Director Yolanda Randles

September 2023 Edition

I know I brag all the time about the many wonderful staff members that we have here at the West Fresno Family Resource Center. I know I have some of the best employees in the world. They truly are the ones who make the Family Resource Center work.

As an organization, we value our employees and recognize the important role they play in making our organization successful. I am proud to announce the launch of our new “Employee of the Month” initiative where we will feature a new outstanding employee each month. You will get to know firsthand why they work so hard at helping others.

Our first recipient is Pat Mendoza, our longest serving employee who has worked here for more than 20 years. Pat is a shining example of dedication, faithfulness, and dependability. When I first started here, she was one of the people who was always reaching out, who always knew the answers and who residents always asked for. She’s been a blessing to me and to the many families that we serve.

She truly cares about the people she serves, and her commitment to their well-being is an inspiration to us all. I am grateful for her hard work, and I am so proud to have her as a part of our team. Congratulations, Pat, on being our first Employee of the Month! We are happy to share her story with everyone. Please see it below.

WFFRC's Employee of The Month

“It makes me feel good when I am able to help somebody’’ ~ Pat Mendoza

Pat Mendoza lost both her parents within months of each other. She wanted to stay busy to try to help ease her pain, so she sought employment at the new West Fresno Health Care Coalition.

“I applied for a front office job, but they told me they had already filled it and they asked, “Do you want to be an outreach worker?” and I said yes, ‘but what is an outreach worker.’ I had no idea.”

That was in October, 2001.

Since then, Ms. Mendoza has become an expert in the outreach field. She is the longest serving employee of the agency which has since changed its name to the West Fresno Family Resource Center. Her job titles have changed over the years, but she will always consider herself an outreach worker. An outreach worker provides support and access to resources for struggling individuals in the community. Their duties involve interviewing clients, connecting them with local services and counselors, and helping them overcome personal issues.

For more than 20 years, Ms. Mendoza has done just that and more. Because of her caring ways and her successes, she is the center’s first “Employee of the Month,” an initiative that recognizes employees who go over and beyond the call of duty.

“Pat’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and empathy,’’ said Yolanda Randles, executive director of the center. “She is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity and come out the other side with a desire to help others. She loves her job and people in the community love her.”

Ms. Mendoza’s first assignment was going door to door asking residents what they wanted to learn more about as it relates to the health field. For an entire year, she gathered information from the community.

They wanted insurance, Medi-Cal. Pregnant women wanted guidance as some were experiencing their first pregnancy. Others asked for information on cancer – men particularly wanted information on prostate cancer. Many residents wanted to know where they could find doctors in the area.

Ms. Mendoza wanted to get answers for residents. She went into action. She made phone calls to doctors’ offices to find out what was the criteria for accepting new patients. She met OBGYNS who were willing to talk to pregnant women. She signed community members up for insurance and with family practitioners, dentists and eye doctors.

Ms. Mendoza’s actions opened doors to the community. She gained their trust. Residents began to call on her with health related and personal issues, such as domestic violence. They also started inviting Ms. Mendoza to events in the community. Further down the line, Ms. Mendoza began sponsoring events at the center. Eventually, residents began forming their own support groups with guidance from the center. An example is when experienced mothers began teaching pregnant or new mothers about what to expect and/or how to parent. Ms. Mendoza also expanded her horizons by teaching classes and bringing in providers to help with issues in the community.

As a result of her work, Ms. Mendoza has built relationships in the community that have lasted a lifetime. When she is out in the community, she often gets asked, “Do you remember me?” She gets invitations to weddings, birthdays, graduations and unfortunately, funerals as well.

Ms. Mendoza’s present job title is case manager. But in her heart, she will always be an outreach worker.

“It’s been a blessing,’’ Ms. Mendoza said. “It’s like a ministry to me. I get to do what I like to do. I get to help people. And it makes me feel good when I am able to help somebody.’’

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.

For Additional Information, Please Contact Toni Wilson

Office: (559) 621-2966

Email: twilson@wfresnofrc.org

You still have time to sign-up for the Golf Tournament!

Sweet Potato Scramble Golf Tournament Online Registration

Tips For Staying Safe In The Extreme Heat

From the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications

We're thrilled to report on a productive day spent at the Maxie L. Parks Community Center. Our team was present to share critical information about the dangers of extreme heat and how best to keep safe during the sizzling summer days. With temperatures rising over 100 our cooling center was activated and we took the opportunity to table and provide important tips to our unhoused population and visitors at the community center.

By The Numbers:

20+ Wonderful individuals engaged in meaningful discussions about extreme heat safety. Valuable insights shared and lessons learned

We were not only armed with essential tips to combat extreme heat but also provided some exciting incentives to those who stopped by our table. It was heartwarming to see the keen interest our community showed in learning more about this crucial topic.

Key Takeaways from our Extreme Heat Tips Session:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear Light Clothing: Light-colored and loose-fitting clothes help keep the body cool.
Stay Informed: Always be aware of the local weather forecast and any heat advisories in your area.
Check On Each Other: Especially the elderly, children, and pets. They are more vulnerable to extreme heat.

To everyone who stopped by, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. The willingness to learn and share will no doubt ripple through our community, ensuring we're all a bit safer when the temperatures rise.

A huge shout-out to our wonderful team members who represented us at the cooling center. Your dedication and passion for community safety is unparalleled!

P.S. Stay tuned for more community outreach events like this in the future! We're always looking for ways to engage, educate, and empower our community.

For Additional Information, Please Contact Veronica Pina

Office: (559) 621-2967

Email: vpina@wfresnofrc.org

The Importance of Getting a Individual Tax Identification Number

Folleto en Español

For Additional Information, Please Contact Veronica Pina

Office: (559) 621-2967

Email: vpina@wfresnofrc.org

Farewell "Papa"

The West Fresno Family Resource Center appreciates the time that Jesus Calderon volunteered with us. For five years, he faithfully came every week to assist our food distribution. He helped with setting up, breaking down and cleaning.

We are saddened by the passing of Calderon, who died on August 29, 2023. Our staff kindly called him “Papa.” He was given that name because of his hard work, dedication and his take-care attitude. Each year the resource center honors our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. We also select a “Volunteer of the Year.” In honor of Papa, the center has named the award after him. It will now be called the “Jesus Calderon Volunteer of the Year. “

We thank the family of Jesus "Papa" Calderon for supporting his continued service to West Fresno Family Resource Center. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Next Food Distribution Days

September 21, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

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

September 28, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

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

October 5, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

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

October 12, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

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

Senior Food Drive (60 and older)

October 2, 2023, Maxie L. Parks Center

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

October 3, 2023, Mary Ella Brown Center

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers will be included in the weekly food distribution to help fight the spread of COVID!

In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the area, the West Fresno Family Resource Center is taking action to reduce the spread of the virus. As part of their weekly food distribution at the Mary Ella Brown Community Center, on Thursday, September 21, the family resource center will not only be providing families with food, but also with COVID-19 supplies, reminders and information. COVID vaccines and flu shots also will be available for those who want to them.

“This effort aims to promote safety and awareness among the West Fresno community during these challenging times,’’ said Yolanda Randles, executive director of the Resource Center. “COVID is still here, and we want to make sure that residents are aware and that they are equipped with needed protection. We know that doctors say the best way to avoid an infection is early prevention.’’

More than 5,000 families and individuals stopped by the food distribution last year. Every week, hundreds of families line up in their cars for the drive through food giveaway that begins at 1 p.m. With their milk, fruits and vegetables and other foods, residents this Thursday will also receive masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and disinfectant spray.

Dr. Trinidad Solis, the Fresno County Deputy Health Officer and other health personnel will be joining and supporting the resource center efforts. Dr. Solis will be the guest speaker at a press conference starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21st. Dr. Solis will talk about the recent surge and prevention measures. The Resource Center also partners with UCSF Fresno Mobile Health & COVID-19 Equity Project to offer vaccinations throughout the year. The mobile van will be at the food distribution. Whether you need your first shot or a booster, the center can accommodate your needs.

The Mary Ella Brown Community Center is located at 1350 E. Annadale Avenue, Fresno, 93706