From the desk of Executive Director Yolanda Randles

October 2023 Edition

When I see the pink ribbons, sometimes I take a deep breathe, other times tears cloud my eyes, but mostly I rejoice.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it serves as a reminder of the journey I have personally faced with this disease. It has been a year and a half since I received the devastating news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Since then, I have undergone surgeries, attended countless appointments, and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite the challenges, I remain grateful for the support and resources available to me

During my battle with breast cancer, I delved into extensive research about this devastating disease. One fact that continues to startle me is the disparity in outcomes between Black women and White women. Despite having lower breast cancer incidence rates, Black women are more likely to die from the disease. This raises important questions - why is this happening? What is different?

It is clear that there are disparities in healthcare. Indeed, the West Fresno Family Resource Center was established with the primary goal of reducing disparities in healthcare – especially in the underserved communities of Fresno. I believe it is time for health systems to take a closer look at how they are caring for Black women with breast cancer. It is vital that we address this issue.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just a time to raise awareness; it is an opportunity to advocate for change. We must ensure that every woman, regardless of her race or ethnicity, has equal access to quality healthcare. By focusing on reducing disparities and improving care for Black women with breast cancer, we can make a significant impact on saving lives and improving outcomes.

With that said, I am encouraging all women to prioritize their health and make an appointment for a mammogram today. I had no symptoms - my cancer was detected early through a routine mammogram. Early detection truly does save lives.

Looking for a safe place to celebrate Halloween?

The West Fresno Family Resource Center is partnering with Fresno County EOC and the Fresno Police Department to sponsor a Halloween Block Party on October 31. The 1800 block of California Avenue will be blocked off from Elm to Freeway 99.

More than 40 vendors will be on hand to give out candy and other goodies.

“This is an opportunity to bring children and their families together to enjoy Halloween in a safe, fun environment,’’ said Patrick Hamilton, Project Manager of the Sweet Potato Project, a youth prevention program.

Leading up to Halloween night, the Resource Center will present its annual Haunted House at the Maxie Parks Community Center, 1802 E. California Ave.

The Haunted House is one of the popular features of the Halloween season. Cost is $10 on October 28th, 29th, 30th, but free on Halloween. All proceeds will benefit the Sweet Potato Project

“The proceeds will help the kids develop a business plan for a food truck that we are trying to purchase,’’ Hamilton said.

The annual Halloween event draws more than 3,000 people for an evening of Trunk or Treating, costumes, food and fun.

For more information, please visit our website:

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Celebrating Health Literacy

In observance of Health Literacy Awareness month, the Cultural Community Wellness Coalition hosted a Health Provider Forum on Wed., Oct. 18, to address health disparities and shine a light on the critical role that health literacy can play in improving health outcomes in Fresno.

This event brought together healthcare practitioners, Community Health Workers, community-based organizations and agencies to hear results of the 2-year initiative, Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 and Chronic Health Conditions, as well as discussed how agencies can all work together to integrate and expand the mission of health literacy in Fresno. Earlier this month, the Wellness Coalition was presented a proclamation from the Fresno Mayor and City Council in recognition of the month.

The Cultural Community Wellness Coalition is a collaboration of five (5) community-based organizations -- West Fresno Family Resource Center, Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Reading and Beyond, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, and Jakara Movement -- representing more than 100 years of combined experience servicing underserved communities in the City of Fresno and beyond.

She Makes A Difference

Congratulations to Tracy McGee who was honored with the "She Makes a Difference" award at the Central California Women’s Conference in September. Tracy requested that West Fresno Family Resource Center be the recipient of the nonprofit grant award of $2,500. Tracy, a volunteer, was nominated by Janice Mathurin-Boyd, director of operations at the Resource Center. More than 3,700 attended the conference. Please click here to read Tracey’s nomination. The Family Resource Center was also the recipient of a $1,500 grant from the Women's Conference to support its Family Matters Support Group.

‘It’s all about helping these kids’

Coming in second place in the inaugural Sweet Potato Scramble last year just did not sit well with Andrew Randles and his teammates. Determined to win this year, they came out on top and took home the first-place trophy of the golf tournament held at the Riverside Golf Course.

“You know, we just wanted to make a statement,’’ Randles said laughing. “We want to let the other teams know who it is they have to go through to try to win this event. We are looking at winning back to back.’’

Beyond the friendly competition, the event was also a fundraiser for the

Sweet Potato Project. The tournament also featured former Hampton University golf team students.

The Sweet Potato program at the West Fresno Family Resource Center is a prevention program that aims to prevent and/or reduce school drop-out, gang involvement, and substance use initiation for African American youth ages 12-15 by decreasing internalized oppression, hopelessness, and low collective efficacy, while increasing engagement in collective economic activity, college intentions, mentoring, and leadership development.

“We came together under the mindset of this being bigger than us, ‘’ Randles said. “Really, it’s all about helping these kids. But it also helps to take home a trophy too.’’

If you are interested in playing in this tournament next year, would like more information or would like to sponsor this event, please contact Shirley Gambaro (559) 621-2962, or at sgambero@wfresnofrc.org.