The Collaborative Bulletin
July Recap
By Jasmine Corena and Cesar Salto
| |
Sip n' Paint 2026!
Our 2026 Sip n' Paint was a wonderful evening filled with creativity, laughter, and community! Guests painted a beautiful Mediterranean window scene. It was inspiring to see so many talented artists bring their own unique touch to each canvas while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and great company.
A heartfelt thank you to Save Mart for their generous donation, which provided our guests with delicious platters throughout the evening. We are also incredibly grateful to Oak Valley Community Bank for their generous sponsorship and continued support of our mission.
Special thanks to Dragon Fly Art Studio in Modesto for once again welcoming us into their beautiful space and guiding our guests through such a fun and memorable experience. Most importantly, every ticket purchased supports WMCC's youth programs, ensuring we can continue to provide meaningful opportunities for local children and families. Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event such a success!
| | |
|
CEO Message
This month's message reflects on a season of transition, the growing wellness needs in our community, and the importance of civic participation.
It is hard to believe that we have already completed the first seven months of the year. Looking back, our agency has experienced many significant changes. We relocated to a temporary site during the MLK Park renovation and have successfully transitioned to the Learning Center at Second Baptist Church, just around the corner from the park. While adapting to our new location, we continue to see an increasing demand for services throughout our community, reminding us of the importance of remaining accessible and responsive to the needs of local families.......Read More
| | |
|
|
Stan County Workforce Workshops
Through our collaboration with the Stanislaus County Workforce Development, we were proud to host a workshop series that equipped community members with valuable job readiness skills, including résumé building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. A big thank you to their incredible team for sharing their knowledge, resources, and encouragement. Together, we helped a total of 45 participants build the confidence and skills needed to take the next step in their career journey!
| |
| | | |
People's Plan Collective
This July 9th, the West Modesto Community Collaborative (WMCC) had its first People's Plan Partner Collaborative meeting alongside representatives from different organizations around Modesto and Stanislaus County.
The purpose of the People's Plan Partner Collaborative is to bring together organizations working across Stanislaus County to strengthen communication, build relationships, share updates and resources, and identify opportunities to align existing efforts with the priorities identified in the People's Plan. The Collaborative serves as a space for partners to learn from one another, highlight community needs, and explore ways to better connect residents with programs, services, and opportunities. Rather than creating new initiatives, these meetings are intended to strengthen coordination, encourage information sharing, and support collective progress toward the People's Plan's five priority areas: Community Building & Civic Engagement, Economic & Social Health, Equitable Transportation, Housing, and Climate Resiliency.
Some of the things that came up in discussion were updates on the recent changes in bus routes, and how we can best inform and include the community in the decisions that are made with regard to local transportation, how we can support local artists and the local, growing "creative economy", how we can connect students and parents to college resources and medical careers, the Community Enhancement Zone (CEZ) Plans, and how we can best serve those with chronic diseases or inaccessibility to health insurance or health care.
These meetings will be taking place bi-monthly, with the next one taking place in September. We hope that these meetings foster greater connections with our partner organizations and improve the quality of our service and work in following the goals and objectives we set out in our People's Plan.
| | |
|
|
Summer Youth Activities
It's been an exciting summer for our youth and families! Our Creative Kids Summer Program has been filled with hands-on fun, from making musical instruments and creating colorful crafts to painting and more. Our Lightning Bugs and Baby Thrive participants also enjoyed a special visit to the Modesto Children's Museum. A huge thank you to the Modesto Children's Museum for welcoming our families and creating such a memorable experience!
| |
| | | Spotlight: Green Room Youth Club | | |
"As I planned this summer's Green Room Youth Club, my goal was to create a space where students could make the most of their summer break while remaining engaged in meaningful ways. Rather than designing a highly structured or academically intensive program, I wanted to offer experiences that encouraged creativity, curiosity, and connection. Summer is a time to recharge, but it is also an opportunity for young people to step away from screens, spend time with peers, and explore interests they may not have otherwise discovered.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the semester was witnessing the students' willingness to embrace unfamiliar experiences. Crocheting, for example, was an activity I wasn't sure they would enjoy, as it is often associated with older generations. Instead, they approached it with enthusiasm and determination. Although it challenged their patience and perseverance, seeing the pride on their faces as they completed their crochet stars was incredibly rewarding. Similar growth was evident during activities such as cake decorating, origami, and creating sun catchers. Through each project, students not only developed new skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the time, creativity, and craftsmanship behind handmade work.
Beyond the activities themselves, it was especially rewarding to watch friendships develop throughout the program. While some participants arrived knowing one another, many were meeting for the first time. It was encouraging to see how quickly they formed connections and created an environment where everyone felt welcomed. Our final pizza and movie potluck was a reflection of that community. Seeing students laugh together, share stories, and genuinely enjoy one another's company was a reminder that the relationships built outside of structured activities are often just as impactful as the activities themselves.
Throughout the summer, students also had opportunities to explore unexpected interests, including learning how to prepare coffee using a professional Breville espresso machine. Each experience was intentionally chosen to expose them to new hobbies, encourage creativity, and inspire them to remain open to trying something different.
As the youth program coordinator, one of the most fulfilling moments came at the end of the semester when students reflected on their experiences. You never truly know what will leave a lasting impression—a new friendship, a creative activity, a welcoming environment, or the confidence gained from overcoming a challenge. My hope is that years from now they will look back on Green Room Youth Club as a place where they felt encouraged to explore, create, and discover something about themselves that they may have never realized otherwise."
-Maribel Torres, Youth Instructor
| |
|
Vibin' with West Modesto!
MJC President Brian Sanders reflects on the journey that shaped his leadership, the obstacles he overcame, and his vision for the future of Modesto Junior College. Learn how MJC is creating opportunities for students through innovative programs and strong partnerships with the Central Valley's workforce and agriculture industries.
Don't forget to check out our 'Vibe Songs' playlist!
Listen Here
| |
| | | |
As part of our Move your Body, Calm your Mind campaign, we are highlighting how small, daily habits can support your mental health.
Simple actions like movement, breathing, and time outside can help reduce stress and improve your mood over time. Slowing down, even briefly, can help you feel more balanced and present.
| | | | |
