"Let this journey teach you about the depths of your strength, the resilience of you spirit, and your heart's vast capacity to love and care."

-Anonymous

A MESSAGE FROM OUR C.E.O.

Inner strength is a power that is reflected all around me. Above is a photo of our 23-year staff member, Roberto Garcia, who recently lost his dear wife, Mina, and his grandson, within one week. Devastating. I also attended a beautiful memorial for Bev Ranzenberger, one of our Board members who hired me in 2008. She was memorialized by a Nursing Honor Guard that was extremely moving to witness. Our hearts go out to Gary, Christy, Paul and all her family and friends. Below you will read inspirational stories of Juan Pablo in King City and Fredy in Soledad. Their inner strengths empower them to make positive change happen. Also, stories of our staff and Community Leaders working together to help make us all stronger together. Believe in our capacity for resilience and love.

-Anna Foglia, C.E.O

Rising Above:

The Scholarship of Recovery

“I am very grateful. God bless your hearts. I am so appreciative of this. I plan to do great things with this time that I have. I did not know there was this help that I could receive. If it wasn’t for this, I would probably be homeless.” -Juan Pablo

The Anne C. Leach Scholarship Fund, established in honor of Anne C. Leach, a dedicated long-term board member and advocate for Sun Street Centers, aims to support individuals in recovery who lack the financial resources to participate in our programs but possess a genuine desire to recover, heal, and thrive.

Funds raised through this initiative help cover a portion of the program fees for men and women who have successfully completed any of our three Residential Programs (located in Salinas, Hollister, or King City) and are committed to pursuing a life of long-term recovery. This is a merit-based scholarship.

In the past fiscal year, 2024-2025, the Anne C. Leach Scholarship Fund welcomed one new donor and awarded scholarships to seven recipients, amounting to a total of $9,850 for individuals in recovery. Since the fund's inception in 2014, we have raised a remarkable $242,774, attracted 197 donors, and supported 71 scholarship recipients. Meet one of our inspiring scholarship recipients, Juan Pablo de JR Santiago.

Juan Pablo de JR Santiago proudly represents the King City Men’s Residential Program as an alumnus and currently resides at Huntington House. Prior to joining the residential program, he faced homelessness for several years while struggling with substance use. It was his brother who recognized the significant physical and mental impact it was having on him and encouraged him to seek help.

Becoming part of the program provided Juan Pablo with the chance to connect with both staff and fellow clients, equipping him with valuable insights and tools essential for his journey to recovery. Inspired by the support he received, he now shares his knowledge with newcomers in the program, helping them on their path as he once was helped.

“Don’t be scared to ask. Love yourself because your self worth is everything. As long as you have the willingness to start over, you can do it. I believe in you.” -Juan Pablo

The Anne C. Leach Scholarship Fund played a crucial role in enabling Juan Pablo, along with other scholarship recipients, to access the resources they needed to turn their life around. Their stories are a testament to the profound impact that financial support and community can have on someone determined to change their life for the better.

To donate to Anne C. Leach Scholarship Fund, click the button below:

The Road to Recovery:

DUI Mat Integration & Outreach Program

DUI Program Manager, Cesar Betancourt and DUI Customer Service Specialist, Mark Zarate, reviewing DUI MAT program information.

CADUIMAT.COM 

Heart of the Village

in the City of Seaside

(left) Leonardo Isidro, Alfonso Morelos, Rob Rapp, Teresa Alvarez, and Katia Lainez Gutierrez

Sun Street Centers’ Prevention (STEPS) and Road to Success Program was honored June 9^th with a Heart of the Village Award from Community Schools of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Road to Success serves Monterey County youth ages 12-18, with a priority focus on first-time criminal offenders, youth leaving detention, and those at risk of school failure or expulsion. The 3-6 month program includes 8-weeks of Life Skills Training, case management, individual youth diversion plans, substance use intervention and education, individual counseling, and the opportunity for youth to earn community service hours. The STEPS program is a peer-led, afterschool leadership initiative for high school students that offers community service hours, job opportunities, life skills development, and education on substance use.

Sun Street Centers partnered with six Seaside Community Schools that have embraced a strategy of integrated support services, family and community engagement, collaborative leadership and expanded learning time and opportunities. These include Del Rey Woods Elementary School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., School of the Arts, Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula (pictured above), Seaside Middle School, Seaside High School and Ord Terrace Elementary School. They partner with student families, and other community agencies to meet the academic, physical, and emotional needs of students so they can learn to their full potential.

“Sun Street Centers is honored to be selected for a first-ever Heart of the Village Award,” said Anna Foglia, CEO. “Many thanks to the Community School Coordinators for hosting this event and to our Road to Success staff Katia Lainez Gutierrez and Alfonso Morelos.”

Community Action Partnership:

Supporting Underserved Communities

(left) Rob Rapp, Commissioner Lorraine Yglesias, Anna Foglia, Katia Lainez Gutierrez, Gina Marin, & Denise Vasquez

On June 5, 2025, the Sun Street Centers Prevention Department was honored to meet with members of the Monterey County Community Action Partnership (MCCAP) at our East Alisal office for our bi-annual site visit. The visit included MCCAP staff, and several Monterey County Board of Supervisors designated Commissioners.

MCCAP is a publicly operated Community Action Agency supported by the Monterey County Department of Social Services. They are committed to reducing poverty in our community by funding a network of local providers who specialize in addressing specific barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. There are approximately 1000 Community Action Agencies across the Nation that serve as a focal point to coordinate and plan for the provision of community services that support, assist, and empower low-income people and to improve their quality of life. Sun Street is proud to count ourselves as members of that group.

Sun Street Centers has worked closely with MCCAP for over 10 years, and their support of our Prevention programs has been crucial to their continued success and growth. Pictured here is a parent Life Skills Training taking place in South Monterey County.

"MCCAP has been an invaluable partner sharing our commitment to empower families. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care make them not only essential allies in our mission, but also a true pleasure to work with." -Rob Rapp Development Director

Please join us in a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff and dedicated volunteer Commissioners at MCCAP for all of the help and resources they have provided to the residents of Monterey County.

The Turning Point:

Fredy's Unyielding Pursuit of Success

“There are some days where I feel like everything is against me, but push and pull.” -Fredy Garcia-Martinez

Fredy is a 22-year-old who enjoys spending quality time with his family and currently works as a Medical Assistant. He proudly graduated from the Road to Success Program in South Monterey County.

Fredy’s story began at the age of 16 when he started missing school frequently due to feelings of harassment and judgment from those meant to support him, particularly because of the friends he chose to surround himself with. Missing school led to his placement in Truancy Probation, putting his parents at risk of legal consequences. This situation caused Fredy significant distress, as he felt responsible for their predicament.

When offered a chance to participate in the Road to Success Program, Fredy and his family were initially hesitant, given that it was new to them. However, they decided to move forward. Upon joining the program, Fredy was paired with Case Manager Cuauhtemoc "Temo" Gandara, who encouraged him to open up during his time there. Fredy’s favorite part of the program was engaging in community volunteer work, as it allowed him to give back and help others.

He continued in the program because he felt comfortable discussing personal matters with his case manager, something he struggled to do with others. Fredy has shared that this support was invaluable, especially during lonely moments at home when he needed to express his feelings. He has also become more considerate of others; for instance, he has improved how he communicates with his parents.

Additionally, the Road to Success Program not only focuses on working with the youth but also engages with their parents. Throughout and after the program, Fredy observed a positive shift in his parents, who became more open to conversations and supportive during his challenges.

“Me dicen echale ganas mijo, tu puedes. Ya se que ahorita no se mira tan bien, pero puedes seguirle echando ganas.” They tell me, "Go for it, son, you can do it." I know it doesn't look so good right now, but you can keep going.

“Even though sometimes it feels like too much, I have my parents there to support me.”

After completing the program, Fredy attended Grizzly Youth Academy, where he graduated a year early at the age of 17. However, the onset of COVID-19 posed challenges for his next steps. He started working in the fields, but after seeking a change, he enrolled in the Center for Employment Training to become a Medical Assistant. Currently employed as a Medical Assistant at Doctor’s on Duty ( Fredy pictured here with Denise, Road to Success Program Manager), Fredy’s career journey is just beginning, and he is determined to achieve all his goals.

“Ever since I was small, I always wanted to do something for my parents to make them proud. Even though not everyone is perfect, little by little I’ve been trying to do something better.”

“Me siento muy orgullosa de el. Que no deje de luchar por sus suenos y que salga mas adelante.” I'm very proud of him. May he continue to fight for his dreams and continue to move forward. -Inocencia Martinez, Fredy's Mother

Celebrating Bev:

A Life of Service, Leadership, and Dedication

Bev and husband Gary speaking to Mark and Jill Kennedy at Summer Soiree 2014

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of a former Sun Street Centers Board Member and a cherished friend of our organization. Beverly 'Bev' Christine Ranzenberger first joined our Board of Directors in 1998 as a member. In 2000, she took on the role of Treasurer, and five years later, she became the President of the board. Although Bev stepped down from the Board of Directors in 2008, her commitment to our mission never wavered. She continued to support us in various ways, including participating in our Summer Soiree and our 50th Anniversary Gala.

Bev was a nurse, the Chief Operating Officer of Salinas Valley Health and an active member of the Salinas Rotary. In remembering Bev, we celebrate a life well-lived and a heart that was always open to others. Her spirit will continue to inspire us as we carry forward her vision of a compassionate and supportive community

Small Steps, Big Impact:

Creating a Culture of Safety at Sun Street Centers

Silvino Suarez, Facilities Manager

June, also known as National Safety Month (NSM), has come to an end but we would still like to highlight some great things happening at Sun Street Centers. NSM promotes safety across various environments and situations by raising awareness of preventable injuries and fatalities. In honor of this campaign, we would like to highlight Sun Street Centers' Safety Team, lead by our Safety Officer and Human Resources Director, Tracy Ranno (pictured below). This team plays a crucial role in creating a secure workplace by addressing safety concerns and fostering a positive culture. They proactively identify hazards, implement safety protocols, and work to prevent accidents.

 Each safety lead organizes various safety drills every other month designed to prepare staff and clients should an emergency arise, such as; slips and falls, severe weather, active shooter situations, earthquakes, power outages, maintaining clean spaces, and workplace violence.

"As a Facilities Manager, I ensure the workplace is safe, compliant, and well maintained. For example, overseeing repairs and making necessary adjustments to stay in full compliance with both insurance requirements and fire department regulations. I always encourage all staff members to be vigilant and promptly report any safety hazards. I also get to work alongside external vendors to prioritize safety."

-Silvino Suarez

Through these combined efforts, Sun Street Centers not only meets safety regulations but also exceeds them, creating an environment where everyone can thrive with peace of mind. This proactive approach underscores the organization's commitment to the well-being of its community, ensuring that safety is not just a priority, but a way of life.

Save The Date

Recovery Run 2025 is Coming Up!

Mark your calendars and save the date for the upcoming Recovery Run 2025, happening on Saturday, September 20 at Veterans Administration in Marina, from 7:00am to 11:00am.

The goal of the Recovery Run is to bring attention to and encourage healthy lifestyles, helping to end the stigma of addiction, highlight successful community members in long-term recovery from addiction, create a family-friendly event in our community and raise funds for addiction education, treatment and recovery. 

Registration Opens July 20, 2025.

For more information, click the link below:

Recovery • Counseling • Education • Prevention

www.SunStreetCenters.org