The Collaborative Bulletin is created by Jasmine P. Corena, Paula Sanchez-Luna, Likhi Rivas & Cesar Salto

Message from the CEO

We welcome another Fourth of July, celebrating the birth of our country and the importance of the Constitution of the United States of America. June and July have been blazing with excitement around the upcoming release of El Plan del Pueblo: The People’s Plan for Economic Justice. The efforts of the staff and other team members have made this possible.


Our agency continues to educate the community on heat-related prevention and wellness during these hot July days. Many of our families work in agricultural fields as farmworkers, gardening services, construction, and other open-environment activities. We continue to offer services to the community through our Navigation Program, directing families to resources to help them navigate the system.


With the hot weather, air conditioning units work hard to cool homes, increasing energy consumption. Families with fixed incomes will seek help paying their energy bills. Are we, as an agency and community, ready to assist families seeking help?


July also highlights activities of the Health Equity Initiative, where our CWOP and VTAI teams are working together to ensure workplace safety and wellness during these heat-related days.


Our agency's summer fundraiser, Sip N Paint, will take place on July 26th from 6 PM to 9 PM at The Dragonfly Art for Life, 1210 J Street, Modesto, 95354. The cost is $50.00 per person.


On August 17th, we will host a Health Fair from 10 AM to 2 PM at WMCC/Martin Luther King Park. The Jam Summer Food Program for Children will provide breakfast from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM.


The Regional Housing Agency is still accepting applications for the Helen White Cottage. For more information, call 209-557-2000 and select the Property Management prompt.


Finally, Stanislaus Equity Partners is holding an Open House to showcase The Village, a 9-unit permanent supportive housing project, on July 26th at 9:30 AM at 221 E. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto.


I hope everyone stays safe during these hot July days.


Perfecto Muñoz,

CEO of WMCC

June Recap

CWOP Event



The CWOP team ignited Patterson with their Pathways to Empowerment event on June 27th! Community members were able to receive resources and prizes from various local organizations. Children had the opportunity to create dragonflies and flowers while their parents engaged in presentations by Cal/OSHA, Division of Workers’ Compensation, and the Labor Commissioner’s Office.

Volt Collaboration



The VOLT Institute launched its AC/DC Basic Electrical courses on June 24th to a full class. Over four days, participants received hands-on training in topics like Ohm’s Law, Kirchoff’s Law, circuit breakers, resistors, and more. By the end, participants earned a SACA certification!

Green Room Program



The Green Room Club is off to an amazing start this summer! In this session, our students are learning the art of 'improv', which consists of fun and creative scenes with princesses, monkeys, and magic wizards!


We invite you to join our Open House Night on July 24th where our students will be showing off their new improv skills.

A Message from our VTAI Team

Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions. Heat-related illnesses include symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, headache, and nausea. To stay safe during extreme heat, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid activities during peak heat hours, and seek out cool, shaded areas. Be aware and take precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your furry friends.


For more information on how to stay safe and recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses,

visit HeatReadyCA.com or follow our team @wmcc_vtai on Instagram!


Stay safe and stay cool!

Employee Spotlight:

Paula Sanchez-Luna

Paula Sanchez-Luna, a native of the Central Valley, has dedicated herself to advocating for her community with a fervent passion rooted in personal experience. As a project coordinator for CWOP (COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project), Paula focuses on educating all workers on their rights, regardless of immigration status, and connecting workers with state agencies. Her commitment is driven by witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by her parents, who labored tirelessly in harsh conditions, instilling in her a deep empathy and determination to improve workplace conditions. 

 

In 2022, Paula graduated from Stanislaus State with a BA in Communications Studies and Ethnic Studies, equipping her with the skills to effectively amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her academic journey has deepened her understanding of the intersecting issues affecting Central Valley residents, motivating her to advocate for social justice and equitable opportunities. Most recently, Paula has also joined the Communications team and hopes to serve as a voice for those most underserved. 

 

With a blend of personal experience and academic insight, Paula Sanchez-Luna continues to strive towards reaching as many workers as possible through CWOP, driven by her vision of a more just and inclusive Central Valley where all individuals can thrive. 

Program Spotlight:

Health Equity Initiative

The WMCC Health Equity Initiative secured a grant from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to tackle tobacco use within the Latino community, the county's second-largest tobacco user group. Led by Project Coordinator Elsa, the initiative employed a multi-pronged approach: WMCC hosted a health fair that provided resources for reducing tobacco use and accessing public health services. But our efforts went beyond a single event.


To address specific community needs, WMCC organized targeted workshops. Mothers in the Baby Thrive program gained valuable knowledge about the dangers of tobacco from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency tobacco program. In collaboration with ACS CAN, WMCC hosted a workshop on tobacco industry targeting tactics and their petition for stricter tobacco retail licensing. WMCC collected 74 signatures (32 from a dedicated volunteer) to support the cause. WMCC staff also assisted ACS CAN's Senior Tobacco Control Manager, Lupe Delgado, in delivering training on government advocacy and spokesperson skills. Recognizing the importance of youth education, WMCC partnered with the Stanislaus County Office of Education to involve the Phast Club at Modesto High in delivering a workshop specifically tailored to teens. The students empowered their peers with knowledge about maintaining a healthy lifestyle away from tobacco.


Beyond workshops, the organization spearheaded a comprehensive outreach campaign that leveraged the power of social media. Fourteen informative posts on the Health Equity Initiative's Instagram account spread awareness. Additionally, flyers were distributed through door-to-door visits, businesses, canvassing, and tabling events. Recognizing the value of collaboration, the Health Equity Initiative partnered with WMCC’s CWOP team and other in-house programs to ensure logistical support for the campaign's success.


This multifaceted approach demonstrably increased awareness about tobacco prevention within the Hispanic/Latino community.


WMCC remains committed to promoting positive social determinants of health and advocating for a healthier Stanislaus County. The initiative extends its deepest gratitude to ACS CAN for their funding and to all partners, staff, and volunteers who made this success possible.


Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.


Juneteenth is a day of reflection, rejoicing, and honoring the resilience, contributions, and enduring spirit of Black and African Americans. It is a time to educate and engage in conversations about history, culture, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Celebrations include parades, cultural festivals, community gatherings, and educational events, all highlighting the rich heritage and achievements of Black and African Americans. Juneteenth honors the past and inspires hope and action for a future of true freedom and equity for all.

Honoring Pride Month

Pride Month, celebrated every June, honors the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the ongoing struggle for equality, acceptance, and rights. It originated from the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal event that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.


Pride Month is a time for celebrating diversity, acknowledging the progress made, and recognizing the challenges that remain. It is marked by vibrant parades, marches, festivals, and events that bring together people of all backgrounds to show support and solidarity. These celebrations highlight the beauty of the LGBTQ+ community's rich history, culture, and contributions.


Pride Month is also an opportunity for education and advocacy, promoting awareness about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and respect. It honors the courage and resilience of those who fought and continue to fight for equality while inspiring future generations to carry forward the mission of acceptance, love, and pride.


Upcoming Events

Community News

Have something to share? For inquiries please email our Communications Director: Jasmine P. Corena

jcorena@westmodestocollaborative.com

Purchase Tickets Here

Join us for the Central Valley Real Estate Summit, a premier gathering for real estate professionals from the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Capitol Region. This summit is designed to provide valuable insights, foster connections, and shape the future of our regional real estate market. Exhibitor booth and sponsorship opportunities are available!


To learn more, visit: www.ModestoGov.com/3100

Stay Up-To-Date with West Modesto

Vibin' with West Modesto

In this episode of Vibin' with West Modesto, we enjoyed sitting with our amazing communications volunteer. Cesar is WMCC's Communications Intern who also was a promotor. We learn more about his experience doing outreach in the community, creating connections, and his perspective on the organization's growth.

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