ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Mary Ella Brown Community Center
1350 E . Annadale Ave. • Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 374-5750
Maxie L. Parks Community Center
1802 E. California Ave. • Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 621-2967
www.wfresnofrc.org
STRONG FAMILIES EQUAL A HEALTHY COMMUNITY
The West Fresno Family Resource Center is a 501 © (3) nonprofit organization established to serve residents of one of the poorest metropolitan communities in California’s Central Valley, Southwest Fresno and beyond. Its mission: “to empower and support the West Fresno community to achieve optimal health and well-being. ” The organization was established in 2001 as the West Fresno Family Health Care Coalition, but changed its name in 2012 to reflect the wide range of services it provides. to empower and support the West
Fresno community to achieve optimal
health and well-being.
Maxie L. Parks Community Center Mary Ella Brown Community Center
ABOUT THE
WEST FRESNO FAMILY
RESOURCE CENTER
With a strong record of providing effective culturally and linguistically neighborhood and community-based services to thousands of residents annually, the Center has become a trusted and respected partner. It provides outcome-based services through education, outreach, counseling, and advocacy in the areas of prenatal education, parenting, school readiness, health insurance enrollment, chronic disease management, mental health, and workforce development.
At the invitation of Fresno’s Parks and Recreation
Department, the Center has assumed leadership roles in
the operation of the Maxie L. Parks Community Center
and the Mary Ella Brown Community Center, both located
in the heart of Southwest Fresno. These facilities serve as “one-stop-shops” for community support services and
programs providing access to academic, experimental
learning, enrichment, recreational and healthy lifestyle activities to broaden life experiences and well-being of disadvantaged Southwest Fresno children and families.
The Center also works with collaborative partners that
provides complementary services such as afterschool
programs including tutoring and computer literacy,
mentoring programs for boys and girls; career
development and job training, college preparation, GED
training and peer support.
1 On behalf of the Board of Directors, we certainly thank the staff of the Center for its continued work of serving our community, especially during the pandemic. It is a
pleasure to serve as the Chairman of the Board and even more so, a delightful honor to work in the community
where I grew up. We look forward to 2022 and a
stronger and healthier community.
Sincerely,
Maxie L. Parks
In the past two years, we have found that the
needs of families have drastically increased
while living in the new reality of the COVID-19
pandemic. The West Fresno Family Resource
Center will continue to work together to
provide essential services and programs that
are beneficial to our community.
It is a pleasure to serve
as the Chairman of the
Board and even more
so, a delightful honor to
work in the community
where I grew up.
LETTER FROM
THE CHAIRMAN
OF THE BOARD
MAXIE L. PARKS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
2 Indeed, it is an honor to work in partnership with
the City and County of Fresno, faith-based leaders,
educational Institutions, and other community based
organizations to implement programs to improve
outcomes in the community we serve. The goal of the
Board of Directors is to govern our services so that we continue to keep the West Fresno community at the
forefront of all decisions.
Further, we are excited to receive the HUD Designation
as an Envision Center, which embraces four pillars of
work. These pillars will lead our efforts as a centralized hub that provides people with the resources and
support needed to excel.
Maxie L. Parks, Chair
Kason Jones, Vice Chair
Audrey Redmond, Sect.
Robert Brown
Keisha Thomas
Steve Shehadey
Audrey Carter
Kirk Haynes
Lucinda Hall
Yolanda Randles,
Executive Director
Janice Mathurin,
Director of Operations
Alondra Cortez,
Administrative Assistant
Shirley Gambero,
Bookkeeper
Networking California for
Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC):
Kayla Parker
Sylvia Nunez
Crystal Green
Maternal Family
Support First 5 Glow:
Garbralle Conroe
Loretta Brooks
Advancing Health
Literacy COVID-19:
Janice Mathurin
Patricia Mendoza
Lillian Warren
Hope Flint
Janice Sumler
Health Insurance &
Cal Fresh Enrollment
Fresno County
Network of Care
HEAL TH AND
WELLNESS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 4 PILLARS OF WORK
ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT
CHARACTER AND
LEADERSHIP
EDUCATIONAL
ADVANCEMENT
V.O.I.C.E Welding
Training Programs-Case
Management:
Alondra Cortez
Computer Training:
Case Manager
City of Fresno
Emergency Rental
Assistance Program:
Kenneth Perez
Rosa Bedolla
Sweet Potato Program:
Patrick Hamilton
Andre Smith
Jazmen Bunch
Families T ogether:
Rick Darrough
Mia Shannon
CSU, Fresno
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno City College
Fresno Unified School
District
Washington Union
School District
University of Phoenix
Deemed essential, the West Fresno Family
Resource Center remained opened and
continued to serve families during the
COVID-19 pandemic this past year. We were
well aware that closing was not an option
for us, as the needs of our community only
increased during this time.
We are thankful for partners and community
sponsors who believe as we do... Strong Families
equal a Healthy Community.
LETTER FROM
THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
3 YOLANDA RANDLES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I am extremely proud of my staff as they modified many services and activities to ensure safety and to meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. We continue to rise to the challenges during these ever- changing and uncertain times to help Fresno’s unserved and underserved communities. The Center is dedicated to making a difference in our community. In addition, we found a way to focus on the four pillars that drive this agency—health and wellness, educational advancement, character and leadership and economic development.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and this hard working staff, I am pleased to present and share the 2021 program activities as outlined in this document. We are here to serve and the numbers show we are doing just that. Indeed, 2021 was a year of essential work.
We are thankful for partners and community sponsors who believe as we do—that “Strong Families equal a Healthy Community. ” We will continue to work together to fulfill that mission.
Sincerely,
Yolanda Randles, MPH
$1,172,865 • 54%
$530,369 • 25%
$436,721 • 20%
$20,000 • 1%
4 FIGURES OF PROGRESS
in Emergency Rental Assistance was distributed
to 111 families and individuals
received several
tons of food.
clients received COVID-19
services such as:
• Vaccines and T esting
• Personal Protection Equipment
• Supplies and Information
In 2021 West Fresno
Family Resource
Center had:
Revenue: West Fresno Family Resource Center
Health & Wellness
Character
Leadership
Economic
Empowerment
Educational
AdvancementPARTNERSHIPS
EMPLOYEES
35 20
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The focus of the West Fresno Family Resource Center this past year has been on families and individuals who were significantly affected by COVID-19. The center distributed personal protection equipment, hosted vaccine clinics and informational sessions. Several programs were developed to assist low-income individuals and families who experienced job loss, hour reductions and medical expenses.
As a trusted resource in the Southwest Fresno community, the West Fresno Family Resource Center was a much sought-after entity to help the community combat COVID-19. The Center partnered with local, state and national organizations to provide services and resources needed during the continuous pandemic. For example, the Center was part of the Fresno COVID-19 Equity Project. The Center partnered with the African American Coalition to host vaccination clinics and COVID testing sites. Under this partnership, the Center distributed more than $43,000 in funds to families and individuals who were affected by the virus.
to families and individuals
affected by the virus.
FUNDS DISTRIBUTED
COVID-19 ASSISTANCE
Indeed, the Center became the go to place to get food, supplies and materials. As needs became evident, the Center became more involved. For instance, many of our youth were not receiving valid information about the COVID-19 vaccination. T o bring about understanding, the Center hosted a workshop that conducted by a nurse, who not only dispelled myths, but also took questions from youth and answered in such a way that they understood.
5 As the year went on, the lines only grew longer for free food at the drive through pantry at the Mary Ella Brown Community Center. In a sign of the impact of the corona virus, cars stretched for blocks and people waited sometimes for hours before receiving their food.
Cars began lining up several hours even before the distribution of food began.
The West Fresno Resource Center collaborated with the Central California Food Bank to distribute fresh produce, perishable and non-perishable food, and other “farmer market style” items at no cost to the community.
T o help combat COVID-19, the Families T ogether Differential Response team at West Fresno Family Resource Center spent last year delivering personal protective equipment - face masks/shields, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes to families in West Fresno.
Case managers regularly conducted physical and virtual home visits to gauge where our resources were needed most. After assessments, clients received food, household cleaning supplies, hygiene supplies, and bus passes. Case managers completed 214 home visits under this model.
to more than 8,000 families
during the 2021 year.
completed 214 home visits
under this model.
THE CENTER
DISTRIBUTED FOOD
CASE MANAGERS
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
FAMILIES TOGETHER
DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE
In addition, the Center teamed up with the Modesto Love Center to offer food boxes specifically for seniors. The senior food distribution also took place at the Mary Ella Brown Community Center. An average of 100 seniors received a food box each month. 6 The Response team is working with Fresno County’s Department of Social Services CPS Division. The primary goal is to provide support to families suffering from various disparities, such as social-emotional, income-driven, and food insecurities. In our quest to help clients, The Families T ogether Differential Response Department provides linkages to therapeutic counseling services, domestic violence counseling, and parent education. The national state of emergency caused our case managers to adapt to the role of essential workers; as such, they have doubled their efforts to provide clients with the necessities to help combat COVID-19.
Through the Center’s partnership with the
City of Fresno’s Advancing Health Literacy to
Enhance Equitable Community Responses to
COVID-19 Project, 1,173 individuals received
information regarding the virus. The Center is
among five community-based organizations implementing the program that is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.
ADVANCING HEALTH LITERACY
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The project’s goal is to enhance equitable community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating from a grassroots level while utilizing trained Community Health Workers, the program focuses on health literacy. It is designed to reach community members and increase their understanding of health-related concepts, decrease poor communication between adults and health care providers, and empower adults to be more involved in decisions about their health. As an administrative co-lead to the project, the center will continue to provide on-going coordination of activities, develop agendas, bring partners together, assist partners with technical assistance and development, and provide evaluation and performance reports on program progress to the City of Fresno.
From September 2021 to December
2021, 124 individuals received
COVID-19 vaccines via the West
Fresno Resource Center’s partnership with the Networking California for Sickle Cell Care- Local Community Based Workforce to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Access. The program assists and educates individuals with or without Sickle Cell Disease and their families on COVID-19 resources and information on the COVID-19 vaccine. The program’s aim is to reduce misconceptions, fear, and barriers among the community by utilizing accurate and reliable information, especially for Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait.
The program conducted outreach to different community-based organizations, events and health organizations to provide educational material that promotes, maintains and improves care for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease and increases awareness of Sickle Cell Trait status.
Through this program, our partnership with UCSF, Fresno, provides bi- weekly COVID-19 testing and vaccinations free of charge. The program also assists in the scheduling of COVID-19 vaccine appointments and follow-up appointments.
received COVID-19 vaccines
via the West Fresno Resource
Center's partnership from
September-December 2021
The community health workers
conducted various outreach
events in the following areas:
93701
93702
INDIVIDUALS
ZIP CODES
7 received information
regarding the virus.
INDIVIDUALS
93703
93705
93706
93722
93726
ADULT CARE
Informational sessions. Home visits. Blankets. Uber rides to doctor visits. No stone was left unturned in the Center’s effort to ensure that more sickle cell patients have access to care. The Center last year collaborated with the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation and Networking California for Sickle Cell Care to provide services in Fresno County to identify—and make sure sickle cell patients are receiving the care they need and deserve.
The Center will continue to focus on educating the community and work with healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes, transition, and quality of life. This past year, the center hosted and participated in several events, including Carpool Cinema Night, Faith & Blue Blood Drive, Black Infant Health, Sickle Cell Presentation and Understanding Sickle Cell Presentation with Holistic Culture & Education Wellness.
The Family Matters Support Group helps families by providing them a safe platform to share their needs, concerns, interests and life updates.
Families are eligible for resources such as diapers, formula, baby supplies, baby food, or additional incentives with regular attendance to the meetings.
Some events and services provided by this program include but not limited to, nutrition classes, biweekly virtual meetings, group potlucks, community holiday events such as Santa's workshop, Christmas celebration at Mary Ella Brown Center, in-person and virtual yoga, food, and diaper distributions. Fifty families attend these events and our regular meetings.
FAMILIES MATTER
8 No stone was left unturned in the Center's effort
to ensure that more sickle cell patients have
access to care.
attended these events and
our regular meetings.
FAMILIES
CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP
The West Fresno Family Resource Center believes that the youth of today will make the changes needed for our communities to thrive in the future. That is why we invest time, energy and resources in our youth programs.
Though the Center hosts many events for our youth, much of the focus centers on the Center’s Sweet Potato project.
The Sweet Potato project is a program that aims to prevent and/or reduce school dropout, gang involvement, and substance use initiation for African American youth ages 12-15. Our youth also learn to give back by volunteering at several community events. Throughout the program, the youth learn and obtain a variety of skills to improve their mental, emotional, and social health.
PHASE I
The Sweet Potato Project begins the recruitment process and introduces youth to the program’s expectations, goals, and meeting times. Informational sessions are held virtually for an hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In-person sessions take place every Saturday at Mary Ella Brown Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SWEET POTATO PROJECT II
This past year, youth participated in planting the slips of the sweet potatoes on two acres located on the African American Farmers of California demonstration site. Youth were exposed to urban agriculture and techniques such as irrigation and weeding. In addition to growing, harvesting and selling sweet potatoes, students learned how to develop business and marketing plans and how to turn their sweet potatoes into products.
The youth were very creative and thought provoking when coming up with products made from sweet potatoes. The youth, divided into groups, presented their products and business plans on “Pitch Day” 9 Continued on the Next Page
...students learned how to develop business and
marketing plans and how to turn their sweet
potatoes into products.
SWEET POTATO PROJECT II Continued
10 See Next Page
before a panel of judges. The judges were so impressed with all their products, but could only select one winner. The Sweet Potato Hair Conditioner and Shampoo won the top prize for 2021.
PHASE II - HARVESTING
Sweet Potato Project II harvested the sweet potatoes with the assistance of Dr. Dewayne Goldmon, a Senior Advisor for Racial Equity to the Secretary of Agriculture. The youth use their entrepreneurial and business skills to take orders and sell the harvested sweet potatoes to the community.
During August 2021, Sweet Potato Project kids, staff and Dr. Goldmon began the first wave of harvest. Dr. Goldmon was the guest speaker for the Black Farmers Conference this year. The youth were very excited to have Dr. Goldmon on the tractor and field with them.
END OF YEAR CEREMONY
At the End of the Year Ceremony, the youth in the Sweet Potato program shared what they learned and experienced during the year. Many of the youth echoed the same message—the Sweet Potato program helped them to stay out of trouble and to focus more on school.
All 33 youths received a certificate of completion and a gift presented by Fresno Deputy Chief Mark Salazar. After the ceremony, the youth received a $200 gift card and a trip to the Tulare outlets to spend their gift cards. The monetary award was provided by the profits of the harvested sweet potatoes.
a certificate of
completion and a gift.
RECEIVED
VOLUNTEERISM
Students in the Sweet Potato project also learn about civic engagement and the importance of giving back to the community in which they live. The students are always present and volunteer at a number of events, including Beautify Fresno “Neighborhood Blitz” Revitalization Project and Youth Recognition.
SWEET POTATO CREED
I am today’s harvest, changing tomorrow’s future.
I will fight against all odds that stand against me.
My circumstances shall not define me.
I will not be shackled by fear, insecurities, or doubt.
My past strengthens my present, which complements my future.
I will never give up, EVER! I shall succeed.
We always knew the Sweet Potato project was great for engaging youth and building leaders. The community also now is taking notice of our children and their efforts. In October 2021, the Fresno Police Pal’s program selected our youth to attend a private shopping excursion at Macys. The children received $400 each to purchase whatever they wanted at the store, thanks to a grant from the Kashian Family Foundation. The youth came away with coats, gloves, jogging suits, purses, cologne and perfume.
YOUTH RECOGNITION
In March 2021, the Sweet Potato Project II youth volunteered in Mayor Jerry Dyer’s initiative to clean up the underserved community of West Fresno.
Alongside the Mayor, Council member Miguel Arias, and other volunteers, the Sweet Potato Project participants displayed pride and support for their community.
BEAUTIFY FRESNO “NEIGHBORHOOD
BLITZ” REVITALIZATION PROJECT
CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP
11 by the children to purchase
anything at Macy's.
WAS RECEIVED
The police said our children were selected because of “their hard work and dedication. ’’ It was a beautiful, unforgettable event. Even with masks on, you could see the smiles on the kids’ faces.
12 EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
The Center provides tutoring, computer literacy, mentoring programs for boys and girls; career development, job training, college preparation, GED training and peer support. In addition, the Center serves as an accredited internship site for educational institutions such as California State University, Fresno, University of Phoenix and Fresno City College. Because of COVID-19, many of the in-person events were rescheduled this past year.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Several programs were developed to assist low-income individuals and families who experienced job loss, hour reductions and medical expenses. These programs provide rental and utility assistance, food, cleaning bags containing sanitation items, and COVID-19 testing and vaccines.
The West Fresno Family Resource Center assisted 111
families and individuals with a total of $324,248.66 to cover past-due expenses and to prevent eviction this
past year.
The Center was one of the community-based
organizations collaborating with the City of Fresno's
Housing Retention Grant. Individuals who met the
qualifications of the program were eligible to cover
past rent to mortgage payments.
FRESNO HOUSING RETENTION
GRANT AND CITY OF FRESNO
EMERGENCY RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
13 were assisted to cover past-due
expenses and to prevent eviction
in 2021 which totaled to:
FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS
Under the direction of the City of Fresno and the
Federal Government, the City of Fresno’s Fresno
Housing Retention Grant and City of Fresno’s
Emergency Rental Assistance Program aims to improve
housing stability for individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The program was for residents who experienced job
or income loss, reduced work hours and incurred
unforeseen medical expenses and were significantly
impacted by the inability to pay monthly housing
expenses. Further, the inability to pay created a burden for the entire family, causing stress within the family, and fear of eviction.
The Center was one of the community-based organizations collaborating with the City of Fresno's Housing Retention Grant.
The Center participated in the VOICE Gladiator Welding Program, a 25-week free hands-on program designed to train individuals to become certified welders. The Center provided case management and onboarding for the program, including reviewing applications, scheduling appointments for background checks and drug screenings.
Upon program completion, students are offered jobs in the area.
Requirements for this program:
Ă Must be 18 years of age or older
Ă Must have a driver's license or state photo ID
Ă Completion of intake documents administered by the West Fresno Family Resource Center
In the first Cohort 18 individuals participated. On September 11, 2021, the students attended orientation at Mary Ella Brown Community Center. The orientation provided the outline of the program, responsibilities, expectations and rules.
In our role as Case Managers of the program, students were referred to various programs such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollments, California ID Vouchers, and housing eviction/allocations services. In addition, we provided food boxes, diapers, baby clothing, baby toiletries, backpacks, rental assistance, and Christmas T oys for T ots/wrapping items.
V.O.I.C.E. GLADIATOR
WELDING PROGRAM
14 The Center collaborated with the City of Fresno on a job fair held at the Mary Ella Brown Community Center on November 26, 2021. More than 200 attended the event.
The job seekers were able to talk to 22 organizations that displayed and shared information on available job opportunities, the recruitment process and requirements.
Some of the participating agencies offered job interviews or accepted applicants’ resumes.
Participants were also able to use the center’s computer lab to update resumes and apply for jobs.
JOB FAIR
a job fair held at the Mary Ella
Community Center
PEOPLE ATTENDED
participated in the Center's Job
Fair held in November 2021
ORGANIZATIONS
The V.O.I.C.E. Gladiator
Welding Program is a 25-week
training program to certify
individuals as welders.
FREE PROGRAM
The two-day Black Farmers Conference served as an excellent opportunity for farmers and ranchers to network and learn about resources. Attendees of the conference came from all over the world from places such as Kenya, Alabama and Kentucky. The conference included four different workshops discussing:
Ă Access to capital and business resources
Ă Youth in agriculture
Ă Resources from agencies
Ă An urban leadership roundtable
The West Fresno Family Resource Center hosted the conference on October 22, 2021. T en local farmers attended the conference at the Double Tree Hotel in Fresno. The keynote speaker was Dr. Dewayne L. Goldmon, Senior Advisor for Racial Equity, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Local farmers had an opportunity to voice their concerns.
Dr. Goldmon was generous with his time as he met with youth on the sweet potato field. He worked side by side with youth, harvesting sweet potatoes while encouraging youth to consider careers in agriculture. Dr.
Goldmon also operated a tractor.
Immediately following the Black Farmers
Conference, Dr. Goldmon participated in a
White House/USDA Equity Work and Equity
Commission Stakeholders Briefing where local
farmers provided insight on related topics.
On October 29, 2021, the Black Farmers
Conference was solely virtual. The keynote
speaker was Chief T erry Cosby, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, United States
Department of Agriculture.
BLACK FARMERS CONFERENCE
15 ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
each session of the Black
Farmers Conference.
PEOPLE ATTENDED at the Black Farmers
Conference was Dr. Dewayne
L. Goldmon, Senior Advisor for
Racial Equity, USDA.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Helping students to start school healthy and ready
to learn are goals of Back to School event, one of the
signature programs of the West Fresno Family Resource
Center. Every year, the event grows. Families from
throughout Fresno County attended the event. Not only
do students in grades K-12 receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, but they also get free clothing, free haircuts and lots of useful information from our many
vendors. Students could also get COVID-19 vaccinations
at the event. The Center partnered with the Fresno
County COVID-19 Equity Project: African American
Coalition to provide the vaccinations.
The Center hosted the 19th annual backpack giveaway on
August 7, 2021, at Roeding Park. The Center distributed more than 1,000 backpacks and school supplies. In
addition, 250 backpacks were distributed at the Pop
Warner Edison Tiger Football and Cheerleader program.
The success of this event is attributed to the generosity of community contributions and volunteers.
The event featured a food zone, backpack zone, water
stations and a vaccine station. As they do every year, youth in the Sweet Potato project volunteer at the back to school event. This summer, the event was combined with
a Youth Explosion, focusing on COVID-19 vaccines for
youth. The youth also surveyed other youth about how
the pandemic has affected their lives. The data, analyzed by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, found that youth were concerned about their mental wellness and
food. Please contact the Center for more information on the survey.
BACK 2 SCHOOL
COMMUNITY EVENTS
HAIRCUTS BACKPACKS CLIENTS SERVED VACCINATED
Before Event During Event
VACCINATED
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer (standing) supported the Back to School event. The mayor spoke to students, emphasizing the importance of getting an education. 16 17
PINK HAT TEA
After nearly two years in isolation, many of our guests were pleased to attend this in-person event—The Pink Hat T ea held in October. It focused on breast cancer education for women of color. The event included a catered lunch.
Approximately 30 people attended. Audrey Reymond
and Amanda Clark were guest speakers, whose topic was
"Healing with Aroma Therapy. "
Additionally, guests provided testimonials on their breast cancer experience. All were delighted to participate in the tea and commented on how they look forward to
attending other functions.
"I live nearby, ’’ one of the participants said. “It makes me feel happy to see our center coming back to life. "
HORTICULTURAL THERAPEUTIC
COMMUNITY CENTER
In just five months last year, nearly 2,000 individuals received services from the Horticultural Therapeutic
Community Center. The therapeutic community center
addresses mental health concerns throughout unserved
and underserved communities in Fresno County.
Staff of the Center went on home visits, conducted zoom meetings and drive-by events to ensure services.
This program provides a welcoming and fun environment
for the senior population to socialize. From January to June 1, 618 individuals received services. The community garden and social events such as exercise/cooking classes help prevent and reduce isolation, anxiety, depression
while promoting physical activity.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
BACK 2 SCHOOL Continued
18 ANNADALE COMMONS “FALL INTO WELLNESS”
"SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES"
On December 8, 2021, the Center
collaborated with CalViva Health and
Self-Enterprises to provide services
and resources to the seniors living
in Annadale Commons. The seniors
received information on COVID-19,
local services, upcoming events, and
general health.
The seniors engaged in Holiday wreath decorating, arts
and crafts with holiday card making, outside physical
activity, social interaction, free food and drink, and a raffle.
Thirteen seniors attended this event.
FRESNO FIRST FIVE GLOW PROGRAM
The overall goal of the glow! program is to improve
the health of Fresno County moms and their babies.
Throughout 2021, sessions were held virtually two times per month. Every month, eight mothers participated.
Moms receive enhanced prenatal care appointments,
complimentary groceries, transportation support, peer
support, and connections to community resources.
For the next four years, Glow! will be offered as part of the EMBRACE (Engaging Mothers & Babies; Reimagining
Antenatal Care for Everyone) study which is looking to
determine what type of prenatal care reduces preterm
birth, improves maternal mental health and results in
greater satisfaction.
TEA IN THE GARDEN
T wenty nine seniors were treated to a sit down luncheon during the T ea in the Garden event on March 16, 2021. A guest speaker from Center for New Americans spoke about Natural Oils that can help heal. Each participant was given an oil sample.
BLANKETS AND SOCKS
T o help with the homeless population during the winter months, Fresno Links donated blankets and socks, which
the Center staff distributed.
TRUNK R TREAT
The Center partnered with the City of
Fresno Parks and Recreation Department
to host the annual Trunk or Treat
celebration on October 30, 2021 at Frank
H. Ball Community Center. Activities
included games, music, food, prizes,
COVID-19 vaccines and a shoe drive. About 200 adults and children enjoyed this event.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
The Center collaborated with Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department for a
community year end celebration. More than 100 attended the event, which provided family-oriented activities such as arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, cookie and wreath decorations. Additionally, University of California, San Francisco administered 35 COVID-19 vaccines.
EAGLE SCOUTS
In May 2021, the Eagle Scouts spent the day volunteering at Mary Ella Brown Community Center repairing and
revitalizing senior planter boxes. Additionally, the Scouts helped to build a compost bin and a sitting bench.
MAXIE L. PARKS
COMMUNITY CENTER REOPENING
The Maxie L. Parks Community Center reopened after
being closed for nearly two years. The official reopening took place on December 8, 2021. Attendees included
councilmember Miguel Aries, Fresno City Council District 3, members of the Fresno Parks and Recreation. Center
staff and board members. This event was open to the
public. The Center displayed its programs and services.
Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community
Services Department provided different arts and crafts activities. COVID-19 vaccines were also offered to those in attendance.
TOYS FOR TOTS
In partnership with United Way, West Fresno Family
Resource Center distributed more than 763 T oys in
December to low-income children ages 0-12 for pre-
registered families.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Funders and Sponsors
Ă Aetna
Ă Anthem Blue Cross
Ă Arias, Miguel: District 3 Councilman
Ă AT&T
Ă California for Energy Independence
Ă California Department of Food and Agricultural
Ă California Reducing Disparities Project, Office of
Health Equity
Ă CalViva Health
Ă Cargill
Ă Central California Food Bank
Ă City of Fresno
Ă Every Neighborhood Partnership
Ă First Five Fresno
Ă Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health
Ă Fresno County Department of Social Services
Ă Fresno County Office Of Education
Ă Fresno COVID-19 Equity Project,
African American Coalition
Ă Fresno Housing Authority
Ă Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce
Ă Fresno Police Activities League
Ă Golden Charter Academy
Ă Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Ă Hall Support T eam
Ă Kaiser Permanente
Ă Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Ă March of Dimes
Ă Modesto Love Center
Ă PG&E
Ă Parks, After School and Community Services, Fresno
Ă Pursuit of Happiness Girls’ Mentorin
Ă Sickle Cell Foundation of Los Angeles
Ă Tapscott-Munson, Kimberly
Ă UCSF
Ă United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Ă Valley Children's Hospital
Ă Internship and Community Service Learning
Ă California State University, Fresno
Ă Fresno City College
Ă University of Phoenix
We cannot say thank you enough to our committed funders, sponsors, volunteers and service-learning members who make the Center’s work possible.
Executive Director
Yolanda Randles, MPH
Director of Operations
Janice Mathurin-Boyd, MA
Program Managers
Sylvia Nunez, MPH
Patrick Hamilton
Program Assistant
Andre Smith
Community Health Workers
Crystal Green
Kayla Parker, MPH
Hope Flint
2021 STAFF
Patricia Mendoza
Lillian Warren
Jazmen Bunch
Housing Assistants
Kenneth Perez
Rosa Bodelo
Case Managers
Rick Darrough, MSW
Mia Shannon
Alondra Cortez
Food Distribution
Support/Utilities
Jay Vance
Finance
Shirley Gambero
Advancing Health Literacy
Janice Sumler, Consultant
Family Support Maternal Family
Support First Five GLOW
Garbralle Conroe, Consultant
Loretta Brooks
Future Employment
10 Community Champions (canvassers)
3 Community Health Workers (paid
internship 7 months)