ATTACHMENT A
Wellness Center
Quarterly Report
Wellness
Center
QUARTERLY
REPORT
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2024
Homelessness
Solutions and
Housing
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
OVERVIEW
On December 21st, National Homeless Persons' Memorial
Day brought communities together to remember those
who have lost their lives due to homelessness; a stark
reminder that unsheltered homelessness can have
dangerous consequences. While time to mourn, the
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day also serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need to address the unhoused individuals hoping for a chance at stability. This day reinforces the understanding that homelessness is
both preventable and treatable through permanent
housing, healthcare, and tailored supportive services. By honoring lives lost, the City reaffirms a commitment to ending homelessness and ensuring everyone has the
opportunity to live with dignity and security. The City of Victorville has taken incredible steps in combating
homelessness, positioning itself as a leader in this space by taking action driven by community input and a dedication to addressing all aspects of homelessness. Through
innovative initiatives and a commitment to providing
comprehensive care, Victorville is actively addressing the issue and ensuring that no one is left behind.
This quarter, the Wellness Center achieved a major
milestone, housing over 100 individuals since inception. The Wellness Center also hosted its first on-campus resource fair, providing clients with valuable services addressing mental, physical, and spiritual well being as well as legal obstacles. The number of assisted individuals continues to rise, reflecting the center's profound impact on the
community. Community partners poured in support during
the holiday, making clients feel appreciated and loved.
The City also secured crucial ERF-3 grant funding from the State to further combat homelessness. With Wellness
Center staff's unwavering dedication driving the clients' determination, the goal of housing for all is becoming an attainable reality.
On December 12, 2024, the Wellness Center celebrated its one-year anniversary, recognizing a year of operations for this first-of-its-kind, low-barrier, non-congregate
emergency shelter that provides unsheltered residents with much-needed interim housing and wraparound support
services with a medical and recuperative care clinic on site.
As 2024 concluded, many families and individuals left
grateful for the services provided.
EMPLOYEE
Janiss has been an amazing asset to our Wellness Center team. As the Hope the Mission Program Manager for
the Wellness Center since April of 2024, Janiss is
responsible for coordinating all the day to day
operational needs for the Wellness Center campus. This
includes managing all the cooking, cleaning,
maintenance, security, and safety for all the staff and clients. Despite the complexity of her role, Janiss
approaches every challenge with exceptional flexibility, a solution-oriented mindset, and an unwavering
commitment to excellence in customer service. Her ability to adapt to evolving needs and tackle new challenges
with grace has been instrumental in the Wellness
Center's success. Outside of her professional
responsibilities, Janiss is known for her love of the
outdoors and enjoys hiking and spending quality time
with her family.
Andrea is being highlighted this quarter for her
outstanding work as a integral member of the Wellness
Center team. Andrea supports the Wellness Center as
the Wellness Services Manager. She has been in that
position for Symba Center since the opening of the
Wellness Center in December of 2023. In her capacity,
Andrea is in charge of all supportive services for the
Wellness Center campus. That includes managing and
coordinating all case management, behavioral health,
housing, and medical needs for all the Wellness Center
clients. Andrea continues to provide superior oversight of all of Symba Center’s programs, and serves as a
great example for both staff and clients. Andrea’s
resiliency day in and day out has been the key to the
successes of the Wellness Center.
Spotlight
JANISS DIAZ ANDREA BARRAZA
White32.8%
African American31%
Multi-Racial20.1%
Hispanic13.8%Other2.2%
0 20 40 60 80 100
Under 18
18-24
25-44
45-54
55+
CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Wellness Center remains a steadfast service
provider, welcoming individuals from all walks of
life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or
background. This ongoing commitment to inclusivity
and equity is reflected in the diversity of its client
base, ensuring that all individuals in need receive
support and care. By continuing to provide these
vital services, the center helps ensure that every
individual, no matter their circumstances, has the
opportunity to receive the support they need to
thrive.
Approximately 32% of the individuals housed at
the Wellness Center are seniors over the age of
55. With the operation of our family units, the
Wellness Center has seen an increase in the
number of children. Additionally, the transitional
age youth (TAY) population of those aged 18-24
nearly doubled this quarter.
Race/Ethnicity
Client Age
Male51.7%Female48.3%
Throughout this quarter, the Wellness Center provided
equal support to both male and female clients. A
decline in the number of LGBTQ individuals seeking
assistance has been observed, and the City remains
committed to collaborating with our partner
organizations to support individuals of all genders to
the fullest extent.
Gender
INTAKES
CLIENT SATISFACTION
We surveyed clients on a range of satisfaction measures.
Below are the percentages of clients who agreed.
DATA HIGHLIGHTS
MEALS SERVED
PERMANENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS AVG. LENGTH OF STAY (DAYS)
121 121 Over 32,000 Over 32,000
44 44 128 128
“I FEEL RESPECTED BY THE STAFF.”
“STAFF HELPED ME ACCESS THE SERVICES I NEED.”
“I AM MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT MY FUTURE.”
“I HAVE ADDED HEALTHY BEHAVIORS.”
“I AM CLOSER TO REACHING MY HOUSING GOAL.”
86%
79%
83%
81%
60%
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
HOLIDAY CHEERS
This holiday season, the Wellness Center was filled with festivities and community support. For Halloween, clients enjoyed pumpkin decorating, thanks to donations from Hope the Mission and Symba Center. ICR Staffing Agency provided turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner. Christ the Solid Rock Church (CSRC) provided an on-site Thanksgiving meal and entertainment. 3M-Oak Hills donated over 200 sock bundles with snacks and hygiene items for the holiday season.
VVTA assisted with transport to the First Assembly of God Thanksgiving event.
Victory Christian Center and CSRC provided Christmas gifts to adult clients on campus. Also, a special shout out to Santa Claus who made it possible for all children to wake up to gifts on Christmas morning.
FUN TIMES AT THE WELLNESS CENTER
2024 was filled with successes at every turn. The Wellness Center proudly celebrated housing over 100 individuals in permanent housing solutions. Each graduate was celebrated and had the opportunity to ring the Wellness Center's housing bell, with the empowering words, "I am not defined by my past, I’m driven by my future," serving as a powerful reminder that we can all achieve a new beginning on our route to wellness. In addition to these milestones, clients also joined in the excitement of the Dodgers' victory in the World Series, and the countdown to the New Year brought even more joy and laughter.
FAMILIES
The Green family joyfully settled into their new housing unit in Victorville on October 11, and the Greer Family was successfully housed on December 18, marking a significant milestone in their respective journies. The families expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team for their unwavering assistance in making this housing transition possible. In addition, a special celebration took place as a Wellness Center youth celebrated a birthday with a delightful cake, adding an extra touch of warmth to the occasion.
INDIVIDUALS
During this quarter, Michael E., Tamara P., and Laurel N., were all housed and delighted to take the next step on their “route to wellness.” These were just some of the many who were able to successfully depart from the Wellness Center empowered and supported to improve their lives.
SUCCESS STORIES
On October 23, 2024, the Wellness Center proudly hosted its first on-site resourceOn October 23, 2024, the Wellness Center proudly hosted its first on-site resource fair, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support clients on theirfair, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support clients on their journey to wellness and stability. The event featured legal services from the Publicjourney to wellness and stability. The event featured legal services from the Public Defender’s Office, vocational services provided by Goodwill, on-site vaccinationsDefender’s Office, vocational services provided by Goodwill, on-site vaccinations provided by Kaiser, mental health services from the National Alliance on Mentalprovided by Kaiser, mental health services from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Inland Valley), spiritual support from First Assembly of God, voterIllness (NAMI Inland Valley), spiritual support from First Assembly of God, voter registration and education, health screenings by Symba Center, and free dentalregistration and education, health screenings by Symba Center, and free dental services provided by Community Health Systems Inc. This event underscored theservices provided by Community Health Systems Inc. This event underscored the Wellness Center's commitment to becoming a one-stop hub for essential resources,Wellness Center's commitment to becoming a one-stop hub for essential resources, aiming to provide holistic support to those striving for housing and a better quality ofaiming to provide holistic support to those striving for housing and a better quality of life.life.
RESOURCE FAIR
Starting in October 2024, Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHSI) has generously volunteered to provide on-siteStarting in October 2024, Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHSI) has generously volunteered to provide on-site dental services at the Wellness Center on a monthly basis. This vital initiative will offer a comprehensive range ofdental services at the Wellness Center on a monthly basis. This vital initiative will offer a comprehensive range of services, including free dental screenings, exams, x-rays, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), routine cleanings,services, including free dental screenings, exams, x-rays, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), routine cleanings, and fillings, all at no cost to the individuals served.and fillings, all at no cost to the individuals served.
On-site dental care is especially crucial within a homeless shelter environment, where individuals often face severeOn-site dental care is especially crucial within a homeless shelter environment, where individuals often face severe barriers to accessing traditional dental services. Many in this vulnerable population struggle with transportationbarriers to accessing traditional dental services. Many in this vulnerable population struggle with transportation challenges, financial constraints, and the fear of seeking treatment due to the stigma surrounding poor oral health. Bychallenges, financial constraints, and the fear of seeking treatment due to the stigma surrounding poor oral health. By providing these services directly at the shelter, the Wellness Center is addressing these barriers head-on, ensuringproviding these services directly at the shelter, the Wellness Center is addressing these barriers head-on, ensuring that individuals who might otherwise go without care receive essential dental treatments that can significantly improvethat individuals who might otherwise go without care receive essential dental treatments that can significantly improve their overall health and well-being.their overall health and well-being.
Community Health Systems, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationCommunity Health Systems, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates six community health centers across the tri-county region of San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego.that operates six community health centers across the tri-county region of San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego.
Their mission is to provide accessible, high-quality health care to underserved populations, and this new dental serviceTheir mission is to provide accessible, high-quality health care to underserved populations, and this new dental service initiative at the shelter further exemplifies their commitment to improving health outcomes for all, regardless of theirinitiative at the shelter further exemplifies their commitment to improving health outcomes for all, regardless of their circumstances.circumstances.
ON-SITE DENTAL CARE
On December 12, 2024, the Wellness Center held a celebrationOn December 12, 2024, the Wellness Center held a celebration to recognize the dedication of its staff and partners who driveto recognize the dedication of its staff and partners who drive positive change in the community. Symba Center and Hopepositive change in the community. Symba Center and Hope the Mission were presented with Certificates of Appreciation forthe Mission were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their continued support, and staff from the Homelesstheir continued support, and staff from the Homeless Engagement Team and Wellness Center were acknowledgedEngagement Team and Wellness Center were acknowledged for their exceptional efforts throughout the year.for their exceptional efforts throughout the year.
A highlight of the celebration was hearing from two clientsA highlight of the celebration was hearing from two clients who shared their personal experiences. One graduate creditedwho shared their personal experiences. One graduate credited the Wellness Center’s staff and services for her success,the Wellness Center’s staff and services for her success, emphasizing that the ability to keep her pet with her wasemphasizing that the ability to keep her pet with her was crucial to her recovery. She expressed deep gratitude for thecrucial to her recovery. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received, which she will forever cherish.support she received, which she will forever cherish.
The celebration highlighted the Center's impact on improvingThe celebration highlighted the Center's impact on improving lives and was a reminder of the ongoing commitment tolives and was a reminder of the ongoing commitment to making a difference in the community.making a difference in the community.
WELLNESS CENTER
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count is
scheduled for January 23, 2025. On
this date, the goal is to obtain an
accurate snapshot of the current
homelessness climate, which will help
inform and adjust efforts to address
homelessness more effectively. By
gathering this information, staff can
better understand the scope of the
issue and allocate resources where
they are needed most.
The City was recently awarded 6.3
Million Dollars in Encampment
Resolution Fund (ERF) Round 3 grant
monies to address encampments
along Interstate 15 and Highway 18,
within the City.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM THE WELLNESS
CENTER
OUR WELLNESS
JOURNEY
CONTINUES