A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

     As I’ve navigated through this spring season, I have taken time to reflect on our year so far. Over the past several months, our team has spent time learning and rooting ourselves for the next steps in the organization's journey. It has been quite the season of change and growth, but we are embracing all that comes with new beginnings. We have lots of exciting news to share as the spring and summer seasons unfold! 

     On the topic of exciting news: this month, we are launching our latest series: Project Harmony. You may remember our Summer Wellness Series that took place last year; we had such great feedback from the community and decided it was important to bring these gatherings back to life. After much planning and brainstorming, our team decided to relaunch the former summer series and create a framework that offers consistent, year-round  gatherings! Project Harmony will provide a series of recreational activities meant to inspire social connection, learning, and healthy living. We believe urban recreation has the power to uplift and bring community together, and that is what Project Harmony is all about. Make sure you follow us on our social media to stay tuned for all the details to come.

I hope you notice (and love) the new look of our newsletter! Now called Rooted, our newsletter will provide a space for us to curate stories about what is happening around us in the valley, encourage community members to take action and get involved with current events, and offer educational content that inspires people to be interested in their personal wellness. Rooted content will also be shared via our social media platforms.

     I am eager to share more about the vibrant projects our team is cultivating in the coming weeks. Thank you deeply to our friends and partners that offer continual support and engagement in our organization’s work, growth and development– I truly believe it is the collective effort that makes communal impact and change possible. Let’s continue to learn, laugh, and build together!

OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: BRUHA

     Offbeat and spooky may be the first words that come to mind when you hear Bruha,  translating to “witch” in Tagalog, but to owner Angela Tolosa it means so much more. Tolosa defines her childhood nickname, “bruha,” as anything that one can connect with cosmically, such as the lunar cycle, energy, and rituals. Bruha was founded with the intention of appealing to a niche group that this sentiment resonates with and focuses on bringing them together in a welcoming space. The personality of Bruha’s visionary is evident in the art, neon signs, plants, and home goods furnishing the shop.

     Founded originally as a pop-up in 2022 and moving into a brick and mortar in late 2023, Bruha is more than just an average plant shop. Inheriting a love of plants from her “plant-crazy” mother and grandmother, Tolosa carries a variety of species that range in size and expertise level. She designs and casts her own plant pots, trinket trays, and pours her own candles - in hand-made vessels of course. The storefront, located at 312 Needham St. in downtown Modesto, sports a DIY potting bar for customers to rehome their plants in style and a DIY candle pouring station is in the works as well. Bruha regularly hosts community events to engage attendees in creative and mindful practices. Pot and candle making, as well as potting events regularly take place in the store, with new events and themes always brewing. Tolosa believes that bringing items into your living space should be done carefully and with intention, as your personal space and energy should be taken into consideration and always honored. With this in mind, all items are crafted with good intentions and customers are encouraged to pick items they are most drawn to.

     Tolosa brings an infectious energy into Bruha, an energy that Modesto has a need for. Though not originally from Modesto, she stated that she loves being part of the community and its revitalization. Her favorite part of being a local business owner is networking with other businesses and organizations in the community, and sharing their ups and downs with each other. Tolosa’s advice to anyone wanting to start their own business is to, “Do whatever your heart desires, you only live once!” Emphasis was placed on protecting yourself and your peace during this process, never sacrificing your creative vision for anyone else.

    To check out upcoming events or shop online, visit Bruha on Instagram, @bruhastudio or their website linked below! 

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: HAVEN

    As a well-established organization in the community, Haven (Healthy Alternatives to Violent Environments) has provided community services and facilitated change in Stanislaus County for over forty years. Originally composed of several groups, Haven has since come together to act as one cohesive organization that provides comprehensive services to the community, free of charge. With a mission to “act as a catalyst for individual empowerment and societal change” as well as advocating “for those impacted by domestic and sexual abuse or human trafficking and working to end gender-based violence,” the organization acts with compassion and integrity.  

     Haven offers extensive services to anyone, regardless of gender identity, that has experienced or witnessed domestic violence. Prevention oriented programs, “Kids Count!” and “Teens Count!” are specifically designed to educate and empower youth that may encounter domestic violence or other traumatic situations. Support groups for youth that have experienced unsafe relationships are offered in the Haven center (TRUST) and on several high school campuses (HAART). These groups focus on safety planning in an aim to avoid victimization and ensure that difficult topics can be discussed in an age appropriate manner. Those that are over eighteen can access even more comprehensive services. In addition to peer support and counseling, restraining order and custody assistance, emergency and transitional housing, advocacy work, and case management are also provided to clients free of charge. Haven also runs a 24/7 crisis hotline, staffed by trained employees and volunteers to assist clients in a variety of situations. This team is dispatched out to clients in emergency room situations in order to advocate, educate, and provide support as needed. These are just a few of the numerous services provided by Haven.

     In addition to trained and qualified staff, Haven utilizes volunteers to ensure that all advocacy needs are met. Volunteers do not need previous experience in the field to apply and are provided with victim advocacy training in order to provide the best client care possible. All staff, volunteer or otherwise, maintain complete client confidentiality for the safety of all involved. 

    Haven partners with other agencies throughout the year to fundraise and spread awareness. Their annual “In Their Shoes” event was held in early April in effort to “raise funds to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Stanislaus County.” This inclusive event encourages teams to participate in a healthy competition for a good cause. In October of this year, they will hold their annual fundraising gala to continue providing services to the community without the barrier of cost. If you would like to know more about upcoming events, services offered, or how to become a trained volunteer, visit Haven on Instagram, @havenstanislaus, or at the link below.

CREATIVE NATIVE Q & A: LOVE & LIGHT LOFT

Q: What is your name and hometown? 

A: Mayra, Turlock, CA

Q: How were you first introduced to art? 

A: I think like many people, through artwork in my family’s homes. I discovered a deeper connection to art, in the 4th grade. I had a really great teacher who incorporated a variety of art and craft into each unit of learning we were focusing on. It was my favorite part of school!

Q: What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

A: This is such a difficult question to answer! While others label themselves more specifically, such as “painter” or “sculptor,” I consider myself an artist and creative. I like to dabble and let the artwork I am working on dictate the medium. Sometimes, I also go through periods of time with small obsessions. For example, I concentrated on dance for a few years, then I switched over to photography, followed by painting and printmaking, then back to photography, and it just keeps cycling. Currently, my focus is digital art. There is so much to learn and grow in and so many stylistic possibilities; it’s a fascinating medium!

Q: Is creating art your full time career? 

A: Art is currently a full time career for me. I am a full-time art teacher. When I am not teaching, I am working on my personal artwork and developing my skills. I also take on summer projects like murals, and I own an online shop, through which I share my art and design. 

Q: Where do you find inspiration? Are there artists that inspire you? 

A: I like to think that life generally inspires me. The context of my work is often inspired from my youth and upbringing, my family teachings and experiences, and my Mexican heritage. Stylistically, I think I draw from many artists. It’s not a secret that we learn from what we see and art is a constant remix of all of the styles we are exposed to. I love the vibrant colors of Mexican and early Latin American artists. I love the passion and pride of Chicano artists. I love the story-based artwork of artists like Frida Kahlo and I love the textured work of printmakers. Last, but not least, the incredible work that digital artists are creating is so innovative and inspiring; I cannot get enough of the amazing new styles and concepts they’re coming up with! 

Q: Do you have advice for youth that are interested in pursuing a career in the arts but may be anxious to start?

     A: I think this is such an important question! I work with youth daily and it breaks my heart when they believe the field is unattainable or unrealistic! I would advise youth to just get started. It’s going to be difficult to share your work in the beginning, but with practice and time, things will get better! Seek your local community, there are so many hidden gems and opportunities to give you experience and growth. Take advantage of your art classes at school and just absorb as much as you can. All of this will benefit your artistic toolbox and help you figure out what direction you may want to go in. Ask questions of the professionals you come across and don’t be afraid to get out there. The artist community in the 209 is tight-knit and you will find people you connect with and who are willing to help. 

Q: What do you believe is the most prominent or most recurring theme in your art? What does this theme mean to you? 

    A: Themes that are recurrent in my work include memories, nature, and encouraging or empowering messages. As far as memory, I think when those concepts show up in my work, I’m trying to figure things out, mainly myself, and I’m honoring the moments that have shaped me. As far as nature, I explore honoring its beauty first and foremost. Secondly, I love uncovering the meaning we as humans have attached to elements of nature over time. I think it is a beautiful form of universal communication between groups of people and communities. Empowering messages show up more obviously in my digital and design work. I strive to build up people and remind them of the strength, beauty, and power in their humanity.

LOVE MODESTO RECAP

     The team would like to thank everyone who joined us for our Wellness Workshop on April 27th. In partnership with Love Modesto, we were able to provide a space for individuals to look inward and practice mindful self-care. Special thanks to our activity leaders; Alyssa Luttrull, Karina Jaurgegui, and Chanel Martins. These individuals ensured that all activities were fun and accessible to skill levels. We hope to see you all at our upcoming events!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS