Press Release

Thursday, June 29, 2023

City of Turlock, We Care Program join forces to open day center to provide safe, cool place for adults

TURLOCK, CA. – The City of Turlock and the We Care Program have launched a day center open to all residents looking to connect with social services or just needing a cool, safe place to relax and socialize.

The center is located at 275 Third St. and can be accessed through the United Samaritans Foundation parking lot on Broadway. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anyone 18 and older is welcome to use the center, which features an air-conditioned space with restrooms, TV, water and coffee. It is open to all adults in the community – not just those who are part of the We Care Program.

Since the center began operations Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 nearly 400 people have dropped by. There is a housing manager who can help those in need of shelter as well as a social services case worker from La Familia. Once a month, a physician from Community Health Centers of America provides free medical access.

“The success of this program is already higher than anticipated,” said Maris Sturtevant, Executive Director of the We Care Program. “The center creates a safe place for people to use the restrooms and rest during the day that is not the streets and sidewalks. Already, we are seeing clients using this time to connect to new jobs, resources and housing. The dedicated staff has helped community members by providing someplace to be and someone to talk to who wants to help.”

“We are delighted to join with We Care to create this new navigation center. Our goal is to help people access all needed services and job opportunities. Over the next few months we will evaluate the impact and explore ways to make it better”, said Reagan Wilson, Turlock City Manager.

Jeffrey Lewis, President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment in Turlock, praised the partnership that led to the center.

“The City of Turlock keeps moving forward to ensure that any resident who needs a place to cool or get warm has somewhere to go,” he said. “Along with We Care, this ongoing commitment to ensure residents are protected from the heat and the cold underscores a commitment to humanity.”

###


Download PDF version of this press release

Back to Press Releases