Welcome to our Celebration of Freedom summer edition! As we move into the heart of summer, we’re reminded that freedom comes in many forms -from the historic significance of Juneteenth and July 4th to the daily freedoms we experience in our work, our wellness, and our personal journeys. Let’s take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and find new ways to stay connected and empowered.

"Freedom Deferred, Freedom Declared" Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of reflection, education, and joy. This month, let us honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history and today.

Ways to Acknowledge Juneteenth :

New & Notable Juneteenth Documentaries & Film Events

PBS’s "Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom" — A 57-minute documentary journey through Texas, exploring how Christianity and faith shaped the holiday’s resilience

"Juneteenth: 1865–2005 | Kinfolk and Family" — A 30-minute documentary produced by KHOU‑TV, with a special screening at UHD on June 18 featuring a Q&A session with the anchors

"Independence & Interdependence" While the Fourth of July often means BBQs, fireworks, and family fun, it also symbolizes the birth of American independence. As we reflect on our nation’s history, we also acknowledge the ongoing journey to ensure liberty and justice for all.

Ideas for July 4th at Work:

Attend a Local Fireworks Show

Host a Backyard BBQ or Potluck

Host a Freedom Reflection Circle

Nominate a Colleague!

This month, we’re recognizing team members who exemplify our core values of integrity, compassion, respect, and excellence.

📝 Submit your nominations by July 14 to:
📧 socialcommittee25@santamariahostel.org

Let’s celebrate those who go above and beyond!

J U N E

Marva Butler.                               2-Jun

Chercandra Johnson.                 2-Jun

Sthefany Castro.                           3-Jun

Cynthia Turner                             3-Jun

Shalawnda Carter.                        4-Jun

Camille Smith.                                6-Jun

Tashana Montgomery-Duhart   7-Jun

Xymena Arana                                 9-Jun

Carolyn Schneider                           12-Jun

Shuronda Knoxson                          13-Jun

Vanell Wilson                                     16-Jun

Ethel Tebid                                         17-Jun

Lanisha Jiles                                      18-Jun

Aquilla Mccullough                          19-Jun

Elizabeth Hobdy                                23-Jun

Vanessa Morgan                               25-Jun

J U L Y

Krysta Price                                        7-Jul

Ineasha Dickey                                  8-Jul

Adriana Tusell                                    9-Jul

Amber Lotsi                                         10-Jul

Tommy Austin                                     11-Jul

Tracie Lowe                                           16-Jul

Tieqwerda Jenkins                              17-Jul

Tiara Brown                                             20-Jul

Katherine Black                                     22-Jul

Mary Brown                                            22-Jul

Regina Villarreal                                     22-Jul

Elizabeth Holmes                                  25-Jul

Latura Adams                                         26-Jul

Lakeshia Mccullough                            28-Jul

Jennifer C Helley                                   31-Jul

J U N E 

J U L Y 

YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION

TO SANTA MARIA IS APPRECIATED. 

STAFF 

Xymena Arana, Bilingual Counselor

Mary Kong Saeng, Med Technician

Emily Oneal, Recovery Advocate

Phoenix Gray, Recovery Advocate

PLEASE JOIN US IN GIVING THEM A WARM WELCOME TO THESE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM!

Please talk to your supervisors to make sure you attend the necessary trainings. 

JULY 11, 2025

ANE at Bonita House - Conference Room

8:30AM-12:30 PM

JULY 14, 2025

CPR/FA at Bonita House - Training room

9:00AM

JULY 23, 2025

 PIAB  at  Bonita House -Conference room

9:00AM

JULY 25, 2025

ANE at Bonita House - Conference Room

8:30AM-12:30 PM

J U N E

June 21 – First Day of Summer

J U L Y

July 4 – Independence Day

July 17 – National Ice Cream Day Celebration

July 30 – Intern Appreciation Day (Shoutout to our interns!)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING TOWN HALL MEETINGS

📅 Upcoming Town Hall Dates:

Wednesday September 24th

Wednesday December 3rd

We look forward to seeing you there!

Why don't we play hide-and-seek at the office?
Because good luck hiding when everyone’s on Teams. 

Why did the employee bring a ladder to work?
Because they heard the job was a step up! 

Have a joke to share? Send it to the Social Committee and you might be featured in the next newsletter!

In hot and humid weather, sometimes your body’s natural cooling system isn’t enough. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke pose a very real threat to outdoor workers. Follow these simple steps to keep yourself cool and safe:

Wear loose, light-colored clothing and some type of hat.

Be conscious of warm conditions, especially if performing strenuous tasks.

Take breaks in the shade when possible and remove any protective gear you may be wearing.

If you’ll be working in the sun, apply sunscreen before work and reapply according to the directions on the package

Avoid overexertion during peak temperature hours, especially midday.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty—at least 8 ounces every 20 to 30 minutes.

Stay away from drinks that contain caffeine—such as coffee, tea or soda—as they can dehydrate you

Symptoms

There are several types of heat illnesses, with the most serious being heat stroke. Less severe types include heat rash, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Recognizing the early symptoms of less severe heat illnesses and getting treatment quickly can help reduce the risk of developing a more serious illness.

Be aware of these symptoms while working: • Muscle cramps • Headache • Dizziness • Fainting • Irritability • Confusion • Extreme thirst • Nausea • Vomiting First-aid

 If you notice symptoms of a heat illness in yourself or one of your coworkers, intervene immediately. Move to a cooler, shady location and slowly drink water or a sports drink that can help replace your electrolytes. Cool down your body temperature by removing unnecessary clothing like shoes and socks and utilizing cold compresses. If symptoms improve, you should go home to recover and rest for the day. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately and attempt to cool the body with cold water and air circulation while waiting for help to arrive.

Your compassion, care, and commitment make Santa Maria  a place of hope, healing, and transformation. Let’s keep lifting each other up as we continue this journey together.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available 24/7 for counseling, financial advice, and more.

To learn more about the Lincoln Financial Employee Connect program, visit www.Lincoln4Benefits.com

or www.GuidanceResources.com (user name = LFGsupport; password = LFGsupport1), or talk with a specialist at 888-628-4824.

Desk Stretch Breaks: Take 3 minutes to do shoulder rolls and neck stretches.

Breathing Reset: Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.

Water Break Challenge: Stay hydrated and take a walk to refill your water bottle.

Quiet Zone: Use a designated quiet room or space for 10 minutes of reflection

Congratulations to Christina Raglin!
We’re thrilled to share the joyful news of the arrival of her beautiful baby!

Baby Amari Johnson, Born on April 28, 2025

Wishing Christina and baby Amari all the love, health, and happiness in this new chapter!