Humans of NHC: Julianna Bejar

Julianna Bejar is a Program Coordinator for the Thriving Families: Family Matters Support Group at West Fresno Family Resource Center (WFFRC). Thriving Families is a bilingual program that educates families on health topics that are critical to their well-being and empowering them. Some of these educational presentations include healthy eating, handwashing safety, and having a panel of Valley Children’s Hospital doctors hold a Q&A. These are all given in both English and Spanish as a bilingual program. A great component to this program is that families receive free diapers for their children. 

Julianna started at WFFRC as an intern and first got involved with Thriving Families by assisting at these events. She recalls a meaningful moment where a mother came up to her and gave her a hug, expressing her gratitude and saying, “Thank you for these diapers. Now I can buy extra groceries for my family this week.” This moment made Julianna realize the impact that Thriving Families made on the community because receiving diapers relieved financial barriers for families. After her internship, she was hired on as Program Coordinator because of the positive difference she played a part in by bringing in more families and expanding the program. 

Additionally, Julianna plans events such as Family Reading Nights where health professionals come and read storybooks for children to increase literacy. Here, children get to engage in arts and crafts activities and leave with a storybook. Families who attend also receive free diapers. Significantly, Julianna mentions that these events are meant to make families feel welcome, safe, and be a part of an inclusive environment. Family Reading Nights prove to be just that as mothers usually stay behind to thank Julianna and talk about the wonderful experience they and their children had. Sometimes, mothers would open up to Julianna about their hardships and she would be there as a support and resource for them. 

Furthermore, Julianna is a recent Fresno State graduate having received her Bachelor’s in Public Health. Julianna wants to help people overcome barriers in health and create opportunities for families to rely on such as Thriving Families. She believes that public health is finding solutions and so as someone in this field, she wants to do her part in giving to the solution little by little. The work that Julianna is currently doing is truly impactful and is contributing to creating healthier communities!