Dasheda’s Story: “Life Has Never Been Better”
When Dasheda Johnson was released from prison after three years, she was determined to rewrite her story—for herself and for her six children. She knew she couldn’t return to the same environment that had held her back, so she made the brave decision to leave her home county, break her life patterns, and search for the support she needed.
At first, that journey was full of frustration. Dasheda cycled through multiple programs that promised stability but never delivered. Then, everything changed when she was accepted into BACS’ transitional housing program at the Holland.
“People make mistakes, but that shouldn’t define who they are,” she says. “BACS is a program that gives people like me hope.”
Today, Dasheda is full of gratitude. She’s proud of how far she’s come, and she’s focused on what lies ahead: continuing to build her future and reuniting with her children.
Read the full story on our website.
Community Connect Summer Celebrations: A Time for Joy and Connection
This year’s Community Connect Summer Celebrations were a huge success. These joyous events brought together our BACS clients, neighbors, staff, and local businesses for a series of fun-filled gatherings, featuring delicious food, great music, and meaningful connections.
Our BACS clients enjoyed a variety of vendors, sweet treats, and activities, including photobooths, massages, and lively entertainment. The welcoming environment allowed everyone to unwind, have fun, and make unforgettable memories.
At BACS, we believe that community is at the heart of everything we do. Events like these help us build connections and create joyful experiences for those we serve. We’re grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of community, and we look forward to many more opportunities in the future.
BACS & Clubhouse International: Enhancing Mental Health Support in Sacramento
Belonging is core to feeling comfortable and stable in your community, no matter your struggles – so our CORE Wellness Center sites in Sacramento build belonging from the ground up! BACS founded our first program in this model back in 1969, Towne House Wellness Center, which is still open today – and we are proud to be part of Sacramento’s mental health landscape with these peer-run wellness centers, offering a welcoming space for individuals to access support, services, and community.
Excitingly, a new initiative aims to build on the strengths of existing services like ours, bringing Clubhouse International’s community-driven model to Sacramento. By complementing current resources, this approach offers a unique and promising way to support individuals in need. As Erica Jones, who started the local group, notes, “It’s not competing with anything: It’s to help add to what’s already there and provide something that isn’t really available in the same way elsewhere.”
Empowering Women, Building Community
BACS took part in the 2nd annual Women of Valor event organized by St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County in Oakland, aimed at facilitating resource sharing for survivors of domestic violence. Unfortunately, too many survivors of domestic violence experience homelessness or behavioral health challenges after their experiences, and BACS is proud to be part of their safety net in rebuilding their lives.
The event was dedicated to honoring women who have demonstrated courage and valor, providing support to those in need, and advocating for women’s empowerment. Thanks to this event, BACS engaged with many remarkable women and helped them connect with a range of services offered by BACS to help them thrive – prevention programs, housing initiatives, interim housing options, wellness centers, and employment assistance.
The talented culinary training team at St. Vincent De Paul prepared lunch for all attendees of the event. The day concluded with numerous giveaways that brought joy to each woman present. BACS felt privileged to be part of this event, to celebrate the progress women have made, and help them on the road to a brighter future.
