Celebrating Team Appreciation Week: Fostering a Community of Care
Last month, we came together for Team Appreciation Week, a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and wellness, grounded in our Community of Care approach.
Inspired by Monica’s background in public mental health and a commitment to research-driven practices, we designed a week that nurtured every aspect of whole person wellness.
Our organization plays an important role in the community by providing a welcoming space where others can explore their creativity and build meaningful connections. Because we are so deeply committed to nurturing the community, it's equally important that we care for ourselves and create that same kind of supportive, inspiring environment for our own team.
Our Community of Care Approach
At the heart of our work is the belief that true wellbeing arises from supporting the “whole person health/wellness” ideology and building on our Community of Care network, grounded in the “healing-centered engagement” research of Dr. Shawn Ginwright. Monica, our People and Culture Coordinator, draws on their public health expertise to champion this approach. Our framework for whole person wellness includes:
Social Wellness: Fostering a sense of connection, belonging, and a supportive community.
Emotional Wellness: Building skills to cope effectively with life and form satisfying relationships.
Spiritual Wellness: Expanding purpose and meaning in our lives.
Intellectual Wellness: Encouraging creativity and ongoing learning.
Physical Wellness: Emphasizing physical activity, nutrition, and rest.
Environmental Wellness: Creating pleasant, stimulating spaces that support wellbeing.
Financial Wellness: Supporting satisfaction with current and future financial situations.
Occupational Wellness: Finding personal fulfillment and enrichment through our work.
Highlights from Team Appreciation Week
Kimball Park Ice Cream Social
We kicked off the week by taking advantage of the beautiful weather at Kimball Park, right next door to our office. Sharing ice cream in the sunshine made for a delightful break and a chance to connect in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
Tuesday Boba Catering & Art-Making
Our team bonded over delicious boba teas from a local caterer while engaging in a collaborative art-making session. With so many creatives on our team, this was a wonderful opportunity to share talents, express ourselves, and enjoy the process together.
Thursday Therapy Fluffies
A longtime favorite team appreciation activity, “Therapy Fluffies” trained volunteer therapy dogs, visited the office to help us unwind and recharge. This time, we hosted our largest group of canine visitors yet, and the joy was unmistakable! Our team loved bonding with the dogs and each other, laughing and smiling all around.
A Note from Monica, People and Culture Coordinator
Monica’s leadership is deeply informed by their experience in public mental health, and they work tirelessly to create an inclusive, safe, and dynamic environment at ARTS. Reflecting on the week, they shared:
"I see how much our team pours into the South Bay community, so I wanted to make them feel appreciated in return. They are always doing so much for others, so they deserve some affirmation and time to de-stress. I had so much fun getting to talk to our team (especially the folks I don't see as often day-to-day), watching them craft for themselves, and enjoying time in the sun with them!"
Meet Monica Bañuelos (they/he/elle/el), ARTS People & Culture Coordinator. Monica has been with ARTS since June 2025 and brings a strong background in public mental health, holding a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from UC San Diego. They co-founded a grassroots org, Queer & Trans Nature Collective, to nourish QTBIPOC's well-being through connection w/ nature and community-building opportunities. In addition to growing their org, during his time at UCSD, Monica focused their research on BIPOC mental health barriers and possible solutions with an emphasis on trans and gender non-conforming melanated people. Monica is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments and encourages whole-person wellness, weaving research-based approaches with a deep commitment to community care into everything that ARTS does.
“I see how much our team pours into the South Bay community, so I wanted to make them feel appreciated in return.”
Year-Round Team Growth and Care
Team Appreciation Week was a great reminder of the importance of celebrating one another, not just for what we achieve, but for who we are and enjoying each other’s company. Our commitment to whole-person wellness and a supportive community continues throughout the year with a variety of ongoing initiatives designed to foster growth, learning, and connection.
Lunch and Learn Workshops
One of our most popular year-round initiatives is the monthly Lunch and Learn workshops. These sessions are designed for skill-building and knowledge sharing, led by team members while everyone enjoys a meal together. We launched this initiative to foster a collective resource pool and encourage skill-sharing among our incredibly talented team. So far, we have learned many valuable skills, including blacksmithing, animation, and grant writing, to name a few! Read more about our Lunch and Learn program!
All-Team Retreats
At the start of every session, we host an all-team retreat to connect, share our plans for the upcoming season, and revisit the fundamentals and standards operating procedures of working together. These gatherings are essential for building trust, setting shared intentions, and strengthening our sense of community. Check out our blog post from our Spring 2026 All-Team Retreat!
Professional Development Opportunities
Throughout the year, we offer various professional development opportunities for our team members to learn from each other and from partner organizations. These sessions cover a range of topics, including leadership, mental health workshops, and trauma-informed care. A notable recent opportunity was our Safe Zone workshop, facilitated by Teaching Artist Isabella Cervantes and our P&C Coordinator, Monica Bañuelos. This workshop provided valuable insights into LGBTQIA+ experiences and guidance on creating a safer and more welcoming environment at the ARTS Center for both our youth and our team. Such opportunities contribute to our personal and collective growth, ensuring that we remain inspired and well-equipped to serve our community effectively.
By prioritizing these opportunities for growth, connection, and care, we ensure our team is well-supported and just as we strive to support the broader community through our work.
