GUSTINE — A proposed wellness center for Gustine Unified School District is among 15 community projects that Rep. Adam Gray has secured funding for as part of more than $16 million in federal investments across California’s 13th Congressional District.
Gray announced the funding package this week, highlighting projects that range from sidewalk improvements in Huron to upgraded radio systems for Modesto police officers. But for Gustine, the most significant win is $366,000 to help establish a centralized wellness center serving students at Gustine High School and Gustine Middle School.
“Providing better sidewalks in Huron or making sure the bay doors open when they’re supposed to in a Modesto fire station might not seem like a big deal to people in LA or Miami, but in my district these projects have real impact on people’s lives,” said Gray.
The wellness center would consolidate school‑based mental health and counseling services that are currently spread across multiple locations on each campus. Gustine Unified Superintendent Bryan Ballenger previously told the Westside Connect that the project will strengthen the district’s ability to support students’ emotional and behavioral needs.
“The wellness center will allow us to consolidate these efforts, improving accessibility, continuity of care and the overall experience for both students and staff,” Ballenger said. “By addressing mental health and wellness needs, we are removing barriers to learning and helping students fully engage in a high‑quality educational experience.”
The center will house mental health professionals, behavior analysts and school counselors, with services available through referrals from staff, families or students themselves. Ballenger said he expects the center to improve attendance, academic performance and students’ sense of belonging.
The district anticipates opening the center by fall 2027, pending final approval through the federal budget process. While no formal partnerships with outside healthcare providers are planned at this time, Ballenger said the center will maximize the district’s existing mental health staff.
The project has also received support from Sen. Alex Padilla and Sen. Adam Schiff.
Gray emphasized that while the funding has been secured at the committee level, final approval is still required. “This Congress has been one of the most contentious in living memory,” he said. “But people didn’t send us to Washington to argue about ballrooms or gold‑plated picture frames. They sent me here to work, to get things done.”
California’s 13th Congressional District stretches 160 miles from southwestern Fresno County to Lathrop in San Joaquin County. Under House Appropriations Committee rules, each representative may request up to 15 projects per fiscal year, limited to eligible government agencies and nonprofits.
Ballenger said he is optimistic the wellness center will move forward and hopes Gustine’s model may eventually inspire similar efforts elsewhere.
“We simply wanted to enhance the services we provide and ensure greater access and support for our students and families,” he said. “If our approach proves successful and can inspire or inform similar efforts in other districts, we would certainly welcome that outcome.”
