THE LOOP
Uplifting the Human Spirit
A Success Story By Deleon Jones, Admission Specialist, Las Vegas Community Triage Center (CTC)
My Name is Deleon Jones and I was born here In Las Vegas, Nevada. I had a fairly good upbringing by way of my grandmother. However, my mother and father were heavily involved in their addictions. As I was growing up, there were times where it was difficult to understand why. Shortly after, I found out personally how alcohol and drugs took away the pain surrounding issues of abandonment, being molested and getting bullied. With all of this in mind, I was off to the races. I went through years of abuse and damage that I had created for myself. Using alcohol and drugs had become a way of life. I did not think that I had a way out. But, I was introduced to an organization called WestCare! Over the years, WestCare became a safe haven for me. Throughout my illness of addiction, I never gave up. I have since completed services with the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Harris Springs Ranch, transitional living, intensive outpatient and outpatient programs.
What makes these programs so amazing for me was the staff who cared and loved me long enough until I could once again love who I am. They brought me back into this wonderful world of recovery. Throughout my journey, I never let go of the dream of becoming a part of the WestCare family. I was a cashier at Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada for approximately 15 months. During my employment I began volunteering with WestCare at the Community Involvement Center (CIC). This was possible thanks to the whole CIC team, as well as the wonderful staff at WestCare Foundation. After volunteering for 15 months, I was blessed and honored when I officially became a part of the WestCare family in January 2021. I would like to thank the entire staff at WestCare for keeping me motivated and nurtured long enough for the miracle of employment to materialize. I love you all!
A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA
APRIL 2021
ISSUE 1
VOLUME 1
The SCCP Recognizes Their Volunteer Faith Leaders By Senior Chaplain Ryan Michael Creelman, Spiritual Director / Staff Care Chaplain Greetings from the WestCare Spiritual Care Chaplain Program (SCCP)! Uplifting the Human Spirit may be a lofty mission, but helping those that we serve to make a positive change would not be possible without the love, compassion and commitment of our local spiritual and faith-based communities. As part of National Volunteer Month, we’d like to recognize and celebrate the many professional spiritual and faith leaders who volunteer their expertise in partnering with us in our shared mission in Nevada. This April also marks six years since the SCCP’s spiritual boots first hit the ground in WestCare Nevada and we got to work! Not long after our program began, local faith and spiritual leaders joined our team in the work that we were doing. What was created is a comprehensive Spiritually Oriented – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SO-CBT) clinical component. Through our faith-specific support groups and services, we are able to welcome or reconnect our persons in care with spiritual or faith-based communities while they are taking the steps to obtain a
full, deep and abundant life through recovery and redemption. Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the SCCP’s faith and spiritual leaders held an astonishing 50 combined daily and weekly groups at Nevada’s residential treatment, withdrawal management and transitional living facilities with our persons in care. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of local chaplains, pastors, rabbi’s, Buddhist masters and Certified Spiritual Practitioners. With their help, we are able to meet the diverse systems of belief and sacred ritual as well as the practices that are necessary for an individual in our care to maintain and embrace a spiritual component that aids them in their recovery while also nurturing their mind, body and spirit! We’d like to send special recognition to one volunteer in particular, Chaplain and Pastor, John Smith. John joined us in October of 2015 and has consistently provided Bible studies groups at Harris Springs Ranch as well as nondenominational church services with communion at the Women and Children’s Campus. He has also facilitated
GriefShare Groups at both facilities and has hosted Christmas and Easter events within our programs in which he would also take professional photos of our persons in care. In some cases, these photos would include individuals who were reunited with their children – in turn, providing holiday memories to treasure forever! Well done, Pastor Smith. We love and appreciate you! In addition, I would like to personally thank our volunteer spiritual and faith professionals for adapting to our spiritual telehealth programs. Using this system, some locations have served 10 weekly spiritual care groups and have continued to meet our persons in care’s spiritual health needs while still adhering to CDC guidelines. Many volunteers would have just waited for on-site access to continue their services, but not our volunteer spiritual and faith volunteer partners! They were innovative and learned a new system to provide this life-giving and sustaining spiritual care during a difficult time for so many. On behalf of all of us, I graciously thank you for your time and service. Blessings, always.
Kudos to some of our amazing WestCare Nevada team members!
Krystal Zamora deserves kudos for taking the extra effort with a client that lost his housing and in turn, his case management with WestCare. She has made sure that he continues to have resources and food each week and is currently working hand in hand with the VA to ensure that he is able to receive further housing support. Thank you, Krystal, for going the extra 150 miles! – Sherry Stevens, Program Manager, Reno Homefront Veterans' Transitional Living
Since being hired in October of 2018, Ms. Jennifer Dobbins-Finn has proven herself to be a valuable member of our Nevada team. She is currently providing outpatient services in Pahrump, NV and continues to show a strong dedication to her position and the clients that she serves. We are grateful to have her and we truly appreciate all that she does towards Uplifting the Human Spirit! - Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President Operations, WestCare Nevada
Connect with us in Nevada
Elizabeth Kelly is a shining star on the CIC team! She started with WestCare two years ago and has grown in her clinical role from case manager to our lead Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) counselor. She works tirelessly to go above and beyond for her clients and often does double duty at our Community Triage Center covering extra shifts. Elizabeth truly embodies our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit! - Todd Edwards, Clinical Director, Community Involvement Center – Las Vegas
Harris Springs Ranch would like to honor Mr. Edgar Salcido for his hard work and dedication to client care. He accepts additional tasks without hesitation and delivers therapeutic services in a professional manner. – Irma Magrdichian, Director of Residential Treatment Services, Harris Springs Ranch
Hello and welcome! I am extremely excited to announce the launch of our new monthly newsletter, The Loop! It is our intention that within this first issue and each upcoming issue, that we can inform and inspire you with all things WestCare Nevada! Now, some of you may know us well and some of you may currently be in the process of getting to know us, so let me give you a small history lesson. What began here in Downtown Las Vegas as the Fitzsimmons House in 1973, became WestCare in 1988. Since that time, WestCare has worked diligently towards Uplifting the Human Spirit of individuals, families and the community at large. WestCare is one of the longest running agencies of this type in Nevada and what began here almost 48 years ago, is now operating in 16 states and three U.S. territories as well as the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Palau. WestCare has and continues to treat everyone with dignity, respect and decency when providing services to some of our most vulnerable populations. In Nevada, we are making some intentional changes in how we connect with you - our community partners - hence this monthly newsletter. You can expect that with each month, we will share relevant news and information, descriptions of our programs and services, updates on any capital improvements and/or planned expansions, profiles of our employees, client success stories and spotlights on community partners as well as a list of important dates that raise awareness of issues that impact our communities here in
Nevada. You will also find opportunities for how you can get involved and provide feedback. This month, we are highlighting the new Connections Fatherhood F.I.R.E. (Family-Focused, Interconnected, Resilient and Essential) program that will strengthen positive father-child engagement as well as improve employment and economic stability opportunities for our fathers served. You will also get a glimpse of the great work that our Community Action Council (CAC) does behind the scenes and meet Mr. Deleon Jones, whom has a very meaningful story to tell about resilience and the rewards associated with hard work! April 18 – 24th is also National Volunteer Week, so in commemoration, we are highlighting one of our largest groups of volunteers, our Spiritual Care Chaplaincy Program (SCCP). Lastly, I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for all of the great work that you do and for partnering with WestCare in our endeavor to improve the lives of those around us. I truly hope and pray that you enjoy this issue and every future issue of The Loop!
Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC Vice President, Operations
Get in touch with our Marketing Department to learn more about what is happening in WestCare Nevada at marketing@westcare.com
w e s tcare.com westcare.com
Introducing WestCare Nevada's CAC By Marilyn Moran, Vice Chair, WestCare Nevada CAC
On behalf of our Nevada CAC (Community Action Council), it is our honor to welcome you to the first issue of the WestCare Nevada Loop newsletter! We’d like to take this time to discuss how our council came about and how we support the mission, vision, and services of WestCare Nevada as they improve the lives of the women, men, children, Veterans and families that they serve! The Nevada CAC was formally introduced roughly 15 years ago to serve as a source of support for the various programs that WestCare Nevada offers. In fact, WestCare was founded with the generous support of familial ties within our CAC over 45 years ago under its previous name of Fitzsimmons House! Comprised of leadership on behalf of WestCare Nevada as well as community leaders, volunteers and professionals in the realms of philanthropy, healthcare, law and politics – to name a few, our council has a mutual interest in the services provided and the success of those
served. As a council, we are made aware of the needs of each program and use our experience, skills, contacts and influence to address them so that our staff can continue to provide the same high level of care that WestCare Nevada is so proud to be known for! While our list of members has changed over the years, our tireless dedication to our staff and those that we serve hasn’t! As long as WestCare Nevada is still providing much needed care and support to those in need, we will be along their side to ensure that they are able to meet or exceed all of the goals that they have set! In closing, we look forward to each new month of exciting news and stories on behalf of our state’s programs and services and will be proudly sharing updates on the CAC’s efforts as well as introducing you to our members and how they are Uplifting the Human Spirit through their service to this organization that we hold so close to our hearts!
Our President & CEO
Richard Steinberg began his journey with WestCare on April 1, 1978 with Fitzsimmons House. Located in Las Vegas, the organization would go on to become WestCare in 1988. Under his leadership, WestCare has expanded from a Nevada-based treatment center to what is now an organization located in 16 states, 3 U.S. territories, and 2 republics. Richard is a recognized leader in his field and continues to respond to the ever-expanding needs of the community. Congratulations, and thank you, for your 43 years of service!
By Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President Operations
In April, WestCare Nevada, the City of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Strike Team, and the SilverSummit Healthplan joined forces in conducting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Las Vegas Community Triage Center (CTC)! Initially, 125 Johnson & Johnson vaccines were requested and scheduled to be administered to the surrounding homeless population, our WestCare staff and clients and anyone else that was interested in receiving this single-dose vaccine. However, that plan changed rather drastically the day before - based on the CDC’s guidance to pause any administration of this particular vaccine as they assessed any potential side effects. Fortunately for everyone involved the event, their vaccination was not postponed or canceled since organizers were able to secure 80 doses of the Moderna vaccine just in time! In all, 76 individuals were vaccinated with their first dose. Each person was provided with a follow-up appointment to return to the CTC in May to receive their second and final dose.
Meet the team
Irma Magrdichian, Program Director Mar-Cha Bell, Program Manager Chabrian Tanguay, Research Assistant Yvonne Hoover, Case Manager Michael Howard, Case Manager Elgin Lofton, Peer Parent Partner
The Connections Fatherhood FIRE (FamilyFocused, Interconnected, Resilient and Essential) program is designed to promote the need for responsible fathering, provide fathers with education, training and community-based resources and provide them with the opportunities to positively interact with their children. Studies show that children thrive best when their fathers are involved in their lives. Those with absent fathers are more likely to: Commit delinquent acts and crimes Drop out of school Become unwed parents
Live in poverty Get involved in gang activity Abuse drugs and alcohol
Wish list
If both a child’s mother and father don’t take the time to influence them, someone else might. Now is the time for the parents that we serve to get involved in their child’s life and make sure that they are headed in the right direction. If you are interested in connecting a client with these services, the Connections program can help! Please contact Mar-Cha Bell, Program Manager, at mar-cha.bell@westcare.com and she will walk you through our referral process. We are excited to walk alongside these men as they work to change the futures of the next generation for the better!
Rhonda Davisson-Rhames joined the WestCare family in July of 2020 as the transitional coordinator of the Women and Children’s Campus (WCC). She fully embodies the spirit of WestCare and her dedication to the ladies of the Transitional Living Program is remarkable and worthy of celebration! Throughout the pandemic, she has worked diligently to ensure that COVID-19 protocols have been followed and that everyone’s’ needs have been met. Rhonda is an admirable woman with a humble heart, a strong work ethic and an unrivaled sense of integrity. We are so proud to have her as a part of our WCC family! – Irma Magrdichian, Director of Residential Treatment Services & Gardis Canty, Clinical Manager, Women & Children’s Campus
Support the Connections Fatherhood F.I.R.E. with items from their wishlist Gift cards for men's personal items Gifts for Father's Day Hygiene products for men Coffee packets Journals MP3 players Printer Donations can be brought to, or sent to, the Women & Children's Campus located at 5659 W. Duncan Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130
I would like to recognize Nanette Baltazar, our Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She was recently promoted to nursing supervisor. On top of this new role, she is also working for the VA and taking care of her mother. Nanette is dedicated and strives to make sure that the mission and vision of WestCare is met every day. I’d like to thank Nanette for her tireless drive and for ensuring that the CTC can be the best that it can be. – Frank Reagan, Director of Resources, Las Vegas Community Triage Center
GIVING KUDOS TO
Vaccine Clinic is a Success!
Celebrating Richard
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST PROGRAM
Uplifting the Human Spirit
Mark your calendars!
DENIM DAY | APRIL 28
April is known internationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part, we encourage you to join WestCare Nevada and millions of others around the world by wearing denim on April 28th as we recognize Denim Day, a day of awareness that brings light to the issues of sexual assault and victim blaming while also lending support to those affected. In addition to wearing denim in solidarity, our staff and clients will be participating in special projects that commemorate our organization’s unwavering support for victims of sexual violence.
We’d like to thank all of our amazing community partners for coming together to ensure the continued health of our staff, our community and those that we serve!
Updates from our Development Team! Annual Easter Bunny Bounty
By Rhonda Davisson, Transitional Coordinator, Women and Children’s Campus
The Easter Bunny came early to the Women and Children’s Campus! For nearly the 20th year, he and his helpers came hopping by, bringing copious amounts of brightly colored eggs to delight our residents and of course - their children! In consideration of the fact that he was unable to visit last year, (Due to WestCare and Easterville’s pandemic safety protocol), he made sure that there were even more delicious treats inside of the hundreds of eggs strewn about our front lawn! We love our WestCare blessing from the Easter Bunny! Thank you for all of the Easter smiles that you’ve made possible throughout the years!
westcare.com
On behalf of our Development team, welcome to the first ever issue of WestCare Nevada’s Loop Newsletter! In addition to the wonderful news and stories that each issue will feature, we will be sharing monthly updates on our efforts to enhance our programs by means of donations and support from community partners as well as corporate donors and charitable giving foundations. Coming up on Monday, May 3rd, our community partners at the Realty ONE Group are going to be visiting our Nevada Women and Children’s campus with a generous donation of more than 50 baskets full of hygiene items to benefit our residents and their children! We’d like to give special thanks to Mackenzie Hopson and Christina Ettedgui on behalf of Realty ONE for making this possible!
By Andrew Moran, Development Director, WestCare Foundation
Additionally, our team has been hard at work on a large capital campaign for the construction of The Village at The Women and Children’s Campus, a proposed 57,999 square foot transitional living facility to be located on the five acre property that the WestCare Nevada Women and Children’s Campus currently occupies in Las Vegas. Once completed, The Village will welcome women who are either pregnant or parenting with children age nine or younger and have completed a residential treatment and rehabilitation program at the attached 130 bed Women and Children’s Campus or with another provider. All women will live on-site as they work with us to gain the skills, employment, confidence and means to live on their own. The total length of stay can range from 90 days to a maximum of 18 months. Before construction can begin, however, a capital campaign is
currently underway to raise a total of $12.9 million for the construction of 42 two apartment cottages, two multipurpose rooms, two gardens, solar panels and an adjoining playground that will comprise the facility. We have recently received our first major gift in the form of a generous $250,000 one-time grant from the Engelstad Foundation to support construction. On behalf of our team, we’d like to thank Kris Engelstad McGarry and their board for this tremendous gesture of support! We look forward to sharing updates with you on how we are assisting our WestCare Nevada family of programs in continuing to grow for the continued benefit of the amazing men, women, children, Veterans and families that we are so proud to serve!
@westcare