The Loop - Nevada (July 2024)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA

JULY 2024

ISSUE 40

VOLUME 4

Greetings from WestCare Nevada, As we move into the latter half of the year, we are thrilled to share some of the incredible events that have brought our community together and made a lasting impact on everyone involved.

First, a huge thank you to everyone who supported our Alumni and Spiritual Fellowship Fireworks Booth fundraisers! Your enthusiasm and generosity helped both entities raise essential funds that will directly support our ongoing projects and outreach efforts both within and outside of the Nevada programs. Both booths profited between $5,000 and $10,000, respectively. On the 4th, it was a joy to see the sky light up at the Women & Children’s Campus (WCC) as both groups provided fireworks for the clients and children to experience.

In the spirit of giving, we're also excited to highlight the recent "Sharing the Love" event, where the Subaru Corporation made a substantial donation of large furniture and a check for $10,000 to WestCare Nevada. This contribution will significantly enhance the comfort and resources available to those in need within our community.

It’s heartwarming to see such a strong partnership in action, driving positive change and supporting those who need it most.

We are proud to announce our participation in the 2024 Healthy Marriages and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) Biennial Conference. WestCare Nevada was well represented by our Fatherhood F.I.R.E. team, including Ms. Irma Magrdichian,

Mr. Troy Walker, and Mr. Victor Resendez. This event is a cornerstone for professionals and organizations dedicated to advancing research and innovative solutions in the field. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others as we continue to push boundaries and make meaningful strides in our mission.

WestCare Nevada would like to welcome our new employees in Pahrump, who have already made a significant impact in rural Nevada/Nye County. The number of clients served at that outpatient location has already more than doubled, and it is a pleasure to have you as part of the WestCare family.

I want to personally thank each of you, our readers, for being a part of this journey with us. Your continued support and involvement make all the difference. Let's continue to keep the momentum going as we work together to create a brighter future for all while Uplifting the Human Spirit.

Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President

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Subaru Shares the Love

By Andrew Moran, Development Director On July 26 and 27 in the dazzling city of Las Vegas, an event unfolded like none other at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This wasn’t just any convention but Subaru’s annual National Business Conference, packed with passionate car dealers and dedicated employees from across the globe. This year, a heartwarming twist awaited as Subaru had chosen WestCare Nevada as their nonprofit Charity of Choice for their “Share the Love” initiative that was launched 16 years ago. Share the Love emphasizes Subaru’s dedication to making a positive impact in the communities they serve across the world, proving their commitment to be more than a car company.

WestCare Nevada’s leadership team, including Leo and Irma Magrdichian, as well as Rhonda Davisson-Rhames, attended the event in our custom-branded booth to share our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit. We highlighted the positive impact of their support and discussed our vision for the community. Our organization was honored to be at the center of this initiative where LOVE was not just a sentiment but a call to action!

The Subaru team, inspired by our passion, rallied behind our cause and contributed a $10,000 check to our WestCare Nevada programs, but that was just the cherry on top and the beginning of this fruitful relationship. Subaru revealed that they would be donating all of the Wayfair furniture and plants that filled the convention center for the conference to the programs of WestCare Nevada! This generous gift will help us furnish our facilities and bring a smile to so many struggling with basic needs like furniture.

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After the conference, Subaru organized its annual Share the Love Volunteer Day where over 100 enthusiastic volunteers came together to lend a hand to unload 10 semi-trucks loaded with furniture, plants, and a myriad of essential items that were present at the conference. This demonstration of love supports the families we serve and fosters a sense of stability and hope for the ones in dire need of support and resources.

Volunteers from all walks of life including Subaru’s executive team, local community members, families, and other nonprofit organizations, all gathered at the break of dawn, ready to roll up our sleeves and make a difference. The impact of this day will resonate long after the volunteers have gone home as the families who are overcoming significant challenges can enjoy this nurturing environment that we created.

Not only did we benefit from the multiple donations from Subaru, but we also forged lasting relationships through our collaborative efforts with the many volunteers and dealerships. The networking and connections we established throughout the day underscored the importance of teamwork, as working side by side fosters trust and camaraderie among us all.

The Share the Love Volunteer Day was a resounding success, showcasing the strength of community and the importance of coming together to support those in need. It serves as a reminder that when we unite for a common purpose, we can create meaningful change and foster hope for a brighter future.

Uplifting the Human Spirit

NEWS AT PAHRUMP

Jennifer Dobbins Finn, Director

Stephanie Massey, Program Coordinator

Antonaria Johnson, Case Manager/Healthcare Navigator

WestCare Nevada welcomes new employees at our Pahrump location! The new staff have already been making a great impact on rural Nevada and Nye County residents. Clients served at this location have doubled since this amazing team joined us!

Amber Ashford, Peer Support Specialist

Jennifer Nguyen, Research Assistant

Jennifer Dobbins Finn, Director, Pahrump Outpatient Jennifer began her career at WestCare as a CADC intern in 2018 and then as a CADC in 2021. Now as the Director of Pahrump Outpatient, she leads the day-to-day operations of the entire Pahrump office since 2021 as well as leading individual and group counseling sessions. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health.

Stephanie Massey, Program Coordinator Stephanie is a seasoned leader with experience in leading and overseeing teams in the behavioral health industry. She believes healing happens for individuals when the team they are working with is at their best. Her passion lies in helping individuals find their strength within themselves.

Amber Ashford, Peer Support Specialist Amber is excited to join WestCare Nevada in Pahrump and is deeply appreciative of this opportunity to serve her community. Before 2019, she spent over 17 years in the automotive industry as a Finance & Insurance Manager, working across California and Nevada. She is thrilled to bring her varied experiences and dedication to WestCare Nevada to make a positive impact!

Deborah Bourne, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level 1 (CADC-I) Deborah, also called Deb, has a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her passion has always been centered towards counseling and helping people get through some of their toughest times. She finds compassion to be a core component of who she is as a person and it has guided her to become someone who listens compassionately and offers help and support without judgement.

Vanessa Cope, Admission Specialist Vanessa has a wealth of experience in various backgrounds and is fully bilingual in Spanish, all of which she hopes to use in assisting our clients! Some of her previous jobs included being a research assistant for the Army Research Institute in Germany and working in banking in Florida. In her spare time, she likes to read and watch historical and archeological shows, as well as take care of her fur babies.

Deborah Bourne, CADC-I

Jaclyn Sutton, QMPH

Vanessa Cope, Admission Specialist

Taylor Wolf, CADC-I

Antonaria Johnson, Case Manager/Healthcare Navigator Antonaria has five years of extensive background experience in Behavioral Mental Health. She loves to make a difference by showing that there is always room to become our better selves in life while providing the tools to do just that.

Jennifer Nguyen, Research Assistant Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, with a focus on health disparities among low socioeconomic communities. She is passionate about assisting individuals and communities in obtaining the care they need to improve the health outcomes for underserved populations. She also really likes cats!

Jaclyn Sutton-Rangel, Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Jaclyn has worked in various behavioral health settings over the past 20 years as both management/leadership and as a clinician. She is driven by a profound commitment to facilitate positive changes in a person’s life. She has an extensive background in working with juveniles and adults who struggle with addiction and mental health disorders.

Taylor Wolf, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level 1 (CADC-I) Taylor is currently a Counselor intern who looks forward to continued growth in the future while serving others. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology and an Associate’s in Human Services, she has a heart for helping others, particularly those struggling with addiction.

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Read their full info on our blog: westcare.link/NewPahrumpStaff

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Uplifting the Human Spirit Fireworks Fundraiser Brings Together Community

By Marel Cordova, Peer Parent Partner, Connections Fatherhood F.I.R.E. This year was a great year for the WestCare Las Vegas Alumni Group’s and Spiritual Aftercare Fellowship’s fireworks booths. Every Fourth of July, these two alumni groups come together to raise funds to support the men and women of WestCare Nevada. These funds will help provide resources, events, and support for individuals seeking healing and connection. This fundraiser is dedicated to supporting individuals on their healing journey, providing a space for reflection, growth, and connection. Our alumni groups recognize that aftercare is not solely about recovery but also about celebrating milestones and fostering community. The fireworks fundraiser serves as a vibrant focal point for these celebrations for individuals who are in care and out of care.

It takes a community to help the community, and I would like to thank the leadership team at WestCare Nevada for their unwavering support and dedication. Without them, we could never have pulled this off. I also want to recognize all the volunteers and volunteer groups that helped and supported this fireworks booth. Thank you for your support and unwavering commitment: Canyon Ridge Christian Church "C.R." Chaplaincy of Nevada WestCare Las Vegas Alumni Group Leaders & Members WestCare Nevada Staff and Clients Spiritual Aftercare Fellowship Leaders & Members As we can see, this is a community that models these words: Uplifting The Human Spirit. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our fireworks fundraiser this year!

As a bonus celebration, on July 4th, we brought fireworks to the Women and Children’s Campus and lit up the sky for the clients and children to enjoy. This year’s fireworks fundraiser is one to be remembered.

2024 HMRF Biennial Conference

By Troy Z. Walker, Program Manager, Connections Fatherhood F.I.R.E. Our Connections Fatherhood F.I.R.E. program had the privilege of participating in the 2024 HMRF Biennial Conference held in Washington, D.C. Case Manager Victor Resendez and I delivered an impactful breakout session titled "The Intersectionality of Fatherhood: Nurturing Fatherhood from Within," which garnered a favorable reception from the 794 Office of Family Assistance (OFA) grantees in attendance. The session encompassed a comprehensive exploration of various pertinent topics, including the disruption of negative patterns hindering fathers, the reform of practitioners' harmful practices impeding fatherhood, and the transformation of organizational culture to optimize outcomes for fathers. The session fostered valuable discourse and provided actionable insights that can be immediately implemented, empowering all participants. Our informative presentation ignited crucial discussions, underscoring the complexities and opportunities within responsible fatherhood. Our evident commitment and expertise resonated with the audience, significantly contributing to this important event. We are proud of this substantial impact and remain dedicated to supporting and empowering fathers within our communities.

Continue the journey online!

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Follow WestCare Nevada on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WestCareNevada

WestCare Nevada

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