The Express (September 2023)

ISSUE 40

SEPTEMBER 2023

THE Express

OUR WESTCARE STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WestCare Family, In this month’s issue of The Express, you’ll discover stories of recovery, adventures in teamwork, highlights of invaluable outreaches, and our collective successes.

September is significant for our work here at WestCare. Not only is it National Recovery Month, but we raise awareness for Suicide Prevention and celebrate Labor Day as well. The topics of recovery, mental health, and work are intertwined for thousands across the WestCare Family, and throughout the month, we work towards making a positive change all across the globe.

As we know, recovery is possible for everyone with the proper support, education, and resources. This month has been a constant reminder of that and, hopefully, a source of inspiration for you. A huge thank you to those who participated in the ‘What Recovery Means to Me’ campaign.

I have enjoyed seeing recovery through your eyes.

The efforts made through outreach for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month are admirable and as we continue our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit, I am proud to witness the many who walk in memoriam for people whose legacy will be remembered in the prevention of heartbreaking tragedy.

With Labor Day in mind, I want to express my gratitude to each of you.

Your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and commitment to excellence drive our ability to deliver high-quality, life-changing services. Please know that your efforts are noticed and appreciated. I hope you enjoyed a well-deserved break on Labor Day and for those who couldn’t have time off, I hope you observed the holiday another day.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I am deeply proud of what the WestCare Family has accomplished this month, as with every month. And remember, Recovery is Possible!

Warmly,

Ken Ortbals Chief Executive Officer WestCare Foundation

WestCare AZ Unites for Tropical Storm Hilary

By Emily Selby, Counselor

August is monsoon season in Arizona. We usually anticipate beautiful desert storms accompanied by destructive aftermath, but we saw a hurricane this year! Tropical storm Hilary surprised us, but we pushed back. The staff of WestCare Arizona got together and filled sandbags, blocked entryways, and checked on facilities in the area. Teamwork is what we are all about here in Arizona. Rain or shine, WestCare Arizona will be there, Uplifting the Human Spirit!

WestCare Arizona

@westcareaz

Recovery Happens in September 2023

By Rhiannon Duncan, Training Coordinator, STOP Area 1

Every year in September, thousands of professionals, paraprofessionals, and individuals honor recovery by gathering at the steps of the California State Capitol to kick off National Recovery Month. The event featured an Annual Recovery “Walk and Roll” banner contest, land acknowledgment, provider fair, native singers and dancers, awards, and a 12-step meeting featuring a recovery speaker. Community providers from all over California, including policymakers, WestCare clients, and Alumni, came together to spread the message and share resources with the public to reinforce the message about recovery. Our STOP - Area 1 program was also proud to be in attendance as an information vendor. Our Administrative Assistant, Stephanie Buck, Community Services Representative Lee Noel-Story, and I provided outreach with the recovery community - talking about the connections to treatment services we provide for justice-involved individuals in California.

WestCare California

Uplifting the Human Spirit

@westcarecalifornia

@WestCareCA

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THE Express

Overdose Awareness in Dade City

By Misty Sorrell, Program Coordinator

A break in the rain in early September provided the perfect opportunity for an Overdose Awareness outreach event organized by Chain Breakin’ Recovery and Farmworkers Self Help Inc. Attendees enjoyed music, food, and fun while our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program handed out brochures, Narcan, and Frisbees to help raise awareness in the Dade City and Zephyrhills communities.

One of our own, Kenidie Barnes, spoke at the event about her own experience with addiction as well as the challenges she faced while in active addiction. She spoke about how every day, she strives to be better.

We are proud of Kenidie’s accomplishments and grateful for her courage in sharing her story to help others. We look forward to hearing more success stories from within the community and from so many who suffer from addiction.

WestCare GulfCoast - Florida

A Date with Paint

@westcaregulfcoast

By Maryanne “Maj” Johnson, Executive Assistant

As I listened to my pastor call upon his congregation to consider how sharing their special skills and talents could enhance community outreach and fellowship, I felt inspired. I realized that I was being called to combine my newfound love of watercolor painting with my passion for behavioral health. Selftaught via online tutorials, I came up with a plan for a monthly night out at the Key West United Methodist Church’s (KWUMC) Old Stone Coffeehouse called “A Date with Paint.” I provide the materials and instruction, and the church hosts the space along with a beautiful buffet. For $20, attendees enjoy a fun, healthy alternative to the pricey bars and restaurants in Key West. In this technological world, so much of our work is unseen without staring at a computer or phone. A Date with Paint night is an escape from electronics and all that multitasking for just a few hours to focus on something beautiful, learn techniques, meet new people, and go home with something tangible. The Guidance Care Center (GCC) staff have also enjoyed this event with the community. Doreen Mobley, GCC Key West Office Manager, attended one evening and said, “It is stress-free, and I was able to enjoy myself without having constant interruptions. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it! I liked being able to put my own little spin on the painting to make it my own.” Over the last year, the class has grown to 30-40 participants just by word of mouth. People invite their friends, and we meet someone new each month!

Within the last year, $5,300 has been raised, and the participants feel great contributing to the community. The Director of Adult Ministries, Ralph Segar, stated, “This program has become the model for our outreach Ministries. It is very popular and provides a win-win-win-win situation!”

So far, most of the money has been donated to various programs at the GCC, including our prevention services, the Mobile Response Team, The Heron, and towards our employee recognition efforts. It will also extend to other non-profits that GCC has very close ties to and receives support from.

I hope in the future to offer art therapy to our clients at the Crisis Stabilization Unit and at our Assisted Living Facility - maybe even an after-hours class to help our employees practice important self-care. It has been a new and challenging experience for me to share my joy and to teach others to find theirs!

Guidance/Care Center by WestCare

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WESTCARE.COM

Welcome Aboard, Justin McKibben!

By Darrell Mayo, SSVF Veteran Advocate

The Fairest Community Fair

By Elena Hoyos, Administrative Services Director

Our Mobile Response Team (MRT) participated alongside Thriving Mind at the Third Annual “Fairest Fair of Them All” Community Fair hosted by the United States Army GarrisonMiami (USAG-Miami) Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR).

The fair provides a forum to showcase the many programs, services, and opportunities available for service members, civilian retirees, and families at the command and in the community. Luciana Beltran, The Village South’s MRT Coordinator, shared information with eventgoers about services offered by The Village South, including our Crisis Support services. We are so grateful to have participated in this amazing, informative event.

We are proud to introduce you to FAVA’s newest Shallow Subsidy Veteran Advocate, Justin McKibben. Justin is happily married, with his first child due in November. In the Iowa Air National Guard, Justin holds the rank of Senior Airman (E-4) and serves as a Ground Transportation Operator. He was deployed under “Operation Allies Welcome and Task Force Liberty” in 2021. He is also currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Digital Photography with a minor in Psychology.

He enjoys photography and operating his Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) drone under Part 107 license. He has his private pilot’s license with an instrument add-on with over 350 flight hours.

Justin was previously employed at a local mental health program as an Intensive Veteran Case Manager. He learned about our program as he brought Veterans who could benefit from our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program funds. His mental health patients reported feeling more at ease to case plan at FAVA to avoid the stigma of being in the mental health setting. Justin liked the partnership we had and expressed his interest in applying for an open position with better opportunities to serve Veterans with immediate housing, car repairs, child-care assistance, food, transportation, etc. Justin is looking forward to growing within the company and is excited to be working with the FAVA team in Sioux City, Iowa.

We are thrilled to have Justin join our team!

The Village South, Inc FAVA (Family Alliance for Veterans of America) @thevillagesouth @thevillagesouth

Uplifting the Human Spirit

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THE Express

Dr. Toussaint Streat and Linda Fine Inspire Youth at the Dr. Eugene Walker Youth Academy

By Eldridge E. Washington, Community Liaison

WestCare Georgia welcomed National Board Member Dr. Toussaint Streat and Ms. Linda Fine to a “Lunch and Learn” at the Dr. Eugene Walker Youth Academy. Their presence left a meaningful impact on both students and staff alike. Dr. Walker spoke at the event, offering guidance for personal growth by sharing his valuable “Five F's” philosophy. These principles reflect Dr. Walker's dedication to nurturing the holistic development of the next generation: Focus: The significance of directing one's attention toward education, respect, and responsibility. Instilling a sense of purpose in these areas empowers young minds and cultivates a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

Feelings: The ability to discern between moments of joy and sorrow is a crucial skill.

The importance of embracing one's emotions and understanding the nuances between laughter and tears.

Forgive: A poignant reminder that forgiveness is a gesture of magnanimity and a prerequisite for love. Love is an essential facet of the human experience, and its presence hinges upon the capacity to forgive.

Forge Ahead: No external factor, whether it is race, gender, physical attributes, or any other societal construct, should ever impede one's progress. Undeterred by these barriers, the call to forge ahead is a resounding affirmation of the human spirit's resilience.

Faith: In times of uncertainty, faith is an unwavering anchor. Whether faith is directed towards a higher power, a personal belief system, or even oneself, it provides solace and strength when all else seems to falter.

The “Five F's” session was a great success and made an impression on everyone present.

Dr. Walker's wisdom resonated deeply and emphasized the importance of personal development. The event also served as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Academy's faculty and the profound impact they continue to make on young people's lives.

We appreciate Dr. Streat and Linda's visit, which highlighted the Academy's commitment to fostering a well-rounded and empowered generation. Their interaction with students emphasized the value of education and mentorship and served as a source of inspiration.

As the echoes of this visit reverberate throughout the Academy, there is an unmistakable air of anticipation for more meaningful interactions. The doors remain wide open to further collaborations and board members that uplift, enlighten, and empower the youth of the Dr. Eugene Walker Youth Academy. With each passing day, the seeds of wisdom planted during this visit will continue to flourish, guiding the Academy's students toward a brighter and more promising future.

WestCare Georgia

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@westcarega

WESTCARE.COM

Walking for Hope

By Anna Reeves, Research Assistant

Across the nation, September is recognized as National Suicide Awareness Month to remember lives lost to suicide and to spread a message of hope to those struggling with suicidal ideation. First and foremost, if you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988, then press 1 if you are a Veteran. While suicide can affect anyone, Veterans are disproportionately affected by suicide. An average of 22 Veterans die by suicide per day - one of those Veterans was Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, who died in 2020 at the age of 25. In his honor, the VA created the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program.

WestCare Kentucky was awarded SSG Fox grant funds to help our local Veterans combat suicidality. This non-profit grant allows us to provide high-quality, cost-effective services by providing linkage and referrals to community resources, enhancing individualization, and increasing education that empowers and transforms our Veterans’ lives.

WestCare Kentucky

Our SSG Fox staff collaborated with community partners and participated in a suicide walk on the evening of September 9. The walk, held in Pikeville, honored a local boy who died by suicide at the age of 16. This young boy enjoyed cosplaying his favorite characters, so participants were encouraged to cosplay in his honor, bring photos of their own loved ones who died by suicide, and brandish suicide prevention colors, purple and teal. There were moments of silence, prayers, words of hope, and a sharing of personal experiences followed by a candlelight walk around downtown Pikeville.

A Time to Remember and A Time to Act: International Overdose Awareness Day 2023

By Leo Magrdichian, Vice President of Operations, WestCare Nevada

On August 31, WestCare Nevada did its part for International Overdose Awareness Day by participating in a community event to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with overdose. Hundreds attended the International Overdose Day 2023 event at the Chuck Minker Sports Complex for a time to remember, a time to act, a time to support one another, and a time to provide and receive resources to a community who have, in one way or another, been impacted by overdose.

The sharing of personal stories, the candlelight vigil, and the work towards raising awareness, minus any stigma, definitely had an impact in relation to increasing the support needed for individuals and families as they navigate substance use-related issues. The event also promoted healing for those impacted by the rise in overdose-related deaths and injuries in our community, and the way policymakers, providers, and the recovery community came together at this event truly demonstrated the positive impact associated with a community that is willing to link arms together and reduce the tragedy of overdose.

WestCare Nevada

Uplifting the Human Spirit

@westcarenevada

@westcarenevada

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East End Community Services Hosts a Community Veterinary Clinic

By Heather Cox, Administration Coordinator for WestCare Ohio, East End Community Services

This summer, East End Community Services held a Community Veterinary Clinic in participation with SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center. With the generosity and support of our friends from Sinclair Community College, Mobile Vet Clinic, and Ohio State University‘s summer interns, we provided core vaccines, flea prevention, deworming treatments, and even follow-up care plans for 180 cats and dogs. Our partnership with SICSA allowed us to offer an affordable service to our community of furry friends for only $20 per pet.

Whether you're a pet owner or not, it's a universally recognized truth that the lives of pets and their owners are intimately intertwined. The connection between them is profound; whatever befalls one - be it a joyous or a serious situation - impacts the other. This influence is amplified for the nearly 40 million Americans, constituting around 12% of the nation's population who live in poverty. East End Community Services strives to assist families in inner East Dayton to help break the cycle of multi-generation poverty.

Animals tend to evoke an emotional response in us and have been used for centuries to help heal. Having a pet during the recovery process can be both psychologically and physically beneficial. A furry pal can help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Pets can also help us learn the importance of responsibility and establish a routine.

We were proud to have a few youth members from our East End Champions program assist during the clinic. Having shown an interest in a veterinary career, they learned more about the field with hands-on training provided by SICSA’s veterinarian, Sinclair Community College, and Ohio State University’s interns. They would greet the community members and their pets at the check-in table and then sit with them in the waiting room, comforting the four-legged buddies. Next, a veterinary assistant and an intern would gather the pet’s medical history while the youth member took notes. After the intake, they would move as a group to the pet care room, where a veterinarian would join them and provide an exam along with any vaccines, flea prevention, and deworming treatments needed for their furry pal. The last stop was at the check-out table, where any follow-up appointments could be scheduled with SICSA’s Wellness Center.

It was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other organizations to provide assistance and serve our community!

East End Community Services

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@eastendcommunityservices

WESTCARE.COM

THE Express

Marine Corps Veteran Moves into New Apartment

By Chanel Harris, CTI Case Manager, VETcare Oregon

This week, our VETcare Oregon staff had the honor of assisting with the move of one of our Veterans from VETcare Transitional Housing to his own apartment. All of the furniture was proudly and generously provided by the Easterseals Oregon SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) Program, Honoring Heroes, and our VETcare Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Program.

Tony even received a brand-new TV from Honoring Heroes. A huge thank you to all the community partners for helping us help our Veterans transition into their new homes. We could not make this all happen without you! Tony is beyond excited to have his own place and has expressed so much gratitude for all the assistance in the process.

VETcare Oregon

@_vetcareoregon_

@vetcareoregon

“My Life” Endures: Reflections of WPI’s I Lina’la Hu Team

By Regina Shiroma, Research Assistant

The ILH team: Clarissa Wilson (Youth Educator), Chanelle Ramiro (Youth Educator), Jennifer Vicente (Program Manager), Michelle Mafnas (Youth Educator), and Regina Shiroma (Research Assistant).

As our three-year grant comes to a close, the team behind the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education grant reflects on the resiliency of the program, I Lina’la-Hu (ILH), or “My Life” in Chamoru. We share in the story of how people continue to endure - despite the challenges of the world around us and how these experiences have changed us as individuals and benefited us as a team. Our program’s entrance into WestCare Pacific Islands came amidst the thralls of a pandemic. Ironically, it begins its exit after the devastation of Super Typhoon Mawar on Guam. Despite these events, our program lives on in the 440 youth we had the privilege of serving. With each cohort we completed, we were warmly reminded of our purpose through the sentiments shared by the students in their exit surveys, writing, “It was the best thing I experienced in my life,” and, “It’s been a pleasure for you guys to teach me before I grow up.”

We entered each cohort with the mission to impart knowledge to the youth in our program. It was important for us to cultivate a safe space for sharing and asking questions. We listened to the stories the youth brought to the classroom, both of success and struggle - encountering different backgrounds, personalities, and attitudes. In this process, we were unexpectedly changed. We were gifted a wealth of insight into the lives of the youth under our care and a deeper understanding of them that we will carry beyond the grant. They are growing up in a world so starkly different than the one we grew up in, having to cope and heal from the repercussions of the events of the past few years and yet, they press on. We remain inspired by the resilience and fortitude they have to endure.

WestCare Pacific Islands

Uplifting the Human Spirit

@westcare.pi

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THE Express

Strengthening Bonds Within our Community

By Belinda Morales, Program Assistant

In August, we were pleased to welcome Bridget Degnan and Allison Upton, representatives of the The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center. They visited our reintegration programs, discussed exciting upcoming projects, and met our team. Additionally, they joined us for the bimonthly Reintegration Projects Committee meeting, which is coordinated by The Puerto Rico Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. Thank you for your time with our programs!

We were also proud to host Mrs. María Elena Cruz, the Dean of the Santiago University of Technology (UTESA), and Mr. Carlos Suero, Director of Public Relations for the Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic, when they came for a tour of Guara Bi’s programs in Puerto Rico with hopes of replicating our services in the Dominican Republic. They met our staff and learned what we do every day, which is Uplifting the Human Spirit by providing help to those who need it!

Guara Bi

Spotlight: Courtney Williams Drug Free Communities Program Coordinator

Courtney Williams began her career at WestCare Tennessee in May 2022 as a Data Coordinator for our Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) grant. As of August 2023, Courtney has transitioned into a new role at WestCare Tennessee as the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program Coordinator. At the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the DFC grant is focused in Cocke County, Tennessee. Cocke County has welcomed WestCare Tennessee and is a big ambassador for a healthier community. Courtney will oversee a coalition called Prevention Alliance of Cocke County (PACC), which will aid in prevention work to promote a healthier community in Cocke County.

Courtney remains the social media ambassador for WestCare Tennessee's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles. Be sure to follow WestCare Tennessee’s social media pages for updates on all things happening in Tennessee!

WestCare Tennessee

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A Welcome for Our New Camp Mariposa Director

Jania Hill has recently accepted the position of Camp Director of Camp Mariposa. She is originally from Morristown, Tennessee and graduated from Walters State Community College in 2021 with an Associate Degree in Health Science while on an academic and volleyball scholarship. She also received the Student-Athlete of the Year award in 2021. Jania currently attends Tennessee Technological University and will be graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing in May of 2024.

Jania loves helping others and she is very active in Putnam County, TN, where she is the Developmental Coordinator for the Keep Putnam County Beautiful-Clean Commission, where she helps organize events and recruit volunteers for beautification efforts in Putnam County. Prior to accepting the job as the Camp Director, she was a mentor at Camp Mariposa. It was here that she discovered her commitment to supporting children in maintaining sobriety and cultivating coping skills for handling challenging circumstances.

@WestCareTN

@westcaretn

WESTCARE.COM

Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together Initiative

By Alisa Garza, Administrative Assistant

WestCare Texas was invited by Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) to engage in their Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together Learning Collaborative. This initiative is dedicated to transforming the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities facing inequities. It employs a collaborative approach, involving individuals with lived experiences to co-design, co-create, and co-evaluate sustainable changes that enhance overall health and well-being. The Laredo Drug-Free Communities (DFC) F.A.C.E Coalition will implement strategies to reduce death and the related harm caused by substance abuse. Strategies to be implemented include: Increasing access to substance abuse treatment.

Increasing recovery support services to individuals and their families.

Preventing the early-age initiation and addiction to illegal substances and the misuse of legal substances.

The Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together Learning Collaborative provides a safe space for people in recovery to feel valued. Felipe Hinojosa, a person with lived experience, reflected that this initiative is important to Webb County. “What the program is doing for the youth is something we need in our community. It will give opportunities for people who have had drug and alcohol problems to share with the youth the harm and negative impact they experienced. This program will also provide sustainable recovery services and support that will help people to stay clean and sober.”

Because of MHM’s Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together Learning Collaborative, the WestCare Laredo DFC F.A.C.E. Coalition will help create a continuum of care that does not currently exist to effectively reduce substance abuse in Laredo.

WestCare Texas

Keeping Our Community Connected

@westcaretexas

By Tammy Smith, Administrative Assistant

Introducing "Over the Horizon," The Village - Virgin Islands' latest addition! Our new video podcast is now available on our Facebook page and is coming soon to YouTube. On this podcast, a group of our staff and other professionals come together to discuss and cultivate positive awareness of how trauma and mental health issues are impacting our culture, spirituality, schools, and the broader community. The podcast also focuses on fostering positive and healthy behaviors in support of preventing substance use among young people in our community.

Our first episode launched on May 15, 2023. Since then, we have aired episodes with subjects such as “ABC’s of Mental Health,” “How Does Spirituality Impact Mental Wellness,” and “Early Intervention of Substance Use.” We hope to produce many more episodes as promoting mental wellness helps to prevent or minimize mental health problems from escalating into more serious concerns.

The Village - VI Partners in Recovery Inc / WestCare

Uplifting the Human Spirit

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Spotlight: Mr. Anthony Carter

By Felicia Williams, LST Program Director

At WestCare Wisconsin, we are privileged to have a dedicated individual who ensures that our facility remains clean, sanitized, and ready to provide a safe and healthy environment for our staff. This remarkable person is Mr. Anthony Carter.

Mr. Carter's journey is an inspiring one. He openly shared his story, revealing his past struggles with literacy. Determined to overcome these challenges, he set a goal for himself – to earn his GED. With determination and hard work, Anthony embarked on this educational journey. His dedication and commitment paid off when he proudly walked into WestCare, holding in his hands one of his most significant accomplishments – his GED certificate.

We couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with Mr. Carter. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of personal growth. Congratulations!

WestCare Wisconsin

Fostering Wellness, Connecting Resources

By Felicia Williams, Program Director

WestCare Wisconsin held its 3rd Annual Health Fair on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

There were some great vendors who showed up to share their services with the residents of Harambee and surrounding communities. A big shout out and thank you to Homer Blow Radio for the live podcast broadcast of the event. Meanwhile, WestCare Wisconsin’s Clinical Services set up shop to raise awareness of the clinic, and Ms. Anita Garret, a long-time volunteer, distributed donated shoes. CommunityBased Crime Reduction brought out their impairment glasses for demonstrations and the Drug-Free Coalition Jr. Youth Action Council (YAC) handled registration and distributed resources. Every year, we see an increase in residents attending, which warms our hearts and shows the growing impact of our Annual Health Fair!

@westcare.wi

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WESTCARE.COM

THE Express

Congratulations, Carol Renard!

By Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager

After 21 incredible years, we bid farewell to Carol Renard, extending our warmest wishes for a well-deserved and wonderful retirement. As the Director of Program and Staff Development, Carol's journey at WestCare has been a testament to her dedication and passion for positive change.

Born in Toronto, Carol's journey took her from Florida to Nashville, where she spent 16 years working in the music industry before embarking on her extraordinary career at WestCare.

Throughout her tenure as part of the WestCare family, Carol consistently went above and beyond her role, always expanding her responsibilities to benefit the organization and the people it serves. Today, she stands as a mentor in root cause analysis, incident report coaching, and Care Team initiatives - offering invaluable guidance to her peers and colleagues.

While Carol had no direct reports, she played a pivotal role in all regional teams, facilitating transformative change through teaching. Many have benefitted from her wealth of knowledge and we are grateful for the impact she has made.

One of Carol's most significant contributions has been in the realm of women and children's residential treatment, where she has been a pioneering force - advocating for the well-being of vulnerable individuals. Her certification as an Addiction Professional underscores her expertise and commitment to the field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carol's gentle and authentic style of feedback has endeared her to her peers, making her not only a mentor but also a cherished friend and confidant. Reflecting on her friendship with Carol, Susan Rinaldi remembers, “Our experiences are too numerous to mention, but wherever we went, we certainly left our mark, and our times together were filled with laughter.” Another friend, Kristen Chaffee, says, “Her uplifting nature and kind words always put a smile on my face.”

As we bid farewell to Carol Renard, we celebrate her legacy of positive change, her dedication to the well-being of others, and her gentle yet impactful presence within the WestCare family. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her influence will continue to resonate for years to come. Carol, your contributions are immeasurable and your WestCare family is forever grateful. Wishing you a joyful and well-deserved retirement!

Uplifting the Human Spirit

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Information Technology

WestCare Champions Cybersecurity Awareness Month WestCare Foundation is again serving as a Champion for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM). Founded in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held each October, is the world’s foremost initiative to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.

Now in its 20th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. WestCare is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the US Department of Homeland Security.

This year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month will promote four key cybersecurity behaviors chosen to be simple and actionable for both individuals and businesses. WestCare’s Information Security Team will be working closely with the Marketing and Communications Department to help promote the event throughout the month of October across social media, publications, websites, email, and other channels.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an incredibly important tool that goes a long way in keeping accounts secure. This month, we will be showing others how easy it is to enable MFA wherever possible.

Using Strong Passwords and a Password Manager As our online lives expand, we’ve gone from having just a few passwords to today, where we might manage dozens or hundreds. This October, we will share the importance of strong passwords and dispel misconceptions about password managers, and show how these tools can help keep you safe online.

Updating Software One of the easiest ways to keep information secure is to keep software and apps updated.

Updates fix general software problems and provide new security patches where criminals might get in. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we will be telling others to step away from the “remind me later” button to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals.

Recognizing and Reporting Phishing Phishing attacks have become an increasingly common problem for organizations of all sizes and can be difficult to spot. It’s important for every individual to stop and think before clicking on a link or attachment in a message and know how to spot the red flags. Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 will give individuals the tools they need to recognize a phish and report it.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth on social media throughout the month.

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Goodbye To Our Dear Friend

Laura Cronk

With great sadness, WestCare’s Information Technology team collectively mourns the recent passing of our dear coworker and friend, Laura Cronk. Laura joined WestCare in March of 2016 as our first IT Project Manager and Trainer, where she was responsible for implementing and providing training for our in-house developed Electronic Health Record, the Clinical Data System. In that role, she led dozens of successful projects each year and trained hundreds of staff worldwide. Program staff who worked with her on those projects learned she was extremely patient, caring, humble, knowledgeable, and dedicated.

Though she was a very private person, her closest teammates in the IT Department would eventually learn that she loved baseball, marathons, and all animals - with a particular fondness for cats and horses. She lived in the Tampa, Florida, area for the last several decades, but she grew up in New England. She received her BA in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before joining WestCare, she served in various technical and clinical roles for organizations such as the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, and BayCare Behavioral Health.

Laura truly embraced and exemplified our motto of Uplifting the Human Spirit, once writing, “This is the first organization I have worked where the culture shines through at every level, based on respect, care, and caring about human beings. I try my best to be uplifted every day. I also try to lead by example and uplift my teammates and associates. I think an uplifting positive attitude is a force multiplier that is often overlooked.”

In honor of Laura’s efforts to uplift others, the Marketing and Communications team announces UPLIFT, or Using Positivity, Let’s Inspire and Fortify Teammates. Using an online form, WestCare staff will soon be able to easily recognize their coworkers. These words of encouragement will be shared, and with permission, we will feature them on social media and/or The Express. Through UPLIFT, Laura’s example of uplifting her teammates will live on.

WESTCARE.COM

THE Express

Uplifting the Human Spirit since 1973 WestCare, a family of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations founded in 1973, provides a wide spectrum of behavioral health and human services in both residential and outpatient environments. Our service domains include Treatment and Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Veterans Services, Criminal Justice, Housing Opportunities, Education, Prevention, and support for those fleeing Domestic Violence. These services are available to adults, children, adolescents, and families. We specialize in helping people traditionally considered difficult to treat, such as those who are indigent, have multiple disorders, or are involved with the criminal justice system.

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