The Loop - Nevada (April 2025)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA

APRIL 2025

ISSUE 45

VOLUME 4

A plane flies over the Village at the Women and Children’s Campus construction site

Springing Forward with Hope and Community As the desert blooms and the season of renewal surrounds us, April at WestCare Nevada brought with it powerful moments of connection, community, and compassion. We were honored to welcome Las Vegas City Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong for a heartfelt visit and tour of our Women and Children’s Campus, where she witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of the families we serve. Her support and advocacy for vulnerable populations inspire us to continue striving for impactful change.

This spirit of service was echoed by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who spent a day giving back at the Women and Children’s Campus. Their helping hands and generous hearts uplifted our residents and reminded us of the beauty found in unity and kindness.

Easter brought joy and laughter as our campuses celebrated with meals, egg hunts, treats, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

Seeing the smiles among our children reminded all of us that hope often arrives in the smallest, most joyful moments.

Our Transitional Living clients also stepped into the spotlight, working check-in and concessions at the LS Fest at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Through opportunities like these, we continue to empower individuals on their path to self-sufficiency, proving that recovery is not just possible, but it is also transformative.

Out in rural Nevada, we proudly launched a new message regarding our Rural Opioid and Alcohol Recovery (ROAR) program. Anyone traveling through Pahrump can’t help but miss the beautiful billboard we have along Highway 160. This bold message serves not only as a beacon of hope but also as a vital reminder that WestCare Nevada is here, reaching every corner of our state with compassion, resources, and care.

Together, these moments are more than just milestones. They also serve as testaments to the mission we live every day: Uplifting the Human Spirit. As we look ahead, we carry the momentum of April’s energy into all we do.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President

w e s tcarenevada . c o m

Empowering Recovery: How Employment Opportunities Fuel Transformation

By Jacqueline Gonzales, Supervisor of 4th Street / MORE Team At WestCare Nevada, the journey to recovery encompasses more than overcoming substance use; it involves rebuilding lives through purpose, stability, and self-worth. Integral to this transformation is the opportunity for individuals in treatment to reenter the workforce, a step that not only fosters financial independence but also reignites a sense of belonging and contribution to society.

Securing employment during or after treatment serves as a powerful motivator for individuals in recovery. It instills a sense of responsibility, enhances self-esteem, and provides a tangible goal to work towards.

WestCare Nevada collaborates with FM3/Holley LS Fest to provide temporary jobs for men and women residing at WestCare. These employment opportunities not only aid financially, but also help individuals rebuild their identities beyond addiction. The structure and routine that comes with employment are vital in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.

WestCare Nevada actively engages with community partners to support the employment of individuals in recovery. Initiatives such as job fairs and partnerships with local businesses provide platforms for clients to connect with potential employers in a supportive environment. These collaborations are instrumental in breaking down the barriers that often hinder individuals with a history of substance use or criminal backgrounds from gaining employment.

Employers who participate in these initiatives contribute to the community's wellbeing and benefit from a dedicated and resilient workforce. The shared commitment to recovery fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

At WestCare Nevada, our integration of employment into the recovery process is a testament to our holistic approach to healing. By providing individuals with the tools and opportunities to succeed professionally, WestCare Nevada empowers them to contribute to society and their community – and to reclaim their lives.

“Being around all the alcohol and marijuana and not being tempted to relapse showed me I can make it out here without having the urge to use again. This experience helped me and taught me so much.”

- Michael, Client

“Working this event kept me motivated and I felt disciplined. I had to be somewhere and do something. It made me miss working, and it made me happy. It also made me appreciate everything a lot more.”

- Chris, Client westcarenevada.com

Uplifting the Human Spirit “Beautiful event! Super grateful for this place and the love and connection built here. It was awesome my daughter was able to see me and enjoy the time together!”

- Kristin, Client

“I felt so blessed to be a part of the Easter event. For my two boys to be able to come and participate in an Easter egg hunt, games, food & more was a core memory for all of us!”

- Sara, Client

An Egg-celent Easter at The Women and Children’s Campus

“It showed us we can still have fun in recovery! I was so happy to see everyone with their kids. It was so nice to be around such wonderful people for this holiday.”

By Elias Hardt, Marketing Specialist Under the warm Las Vegas April sun, families enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, festive baskets filled with goodies, a bouncy castle, and even a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself at the Women and Children’s Campus’s Easter party! We’d like to thank Ninth Island Aunties for donating Easter baskets – and a special shoutout to the Easter Bunny for spreading several thousand eggs across our lawn for everyone to find!

- Ashley, Client

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple Volunteers Bring Joy to WestCare

By Andrew Moran, Development Director In a heartwarming display of community spirit, an amazing group of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Temple volunteers, missionaries, and enthusiastic adolescents and children gathered at the Women and Children’s Campus for a day of volunteer work and cleanup. This event not only enhanced the physical environment but also fostered bonds of friendship and laughter among participants.

creating a lively atmosphere that made the work feel less like a chore and more like a celebration.

Trash that had accumulated over time was meticulously cleaned up, leaving the grounds looking pristine and welcoming. The effort put forth by everyone involved not only beautified the Village but also exemplified the spirit of service, showing how a little hard work can go a long way in making a positive impact. Both WestCare and the Under the warm Vegas sun, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Temple share a common goal: to uplift and support those in need. This day of service Armed with gardening tools, they pulled weeds from the gardens, transforming was a testament to that commitment and an opportunity to build lasting relationships. overgrown patches into vibrant spaces where flowers could bloom once again. The sound of laughter filled the air as children joined in, their small hands eager to As the sun began to set, the volunteers left with smiles on their faces and a sense of contribute to the transformation. accomplishment in their hearts. The Women and Children’s Village at WestCare is now a little brighter, thanks to their hard work and dedication. Everyone at WestCare is Painting was another highlight of the day. Volunteers brought color back to tired immensely grateful for the support and partnership that continues to grow, reminding walls, turning drab spaces into cheerful, inviting areas. As they painted, stories were us all that together, we can make a difference. shared, jokes were exchanged, and the sense of camaraderie grew stronger, We want to thank Shawn, Brandy, and Kevin for their contributions, as well as WestCare's own Kellie and Scotty.

@westcarenevada

Uplifting the Human Spirit City Councilwoman Shondra Summers Armstrong Tours WestCare Women and Children’s Campus

By Andrew Moran, Development Director On April 10, excitement filled the air at the Women and Children’s Campus as we welcomed our new city councilwoman, Shondra Summers Armstrong, and her dedicated Ward Five team, Nora Lares, Julius Lightfoot, and Kelly Woods. Their visit was not just a tour; it was a celebration of the incredible progress we’re making together to uplift our community.

As Councilwoman Armstrong stepped onto the grounds, her enthusiasm was infectious. The team was greeted with warm smiles and eager hearts, ready to showcase the amazing work happening at WestCare. The councilwoman was particularly excited to witness the construction firsthand. The energy was palpable as we walked through the site of The Village at the Women and Children’s Campus, discussing the vision behind the project and the positive impact it will have on the lives of women and children in our community. With the completion of the first phase on track for this year, the anticipation is building, and the possibilities are endless!

Councilwoman Armstrong’s genuine interest in our mission was evident. She listened intently as we shared stories of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of community support. It was clear that she was not only impressed by the physical progress but also inspired by the spirit of collaboration and dedication that defines WestCare. Her presence reinforced the importance of community leaders engaging with local initiatives and recognizing the efforts of those on the ground.

We are incredibly proud to have Councilwoman Armstrong and her team as champions of our work at WestCare. Their support fuels our commitment to creating a nurturing environment for those we serve. Together, we are building a brighter future.

Spreading Hope in Pahrump: WestCare's New Billboard Unveiled

By Elias Hardt, Marketing Specialist Our summary of April’s amazing events wouldn’t be complete without a mention of our new billboard in Pahrump! This centrally located billboard along Highway 160 serves as a beacon of hope, specifically highlighting our Rural Opioid and Alcohol Recovery (ROAR) Program.

ROAR is a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program that aims to decrease illicit opioid use, prescription opioid misuse, and alcohol misuse. ROAR makes opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment available to underserved individuals in rural Nevada. Services include withdrawal management services, medication-assisted treatment, transportation assistance, and supportive services such as workforce development, housing linkages, and others.

Hope starts here, and we’re proud to put this message on the biggest canvas we could find. Helping communities thrive and Uplifting the Human Spirit aren’t just advertising buzzwords or ways to fill empty pages; they’re the mission we carry forward every day.

Continue the journey online!

westcarenevada.com

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 westcarenevada.com

@westcarenevada