The Express (Winter 2025-2026)

THE Express

UPLIFTING THE HUMAN

SPIRIT AROUND THE WORLD

ISSUE 59 | WINTER 2025-2026

FROM PUERTO RICO:

“Recuerdo cómo nos hacían pensar.

Ese mensaje se quedó conmigo” THE PROYECTO KIBA TEAM BUILT A “WALL OF GRATITUDE” AND MEETS AN ALUMNUS

A NN DD O A O TT HH EE RR SS TT O O RR II EE SS FF RR O OM M THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA, AND MORE!

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CARIBBEAN REGION:

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RESILIENCE & NEW BEGINNINGS

Resiliencia y Nuevos Comienzos

By Johanie Hernandez, Project Director, Guara Bi

English | Español

The Proyecto Kiba team, dedicated to preventing marijuana, vaping, and alcohol use, recently brought its message to Ana G. Méndez University as part of a community outreach effort. Through an informational table and educational materials, facilitators shared resources on mental health, responsible decision-making, and services available to college students, encouraging reflection and resilience through prevention.

As part of the visit, the team created a “Wall of Gratitude and New Beginnings,” inviting students to pause and write something they were grateful for and a goal they hoped to strengthen. Soon, the wall filled with messages of hope, family, perseverance, second chances, and future dreams— reminding participants that gratitude and self-awareness are powerful tools for growth and prevention.

During the activity, a special moment unfolded when a young man approached the table after recognizing the project’s logo. He introduced himself as César Cruz, now a first-year pre-veterinary student. Years earlier, he had participated in Proyecto Kiba’s first Botvin Program group, which focuses on building life skills and promoting healthy decision-making among adolescents.

With pride, César shared how those sessions helped him build confidence, navigate peer pressure, and think carefully before making important decisions. “I remember how they made us think. That message stayed with me,” he said.

For the Kiba team, the encounter reaffirmed their mission: prevention plants seeds that can flourish over time, inspiring resilience and new beginnings.

Scan or click here to learn more about Guara Bi in Puerto Rico

El equipo del Proyecto Kiba, dedicado a la prevención del uso de marihuana, vapeo y alcohol, llevó recientemente su mensaje a la Universidad Ana G. Méndez como parte de un esfuerzo de alcance comunitario. A través de una mesa informativa y materiales educativos, las facilitadoras compartieron recursos sobre salud mental, toma de decisiones responsables y servicios disponibles para jóvenes universitarios, promoviendo la reflexión y la resiliencia a través de la prevención.

Como parte de la visita, el equipo creó el “Mural de Gratitud y Nuevos Comienzos”, invitando a los estudiantes a escribir algo por lo cual se sentían agradecidos y una meta personal que deseaban fortalecer. Poco a poco, el mural se llenó de mensajes de esperanza, familia, superación y sueños futuros, recordando que la gratitud y la conciencia personal son herramientas poderosas para el crecimiento y la prevención.

Durante la actividad ocurrió un momento especial. Un joven se acercó a la mesa al reconocer el logo del proyecto y se presentó como César Cruz, estudiante de primer año en el bachillerato de Pre-Veterinaria. Años atrás, había participado en el primer grupo del Programa Botvin del Proyecto Kiba, enfocado en fortalecer destrezas para la vida y promover decisiones saludables en adolescentes.

Con orgullo, César compartió cómo esas sesiones le ayudaron a desarrollar confianza, manejar la presión de grupo y reflexionar antes de tomar decisiones importantes.

“Recuerdo cómo nos hacían pensar. Ese mensaje se quedó conmigo”, expresó.

Para el equipo de Kiba, el encuentro reafirmó su misión: la prevención siembra semillas que pueden florecer con el tiempo, inspirando resiliencia y nuevos comienzos. Historias como esta nos recuerdan que el trabajo que realizamos hoy continúa Elevando el Espíritu Humano en nuestra comunidad.

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By Brandy Brookes, Prevention Coordinator, The Village VI Partners in Recovery

This February, two members of The Village VI Partners in Recovery prevention staff joined behavioral health and prevention leaders from across the country at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Prevention Day in National Harbor, Maryland.

It’s one thing to read about prevention programs; it’s another to hear directly from other coalitions facing similar challenges, sharing successes, and exchanging ideas.

While many are familiar with CADCA and its annual forum, each year offers an opportunity to see new ideas in action, connect with other coalitions, and bring fresh strategies back home.

Beyond the sessions, the trip provided a valuable chance to build connections, gather resources, and see firsthand how federal initiatives support local prevention efforts. Brandy and Schanel returned with new ideas to strengthen programs in the Virgin Islands, expand community engagement, and continue bringing culturally relevant prevention strategies to the youth they serve.

For Village staff members Brandy and Schanel, the focus was on learning how successful national approaches can be adapted to meet the needs of the Virgin Islands. They attended workshops on youth engagement, coalition building, and policy advocacy, while also exploring how evidencebased strategies can be tailored to fit local culture and community context.

They also had the opportunity to share the perspective of the Virgin Islands, ensuring that the voice of a smaller island community was part of the national conversation.

Scan or click here to learn more about The Village VI Partners in Recovery

FLORIDA REGION:

HOLIDAY CHEER AND “DREAMING BIG” WITH MACY’S

By Dustin Forman, Director of Community Engagement, WestCare - The Village South

WestCare The Village South (WCTVS) celebrated the 2nd Annual Holiday Shopping Event in partnership with Macy’s at Pembroke Lakes Mall on Friday, December 12th. This special event gave our residential clients a fun and meaningful way to participate in the holiday season while practicing important life skills.

Building on the success of the shopping event, Macy’s also hosted a second special activity for the children at our residential facility: a holiday arts and crafts event. In addition, a children’s author visited to read his book to the group. The children enthusiastically read along and participated in activities inspired by the story.

Macy’s generously provided gift cards to each client, allowing We are grateful for our continued partnership with Macy’s them to shop for gifts for themselves and their families. Each and their dedication to making the holiday season joyful and group had a set amount of time to shop, giving clients the meaningful for the families we serve. opportunity to practice budgeting, time management, Click here to learn about TVS teamwork, and decision-making.

Uplifting the Human Spirit

LEARNING, CONNECTING, AND BRINGING PREVENTION HOME

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MIDWESTERN REGION:

FROM ONE DESK TO A SERVICE CENTER

By Darlene Terrill, Regional Vice President, WestCare Iowa & Minnesota Operations

Ken Ortbals, Darlene Terrill, Darrell Mayo, Angie McElMurray-Dundee, and Richard Steinberg at the new facility in Siox City

In 2012, the Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) program was established in Forest City, Iowa, where staff worked diligently to provide services to homeless Veterans across 43 northern Iowa counties. Operating under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant, the program focused on helping Veterans achieve housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency. As service demand increased and travel distances expanded, program leadership recognized the need to grow through the creation of a satellite office. It soon became clear that the Sioux City area required a fulltime case manager to support the rising number of Veterans being served.

In 2021, a single-staff office was opened in Sioux City to serve 14 counties in Northwest Iowa. With a dedicated staff presence in the region, the program continued to grow, eventually adding a second case manager. To accommodate the expanding team and increased client volume, the FAVA office relocated to a 1,100-square-foot facility. Additional VA funding allowed the program to expand longer-term housing interventions and hire a second healthcare navigator. With three additional staff members joining the Sioux City office, the team grew to five employees. This expansion strengthened the program’s ability to respond quickly to crises, build community partnerships, and provide comprehensive support across the service area.

In 2025, FAVA was awarded the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, expanding services to six counties in Northwest Iowa. The award added eight new staff members, bringing total program staffing to 13 employees. To support this growth and expanded mission, the program relocated to a 5,000-square-foot facility.

The new location integrates suicide prevention and mental health services alongside SSVF housing programs, allowing the team to better support Veterans experiencing suicidal ideation through early identification, outreach, and connections to care.

The SSG Fox program provides critical services including suicide risk screening, peer support, case management, and referrals to mental health, housing, and social services— particularly for Veterans who may not yet be engaged with the VA system. Through trained staff, standardized assessments, prevention education, and group activities, the program strengthens community networks to ensure at-risk Veterans are identified early and connected to life-saving support.

With the move to a larger facility, community partners now hold regular on-site office hours several days each week.

Veterans can access housing assistance, employment services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development–VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) coordination, and VA benefits support in one centralized location rather than navigating multiple agencies. What began as a single-staff operation has evolved into a coordinated service hub in Sioux City—improving access to care, facilitating warm handoffs between providers, and strengthening continuity of services for Veterans most at risk.

Scan or click here to learn more about FAVA

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SPARK: IGNITING RESILIENT RELATIONSHIPS FOR OUR ISLAND

By Tasi Peddicord, Program Manager, WestCare Pacific Islands SPARK

WPI SPARK honors the community we are proud to serve in front of the I Love Guam sign in Hagåtña, Guam.

In Guam, life happens outside—barbecue grills going, kids playing, and aunties and uncles gathered around the table.

In those everyday moments of warmth and connection, real life unfolds.

SPARK was built for those moments. Launched in 2015, the program was designed to walk alongside Guam’s families, equipping couples and parents with the skills to communicate, co-parent, and support one another. The team that created SPARK poured their hearts into this work, and their legacy lives on in every family they served—a foundation the new team, affectionately known as the “Sparklers,” carries forward with deep respect and gratitude.

When the grant cycle concluded in 2020, the program paused. But WestCare Pacific Islands never stopped listening to the needs of the community. In 2025, WPI seized the opportunity to reignite SPARK—bringing it back with renewed energy and purpose.

SPARK 2.0: Built for Our People SPARK 2.0 combines three evidence-based approaches: PREP 8.0 V2 for relationship education, Nurturing Parenting to support healthy family development, and Winning the Workplace Challenge, which helps participants carry those same communication and life skills into the workplace.

In Guam, family extends far beyond the front door. It lives in the outside kitchen and across the village. It’s nana (mother)

helping raise the grandchildren, tata (father) offering guidance on important decisions, and extended family woven into daily life. SPARK 2.0 recognizes and honors these family dynamics, helping participants navigate them with clarity, compassion, and mutual respect.

The program is supported by dedicated community partners, including Bank of Guam, the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Guam Police Department, Guam Head Start Program, Uplift Counseling Services, and Victim Advocates Reaching Out. The Sparklers are united by one mission: Igniting Resilient Relationships for Our Island. Inspired by those who laid the groundwork and strengthened by the community around them, the team is honored to continue this heart-work alongside Guam’s families—Uplifting the Human Spirit, one relationship at a time.

Scan or click here to learn more about WCPI

Uplifting the Human Spirit

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS:

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WESTERN REGION:

SANTA VISIT BRINGS SMILES TO FAMILIES AT RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

By Jessica Maxey, Media and Development Specialist, WestCare California

Families in the Papa Natal and M’ella programs at WestCare California’s Martin Luther King Residential Program (MLK) welcomed a special holiday visitor this season, thanks to the coordination of Sherri Buchanan, Director of Training Services, and Michelle Stone, Program Director at the MLK facility.

Papa Natal and M’ella are residential programs that allow parents to live on-site with their children while receiving services and support. These programs create a stable environment where families can focus on recovery, growth, and rebuilding their lives together.

Laughter, photos, and holiday cheer filled the room as families came together to celebrate the season.

Our media team documented the gathering, capturing group photos and special moments throughout the day. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for families to connect, celebrate, and create positive memories in a supportive community environment.

WestCare California extends its gratitude to Sherri Buchanan and Michelle Stone for organizing the event and continuing to create meaningful experiences for the families served at the MLK Residential Program.

During the holiday event, children, families, and staff enjoyed a festive visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, creating a joyful and memorable shared experience for residents.

Scan or click here to learn more about WCCA

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By Jessica Cerda, Marketing Specialist, WestCare Texas

San Antonio is home to the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march in the nation. The San Antonio MLK Commission began organizing the annual march in the 1980s, and by 1987 it had become an official city event, later receiving state and national recognition.

This year’s theme, “Diversity Unites Us; Love Leads Us; and Action Propels Us!”, drew more than 300,000 participants, including individuals, families, organizations, businesses, visitors, and community members who gathered to honor the legacy and continue the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. WestCare Texas Regional Vice President Francine Prosser Johnson, a longtime board member of the MLK Commission, helped connect organizations and strengthen community engagement for the event.

together to represent the organization. The group carried a banner featuring Dr. King’s powerful words: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Living out WestCare’s motto of Uplifting the Human Spirit, the team marched 2.75 miles along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive through San Antonio’s historic Eastside to PittmanSullivan Park, where the event concluded with speakers, performances, community booths, vendors, and activities.

Youth and Community Prevention Specialist Julie Jones and Program Support Specialist Kendra Carpenter also served as marshals for the march. In addition, WestCare Texas hosted an information booth during and after the event, sharing resources and connecting community members with WestCare’s services.

WestCare Texas proudly participated with its largest marching team to date. Team members from the San Antonio headquarters, staff from Laredo, Texas, and WestCare Foundation Senior Advisor Peggy Quigg, who joined from the Foundation team in Henderson, Nevada all came

Scan or click here to learn more about WCTX

Uplifting the Human Spirit

WESTCARE TEXAS MARCHES IN MLK 2026

WESTCARE AROUND THE WORLD

Uplifting the Human Spirit

From California to the Caribbean, from Maryland to the Pacific Islands, WestCare is proud to serve individuals and families in 17 states, four U.S. territories, and two international locations.

Each day, our programs deliver compassionate care in behavioral health, justice services, housing, education, and prevention... all rooted in our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit.

STORIES WORTH SHARING FROM THE HEART OF WESTCARE We look forward to sharing your stories as they unfold, your monthly highlights from the field, the faces and moments behind the mission, and the work that uplifts lives and communities every day. We invite you to submit your stories of success, education, prevention, and healing to marketing@westcare.com. Your narratives fuel hope and contribute to our collective mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit.

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