THE
SILVER AND GOLD: WESTCARE EXPANDS
By Michael Mygind, Director of Marketing, CA & NV
The family of programs and services that we know today as WestCare California traces its roots back to the Spring of 1973, when four masters level graduates from California State University Fresno (CSUF) founded Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program of Central California, Inc (CDAAPCC), laying the foundation for a solution of the rising issue of substance abuse in Fresno, CA In 1974, after the majority of the members behind CAAPCC graduated and left to pursue personal interests, the remaining member, Robert “Bob” Klise, MSW, continued on with their original mission and received a $100,000 grant from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to open a residential treatment program known as The Third Floor What was originally conceived as the basis for his thesis would grow over the next 50 years to become one of the largest providers of behavioral health and human services in the Golden State
Situated within the former site of the Burnett Nurse’s Home at 120 N Howard Street, the program’s name complemented the facility's layout. In the basement, there were facilities such as a group groom, laundry services, a food storage area equipped with a commercial refrigerator and freezer, a staff office, and a clothing closet On the main floor, you could find the admissions department, a business office, a kitchen, a dining room, bathrooms, and several other rooms utilized by staff for storage purposes The third floor served as living quarters with bathrooms for the initial 14 male heroin addicts, along with accommodations for the Executive Director and accounting staff
Shortly after its inauguration, the program expanded its services to assist female addicts in need of treatment To accommodate this change, the program transformed offices and former storage areas into sleeping quarters for females on the main floortransforming it from a male-only facility into a co-ed program.
During a time when addiction treatment was still in its early stages, the concept of addressing co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues did not exist. In fact, the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction was separate If someone also had a mental health disorder and sought evaluation but was not clean and sober for at least 30 days, they would be directed back to the program without receiving treatment They were advised to return after 30 days if their symptoms did not improve.
The Third Floor's approach followed a Therapeutic Community (TC) model, where addiction was viewed as a complex behavioral and social issue deeply rooted in personal and societal factors The program primarily focused on addressing the underlying psychological, emotional, and social contributors to addiction Treatment strategies included group therapy, peer support, and a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, self-help, and behavioral modification Program participants also played a dual role as both clients and therapists in this therapeutic community setting.
As the original program was still in the process of defining its identity, many of the initial 14 male residents faced challenges in maintaining sobriety and making behavioral changes. At a certain point, six committed residents approached Bob Klise and advocated for the discharge of eight of their fellow residents as they believed that these individuals were negatively impacting the overall sobriety of the community This moment marked a significant turning point in the program's evolution.
One of the six clients who played a pivotal role in this shift was Gilbert Aguilar, who would become a cherished member of the WestCare family Shortly thereafter, Gilbert and the remaining clients joined forces to formulate what they referred to as the "Third Floor Philosophy " This philosophy was formally documented and presented to Bob Klise during a Thanksgiving dinner on November 27, 1975 It has since become recognized as the "WestCare Family Philosophy" and is recited during both morning and evening meetings as well as at our Spring and Fall California graduations by our clients and alumni Even today, a wooden rendition of this philosophy proudly hangs in the dining room of our MLK Residential facility in Fresno
From the moment it was established and continuing through the late 1980s, the typical duration of a stay at The Third Floor extended to a minimum of one year, with many clients remaining for 24 months or longer
“the whole of anything is greater than the sum of its parts”
Although the program was regarded as pioneering treatment during its time, it was known for its tough love and primarily focused on addressing intricate behavioral and social issues in a confrontational manner. This approach may now appear rudimentary when compared to the trauma-informed and genderresponsive methodologies that we deliver today.
Upon entering the program, new clients, or “candidates” as they were called, were instructed to sit at a desk with a mirrored top and reflect on what brought them there. They would only speak if they needed to go to the restroom and would be taken there by another resident. They would then sleep on a mattress in “The quiet room.” This would continue for three to four days and would be a practice that continued up through the 80’s. Once granted permission to be a part of the program, they would become a “family member,” known today as a client. With a limited staff base and an emphasis on growth and accountability, family members would assist with cooking, cleaning, driving, and facilitating groups.
Milestones in CA’s 50 Years of History
Long before the days of co-occurring treatment and addressing the relationship between substance use and mental health, the program at The Third Floor used methods such as Gestalt psychology (i.e. “the whole of anything is greater than the sum of its parts”) with a group led by a retired volunteer, Joe Bowen. While often brash, Joe had an uncanny ability to read people. One notable participant within one of Joe’s groups is none other than our Western Region COO, Shawn Jenkins. Reflecting on his experience in the late 1980s, Mr. Jenkins vividly recalls witnessing a client engage in roleplay, navigating an imagined conversation with his own mother and himself, moving back and forth between chairs to play each role. Another exercise he remembers observing is a client grappling with pent-up anger by physically wrestling with a rolled-up mattress. These moments stand out as poignant illustrations of personal growth within the dynamic environment of Joe's groups.
1992
THE THIRD FLOOR WESTCARE MANAGEMENT
CDAAPCC receives $100,000 in funding from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to implement a residential treatment program, The Third Floor.
CDAAPCC
Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program of Central California is founded to facilitate the creation of a treatment program.
FIRST CLIENT
The first client is admitted to The Third Floor.
WOMEN ADMITTED
Residential services expand to include women's treatment.
The Third Floor enters into a management contract with WestCare following the passing of founder, Bob Klise.
EXPANSION
The Third Floor opens its first recovery residence to promote aftercare.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES
The Third Floor begins offering outpatient treatment.
The Third Floor begins initial operation in a warehouse before relocating to its first facility at 120 N. Howard Street in Fresno, CA.
In contrast to the tough-love approach, there was the gentle and approachable demeanor of Charles Lewis, the Director of Clinical Services, who played a crucial role as the right-hand man to the founder and Executive Director, Bob Klise. Charles added a comforting element to the program's curriculum. While the landscape of treatment and rehabilitation looked significantly different back then compared to today, one enduring practice from those early days was the designation of "Core Members." These were clients who had progressed to a level of responsibility within the program and served as influential role models for their peers in treatment. To this day, our Core Members continue to collaborate with our staff, illuminating the path to recovery for their fellow clients.
In 1991, an open house event was scheduled at the new Whitesbridge facility. Unfortunately, Bob Klise was unable to personally oversee the event due to health issues. In his time of need, he reached out to a colleague from Nevada, Dick Steinberg, who visited him in the hospital and graciously agreed to help with the open house. Following the successful event, Dick returned to Nevada, but within days, Bob passed away.
During this transitional period, Charles Lewis aided in managing the program. However, The Third Floor required additional administrative support to continue its operations. The Board of Directors of The Third Floor contacted Dick Steinberg, seeking his guidance during this critical transition phase. Upon an initial assessment by Dick and the WestCare team, it became evident that ongoing support was crucial to The Third Floor's survival.
WESTCARE
1999 Veterans services are introduced with the HomeFront Grant-Per-Diem Transitional Housing Program.
The Third Floor merges with WestCare to become WestCare California.
Education & Prevention services are introduced with the Women 2 Women program for mothers who were affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS.
MLK RESIDENTIAL
CA’s longest-running program, MLK Residential, is founded, with management provided by WestCare.
PERINATAL SERVICES
Treatment services expand into perinatal services to tie young children into their parents' treatment.
THE LIVING ROOM
The Living Room, a provider of HIV/AIDS care, merges to become a project of WestCare California.
OPTIONS PROGRAM
Expansion into Mental Health services with introduction of OPTIONS program.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VETERANS
Fresno-based volunteer-ran group by the staff of HomeFront, merges to become a project of WestCare California.
YOUTH SERVICES IN KINGS
Treatment expands to provide adolescent outpatient services to Kings County youth in Hanford.
As a result, Dick's organization, WestCare, entered into a "Management Agreement" with The Third Floor to oversee the program until all issues could be resolved In 1999, The Third Floor officially merged with WestCare and the program's name was changed to WestCare California Inc.
Following the merger and throughout the 2000s, WestCare California continued to diversify its service offerings New programs were established in the realms of Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Veterans Services, Education & Prevention, and Housing Opportunities Grants for new programming were awarded and WestCare California expanded its family by merging with other communitybased organizations like San Joaquin Valley Veterans, The Living Room, and most recently, Wings Advocacy Fresno
CCTRP EXPANSION
Criminal Justice Services expand with the introduction of the Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) in San Diego.
HOUSING FOR FAMILIES
Expansion into Housing Opportunities for non-Veteran individuals/families experiencing homelessness with the Project LiftOFF program.
HOUSING SUPPORT
From an initial team of six staff members, WestCare California has grown to approximately 500 What began as a single location in the heart of the Central Valley has expanded to nearly 30 locations from Chico to San Diego
The daily client base has soared from 14 to well over 2,500 The Third Floor's legacy paved the way for nearly 50 years of Uplifting the Human Spirit with infinite potential for the countless lives that can be transformed through WestCare California's ongoing efforts Thanks to the pioneering contributions of Bob Klise and his colleague Dick Steinberg, the dedication of numerous inspiring individuals on the staff and board over the years, and the unwavering support of community partners, WestCare California continues to excel in its mission of changing lives and improving the communities in which it operates
A special thank you to Shawn Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of WestCare's Western Region, for graciously imparting his narrative and assuming the role of chief historian, meticulously chronicling the remarkable journey of WestCare California. Learn more about Shawn’s story in this special edition of Leading With Purpose.
WestCare California partners with Saint Agnes Medical Center to provide housing support services at The Holy Cross Health and Wellness Center.
WINGS ADVOCACY FRESNO
Wings Advocacy Fresno, a provider of donations for recently housed individuals/families, merges to become a project of WestCare California.
NEW MODEL OF CARE
WestCare California begins to adapt services to align with the new CalAIM model of care.
In the garden of care that WestCare sows, Here still or gone now, your legacy grows,
The difference you made has touched countless lives, And continues to flourish as WestCare thrives
Thank you
WESTCARESNAPSHOT
IOWA:
MovingVeteransForward
By Jon Hanni, FAVA Data Entry
Moving Veterans Forward (MVF) is run by an all-volunteer team with the sole mission of assisting America’s Veterans who have fallen victim to the vast problems that affect many of those who serve our great nation. Moving Veterans Forward was founded by Ron Hernandez of Omaha, Nebraska.
The group, comprised primarily of Veterans, works hard to ensure that Veterans returning from duty have a home of their own. While homecoming is certainly cause for celebration, readjustment back to civilian life can be a struggle for many returning Veterans. MVF aims to stand in that gap and be the helping hand our brothers and sisters need.
MVF’s mission is “No Veteran left behind,” and they are dedicated to helping homeless Veterans in Iowa and Nebraska find homes. The main goal is to give the Veterans the boost that they need to become self-sufficient. In addition to helping the Veterans get housing, they also collect good used furniture, clothing, and other household items, and store the donations. When the need arises, they arrange transportation and volunteer help to move items to the Veteran’s home.
On Friday, November 3, 2023, WestCare IOWA/Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) staff Amanda Eldridge, Veteran Advocate, and myself assisted in moving two Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Veterans in need into housing.
It was great to see these two programs working together to get Veterans back on their feet and “Moving Forward.” We are grateful for all the donations given to make these Veterans' homes a true home for them. We look forward to building upon this new partnership.
FAVA (Family Alliance for Veterans of America)
A QUICK LOOK AT OTHER HAPPENINGS THROUGHOUT OUR WESTCARE FAMILY
By Amy Beeler, LMHC, CAP, Clinical Coordinator
On Oct. 5, 2023, the Guidance Care Center (GCC) staff visited the Adult Education Center in Key West, FL. A presentation about services and how to access care by GCC was given in English, Spanish, and Creole for those in attendance. Mobile Crisis Response services were highlighted, with a focus on suicide prevention and overdose prevention. The Mobile Response Team (MRT) delivers on-demand crisis care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for both youth and adult Monroe County residents. As opiate overdoses persist in the community, it is crucial to note that the GCC provides free Narcan kits, which are already saving numerous lives.
Amid rising concern over Monroe County's elevated suicide rates, particularly for underserved populations such as immigrants who may be potentially unaware of mental health services due to language barriers, our team emphasized the numerous services for children and adults as well as how to access resources and crisis care. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) accessible by dialing 988, was emphasized as well. The staff and students at the Adult Education Center were very welcoming and eager to learn about the resources available. We’d like to send a big thank you to all who attended!
Guidance/Care Center by WestCare
Veterans:Turningthe ImpossibleintoReality
By Anjeline Reyo, Employment Specialist
WestCare Pacific Islands’ Path to Freedom (PTF) program inspires hope and provides connections to opportunities to enhance our Veterans’ ability to achieve autonomy. PTF seeks ways for Veterans to enhance their self-sufficiency, gain meaningful employment, and guide their journey to rediscover their place in our community. One way we inspire hope is by offering our Veterans the chance to participate in specialized training, Transforming Impossible to Possible (TIP)
The TIP model’s fundamental belief is that individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives. By building their psychological self-sufficiency, the belief in one's own ability to manage and cope with stressors and difficulties, it will in turn, increase their capacity to rise above life's challenges. Through TIP training, Veterans learn how to identify and overcome negative thought patterns, develop a growth mindset, and cultivate self-compassion.
In the short time our cohort has been working with Veterans, a significant amount of progress is already apparent. Our Veteran participants have successfully reached the midway point of their training program, which covers a range of topics, including Identity and Purpose, Goal Setting, and Improvement & Pathways. TIP has allowed our Veteran participants the safe space to dive deep, explore their Love/Self-Worth, and discover their Source of Strength. Being able to take the time to identify their goals and outline the necessary steps to accomplish these goals has ignited a sense of accomplishment and motivation in our Veteran participants.
As PTF continues to offer and facilitate this valuable training, we are privileged to witness first-hand the immense level of growth in each Veteran participant. Our hope is that every Veteran who walks through our door will take advantage of TIP training and will leave with an enhanced set of skills and abilities to carry out the goals they have set for themselves.
Meghan’s journey in the public health space began in 2009 when she started volunteering with WestCare. Meghan became Dr. Hughes after completing medical school and now practices medicine as a primary care provider.
Dr. Hughes co-founded the non-profit organization, Afya Foundation: Supplies for Life Although she is no longer actively involved, the organization continues the mission of repurposing unused medical supplies from hospitals in the United States and distributing them to areas in need worldwide. Over the years, the foundation has received multiple awards for its impactful work and has collaborated with communities across the globe, ultimately committed to making a positive difference on a global scale.
As a dedicated physician, Dr. Hughes specializes in working with high-risk populations, demonstrating her commitment to individuals facing addiction and those dealing with mental health disorders. Many of her patients have endured significant trauma, including experiences such as human trafficking.
Dr. Hughes is excited to continue her work with WestCare Wisconsin. She aspires to help apply for and win grants, and also serves in her capacity as a physician dealing in addiction management and treatment, basic primary care evaluations, education and prevention, and in many other ways.
At the core of Dr. Hughe’s approach is her identity as a servant leader. She firmly believes that one's attitude reflects their leadership style and that the most meaningful purpose in life is to assist and uplift those who are less fortunate.
MeetMeghanHughes,MD,MPH
EducationforPeace
By Victoria Osuna, Executive Director
In October, we participated in the Education for Peace Workshop, delivered from Argentina via Zoom by The Prem Rawat Foundation. The weekly classes spanned a total of 10 hours. Upon completion, each participant received a certificate in recognition of their commitment. Participants demonstrated a commendable willingness to contribute to the discussions, making the workshop as a whole an enriching experience, fostering learning and meaningful exchanges.
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
TheBusinessofHeartWork
CelebratinginPink
By Belinda Morales, Administrative Assistant PUERTO RICO
In October, Guara Bi joined in the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink shirts and sharing their support on social media. This global initiative aims to encourage women to conduct self-examinations for early detection of breast cancer and to schedule regular check-ups with doctors for prevention and ongoing care. By promoting these practices, lives can be saved through early intervention.
By Tammy Smith, Program Assistant
October was another exciting month for The Village - Virgin Islands’ staff and residents. We hosted our first open house/mixer at our Sion Hill facility. Residents had the opportunity to take part in the event - serving as tour guides, parking attendants, and servers while making sure that our guests enjoyed the entertainment and captured the moment at our picture station. Our leadership team presented information about our programs to our community partners and government liaisons in attendance.
The word “Love” was mentioned throughout the evening by all in attendance. The highlight of the evening was being able to hear the testimonies of past clients, who shared their gratitude for the services offered by the Village. The evening was filled with great food and entertainment as the Village staff and residents came together for a successful and positive event showcasing our "Heart Work.”
The Village - VI Partners in Recovery Inc / WestCare
Guara Bi
FentanylAwareness:WestCareTexasEngages, Educates,andEmpowersSanAntonio
By Alisa Garza, Administrative Assistant
WestCare Texas was proud to bring four events to the San Antonio community which focused on youth development, healthy relationships, decision-making skills concerning their bodies, their friends and partners, and interacting with law enforcement.
On Oct. 12 - 13, 2023, WestCare co-sponsored the DEA Family Summit on Fentanyl Awareness. This event brought families and professionals to Texas State University to learn about the fentanyl epidemic in the United States. Speakers from various sectors provided educational information and this summit touched on how grieving families impacted by fentanyl losses can cope and find healthy ways to heal. Angel Moms, an organization comprised of families who lost their children from fentanyl poisoning, presented their firsthand accounts about the loss of their children to fentanyl overdosing and stressed the importance of referring to fentanyl overdoses as “death by poisoning” so that each fentanyl death will be categorized as a murder in an effort to change the penalties for people selling fentanyl.
On Oct. 18, our Community Based Crime Reduction team sponsored the SA PEACE Program where students from IDEA Harvey E. Najim Academy visited the Citizen Police Academy of San Antonio to learn about police training and intervention tactics. Students were provided lunch by WestCare Texas, shown Eagle 1, which is the helicopter San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) uses to track suspects during the day and at night with night vision, and participated in a virtual training and simulation where students had to make decisions about when to use a weapon. This event was conducted in partnership with SAPD and the U.S. Attorney’s office. Michael Lahrman, U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Officer for the Western District, stated, “The SA peace program is extremely important for youth because of the constant misinformation they receive through social media. Our youth are very impressionable, they need to have unbiased information presented to them so they can form their own ideas and thoughts. This event was a great way to show youth firsthand the difficult decisions officers face day to day on the streets.”
On Oct. 28, WestCare San Antonio hosted The Queen’s Play at Ella Austin Community Center This play highlighted the importance of healthy friendships and supportive romantic partners. The KIND Clinic and BEAT AIDS provided literature on counseling, sexual health, and resources for HIV testing and care.
Lastly, on Oct. 29, WestCare San Antonio was able to partner with San Antonio Growth for the Eastside to help sponsor their HalloEast event at Davis Scott YMCA where children and their families had a safe place to go trick-or-treating and received a wealth of information on health promotion and crime prevention.
For WestCare Texas, each of these events was an opportunity for community outreach that focused on substance abuse and crime prevention, healthy relationships, health promotion, workforce development, and safe neighborhoods. These events also provided invaluable opportunities for citizens to connect with local leaders and bond with their neighbors to promote safe neighborhoods.
TRAINING:
AwarenesstoAction:WestCare'sJourney inReachingZeroSuicide
By Jennifer Hilton, Director of Training and Technology
According to the Center for Disease Control, (CDC) for the last three years, suicide has been one of the leading causes of death for young people, ages 13-34, second only to accidental deaths. In 2021 for the United States, 14.4% of all deaths were considered a suicide. In 2020, the states WestCare currently provides services in had suicide rates of:
Arizona 19.5%
California 10.1% Florida 14.0%
Georgia 15.3% Illinois 11.1% Iowa 17.5% Ohio 14.6% Oregon 19.5% Tennessee 17.0% Kentucky 17.9%
9.7%
21.5 %
WestCare has recognized the need for change, awareness, and intervention in mental health and suicide. As such, we have made a conscious effort these last few years to build infrastructure to support mental health awareness training through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This year, we began branching out to include the concept of Zero Suicide.
The journey commenced last March as 18 WestCare personnel underwent training in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training for Trainers (ASIST T4T) program from LivingWorks This initial step laid the foundation for WestCare's commitment to suicide safer care. This October, 15 personnel were trained to become Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) trainers. CALM, a powerful strategy from CALM America, focuses on reducing suicide risk by collaborating with at-risk individuals to implement safe storage practices for firearms and medications.
In addition to being trained in CALM, we were also trained as trainers of a new suicide gatekeeper training - CALM Conversations Gatekeeper suicide trainings, like CALM Conversations, teach anyone interested in learning the warning signs and risks of suicide to help get people to services faster. WestCare trainers will be some of the first to introduce this program and we will be helping to provide feedback to CALM America to help make this a new evidence-based practice that can be taught to anyone.
As WestCare continues on our journey towards achieving the foundational goal of Zero Suicide, we have set up one last train the trainer event to end 2024, safeTALK by LivingWorks. I have been a safeTALK trainer for six six years and I have seen how it can immediately impact individuals and save lives from individuals in care to co-workers to peers and loved ones. This training will be a new standard for WestCare personnel helping to make a difference in our communities as an evidence-based practice for suicide prevention.
The significance of this initiative is deeply personal for many, including those with lived experiences of suicide. WestCare acknowledges and harnesses these diverse experiences, utilizing them to shape comprehensive and impactful training for both personnel and community partners.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF Uplifting the Human Spirit
In celebration of 50 years of Uplifting the Human Spirit, The Express is embarking on a journey through time. Over the next year, we will feature the origin stories of two entities every month, tracing our history in chronological order. Each entity will be informed when it's their time to shine, but it never hurts to start investigating your origin story now! We welcome pictures and anecdotes from throughout the years, as we delve into the fascinating narratives that have shaped WestCare. Join us on this extraordinary odyssey of discovery and inspiration.
Help us tell WestCare’s story from around the world!
Our commitment to showcasing the incredible work that makes WestCare a beacon of healing and support in our communities remains steadfast. While we are featuring the history of WestCare, we will continue to feature highlights from the remarkable journeys of individuals and groups who inspire us all. We urge you to continue 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.
GUAM
PALAU
VIRGIN ISLANDS
PUERTO RICO