William “Bill” J. Baird III, Renee Alexander Salyers, Judge Wallace Taylor, & Judge Kelsey Friend
HOPE IN THE HILLS
The Origin of WestCare Kentucky
By Dr. Tiffany Slone, Regional Vice President, WestCare Kentucky, & Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager, Foundation
In the heart of Appalachia, the opioid crisis of the early 2000s swept across towns and cities alike, leaving behind broken families and a desperate need for change In these towns, often made up of hardworking folks in coal mining or oil drilling, the daily grind was grueling and injuries were a common reality. These dedicated Appalachians toiled in dangerous conditions, facing physical tolls that led to countless workers' compensation claims Purdue Pharma, a privately held pharmaceutical company, saw an opportunity in this vulnerability
Targeting these communities, Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin and other opioid drugs to rural doctors and health clinics - exploiting patient’s pain and the widespread prescription of painkillers for work-related injuries The result was a devastating wave of addiction that struck at the core of Appalachian families Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, and sons watched helplessly as their loved ones succumbed to addiction. Stories of lives cut short became heartbreakingly common, each overdose leaving a void that could never be filled
When local lawmakers began to recognize the addictive nature of the widely prescribed pain medications, state regulations began to tighten up... but by the time they did, many Appalachians were already hooked. Like any habitforming drug, demand for the high from opioids swelled and
Milestones in WestCare Kentucky’s History
Effectively a turn-key operation, Ashcamp opens soon after being donated by Gary and Anita Johnson.
The City Manager of Pikeville asks WestCare to take over operations at homeless shelter.
Even though renovations were still in progress, Estill County Community Involvement Center opened for business.
After Tom Sledd and Chris Yarnell come to Kentucky, WestCare follows to help the communities in Pikeville and Estill Counties get a handle on the opioid crisis.
secures funding for renovations through an Economic Development Grant because it will provide jobs to locals.
JUDI PATTON CENTER ACQUIRED
Pike County awarded $125,000 of coal severance funds to WestCare Kentucky to go towards the purchase of the 29,000-squarefoot former Lookout Elementary School.
DR. TIFFANY SLONE COMES TO WESTCARE KENTUCKY
Dr. Tiffany Slone joins the WestCare Family as a Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI) Counselor.
so too did the supply Stephen Wright, Chief Operating Officer of WestCare’s Eastern Region remembered, “As they began to shut down the prescribers in Eastern Kentucky, Florida had numerous clinics... and these ‘pill mills’ were prescribing large amounts of OxyContin. So a van load of people would drive down to Florida, get their monthly prescriptions and bring them back to Kentucky to sell ”
In an ironic twist, both the problem and the solution would ultimately be found in Florida The urgent need for action inspired changemakers across the state of Kentucky to reach out for help.
Estill County
In Estill County, Judge Wallace Taylor and his deputy, Renee Alexander Salyers, were inundated with calls from family members who were desperate to get help “We had only one person that worked about eight hours a week for treatment in our county at the time, but the opioid epidemic was so out of hand that our little county had become the number one area for overdose per capita in the State of Kentucky,” explained Renee, now Administrative Coordinator for WestCare Foundation “During that time, we were having a state audit and the auditor witnessed the calls and even the people coming in to ask for help, and told us that his dad, Tom Sledd, actually sat on a nonprofit board in Florida called WestCare ”
CAMP MARIPOSA & GROUNDBREAKING
WestCare takes over Camp Mariposa from Bookworm Children’s Foundation
After years of renovation, the Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families holds an official groundbreaking ceremony.
When Judge Taylor’s own nephew died of an overdose, the loss propelled the judge into a crusade to defend his county from the scourge of drugs “So, we called It turned out Mr Sledd had friends down in Pike County who had been asking him the same questions ”
Pike County
In the Eastern Kentucky county of Pike, the tendrils of the drug crisis spared no one, weaving their destructive influence through every corner of the community Judge Kelsey Friend was intimately acquainted with the harrowing grip of addiction after having overcome his own battle with cocaine years prior. He empathized deeply with those succumbing to the flood of drugs in Pike County Mr. William “Bill“ J. Baird III, a lawyer and colleague of Judge Friend, observed the struggle of addiction too He witnessed this battle through someone closely tied to his family, having supported the individual through multiple rehab attempts, including at WestCare’s Harris Springs Ranch in Nevada It was through this experience that he realized the benefit of local rehabilitation and treatment services The two men knew they needed to figure out how to bring those services to Pike County and used their connections to also make contact with Tom Sledd
continued on page 4
LOOKING AHEAD
Dr. Slone and her dedicated staff in Kentucky envision recovery and transformation for all those who seek it.
WestCare Kentucky becomes American Society of Addiction (ASAM) accredited allowing acceptance of Medicaid patients into care.
WestCare
Tom Sledd and Chris Yarnell, then a Regional Administrator for WestCare Foundation, embarked on a critical mission They flew into Lexington, KY, rented a car, and made their way to Estill County to meet with Judge Taylor and Renee Salyers Their discussions laid the groundwork for potential collaboration. From there, Sledd and Yarnell continued to Pike County, where they met with Judge Friend and Bill Baird, exploring opportunities for WestCare to extend its support and resources to address the local addiction crisis there as well
It was clear that both counties were in dire need of support, a challenge that WestCare was uniquely equipped to tackle The consensus was that Kentucky should incorporate into WestCare Soon after these pivotal meetings, Richard “Dick” Steinberg arrived in Kentucky to meet the local changemakers “When I met Dick, I felt a lot of respect for him,” said Bill Baird of their first meeting, ”We were both Vietnam Veterans and he was a combat medic, which elevated my personal opinion... and then he had this quiet peace about him which was very centered on helping people ”
Others had very similar feelings about Mr Steinberg as well “We met over the phone and he was just so down to earth,” recalled Renee Salyers. “I remember he told me that WestCare didn’t have a cookie-cutter approach, that it really depended on the community and what was needed there So, my first impression of him was that he was all about making sure the needs of the community were met ”
Aside from WestCare’s tailored approach for each community’s needs, WestCare also had the experience required to guide the communities in Kentucky to success ”The expertise and knowledge of WestCare was so important in coming into Eastern Kentucky,” explained Stephen Wright “Before WestCare, no one in the area had any knowledge about residential treatment, substance use, or qualified employees. That knowledge was really crucial to our success.”
While both Estill County and Pike County had serious changemakers working to make positive progress in their communities, a generous donation of the then-vacant Sycamore School in Pike County made by Gary and Anita Johnson paved the way for the first operational WestCare facility in Kentucky
”It was a turnkey operation,” explained Mr Wright “Literally, the sheets and comforters were on the bed All we had to do was move staff in.” The Sycamore School in Ashcamp was officially renamed Hal Rogers Appalachian Recovery Center (HRARC) in honor of U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, a substance use treatment trailblazer who targeted funding for Eastern Kentucky, resulting in $750,000 in federal funding to assist with activation expenses presented by Lt Governor Steve Pence In addition, Congressman Rogers simultaneously created Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), a voucher program that covered treatment costs for those suffering with a substance use disorder who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford treatment Services at HRARC, affectionately known as Ashcamp, began in 2005, marking a significant milestone in the region’s battle against substance use. State Senator Ray Jones stated, “The people of Eastern Kentucky will be able to renew their hope for a better future ”
Back in Estill County, Judge Taylor and his team worked hard to secure a grant to fund a program there as well. The following year, the Estill County Fiscal Court generously donated a building in Irvine to WestCare Even with renovation still in progress in August of 2006, the Estill County Community Involvement Center (CIC) opened its doors at 108 Main Street, in Irvine, KY Renee Salyers came on board as Area Director and in early 2007, the CIC became licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky as an outpatient substance use treatment facility “The building was really old and needed a lot of work,” remembered Renee, who spent years working out of and on the building under construction After countless fundraisers, donations from stakeholders and WestCare board members, and the help of dozens of volunteers, the facility renovations to the downstairs and exterior were completed in 2010.
Hal Rogers Appalachian Recovery Center at Ashcamp
Judge Kelsey Friend and Bill J Baird were instrumental in advocating for substance use treatment for justice-involved individuals Thanks to their dedication to WestCare’s mission, WestCare partnered with the Pike County Detention Center (PCDC) in 2006 to launch a six-month, 16-bed substance abuse pilot program for males With the enthusiastic support of Jailor Rodney Scott, the program quickly expanded to 32 male beds within a year
By 2008, the WestCare Substance Abuse Program at PCDC expanded to include 16 female beds. Today, WestCare Kentucky’s substance use treatment program at PCDC has grown to a bed capacity of 72 for males and 47 for females
Even the White House has recognized the impactful work of WestCare’s program at PCDC In a significant visit, Gil Kerlikowske, President Obama’s Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, came to Pike County to learn about the issues the region was facing and to tour WestCare’s program In a presentation during the visit, WestCare’s own Anna Bevins shared her powerful story about the transformative impact of the program, saying that it was WestCare’s program that restored her faith in herself and in God.
Perry Cline Emergency Shelter
In 2006, Donovan Blackburn, Pikeville City Manager, approached WestCare to explore the possibility of taking over shelter operations. This initiative was expedited by a visit from Mr. Dick Steinberg to Pikeville, KY, marking the inception of the WestCare Perry Cline Center Shortly thereafter, the City of Pikeville deeded the building, now known as the Perry Cline Emergency Shelter and Community Center, to WestCare Kentucky
Today, the WestCare Perry Cline Emergency Center provides vital emergency housing for individuals experiencing homelessness It employs a dedicated team of case managers, employment specialists, peer support workers, and counselors to address mental health needs and connect those served with comprehensive resources and wrap-around services “Our goal is to teach our clients how to manage their own lives,” explained Anna Bevins, Program Director, Perry Cline Emergency Center, "so, we don’t make the appointments for them, or shop on a budget for them We encourage them to learn to do these things on their own and we support the process because it's those little things that matter ” Additionally, the Perry Cline Center serves as the hub for two Veteran Programs, justice-involved re-entry programs, and rural community opioid response initiatives.
THE BLUEPRINTS OF LOVE a WestCare Love Story
Despite the challenges of renovation at the Estill County Community Involvement Center (CIC), it was during this period of construction that a WestCare love story began to blossom.
Fitzhouse Enterprises managed the renovation of the CIC building in Irvine Jeramy Salyers, a former WestCare program participant turned contractor for Fitzhouse, often worked alongside Renee on the building Over the years, their professional relationship blossomed into a deep friendship However, fate took a turn when Jeramy was transferred to Florida
In 2013, Renee found herself in Florida with her son and an exchange student - eager to explore the national parks in the area Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted as the national parks were infamously shut down that year due to federal employee furloughs Jeramy suggested the group hang out with him for a few days and during that time, the pair realized their connection was undeniable Even Renee’s son noticed their chemistry and asked Jeramy if he was “mackin’” on his mom “When I got back to my office in Kentucky,” Renee fondly remembered, “there was a box of chocolate-covered strawberries with a note that said, ‘let the mackin’ begin ’” The pair just celebrated their 10-year anniversary
Looking ahead, the Perry Cline Center is committed to addressing emerging community service needs by offering a one-stop access point for screening, mental health services, substance use treatment, outpatient, medically assisted treatment (MAT), DUI assessments, and classes. Efforts are also underway to enhance the provision of emergency and transitional housing
continued on page 6
Perry Cline Emergency Shelter
Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families
In the fall of 2007, Pike County awarded $125,000 of coal severance funds to WestCare Kentucky to go towards the purchase of the 29,000-square-foot former Lookout Elementary School with the vision of establishing a women’s treatment facility By June of 2008, WestCare purchased the former school from the Pike County Board of Education, which immediately sent $92,000 into the Pike County School System
Lack of funding initially prevented WestCare from utilizing this property until Stephen Wright and WestCare’s Grants Department collaborated to pursue federal funding in 2016 In a novel approach, the group secured funding for the renovations through an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant Essentially, the jobs created by opening the center and the subsequent economic impact on the community facilitated the renovations By 2020, construction was complete and on March 18, 2021, the Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families enrolled its first client
On August 17, 2021, WestCare celebrated the opening of the Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families with an open house Governor Andy Beshear delivered a keynote address and former Kentucky First Lady, Judi Patton, graced us as the guest of honor
”After the ceremony, Dr Slone asked the women what they thought about it all,” remembered Melanie Stevens, Vice President of Development Administration and Strategic Initiatives at WestCare “I’ll never forget what one client said: ‘I didn’t know so many people cared about us ’ That was my favorite part ”
Since then, the Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families has served over 170 women, earning American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) accreditation along the way The facility now accepts Kentucky Medicaid clients in addition to maintaining our contract with the Kentucky Department of Corrections
A Vision of Healing
As WestCare Kentucky continues to grow and evolve, Dr Tiffany Slone’s, Vice President of WestCare Kentucky, dedication to providing hope and healing to those in need is unwavering Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "It's so rewarding to see someone go from thinking that everything is hopeless and that they're doomed to them realizing that they're not trapped and they're not doomed - and then they run with it I love that That's beautiful " This profound transformation embodies the very essence of WestCare's mission and serves as a beacon of hope for the future, promising even greater impacts in the years to come
ARNOLD ANDREWS Special Tribute
Amidst the excitement of the first board meeting held in Kentucky, Arnold Andrews, Chief Operating Officer for WestCare, prepared to make his mark.
Tragically, the following morning, Andrews became one of the 49 souls lost in the Comair Flight 5191 crash upon takeoff in Lexington, KY
In a poignant tribute, WestCare Foundation President, Richard Steinberg reflected, "This terrible tragedy took one of the best people ever to serve WestCare He was one of the finest, most honorable human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with We have lost the best of the best "
Arnold Andrews’ legacy endures as a testament to his dedication, his honor, and the profound impact he left on WestCare and all who had the privilege of crossing his path
Judi Patton Center for Healthy Families AKA Lookout
“Knowing that I was a small part of helping somebody change their life... It would be worth it to me if it was even just one person.”
Dr. Tiffany Slone
Regional Vice President, WestCare Kentucky
NOT TOO FAR THE WAY THE CROW FLIES How WestCare Came to Tennessee
By Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager, Foundation
Just a couple hours down the road from Pikeville, hardly a stretch in parts like these, lies the rural area of Hancock County, Tennessee The cultural tapestry in the heart of this region of Appalachia is woven with the threads of resilience, tradition, and a storied history deeply rooted in the rugged terrain of its mountains. Here, where the echoes of moonshine legends like Popcorn Sutton still resonate through the hollers, a new chapter unfolds – one fraught with the complexities of modern-day challenges intertwined with age-old customs
For generations, Appalachians have revered their local legends, men and women who braved the treacherous paths of the mountains, crafting “white lightning” under cover of the forest’s canopy, by the fragmented light of the moon In the shadow of moonshine stills, a culture of substance use flourished – a silent acceptance woven into the fabric of Appalachian life Moonshine, potent as it is and with its clandestine allure, fostered communities where the lines between legality and tradition blurred, and the notion of intoxication was widely accepted
When a new wind blew through the hollows, a new kind of intoxication emerged, but rather than being fueled by copper stills and corn mash, it was carried in on the shoulders of pharmaceutical giants and distributed by the pen of rural doctors via prescription pads Opioids found a receptive audience in the historically self-reliant culture in the Appalachian region of East Tennessee, where the people had long celebrated with the thrill of a buzz and were, much like their Kentuckian counterparts, also more likely to have workers’ compensation claims than most other Americans. In fact, the evidence is clear that Appalachians suffer significantly higher rates of injury than other Americans Between the rugged terrain and the
labor-intensive work common in the area, that is hardly a surprise and if folks couldn’t get legal drugs, illicit options were common enough to self-medicate with too It was amidst this struggle that Tennesseans found themselves in need of a helping hand Luckily for them, WestCare was already up and running in neighboring state, Kentucky.
It was through WestCare Kentucky that a program was launched in Hancock County aimed at addressing the burgeoning substance use disorder (SUD) issues in 2010 Funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, those first few years consisted mainly of gathering intel, making connections, and determining how WestCare could best assist the communities in the area Supplies were limited and resources were stretched thin, but the dedication of a small team there laid a solid foundation for the future Despite these challenges, in 2011, WestCare Tennessee was recognized as its own official nonprofit when it gained tax-exempt status.
A few short years later in 2014, Jeramy and Renee Salyers, Senior Vice President of FitzHouse Enterprises and Administrative Coordinator of WestCare, stopped to take a look at an old church building in Harriman, a small city in Roane County, Tennessee. “There were a lot of renovations needed, but it was nothing FitzHouse couldn’t handle,” Jeramy remarked Renovations were made and from this initial location, the WestCare team planned and implemented therapeutic programs for justice-involved women This site marked the beginning of WestCare programs as many of us recognize them today in Tennessee
Around the same time, FitzHouse also began work on a building in Dandridge, Tenn Intrigued by the area's smalltown charm and strategic location, WestCare President,
Richard “Dick” Steinberg, saw Dandridge as an ideal spot to live "Actually, my wife Sharon and I just really liked Dandridge It was only after I had a couple of employees working out of our home that we started looking into a local office " Aside from its prime location, only 35 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Dandridge offered a picturesque setting and a welcoming community “The people here are just so nice to me It’s been a really great experience, I feel accepted in the community ” This blend of accessibility and quaint charm made it a perfect choice for WestCare’s continued growth and commitment to serving the needs of the community Ultimately, the decision to establish a presence in Dandridge highlights WestCare's dedication to combining practicality with a deep appreciation for local culture and community spirit
In 2018 Shandi Hill, Regional Administrator, WestCare Tennessee, was brought on as a Project Coordinator for
to grow WestCare Tennessee into what we are today,” Shandi explained Turns out, one of the populations that was most in need of services was the justice-involved “We work with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department/Justice Center, the Jail Administration, and the Cocke County Sheriffs as well.” WestCare Tennessee offers group therapy, case management, Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT), trauma workshops, creative therapy, life skills classes, parenting courses, and relapse prevention services “We had a plethora of different services we provided then and that we continue to do provide today,” added Shandi
In 2019, WestCare was awarded two significant grants that paved the way for outpatient services in Dandridge The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) granted them the Rural Response to Opioids grant and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded them the Expansions Drug Court
The Dandridge building used to be a car dealership in the 1940's.
Harriman Building
In Eastern Tennessee, families grapple significantly with pov particularly in Cocke County, where approximately 20% of resid live below the poverty line - 1 5 times higher than the na average. Children bear a disproportionate burden, with a stagg 35% facing economic hardship, meaning nearly one in three chi in the county grow up in poverty Beyond these concerning stat on family poverty, the broader impact reveals a complex arra challenges, including its intersection with patterns of drug Shandi, reflecting on the community's struggles, noted, "It’s reall to know that one of the schools we serve in Cocke County ha highest rate of youth exposed to parental drug use." But, in contrast with this reality is the realization that some of these strug may contribute to wild successes that are also products of environment “On the flip side of that, the same school has the hig percentage of successful professionals come out of it as well ”
It has been said that strong characters are built through adver Indeed, within the community are local champions who do their pa support families and children affected by poverty and substance Derrick Woods, a retired deputy sheriff and member of the A Drug Coalition, is a native of Cocke County Tammy Francis, Chair of the coalition, also hails from Cocke County and exemp success "It’s individuals like these that show our kids that there opportunities and they are showing them it’s possible to see th differently,” said Shandi. WestCare strives to broaden the horizon as many children as possible, illustrating that there are alternative paths in life to one of substance use One amazing program for kids that WestCare offers in four states is Camp Mariposa, part of the Eluna Network
Imagine how confusing life must be for a child growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction Stability is often a fleeting concept and family is a perplexing blend of love and turmoil There is a constant sense of loss - a feeling that something essential is missing safety is something we crave even as adults This emotional upheaval might shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. It is in this context that Camp Mariposa emerges as a beacon of hope and healing.
Milestones in WestCare Tennessee’s History
KENTUCKY HRSA GRANT
A Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant funds an initial setup and investigation into community needs in Hancock County.
HARRIMAN & DANDRIDGE LOCATIONS
WESTCARE TENNESSEE
Officially recognized as its own entity, WestCare Tennessee gains tax-exempt status.
SHANDI HILL
Hill is brought on as a Project Coordinator to serve Jefferson and Severe Counties.
Shandi
An old church at 229 Carter Avenue becomes home to the first services provided in Tennessee. FitzHouse Enterprises begins work on the Dandridge building to house an office for Mr. Steinberg and other Foundation employees.
Singing campfire songs at Camp Mariposa
Campers pose for a picture at Camp Mariposa
“One weekend a month, for six months out of the year, campers come stay from Friday till’ Sunday,” explained Renee Salyers “The other six months, we do a family fun night where the entire family can come, and we watch movies or bowl or go skating – something they might not normally get to do and there is no judgment, just support ” Through therapeutic activities and mentorship, Camp Mariposa aims not only to break the cycle of addiction, but also to empower these young individuals to envision and pursue a brighter future “We are there as a support system to let the kids know that there is a life outside of drugs and to let them know that what mom or dad are doing isn’t their fault,” added Shandi
In 2022, WestCare expanded its presence in Tennessee with the acquisition of a sober living home in Jefferson City - a 20bed facility dedicated to supporting male residents in their journey toward recovery Currently, the facility is undergoing renovations to convert a portion of the building into office space specifically designed for probation counseling This strategic initiative aims to enhance accessibility to critical support services, ensuring that justice-involved individuals can receive the necessary guidance and resources to navigate their rehabilitation effectively
As the dedicated team in WestCare Tennessee looks to the future, expansion into treatment for women and their children is on the horizon. “WestCare here in Tennessee is growing rapidly,” noted Richard Steinberg. “We are going to get some good programming going for moms and babies moving forward and I’d like to see some Veteran-focused services as well The community here is very supportive There has been support from lots of sources ” An old American Legion building in Newport, Tenn was practically donated to WestCare. “We had breakfast with the folks from the American Legion and they sold us their building for a dollar.” The building is two stories and will provide lots of space for treatment and services
Throughout WestCare, from the deserts of Nevada to the beaches of Florida, and the hollers of Tennessee, one constant remains: Embracing change has been our greatest ally in Uplifting the Human Spirit. As Stephen Wright wisely pointed out, “Things always change and that's one of the most valuable lessons I've learned in my time at WestCare It's so important to keep an open mind and as needs evolve, our mindset has to change too ”
This profound understanding has shaped our approach, allowing us to adapt and grow with each new challengeultimately enabling us to provide the most effective programming to those we serve.
PREVENTION ALLIANCE OF COCKE COUNTY & CLINIC IN DANDRIDGE
Due to concern from locals over the lack of an anti-drug coalition, Shandi Hill and WCTN staff spearhead the creation of the Prevention Alliance of Cocke County.
WCTN opens outpatient clinic in Dandridge office. Bureau of Justice Grant expands services for justice-involved individuals.
CAMP MARIPOSA
Renee Salyers and the team bring Camp Mariposa to two locations in Tennessee to serve youth affected by substance use.
2024
A PLACE FOR TRANSFORMATION
Dick Steinberg, Stephen Wright, Shandi Hill, and the dedicated teams in Tennessee look forward to the services that the newest location, the Cocke County Veterans Memorial building will allow.
Shandi Hill & Stephen Wright at NatCon24
Cocke County Veterans Memorial Building
WESTCARESNAPSHOT
Guara Bi
GuaraBigoestoNATCON24
By Belinda Morales, Administrative Assistant CARIBBEAN:
In April, Guara Bi staff traveled to St. Louis to participate in NatCon 2024 (National Council for Mental Wellbeing). At this conference, they focused on increasing awareness of the mental health and addiction treatment industry and growing as professionals to help better serve our clients.
ImpactinglivesinSantoDomingo
GEORGIA:
Collaboratingforrecovery
By Eldridge Washington, Community Organizer
By Victoria Osuna, Program Director
Last month, we impacted 534 lives during five community outreach events held at Enriquillo Park in Santo Domingo. Thanks to our private donors, food was provided to everyone that reached out to us.
WestCare Georgia's Free 2 Recover program recently celebrated its partnership with Making A Way Housing, Inc during a launch event held at Making A Way Housing's location on April 20, 2024. This collaboration signifies a powerful alliance aimed at supporting individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness in Atlanta.
At the event, representatives from both organizations expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to benefit the community significantly. Through this collaboration, Free 2 Recover will now be able to refer participants to safe and supportive housing options provided by Making A Way Housing, Inc. This comprehensive approach to recovery not only supports individuals in overcoming addiction, but also helps them rebuild their lives, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Making A Way provides subsidized, sober, supportive housing, helping individuals transition from the emergency shelter, recovery homes, or other transitional living programs.
The launch event was a testament to the shared mission of Free 2 Recover and Making A Way Housing, Inc. Both organizations are united to Uplift the Human Spirit and provide comprehensive support to those in need. Their joint commitment is to empower individuals in recovery to achieve lasting sobriety and stability by pooling resources and expertise.
WestCare Georgia @westcarega
We would like to highlight WestCare client and U.S. Army Veteran, Jeremy E., for his quick thinking and immediate response that helped save a life on April 29, 2024. While getting off the bus returning from work to WestCare, a person at the bus stop was unresponsive. Due to his knowledge of Narcan from the training WestCare clients received, he ran into the building and was able to alert staff and assist them in administering Narcan to the person. Jeremy remained present and continued to assist until police and paramedics arrived. Jeremy deserves a congrats and huge kudos for being present and using his resources to help save someone’s life! Well done, Jeremy!
FLORIDA:
APlacetoCallHome:TheHeronGroundbreaking
By Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager, Foundation
The ceremony brought together dedicated leaders and community advocates to speak on behalf of The Heron. Among them were Maureen Dunleavy, Senior VP of the Guidance/Care Center; Clare Condra, Administrator of The Heron; Sherry Reed from the Community Action Council; State Representative Jim Mooney; Robyn Still, Mayor of Marathon; Frank Rabbito, Chief Operations Officer for the Florida Region at WestCare; and David Rice, Monroe County Commissioner
A sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air as guests arrived at The Heron on Coco Plum Drive in Marathon, Fla. Despite the sweltering heat typical of the Keys this time of year beginning to set in, the spirit of camaraderie and the prospect of meaningful change prevailed, overshadowing any discomfort from the weather.
WestCare teammates from The Heron, Guidance/Care Center, The Village South, and Foundation worked side by side to put the finishing touches on the ceremony site as community members and leaders gathered to mark this significant milestone; the rebuild of The Heron would be officially underway.
Sherry Reed, also a long-time community member of The Keys, shared how The Heron has impacted her own family on a very personal level. She remembered the day she brought her son to The Heron and reflected on the welcome she received from the Administrator, Clare Condra. “In her darling English accent, Clare said, ’We are so happy for your son to be joining us.’ It was the first time I remember someone saying they were happy our boy would be there,” she said.
The essence of The Heron is its commitment to providing not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Mental health facilities like The Heron offer vital services that help individuals lead more stable and fulfilling lives and this rebuild speaks volumes about the surrounding community’s dedication to making sure mental health care is available in their neighborhoods - not just for themselves, but for their neighbors, for their friends, and for their families.
@guidancecarecenter
The Heron Guidance/Care Center by WestCare
As the only state-licensed Assisted Living Facility (ALF) with a Limited Mental Health license covering 123 miles in The Florida Keys, The Heron has been a sanctuary for adults with chronic and persistent mental illness for 37 years... and its more than a facility; it’s a home. In fact, 14 adults call The Heron home and there, they have a stable environment where they can find solace, be a welcomed member of a supportive community, and remain close to their families while under the supervision of professionals.
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IOWA:
FundraisingforOperationGoldenHawk’sVeteransStandDown
By Jon Hanni, FAVA Data Entry
Operation Golden Hawk, located in Mason City, Iowa, under the direction of President Peter Bieber & his team, operates to assist Veterans with obstacles they are faced with including housing, food, financial, clothing, employment, medical, and mental health concerns. Ten percent of Veterans have been identified as being homeless in America. Mr. Bieber shares that Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are entering homeless ranks earlier and greater than Veterans of previous wars/conflicts. Services that have been identified as priorities include healthcare, mental health, employment and educational support, substance abuse treatment and addressing service animal placement needs. Operation Golden Hawk has had two successful annual Stand Down‘s to date with Veteran participation increasing along with more vendors, donors, volunteers, and fundraising events occurring to enhance the availability of goods and services for the annual event that they organize.
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, there was a free-will donation Belgian waffle breakfast held at the Knights of Columbus HallColumbia Club in Mason City, Iowa. This event was a huge success as well that also raised $5,000.
Operation Golden Hawk is focused now on the 3rd Annual Veterans Stand Down fundraising events for this month. There was a meat raffle on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the ALLVETS Club in Mason City, Iowa. It was a huge success, raising $5,000.
All proceeds will be used to support the Veterans Stand Down event that will be held on Sept. 28, 2024, at the North Iowa Events Center at The North Iowa Fairgrounds in Mason City, Iowa. As a volunteer for their organization, I was proud to help out for the cause and cooked all the sausage at the Belgian Waffle breakfast!
Congratulations, Operation Golden Hawk for all your hard work to take care of our Veterans’ needs.
TheraPupsEmma&BlueShineBright!
By Jessica Cerda, Communications Specialist
By Dawnesha Robinson, Research Assistant
Emma and Blue are the newest therapists at San Antonio Independent School District’s (SAISD) inner-city campuses. Not your typical mental health professionals, they walk on four legs, require petting on demand, and their partners (handlers) are school police officers.
Emma is a Golden Retriever and Blue is a Labrador Retriever. They are both part of TheraPups, proudly sponsored by the WestCare Texas Crime Prevention and Reduction program that assisted the SAISD Police Department Mental Health Unit CARE (Child Assistance, Remediation, and Evaluation) Team with enlisting the trained therapy dogs. While these “TheraPups” have mastered their objectives to help youth through stressful situations and de-escalation, they are doing much more.
“The kids react well to Emma, while there are some (students) who don’t react well to officers. She’s a conversation starter,” explains Emma’s handler SAISD K-9 Police Officer, Monica Carreon She details how gleeful she feels when Emma approaches students prompting them to ask questions, in turn opening themselves up and paving pathways for involvement and assistance where needed.
Additionally, Emma has her own special event, “Reading with Emma.” Her special power to command a room filled with young children makes Officer Carreon’s job easy when it comes to connecting and talking with students. “We’ll talk and read books. We talk about everything and anything and I try to educate them as much as possible using Emma because she is a showstopper! She helps calm the kids and they love her. They sit down ready to listen and she is the best partner I could have,” said Officer Carreon.
Both Emma and Blue are trained to handle crisis calls, providing comfort to students, teachers, staff, and parents amidst traumatic events that may occur on campus. Emma is assigned to Pre-K through 5th grade campuses and Blue, who is larger in size, is suitably matched with the older students from 6th to 12th grade campuses. His partner/handler is SAISD K-9 Police Officer, Martin Rosa, who is equally as proud of Blue. “Blue is especially good with kids, particularly when they need comfort or feel stressed. He’s calm, he’s loving, and he’s perfect.”
Blue is an acronym for Bonding, Listening, Understanding, Everyone and Emma is an acronym for Emotional Motivational Mental (Health Support) Animal Both were trained at Einstein K9 LLC and are certified in national standards for therapeutic care.
On April 17, The Alliance for Wisconsin Youth met at the UWM Waukesha Campus to discuss success stories, support future planning, strengthen partnerships, and effectively implement strategies for sustaining a drug-free community. Our goal is to keep our youth and community aware of and alert to the harmful effects of substance abuse by raising awareness and advocating for policy changes.
One participant shared her success story about getting a machine selling edible Delta 9 THC products removed from a local corner store. It was a pleasure to finally meet Kat Becker, the AWY Coordinator for the SE Region, along with others we've partnered with. Kat was an outstanding facilitator who kept the class engaged with her enthusiastic spirit.
We learned about the substance abuse and harm reduction analogy, “Frog in the Pond,” which highlights ways to create a cleaner environment (the pond) to produce healthier individuals (the frogs).
Concerns were raised about the need for Narcan instructions to be available in Spanish as they are currently only available in English. Special thanks to Anni Von Neupert, CPS REACH Project Coordinator, who provided a hands-on learning experience on Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. She also educated us on how these substances are being disguised as kid-friendly products such as Nerds candy and even seltzer drinks.
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 semi-chronological order. 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.
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U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS
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