The Loop - Nevada (April 2024)

THE LOOP

GreetingsfromWestCareNevada,

Fittingperfectlywiththespiritoftheseason,thisSpring,wecelebratedsomeold traditions and some new events that continue our movement toward Uplifting the Human Spirit When we think about Spring, one tradition that may come to mindisspringcleaning Withthat,WestCareNevadareceivedalargedonationof itemsfromZappos;whatcouldbeconsideredspringcleaningforthem,however, forus,areitemsthatwewillbeabletousewithinourprogramsformanyyearsto come Thankyou,Zappos!

Members of our development team had the privilege of attending the Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon, which aligns with Spring when we think about growth It is safe to say that the honorees at the luncheon exemplified growth, dedication, and talent Similarly, so were the most recent recipients of our WestCare Nevada CORE Awards Congratulations to Ms Monica Brown, Ms Rhonda Davisson-Rhames, Ms. Kelly Jeffries (Giustina), Mr. Brian Nelson, andMs SharonSchlesnerfortheirawards,andthankyoutothemforexhibiting thetraitsofEncouragementandDedicationwithclientsservedinourprograms

AnotherpartofSpringisnewbeginnings,andinourefforttoembracesomething new,WestCareNevadaparticipatedinandwaschosentoreceiveproceedsfrom the Uplift Open Golf Tournament sponsored by Camp Rhino Northwest Although the team representing WestCare did not win this time around, Harris SpringsRanch(HSR)benefitedfromtheeventwitha$1,000donation

Traditionally,forWestCareNevada,Springalsobringsusaspiritofrebirth,hope, and redemption, and the Easter celebration at the Women and Children's Campus(WCC)didjustthat Thejoyexperiencedbythechildren,theirmothers, andeventhestaffwasevidenceofhowsuccessfulthiscelebrationhasbeenover theyears

AnothersuchtraditionisourAlumniSpringFlingevent,aneventthatgivesour alumni the opportunity to give back to those currently in treatment and an opportunity to see how much fun recovery events can be when we gather with ourWestCarefamily,bothpastandpresent

So, with much of what goes with Spring like cleaning, growth, new beginnings, rebirth, hope, redemption, and gatherings - I cannot think about these things without understanding how they all can nurture a sense of optimism It serves as acornerstoneofresilienceandthepromiseofbrighterdaysaheadifwecontinue to put others before ourselves and maintain an attitude of gratitude and an attitudeofservicetothoseinneed

WeatWestCareNevadatrulyhopethatyouenjoywhatyouseeandreadinthis issueoftheLoopNewsletter

Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President westcarenevada.com

A C O L L E C T I O N O F S T O R I E S F R O M A R O U N D N E V A D A I S S U E 3 7 V O L U M E 4 A P R I L 2 0 2 4

Zappos Spreads

Joy by Donating a Truckload of Essential Items to WestCare

By Andrew Moran, Development Director, WestCare Foundation

On March 22, we were gifted the most unbelievable donation from renowned retailer Zappos! In a major display of generosity, Zappos donated a diverse a necessities, including furniture, men's and women's clothing, boxes of shoes, equipment,books,costumes,games,andfilingcabinets Suchanoutpouringof filled the largest U-Haul truck available for rent, the formidable 26-foot Super Mo thebrim

Toloadupthetruck,WestCareNevadaVicePresidentofOperations,LeoMagrd Facility Operations Supervisor, Scotty Alexander, and I suited up Joining us to l thedonateditemswerealsoSeniorManagerofZapposforGood,MelodyLoved her colleague, Mikela Lee-Manaois The two are kind-hearted, generou philanthropic-genuinelydesiringtomakeapositiveimpactinthecommunity

This remarkable act of generosity was made possible through the enduring part between Zappos and WestCare Nevada, reflecting a shared commitment to serving community'smostvulnerablemembers WearegratefultoZapposforfurthersuppor ourmissionofUpliftingtheHumanSpirit!

Easter Arrives with a Hop and Many Eggs!

By Rhonda Davisson, Transitional and VA Programs Coordinator & Kelly Jeffries, Case Manager

Easter at our Women and Children’s Campus (WCC) was a great success this year! Our clients enjoyed having an Easter egg hunt, games, face painting,cottoncandy,popcornandtakingpictureswiththeEasterbunny Our clientsexpressedthatthiswas“oneofthebestdaysever”

Thank you to our long-term (16 years +) Easter Bunny Family for bringing literally thousands of Easter eggs for the ladies and their children at WCC for theirEasterEgghunt

They also brought bags of candy-filled Easter eggs for each of the men at HarrisSpringsRanch(HSR) ThisannualEastergiftbringssmilesandjoyto ourclientsandtheirchildren!

WORDS FROM A CURRENT CLIENT: westcarenevada.com

First Uplift Open Golf Tournament

By Brody Santini, Assistant Director, Harris Springs Ranch

On April 13, Camp Rhino Northwest, a local CrossFit and boot camp gym, spearheaded the first annual Uplift Open Golf Tournament supporting Westcare Nevada’s Harris Springs Ranch (HSR) program. This golf tournament wasn't just about perfecting swings or sinking putts - it was a day dedicated to camaraderie, compassion, and community upliftment. As participants gathered on the green, a palpable sense of purpose filled the air. Teams of four were formed, each member ready to contribute not only to their game but also to the greater cause. With the format set to “best ball,” the competition was friendly yet spirited. However, the true victory lay in the generosity of the participants. Through their collective efforts, funds were raised to benefit HSR and provide much-needed exercise equipment for the men we serve. By the end of the event, it was evident that every swing, every putt, and every smile had made a tangible difference in the lives of others. This day of

Spring Fling with WestCare Nevada Alumni

By Dawn Cortes, Counselor

The WestCare Nevada Alumni is dedicated to giving back to those in treatment byorganizingthreeimpactfuleventsannually Recently,theykickedoffthespring seasonwiththeirlivelySpringFlingevent,heldonthefirstweekendofApril

AttheheartoftheSpringFlingwasavibrantatmospherefilledwithdeliciousfood and engaging activities Alumni members took charge of the grill, cooking up mouthwatering carne asada, pollo asada, rice, beans, and more, ensuring fresh flavors for all attendees Amidst the culinary delights, participants indulged in games with exciting prizes, reinforcing the message that recovery can be both enjoyableandfulfilling

Music set the tone for an evening of camaraderie as clients and Alumni alike danced and celebrated together Yet, beyond the festivities, the Alumni demonstrated their commitment to support by engaging in a post-event cleanup and hosting a reflective meeting Gathered in a circle, clients listened intently as Alumni shared their personal stories of resilience, providing inspiration and fosteringasenseofunity

Crucially, the Alumni emphasized the importance of forging connections for ongoing support beyond the program's completion. Through their actions and words, they exemplified the transformative power of recovery, offering hope to all thoseonthejourneytowardhealing

TheWestCareNevadaAlumni'sdedicationisunwavering,servingasabeaconof possibility for anyone seeking recovery Their message is clear: Regardless of backgroundorcircumstance,recoveryisattainableforall

WORDS FROM OUR ALUMNI:

“I absolutely love returning to WCC and being of service to the facility that saved my life It is an honor and privilege to be a strong positive woman with a story of hope and inspiration. It is also important for the clients in early recovery to see the family bond we have created as Alumni and that we can have tons of fun even free from drugs and alcohol and become productive members of the society we live in.”

- Araine, WestCare Nevada Alumni

“Ilovereturningtotheplacethatsaved my life to be of service and provide support to those beautiful ladies trying tofigureoutlife WCCisthestartofa brightfutureforsomanywhotrulyare just looking for a way out Watching those ladies dance and not have a worry in the world is so humbling! We get to bring three events a year and SpringFlingisoneofmyfavorites”

-Ashley,WestCareNevadaAlumni

Uplifting the Human Spirit

@westcarenevada

7th Annual Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon

By Andrew Moran, Development Director, WestCare Foundation

On Tuesday, April 23, WestCare gave their heartfelt appreciation and support as they joined in celebrating the 7th Annual Wonder Women of Metro Luncheon! This inspirational event recognized female leadership in law enforcement and in ourcommunities!

I want to express my gratitude for the presence of these amazing women police officers and wonderful human beings We honored their dedication, bravery, and commitmenttokeepingNevadasafe PunamMathurwaschosenasthekeynote speaker and to say she didn’t disappoint would be an understatement Ms Mathur is a talented professional speaker, trainer, and writer and also serves as Executive Director of the Elaine P Wynn & Family Foundation (They are a valuedsupporterofWestCareNevada'sWomenandChildren’sCampus!)She highlighted the importance of female leadership and discussed the unique contributionsthatwomenhavebroughttoourcity

At the event, Assistant Sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Sasha Larkin received a lifetime commitment award for 25 years of serviceontheforce ShefoundedtheOfficeof CommunityEngagement andisa recipientofthe“ShieldAward.”Theairwaselectricwithexcitementasattendees gathered to pay homage to the unwavering dedication and talent of these remarkable women There was a live auction, and thanks to the support of local philanthropists such as Anne Marie Jones, Desiree Saggese, and Shelley Berkley,manyitemsweresuccessfullyauctionedoff

Iappreciatedbeinginvitedandnowfeelasenseofinspirationandunity Theday leftanindeliblemarkonalltheheartsandmindsofthosewhoattended

CORE AWARDS

CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE) Please join us in commemorating the recipients for January and February!

January

This is awarded to an individual who, through tireless dedication and steadfast efforts, shows up every day with a focused, calm energy and gets the job done.