The Loop - Nevada (August & September 2024)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024

Greetings from WestCare Nevada, We are thrilled to share with you this issue of the Loop newsletter since it is all about our first graduation ceremony in four years. This event, which took place at Zappos, marks not just the end of a challenging journey for our clients, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of those who have shown immense courage, dedication, and perseverance to their treatment and to their recovery. Over 170 individuals crossed the stage as WestCare Nevada 2024 graduates and what they experienced is documented in their own words in this issue.

This graduation marks a milestone, not just for the individuals who have completed our programs, but for all of us who serve, support, and believe in the power of recovery. We heard from our City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, from Congressman Steven Horsford, and some very moving speeches from our Western Region Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Shawn Jenkins, and from two of our previous clients who are now WestCare employees, Ms. Dawn Cortes and Mr. Victor Resendez.

You see, for us, it’s not just about offering treatment. It’s about creating a supportive and comprehensive approach that addresses the individual needs of each participant. It’s about working diligently with our federal, state, and local funders to successfully utilize funding opportunities toward providing the necessary care. It’s about working hand in hand with managed care organizations (MCOs) to better serve

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serve members through our full continuum-of-care model. It’s about taking a great deal of pride in our efforts to integrate evidence-based therapies, provide continuous support from a committed team of professionals, and foster a community where participants feel empowered to heal, grow, and make changes for the better.

For WestCare as a whole, it is another culmination of our efforts to build success through decades of service. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of delivering life-changing treatment, and our success is a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of our approaches. With a high graduation rate and a strong alumni network boasting countless years of sustained recovery, we are more than just treatment programs. We are a community that supports individuals on their journey to lifelong sobriety, and our rich history, proven outcomes, and the powerful bond shared by our alumni are the foundations of our ongoing commitment to helping those in need achieve lasting and fulfilling recovery, all while Uplifting the Human Spirit of everyone we encounter.

Time to get back to work!

Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President

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DOMINIC MCMAHAN “I was excited to graduate, but honestly, I was focused on helping my girlfriend find her path in sobriety. She still battles with addiction. I was able to have an amazing day with her and spend quality time where we ate lunch while we were on our way to sign her up for a program. She wanted to be there, but this disease is so unforgiving, so I didn’t want to waste any time in having her miss being accepted into a program. I had it in my mind that I was going to miss graduation, but if I could save the life of someone I love, it would be worth it. The program accepted her within 20 minutes and told me I was free to leave. I calculated my time and saw that I could make it to graduation.

My accountability partner called me and asked how I was doing and I informed him that I got her in and was now on the way. My accountability partner is a solid guy; he congratulated me and told me he would check me in and to hurry up. I caught the bus instantly. There was no waiting for the bus that day. I arrived just in time to see my fellow brothers grab the last cap and gown. I was amazed at how big of an event it was. My nerves kicked in, but it was more to my excitement. Mr. Leo took the stage, and he said some inspiring things about the program.

The feelings, energy, and excitement from everyone was electrifying. It gave me so much pride and gratification to walk that stage. I shed a few tears because it’s been a long ride, and it was rewarding to see my hard work paid off.

To sit there with my brother and have some sense of accomplishment was truly special. I was truly blessed to have such a day of celebration. After the ceremony, all my brothers got together to laugh, high-five, and hang out. I saw staff and counselors there to cheer us on and congratulate us. Just to walk across the stage and hear my name was something. I'll never forget that moment. Definitely a boost to my self-esteem and really helped my recovery. My brothers and I walked home after and the energy was amazing. We cheered, we laughed, we won on this day. This day was nothing short of spectacular and really one of the best days I’ve had in all my years. I am grateful to this program and for my higher power. Graduation is a day I will never forget.”

MATTHEW BONNER “My experience at this event was amazing. I have two years of sobriety and the fruition of all the work and triumph especially due to the barriers I've overcome, such as the loss of my mother, losing custody of my son, the relapse, and years of homelessness after graduation of Harris Springs Ranch (HSR) and 4th St. in 2020, working at Sunrise Hospital as security during the beginning of COVID-19, and experiencing death first hand while being employed at the hospital. Traumatized and still battling mental health and addictions, I was eventually arrested and sentenced to a specialty court, Fresh Start Drug Court. Judge Shannon Nordstrom gave me a second chance. The court mandated and required me to work on my mental health through therapy and connected me with community partners and resources through my Medicaid provider as well sending me again to WestCare.

My counselors at WestCare challenged my thinking by giving me statistical facts, truths about addiction, and stories of recovery of those who sat in the seats before me and those who've died while in relapse. These were sobering truths of pros and cons with or without recovery. I was exposed to the truth of self, controlling only what I can control and not allowing feelings and emotions like pride and ego to rob me of great opportunities to grow along spiritual lines. I learned many things like recovery, financial budgeting, focusing on the present to prepare my future. I'm grateful and extremely thankful to walk through those doors at 323 N. Maryland Parkway’s Detox, HSR, and 4th St. which changed my life. Thank you, WestCare!”

TIANA MASON

KEVIN MALLARD

“The graduation was an amazing ceremony and what it means to me is that I finally completed and conquered my addiction. I am finally in recovery and have no urges or temptation to use drugs again and all my kids saw mommy graduate even the baby I had prior to graduation.

She was only four days old. I finally made it and so can all of you. You are not alone.”

“WestCare’s Harris Springs Ranch and Maryland Parkway have all worked wonders for me. I used to smoke “blues” and meth and I thought that I would never quit until I ended up at WestCare. WestCare has amazing staff members who have helped me beat my addiction, which has led me to graduating, and that means the world to me. When I graduated, I left the old me behind and became a new and better version of myself.”

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

BENNY MONTANEZ “Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I stand here, a proud graduate of the WestCare drug rehabilitation program. This journey has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I have ever undertaken.

When I first walked through the doors of WestCare, I was at my lowest point. Addiction had taken a toll on my life, my relationships, and my sense of self-worth, I felt lost and hopeless, unsure if I could ever find a way out of the darkness.

But from the very first day, the compassionate staff at WestCare welcomed me with open arms and provided me with the support and guidance I desperately needed.

Throughout my time in the program, I learned valuable tools and coping mechanisms to help me navigate the challenges of recovery. The counselors and therapists were always there to listen, offer advice, and encourage me to keep pushing forward, even when the road seemed impossible. Their unwavering belief in my ability to overcome my addiction gave me the strength to believe in myself.

One of the most impactful aspects of my journey was the sense of community I found at WestCare. I met fellow participants who were also fighting their own battles with addiction, and together, we formed a bond that was built on mutual understanding and support. We celebrated each other's victories, no matter how small, and lifted each other up during the tough times. This sense of camaraderie reminded me that I was not alone in my struggle and that there was hope for a brighter future.

As I stand here today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my life, for the friendships I have made, and for the unwavering support of the WestCare staff. I am proud of the person I have become and the progress I have made. This graduation is not just a celebration of my achievements but a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit.

To anyone who is currently struggling with addiction, I want you to know that recovery is possible. It may not be easy, and there will be moments of doubt and hardship, but with the right support and a commitment to change, you can overcome it. Believe in yourself, take it one day at a time, and never give up on the journey to a healthier, happier life.

Thank you, WestCare, for giving me the tools to reclaim my life and for helping me become the best version of myself.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

CELENIA VEGA

JONAS EVANS

“I loved the graduation. I felt honored and proud of myself and everyone who graduated. Personally, I’ve never graduated high school, so I never walked the stage, but when I did that night, I felt so accomplished and happy. The best was having my baby run to me after I walked off the stage and say that she was proud of me.”

“I graduated from WestCare’s outpatient program on March 22, 2023. My experiences were overwhelming as I had gone through it many times to complete it. I finally did it. I felt a feeling of accomplishment and found family with the WestCare staff. I feel assured that if I ever need them, the door will always be open. Thank you, WestCare, for all of your support.”

GARY REECE

ONDREA HUMPHREY

“This graduation ceremony was really special to me because I've had difficult challenges and obstacles in my life because of drugs.

Graduation to me was a dynamic experience because it was the first time I ever graduated from anything. I actually got the chance to put on a real cap and gown, to participate in a live graduation ceremony where people got to hear my name being called out, and saying I've accomplished something that I put all of my efforts into. That means the world to me because I'm worth it, and nobody can ever take that experience away from me. I invited my children and friends that I grew up with to see me walk across a stage to where over 170 others were acknowledged for obtaining something that meant everything to us. I want to thank all the counselors, case managers, and staff members who really care about us as individuals and who wanted us to succeed in this world of drug addictions and family members passing away, but most of all, excuses that led us up to living the way that we were living.”

“I first would like to say that my graduation ceremony was supposed to be in 2020, but due to COVID-19 regulations, there were no ceremonies until this year. When I heard they were going to let those walk that didn't, I was so happy! Finally, I get to feel that feeling of, ‘I did it!’ My story as an addict and alcoholic is one of not just losing myself but losing custody of my children, the death of my father as an addict, and not knowing where I will lay my head each night. For many years, I struggled to work for my addiction until I landed myself in CCDC with multiple felony charges for drugs and attacking a police officer. From there, the judge sentenced me to WestCare. As many have said, it wasn't somewhere I WANTED TO BE, but it was somewhere that God knew I needed to be. WestCare saved my life. WestCare showed me that I can live again and that a life I never knew existed is out there as long as I am willing. Well, I became willing, and I then was reunited with my son at WestCare, who was two at the time and grew to know and still knows WestCare as HOME. My father passed away during my addiction, and I never got the chance to make him proud. But, my mother, rest her soul, was able to see me clean and sober for a short time before her passing of COVID-19 in 2020. I couldn't have made it through her passing if it wasn't for WestCare and the teachings and principles I learned from WestCare staff and my sponsor.”

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Uplifting the Human Spirit Thank You to Green Valley Christian School for Being our Graduation Greeters and Ushers!

Green Valley Christian School’s National Honors Society and National Junior Honors Society joined us at our 2024 Graduation to volunteer their time as greeters and ushers. We are thankful to them for joining us in spite of their busy schedules. Both the students and teachers in attendance were very moved by this event and said they would love to be of assistance in the future! We look forward to future graduations where they can join us once again to help!

My Recovery Journey

Our Graduates Received Six Certificates to Honor Their Achievement

By Darlene Cui, WestCare Nevada Alumni

My journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Born and raised in Hawaii, my early life was marred by trauma, leading me down a path of addiction and despair. Having experienced sexual abuse as a child, I turned to alcohol and drugs at a young age, which eventually spiraled into a life as a sex worker. My pain deepened when my firstborn son tragically died as an infant, sending me into a cycle of incarceration.

Sentenced to WestCare Nevada's treatment program, I initially resisted the healing process, preferring prison over confronting the loss of my child. Despite being dismissed from WestCare for repeatedly breaking the rules, I returned time and time again. In time, I was able to secure a job in their kitchen. This humble position marked the beginning of my transformation.

Today, I celebrate over 20 years of being clean and serene.

I have not only survived, but thrived, owning three homes and enduring the heartbreak of my husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce, the death of some very important people in my life, and even a cancer treatment in my own health - all without relapsing.

Our Graduates received certificates from the following: Congressman Steven Horsford Congresswoman Susie Lee Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Las Vegas City Council Clark County Board of Commissioners WestCare Nevada As our Vice President of Operations, Leo Magrdichian, said during the night’s event: “These are six certificates for our graduates to frame on their walls and remind them of what they have accomplished.” These certificates are a testimony to the belief in our mission and to the belief in our graduates as they start a new chapter in their lives.

Thank you for honoring the efforts and commitment of our graduates!

Continue the journey online!

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Now, working in outreach for a well-known nonprofit, I find purpose in helping others, saying, "I get to save 'me' every single day." Known for being rough around the edges, I love hard and am a no-nonsense person who keeps it "raw and uncut" when delivering my message of hope. An active and respected member of the WestCare Alumni and of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) program, my life is now filled with happiness and joy, a living testament to the power of perseverance, hope, and the human capacity for change.

CLEAN AND SERENE FOR

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