THE LOOP
GreetingsfromWestCareNevada,
WearethrilledtosharewithyouthisissueoftheLoopnewslettersinceitisallabout ourfirstgraduationceremonyinfouryears.Thisevent,whichtookplaceatZappos, marks not just the end of a challenging journey for our clients, but it also marks the beginningofanewchapterinthelivesofthosewhohaveshownimmensecourage, dedication, and perseverance to their treatment and to their recovery. Over 170 individualscrossedthestageas WestCareNevada2024graduates andwhatthey experiencedisdocumentedintheirownwordsinthisissue.
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. VictorResendez
Yousee,forus,it’snotjustaboutofferingtreatment.It’saboutcreatingasupportive 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
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 forthebetter.
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 deliveringlife-changingtreatment,andoursuccessisatestamenttothededication 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 whileUpliftingtheHumanSpiritofeveryoneweencounter.
Timetogetbacktowork!
DOMINICMCMAHAN
“Iwasexcitedtograduate,buthonestly,Iwasfocusedonhelpingmygirlfriendfindherpathin sobriety Shestillbattleswithaddiction Iwasabletohaveanamazingdaywithherandspend 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 thatIcouldmakeittograduation
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 andgown Iwasamazedathowbigofaneventitwas Mynerveskickedin,butitwasmoreto my excitement Mr Leo took the stage, and he said some inspiring things about the program Thefeelings,energy,andexcitementfromeveryonewaselectrifying Itgavemesomuchpride andgratificationtowalkthatstage Ishedafewtearsbecauseit’sbeenalongride,anditwas rewardingtoseemyhardworkpaidoff
Tosittherewithmybrotherandhavesomesenseofaccomplishmentwastrulyspecial Iwas truly blessed to have such a day of celebration After the ceremony, all my brothers got togethertolaugh,high-five,andhangout Isawstaffandcounselorstheretocheerusonand 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 wononthisday.ThisdaywasnothingshortofspectacularandreallyoneofthebestdaysI’ve hadinallmyyears Iamgratefultothisprogramandformyhigherpower Graduationisaday Iwillneverforget”
MATTHEWBONNER
“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 duringthebeginningofCOVID-19, andexperiencingdeathfirsthandwhilebeingemployedat 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 throughmyMedicaidprovideraswellsendingmeagaintoWestCare
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 andemotionslikeprideandegotorobmeofgreatopportunitiestogrowalongspirituallines 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’sDetox,HSR,and4thSt whichchangedmylife Thankyou,WestCare!”
TIANAMASON
“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 graduateeven 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.”
KEVINMALLARD
“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.”
BENNYMONTANEZ
“Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I stand here, a proud graduate of the WestCare drug rehabilitation program ThisjourneyhasbeenoneofthemostchallengingyetrewardingexperiencesIhaveeverundertaken WhenIfirstwalkedthroughthedoorsofWestCare,Iwasatmylowestpoint Addictionhadtakenatollonmylife,my relationships,andmysenseofself-worth,Ifeltlostandhopeless,unsureifIcouldeverfindawayoutofthedarkness Butfromtheveryfirstday,thecompassionatestaffatWestCarewelcomedmewithopenarmsandprovidedmewith thesupportandguidanceIdesperatelyneeded
Throughout my time in the program, I learned valuable tools and coping mechanisms to help me navigate the challengesofrecovery Thecounselorsandtherapistswerealwaystheretolisten,offeradvice,andencouragemeto keep pushing forward, even when the road seemed impossible Their unwavering belief in my ability to overcome my addictiongavemethestrengthtobelieveinmyself
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 mutualunderstandingandsupport Wecelebratedeachother'svictories,nomatterhowsmall,andliftedeachotherup duringthetoughtimes ThissenseofcamaraderieremindedmethatIwasnotaloneinmystruggleandthattherewas hopeforabrighterfuture
AsIstandheretoday,Iamfilledwithaprofoundsenseofgratitude Iamgratefulfortheopportunitytorebuildmylife, forthefriendshipsIhavemade,andfortheunwaveringsupportoftheWestCarestaff IamproudofthepersonIhave become and the progress I have made This graduation is not just a celebration of my achievements but a testament tothepowerofresilience,determination,andthehumanspirit Toanyonewhoiscurrentlystrugglingwithaddiction,Iwantyoutoknowthatrecoveryispossible Itmaynotbeeasy, and there will be moments of doubt and hardship, but with the right support and a commitment to change, you can overcomeit Believeinyourself,takeitonedayatatime,andnevergiveuponthejourneytoahealthier,happierlife
Thankyou,WestCare,forgivingmethetoolstoreclaimmylifeandforhelpingmebecomethebestversionofmyself Thisisjustthebeginningofanewchapter,andIamexcitedtoseewhatthefutureholds”
CELENIAVEGA
“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.”
GARYREECE
“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.”
JONASEVANS
“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.”
ONDREAHUMPHREY
“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.”
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!
Our Graduates Received Six Certificates to Honor Their Achievement
OurGraduatesreceivedcertificatesfromthefollowing:
CongressmanStevenHorsford
CongresswomanSusieLee
SenatorCatherineCortezMasto
LasVegasCityCouncil
ClarkCountyBoardofCommissioners
WestCareNevada
My Recovery Journey
Myjourneyisatestamenttotheresilienceofthehumanspirit.
Born and raised in Hawaii, my early life was marred by trauma, leading me down a path of addiction and despair. Having experiencedsexualabuseasachild,Iturnedtoalcoholanddrugsat ayoungage,whicheventuallyspiraledintoalifeasasexworker.My pain deepened when my firstborn son tragically died as an infant, sendingmeintoacycleofincarceration.
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 repeatedlybreakingtherules,Ireturnedtimeandtimeagain.Intime, I was able to secure a job in their kitchen. This humble position markedthebeginningofmytransformation.
Today,Icelebrateover20yearsofbeingcleanandserene.
I have not only survived, but thrived, owning three homes and enduring the heartbreak of my husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce,thedeathofsomeveryimportantpeopleinmylife,andeven acancertreatmentinmyownhealth-allwithoutrelapsing.
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 Thankyouforhonoringtheeffortsandcommitmentofourgraduates!
Now,workinginoutreachforawell-knownnonprofit,Ifindpurposein helping others, saying, "I get to save 'me' every single day." Known forbeingrougharoundtheedges,Ilovehardandamano-nonsense personwhokeepsit"rawanduncut"whendeliveringmymessageof hope.AnactiveandrespectedmemberoftheWestCare Alumniand of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) program, my life is now filled with happiness and joy, a living testament to the power of perseverance, hope,andthehumancapacityforchange.
By Darlene Cui, WestCare Nevada Alumni