The Express (Spring 2026)

THE Express

UPLIFTING THE HUMAN

SPIRIT AROUND THE WORLD ISSUE 60 | SPRING 2026

FROM LAS VEGAS:

NFL Tight End Darren Waller Brings Healing and Hope to

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WALLER SHOWS UP FOR WESTCARE

Darren Waller Inspires Healing and Wellness

By Kaitlyn Hawkins, Marketing Specialist, WestCare Nevada On April 6, 2026, Darren Waller visited the Women and Children’s Campus for a meaningful day centered on healing, mindfulness, and connection.

His visit brought encouragement and inspiration to the women and children participating in the program while highlighting the importance of wellness as part of the recovery journey.

During his time on campus, Waller led a yoga and meditation session focused on mindfulness, reflection, and emotional balance. The experience created a calming and supportive space where participants could slow down, reconnect with themselves, and focus on personal wellness. For many of the women in attendance, the session served as a reminder that healing involves not only physical stability, but also emotional and mental well-being.

Waller also shared words of encouragement with the women in the program, speaking about the importance of making time for self-care, maintaining balance, and learning healthy ways to manage emotions during difficult seasons of life. His openness and authenticity resonated deeply with participants and reinforced the value of resilience, self-awareness, and community support throughout the recovery process.

As part of his visit, Waller generously donated fresh flowers and yoga mats to the campus to support ongoing wellness and mindfulness activities. The thoughtful gifts will help provide residents with tools and resources to continue practicing meditation, yoga, and self-care long after the visit concluded.

The Women and Children’s Campus provides supportive services and safe housing for women and families working toward stability, recovery, and independence.

Visits like Waller’s help reinforce the importance of holistic approaches to care by promoting emotional wellness, healthy coping strategies, and meaningful human connection alongside traditional support services.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere on campus was filled with positivity, encouragement, and gratitude. The experience served as a powerful reminder that recovery is strengthened through compassion, community involvement, and opportunities for individuals to feel seen, valued, and supported.

Reflecting on the visit, the Director of Residential Services Women and Children's Campus, Irma Magrdichian shared, "It filled my heart to watch our ladies be reminded of the queens they are and to experience firsthand that people genuinely care about their well-being, growth, and success."

Their smiles, she noted, served as a powerful reminder of why the work matters. Recovery can often feel isolating, but moments of connection, encouragement, and hope help reinforce that individuals in recovery are seen, supported, and worthy of every opportunity to heal and thrive.

WestCare is grateful to Darren Waller for sharing his time, energy, and heart with the women and children on campus.

His visit left a lasting impression on the community and reflected the power of using one’s platform to uplift and inspire others on their journey toward healing and hope.

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WESTCARE WEST VIRGINIA PARTICIPATES IN RECOVERY, PREVENTION AND BLACK BALLOON DAY

By Renee Salyers, Administrative Coordinator, WestCare

WestCare West Virginia (WCWV) was actively engaged in several statewide initiatives throughout March, joining partners and advocates to promote recovery, prevention, and overdose awareness.

On March 2, Stephen Wright, Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern Region, and Wendy Ramos, Executive Assistant, represented WCWV at GRaCE (Greater Recovery and Community Empowerment) Recovery Day, where they also had the opportunity to meet West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey. WCWV hosted an informational booth during the event, which brought together recovery advocates, organizations, and community partners to elevate recovery voices and connect individuals with valuable resources across the state.

Just two days later, WCWV participated in the 2026 West Virginia Prevention Day at the Legislature, held in the Capitol Rotunda. The annual event united prevention professionals, community organizations, and lawmakers to highlight the importance of prevention efforts at both the local and state levels. Participants discussed challenges facing their communities while emphasizing proactive approaches to addressing substance use, suicide prevention, tobacco use, and bullying.

On March 6, WCWV partnered with One Unique Recovery House to participate in Black Balloon Day and an overdose awareness workshop at the Mountain CAP Family Support Center in Buckhannon. The day concluded with a remembrance ceremony honoring the lives lost to substance use while raising awareness about overdose prevention. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, prevention, treatment, recovery support, and hope for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.

WestCare West Virginia extends its appreciation to Megan Payne, Director of One Unique Recovery House, for hosting the event and bringing community organizations together in support of families impacted by substance use disorder. Through partnerships like these, WCWV continues to strengthen prevention efforts and promote healing throughout West Virginia.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

EASTERN REGION:

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FLORIDA REGION:

ONE MISSION, ONE TEAM: PREVENTION IN ACTION

By Bronte Walsh, Prevention Coordinator, Guidance/Care Center

As the school year comes to a close, the Prevention Team has been reflecting on everything accomplished throughout Monroe County this year. While team members serve different schools across the county, this year demonstrated what is possible when prevention professionals work toward a shared goal: supporting youth, strengthening our system of care, and building connections throughout the community.

One of the year's highlights was the second annual countywide Prevention Leadership Summit, hosted by Marathon High School's youth organization, Champions for Change, on March 27. Students from Marathon High School, Coral Shores High School, Key West High School, and the College of the Florida Keys Academy joined prevention staff and community partners for a day of workshops, networking, leadership development, and discussions on issues affecting youth today.

The summit provided students with an opportunity to connect with peers from across Monroe County, exchange ideas, and build relationships beyond their own campuses. Watching students engage in thoughtful conversations and step confidently into leadership roles served as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention work.

Another significant effort this spring was Prevention Week.

Team members coordinated activities and awareness campaigns throughout the county, including on-campus events, classroom presentations, social media outreach, and community engagement initiatives.

Together, these efforts promoted mental wellness, healthy decision-making, prevention education, and available resources for students and families.

The reach of the Prevention Team extends far beyond a single age group. Programs and initiatives serve youth from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade while also engaging parents, caregivers, and community members through educational opportunities and outreach events.

Beyond the events themselves, one of the team's greatest successes this year was the strengthened collaboration among prevention staff. Team members spent more time sharing resources, supporting one another, brainstorming new ideas, and working together across schools and programs. Rather than operating independently, the team embraced a more unified approach that strengthened prevention efforts throughout the county.

As the school year concludes, the Prevention Team is proud of what has been accomplished and looks forward to continuing this work in the years ahead. Prevention does not stop at the classroom door. It requires schools, families, community partners, and prevention professionals working together to create healthier, stronger communities where young people can thrive.

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By Dustin Forman, Director of Development, WestCare - The Village South

Thanks to our valued partnership with Cleveland Clinic, we were proud to welcome Eat Well Exchange to our residential facility to provide a nutritional and cooking workshop for several of our clients. The experience was impactful with participants fully engaged from start to finish, not only in preparing a meal together, but also in building meaningful connections throughout the process.

Eat Well Exchange led the session with exceptional enthusiasm, seamlessly blending hands-on instruction with valuable nutritional education. Clients walked away not only with a delicious meal they created themselves, but also with practical knowledge and a take-home recipe they can confidently recreate.

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One client captured the impact perfectly, sharing, “When I go home, I’ll be making this for everyone.” Moments like these highlight the lasting influence of experiences that empower individuals far beyond the workshop itself. This workshop is part of a year-long program that will allow many of our clients to participate in similar hands-on learning opportunities.

Through this extended initiative, we aim to deepen their understanding of nutrition, build confidence in the kitchen, and support the development of lasting healthy habits.

We are incredibly grateful for partnerships with Cleveland Clinic & Eat Well Exchange that make such meaningful experiences possible.

MIDWESTERN REGION:

WESTCARE ATTENDS SSG FOX LEADERSHIP MEETING

By Darrell Mayo, Program Coordinator, WestCare Iowa Representing WestCare's SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant initiative, Darrell Mayo, Program Coordinator with Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA), and Tasheika Heath, Program Coordinator with WestCare Minnesota (WCMN), traveled to Austin, Texas, to participate in the FY26 regional SSG Fox on-site meeting.

Held May 19 through May 21, the meeting brought together SSG Fox grantees from across the country to collaborate, exchange ideas, and receive program updates from federal leadership. WestCare staff from Iowa, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Tennessee joined peers from other organizations to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore new strategies for expanding suicide prevention services for Veterans and their families.

As the SSG Fox grant program continues to grow nationwide, this year's meetings were held in multiple regional sessions,

allowing participants to engage in smaller, more collaborative discussions while maintaining opportunities to learn from one another.

For FAVA and WCMN, the event provided valuable insight into innovative, community-based approaches to Veteran suicide prevention while reinforcing the importance of collaboration across states and organizations. Participants returned with new ideas, strengthened professional relationships, and practical tools to help enhance services within their communities.

WestCare remains committed to supporting Veterans through comprehensive suicide prevention efforts that extend beyond traditional clinical care by addressing social connection, access to resources, and the unique needs of those who have served.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN THE KITCHEN AND BEYOND

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WESTCARE MINNESOTA REOPENS TO SERVE VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

By Tasheika Heath, Program Coordinator, WestCare Minnesota

WestCare Minnesota is proud to announce the reopening of our office as we expand services to Veterans, military families, and Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members throughout Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

As a recipient of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant (SSG Fox SPGP), our team has spent the past several months preparing to provide comprehensive support and outreach services to those who have served our nation. During the planning and implementation stages of the grant, we have focused on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Veterans by completing office improvements, expanding our workforce, and training staff to effectively serve militaryconnected individuals and their families.

Our growing team of Peer Support Outreach Specialists and Case Managers is dedicated to connecting Veterans with the resources they need to thrive. Through our work, we aim to ensure Veterans know they are not alone when facing challenges related to mental health, housing instability, food insecurity, employment, transportation, and other essential daily needs. A primary goal of our program is to help Veterans access services through the VA Medical Center and connect them with valuable community-based resources and support systems.

Beyond building our internal capacity, WestCare Minnesota has been actively establishing relationships and partnerships with organizations, advocates, and service providers throughout the community. We recognize and appreciate the individuals and organizations that have long championed Veteran well-being and security across Minnesota. Our commitment is to work alongside these existing partners, strengthening a network of support that empowers Veterans and their families.

We are excited to join Minnesota's dedicated community of Veteran advocates and look forward to making a meaningful impact together. As we reopen our doors, we remain committed to ensuring that every Veteran, service member, and family member we encounter feels supported, connected, and valued.

Together, we can help ensure that no Veteran stands alone.

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BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR GUAM’S YOUTH

By Christa Porte, Lead Clinician, and Emmalyn Cruz, Administrative & Research Assistant, WestCare Pacific Islands

Ma’lak Na Ha’åni Program Staff and Sanctuary Programs Together at the GBHWC Children’s Jamboree

Ma’lak Na Ha’åni Program Staff at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center’s (GBHWC) Children’s Jamboree

Ma’lak Na Ha’åni (MNH – Bright Futures) is proud to highlight our ongoing interdepartmental collaboration with fellow WestCare Pacific Islands program site, Sanctuary, as we continue working together to support youth and families across Guam through trauma-informed care, prevention, and community engagement initiatives.

One meaningful area of collaboration has included partnering with Sanctuary shelter staff through a Trauma Talk for Advocates presentation. This training focused on traumainformed care, best practices for supporting youth impacted by trauma, and ways to sensitively respond to the complex emotional and behavioral needs of youth experiencing difficult life circumstances. Through these discussions, staff strengthened their understanding of how trauma can affect youth development, relationships, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.

MNH has also partnered with Sanctuary in facilitating Seeking Safety groups for youth residing within the shelter program. Currently, seven youth are actively engaged in these groups, where they are learning healthy coping strategies, grounding skills, emotional regulation techniques,

WPI MNH and Sanctuary Gather for Trauma Talk for Advocates

and ways to build safer, healthier lives following experiences of trauma and stress. These groups provide youth with a supportive space to explore healing, resilience, and personal growth while strengthening protective factors and emotional wellness.

In addition, MNH had the opportunity to collaborate with the Guam Youth Initiative (GYI), a program under Sanctuary, during the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Children’s Jamboree. Through this outreach effort, programs worked together to engage youth and families in conversations surrounding mental wellness, prevention, healthy coping, and available community supports.

Our continued partnership with Sanctuary strengthens our ability to meet the unique needs of youth and families who have experienced stressful situations, adversity, and trauma.

By working collaboratively across programs, we are able to provide more connected and compassionate support systems that promote safety, healing, resilience, and brighter futures for Guam’s youth.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS:

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TRAUMA INFORMED MINISTRY MODEL (TIMM):

WESTCARE CARES ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

By Dr. Clifford Taylor, Training Director, WestCare

In May, WestCare recognized Mental Health Awareness Month which helps refute stigma, ignite honest conversation, and reiterate that mental health is a major part of overall health.

In today’s demanding world, many of us silently carry the weight of crisis, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, trauma, and emotional exhaustion. We often balance demanding careers while also managing family responsibilities, financial pressures, caregiving, and personal challenges. Sometimes we even may smile through struggles that no one else can see.

This is why mental health awareness is important.

A healthy work environment is not only measured by productivity, performance, or peers. It is also measured by compassion, support, and having access to resources that can help staff thrive both personally and professionally.

I have learned and observed here at WestCare, we recognize that mental wellness is critical to overall well-being. WestCare has demonstrated commitment to creating an environment where we feel safe seeking support without fear of retaliation, judgment or embarrassment. No one should feel alone while facing mental health challenges.

The motivations that are sent to us first thing every morning, including holidays and weekends, strive to provide encouragement and support, and to assure us all that we aren't walking this road alone.

Seeking help is not showing weakness by any means — it is displaying wisdom. Just as you would seek treatment for high blood pressure, diabetes, or a physical injury, mental health conditions also deserve appropriate care and attention.

Acknowledgement and early intervention can make a lifechanging difference.

It is also important for all of us to look out for all of us.

Sometimes the most powerful service we can offer a coworker is understanding, kindness, patience, encouragement, or simply the willingness to just listen. A supportive work culture can help reduce unhealthy isolation by reminding people they are valued beyond their job title or responsibilities.

Mental health affects us all differently. Some struggles may be temporary, while others may require ongoing support and treatment. Regardless of the situation, every individual deserves dignity, understanding, compassion, respect and access to care.

Let us continue breaking stigma while building a culture where people feel empowered to speak openly, prioritize selfcare, and seek the help needed. Together, we can maintain an environment of support, hope, and healing by Uplifting the Human Spirit.

Mental health matters every month — not just in May.

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A JOURNEY TO STABILITY

By Anthony Urbano, Program Director, CalAIM Services, WestCare California In this firsthand account, Anthony Urbano reflects on the power of meeting people where they are and helping them build a path toward stability.

I recently met a client who was in a very vulnerable place. She was experiencing homelessness, living in a motel with her adult son and their two pets. Her son was doing everything he could to support them financially, but the situation was becoming increasingly difficult.

At the same time, she was facing serious health challenges.

Bleeding abdominal hernias required frequent trips to the hospital, and she urgently needed referrals to a wound-care specialist. To make matters even harder, she was experiencing food insecurity and often went without meals.

Together, we developed a plan focused on three immediate priorities: addressing her medical needs by connecting her with the appropriate providers, securing medically tailored meals to improve her health, and finding stable housing where she could safely recover and eventually undergo the surgeries she needed.

A year later, I'm happy to say her life looks very different.

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Within the first month, my team and I helped move her wound-care referrals forward and connected her with medically tailored meals. Once those immediate needs were in place, we completed a warm handoff to our Housing Navigator, who worked alongside the client to secure permanent housing.

Today, she has a place to call home, her health has improved, and she is finally on track to receive the surgeries she had been waiting for. Perhaps most importantly, she now has the confidence and knowledge to manage her own care.

She also knows that if she ever needs us again, WestCare California will be here to help.

Reflecting on her experience, the client shared: "ECM [Enhanced Care Management] noticed me and found me. They offered me assistance at every level of care needed, not only to heal but to thrive moving forward. I will forever include ECM in my success story."

CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR OTHERS

By Nayeli Knuth, Financial Controller, WestCare

At WestCare, our employees spend each day supporting others through some of life's most difficult moments. Thanks to the generosity of Allegiant Stadium, many of those same caregivers had the opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities and simply enjoy an evening with the people they love.

WestCare extends its sincere gratitude to Allegiant Stadium for providing complimentary suite tickets to the BTS K-pop concert, creating an unforgettable experience for employees and their families. BTS is recognized around the world not only for its music but also for its message of self-love, mental health awareness, and acceptance, values that resonate deeply with the work we do every day.

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Experiencing the concert from the comfort of an Allegiant Stadium suite made the evening even more special. Staff described the atmosphere as "fun and interactive," praised the incredible views and amenities, and shared how meaningful it was to create memories with loved ones. For one employee, the highlight of the night was sharing the experience with a granddaughter. For another, it was attending a first-ever BTS concert.

Moments like these remind us that caring for our communities also means caring for the people who serve them. We are grateful to Allegiant Stadium for investing in the well-being of our employees and giving them the opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and create lasting memories with their families.

Uplifting the Human Spirit

WESTERN REGION:

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FINDING HOPE THROUGH VETCARE

By Chanel Harris, Case Manager, VETcare Oregon "SSG Fox has been a savior with getting me out in the community with like-minded Veterans on many outings," he said. "My social skills have improved. I went from hopeless to some hope to there is hope."

Today, Kevin is focused on achieving long-term stability and self-sufficiency. His health has improved significantly, he now has access to consistent health care, received dentures, and is currently working toward earning his motorcycle endorsement. While he continues pursuing permanent housing and having his record expunged, he says he has already accomplished more than he ever imagined.

I WENT FROM HOPELESS When Army Veteran Kevin G. entered VETcare in February 2023, he was facing homelessness, serious health challenges, and an uncertain future.

After suffering a stroke in August 2022, Kevin found himself living in his van with no stable income or transportation, relying on SNAP benefits to get by. He later stayed on his brother's couch until his brother connected him with VETcare.

From there, the staff welcomed him into the program and helped him begin rebuilding his life.

TO SOME HOPE, TO

there is hope

Looking back, Kevin describes that time simply:

"Well, I have achieved more than I thought I would to this point," Kevin said. "I absolutely could not have done it without the staff at VETcare, as well as all the help I have received from other community partners that VETcare sent me to."

"No money, very little interaction with people, no hope, occasional drug use."

When asked what the future looks like, Kevin's answer was simple:

Nearly two years later, his outlook has changed dramatically.

"I have hope and feel as though I have a brighter future."

"It gave me a safe place to lay my head," Kevin said. "With case management I have been able to acquire my driver's license, Social Security income, and VA health care."

To the donors and sponsors who make programs like VETcare possible, Kevin offered this message of gratitude:

Beyond meeting his basic needs, VETcare helped Kevin regain his confidence and reconnect with others. He learned to play guitar through one of the program's classes, received clothing, boots, and a walker to support his recovery, and built meaningful relationships with fellow Veterans and staff.

"The staff are empathetic and willing to dive in and help with anything," he shared.

One of the most meaningful parts of Kevin's journey has been participating in community outings with other Veterans through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

"There are a lot of us Veterans out there, and we could not have done it without your help. Thank you for giving us a chance to become stable and self-sufficient again when most of us did not think it was possible."

For Kevin, the greatest gift VETcare provided wasn't just housing or resources. It was belonging.

"VETcare is like family," he said. "Helping build us up without making us feel like we are being judged."

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By Jessica Cerda, Communications Specialist, WestCare Texas

WestCare Texas recently partnered with the San Antonio Botanical Garden to provide graduating seniors from Sam Houston High School with a memorable lesson in self-care during Mental Health Awareness Month.

The outing was part of WestCare's ongoing LifeSkills Training program, which equips students with the knowledge and skills to make positive, informed decisions in their personal, academic, and family lives. By combining mental health education with an opportunity to connect through nature and creativity, the experience reinforced the importance of caring for both mind and body.

"We chose to do this field trip during Mental Health Awareness Month to align with our lesson on self-care and social wellness by giving students the opportunity to explore a new environment and participate in the art program," said Julie Jones, Youth Prevention Specialist with WestCare Texas.

"The seniors expressed how much stress end-of-year testing brought. This field trip was the perfect opportunity to practice self-care by recharging in nature while creating meaningful memories with their peers. It also reinforced the importance of social wellness and building strong support systems as they prepare for life after high school."

Students traveled to the San Antonio Botanical Garden aboard the organization's new Nature Navigator bus, becoming the first group to experience its inaugural ride.

During their visit, they enjoyed a guided tour of the new "Otherwild" garden and participated in a windsock art activity that encouraged creativity and reflection.

Throughout the school year, the WestCare Texas team delivers the Botvin LifeSkills Training curriculum to students in grades 9 through 12 through multiple grantfunded programs. In addition to preparing students pursuing business, medical, and cosmetology certifications, the curriculum addresses topics such as underage drinking, tobacco and vaping, fentanyl, prescription drug misuse, marijuana, and mental health while promoting healthy decision-making and resilience.

The experience left a lasting impression on the graduating seniors, who shared that they "loved it" and were grateful to both WestCare Texas and the San Antonio Botanical Garden for providing such a meaningful opportunity.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

A LESSON IN SELF-CARE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

WESTCARE AROUND THE WORLD

Uplifting the Human Spirit

From California to the Caribbean, and from West Virginia to the Pacific Islands, WestCare is proud to serve individuals and families in 16 states, four U.S. territories, and two international locations.

Each day, our programs deliver compassionate care in behavioral health, justice services, housing, education, and prevention... all rooted in our mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit.

STORIES WORTH SHARING FROM THE HEART OF WESTCARE We look forward to sharing your stories as they unfold, your monthly highlights from the field, the faces and moments behind the mission, and the work that uplifts lives and communities every day. We invite you 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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