The Express (July 2025)

THE Express

UPLIFTING THE HUMAN

SPIRIT AROUND THE WORLD

FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS:

THE BEAUTY OF BECOMING HOW THE VILLAGE VI IS UPLIFTING THE YOUTH ON ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS AND OTHER STORIES FROM CALIFORNIA, IOWA, PUERTO RICO, & MORE!

Ira Scott, Artist in Recovery from Florida GulfCoast Region

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WESTCARE.COM Participants of ARCC Program explore expressive arts

Backpacks for VI’s Youth

THE BEAUTY OF BECOMING Art, Empowerment & Backpacks

By Brandy Brookes, Prevention Coordinator, The Village – V.I. Partners in Recovery, Inc. This July, The Village VI Partners in Recovery hosted its annual backpack giveaway for children on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

Organized by The Village’s Adolescents in Recovery and Community Connections Program (ARCC), the event continues a heartfelt tradition of showing up for young people during a season when support can often feel out of reach.

For many families, the summer months bring added stress— and that’s exactly when connection matters most.

The event brought together youth volunteers and staff to distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies.

These volunteers, primarily college students and recent graduates, participated through the VI Department of Labor’s Labor Investing For Tomorrow (LIFT) program.

Many had just attended ARCC’s healing-centered workshop, the Beauty of Becoming—a workshop focused on healing from trauma and embracing growth.

As part of the workshop, the youth also did a creative mask activity that helped them think about the difference between how we show up on the outside and what we’re feeling on the inside. They decorated the outside of their masks to show how they think others see them and how they try to present themselves to the world.

The inside of the masks were decorated to reflect their true thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It turned into a powerful moment of reflection and sparked honest conversations about what it means to be authentic, to be seen, and when it's necessary to take off the mask.

The partnership between LIFT and ARCC is a shining example of how local organizations can come together to offer both practical support and meaningful emotional empowerment. Youth were not only able to serve their communities—they were given the space to better understand and care for themselves.

The backpack giveaway is just one piece of The Village’s year-round commitment to keeping youth engaged, supported, and drug-free. Whether through life skills training, after-school programs, or trauma-informed workshops, The Village remains a safe and uplifting space for youth across the Virgin Islands.

By meeting young people where they are—and helping them see what they can become—The Village continues to build a foundation of lasting support, one summer at a time.

Follow Our Journey!

The Village VI - Partners in Recovery

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CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES' SUCCESS

By Jeannete Benitez, Administrative Assistant, WestCare Caribbean & Latin America Region

We proudly congratulate Iris De León, Iván Moratiel, and Wilfred Cintrón for achieving remarkable academic milestones. Iris and Iván completed their master’s degrees in social work with honors, while Wilfred earned his master’s in psychological counseling.

This important academic achievement is a reflection not only of their personal commitment but also of their dedication and continuous effort to grow professionally.

EXPANDING OUR PARTNERSHIPS

By Jeannete Benitez, Administrative Assistant, WestCare Caribbean & Latin America Region

Congratulations, Iris, Iván, and Wilfred!

Your accomplishments inspire us all to keep learning, striving, and becoming better each day.

Follow Our Journey!

Guara Bi

MAKING NEWS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

By Jeannete Benitez, Administrative Assistant, WestCare Caribbean & Latin America Region

We had the honor of welcoming Dr. Roberto Moro, Secretary of Comprehensive Drug Policies of the Argentine Nation, during his recent visit to several of our WestCare projects in Puerto Rico and at The Village South in Miami.

While in Puerto Rico, Dr. Moro held key meetings with various agencies, including Hon. Marcos Cruz Molina, Mayor of Vega Baja, and Dr. Catherine Oliver Franco, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Mental Health and AntiAddiction Services Administration (ASSMCA).

These conversations offered an opportunity to exchange perspectives and best practices on comprehensive approaches to addiction, further strengthening technical cooperation and institutional commitment to improving community health.

We’re proud to share that the newspaper La Voz de las UONG has recognized the Guara Bi DR care model as a national reference in the comprehensive treatment of mental health and substance use.

During an institutional visit from the National Center for the Promotion and Support of Non-Profit Associations (CASFL), we had the opportunity to present our work, share our successes, and reaffirm our commitment to serving the most vulnerable populations in the country.

We are deeply grateful for this recognition, which motivates us to continue strengthening a model rooted in well-being, inclusion, and active family involvement.

Uplifting the Human Spirit

CARIBBEAN:

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FLORIDA:

REVEREND JOSE JEAN-PIERRE HONORED WITH GUSI PEACE PRIZE

A Champion of Peace and Healing

By Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager, WestCare Marketing and Communications At WestCare, we believe in Uplifting the Human Spirit, and sometimes, that spirit shines so brightly it’s recognized around the world.

We are proud to celebrate Reverend Jose Jean-Pierre, a dedicated crisis counselor at Guidance/Care Center (GCC), who has been named a 2025 recipient of the Gusi Peace Prize. Often referred to as the "Nobel Peace Prize of the East," the Gusi Peace Prize honors individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and humanitarian service. Reverend Jean-Pierre was selected for his tireless efforts promoting peace through community development and humanitarian outreach across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and South Florida.

Though the award recognizes his broader life’s work, Reverend Jose’s commitment to compassion and service is deeply felt right here in our WestCare family. For the past two years, he has been an essential member of GCC’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, where his ability to speak Haitian Creole — the third most spoken language in the Florida Keys — has enabled him to provide culturally sensitive support during some of our region’s most difficult moments.

This past year, Jose played a crucial role in the community response following a devastating fire that took the lives of both parents and two children in Key West. In the weeks and months that followed, he offered consistent support to grieving students, families, and staff through his work with GCC, his church, and outreach efforts in the Bahama Village community. He continues to be a steadfast presence in times of need, meeting crisis with compassion and hope.

His recognition by the Gusi Peace Prize International Committee underscores what we already know: that Reverend Jose Jean-Pierre is a beacon of light, not only in his global humanitarian efforts, but right here at home in the Florida Keys.

We are honored to have heroes like Reverend Jose on our team. People who uplift the human spirit not only through their roles at WestCare, but through their dedication and commitment to serve humanity at large.

Congratulations, Reverend Jose, and thank you for reminding us all of the impact one person can make.

Scan or click here to learn more about GCC

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By Dustin Forman, Director of Community Engagement, WestCare Earlier this month, WestCare The Village South residential clients received a special gift through our partnership with Slick Kick’s Charitable Foundation. In collaboration with our team, they generously donated brand-new sneakers, paired with uplifting messages of encouragement, affirmation, and positive self-worth. Slick Kick’s Charitable Foundation was established in memory of Victoria Marie Hoppe, affectionately known as "Slick Vick." Victoria was a collegiate runner, Nike Sales Athlete, and passionate advocate for sneaker and street art. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 25 after a courageous three-year battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. Known for her generosity, Victoria often gifted sneakers to others, believing that sneaker culture should be for everyone. This thoughtful initiative not only met a practical need for our clients but also carried forward Victoria’s legacy of compassion and community. We are sincerely thankful to Slick Kick’s Charitable Foundation for their heartfelt support and dedication to making a positive impact.

Scan or click here to learn about TVS

EASTERN REGION:

BUILDING BONDS OVER SCOOPS AND SMILES

By Wendy Forster, Information Services Executive Assistant, WestCare

WestCare Employees Bond at Ice Cream Social

On Tuesday, July 22, the Dandridge Foundation Training Room was filled with laughter, connection, and the sweet taste of summer as staff from across FitzHouse, WestCare TN, and Foundation gathered for our “Chill Out” Ice Cream Social. Extending the spirit of National Ice Cream Day, the event brought together team members for an afternoon of fun, flavor, and fellowship.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious variety of ice cream flavors and toppings, but the real treat was the camaraderie. A

lively round of trivia sparked friendly competition, while a group activity called Common Ground encouraged participants to discover shared experiences and build new relationships across departments.

From sprinkles to smiles, the event was a refreshing reminder of the power of connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this our coolest event of the summer!

Uplifting the Human Spirit

NEW KICKS, NEW CONFIDENCE A Special Donation for Our Clients

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MIDWESTERN REGION:

WESTERN REGION

U.S. NAVY COMMISSIONS USS IOWA (SSN 797) WATCH PARTY AND RESOURCE EVENT

2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENDING HOMELESSNESS

By Nou Her, Marketing Manager, WestCare California

By Darrell Mayo, SSVF Veteran Advocate, FAVA

FAVA/WestCare-Iowa staff members Maya Fumbanks-Jones, Phillip Christmas, and Darrell Mayo seated at their resource booth prior to the ceremony.

The U.S. Navy officially commissioned the USS Iowa (SSN 797), its newest Virginia class fast attack submarine during a solemn ceremony held at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton. This marks the 24th addition to the Virginia class and the first submarine to bear the name of Iowa. The watch party was located in Spencer, Iowa at the local VFW, where the event was attended by local veteran resources and WestCare staff.

The ceremony reached its climax as ship sponsor Christie Vilsack, former First Lady of Iowa, invoked the timehonored phrase, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” Upon her command, the assembled sailors responded in unison, “aye aye, ma’am,” before sprinting aboard to officially activate the vessel.

In his address, commanding officer Cmdr. Gregory Coy, a 2006 U.S. Naval Academy graduate from Walnutport, Pennsylvania, hailed the event as “a historic milestone… significant for both the life of a submarine and for the amazing people from the Hawkeye State,” recognizing the hard work of shipbuilders, commissioning committee members, and the crew. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, attending his first submarine commissioning, praised the vessel’s combat readiness and undersea stealth, saying Iowa would “make our fleet stronger and more lethal”.

Admiral Daryl Caudle, commanding the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, added that the submarine’s advanced design reflects the Navy’s enduring mission to project presence and deterrence worldwide.

Click here to learn more about FAVA

This July, we were able to send two of our teams, our Housing Services and Veteran Services, to the 2025 National Conference on Ending Homelessness. This conference brings together service providers, system leaders, advocates, and people with lived experience of homelessness to learn from each other, discuss best practices, and share new innovations in the field. Many of our WestCare California participants this year were firsttime attendees, and they were in for a whirlwind of amazing workshops and impactful conversations and information.

With their newfound knowledge gained, they have brought back the latest research to implement in the current work we do in California, enhancing the services we provide to those experiencing homelessness.

Scan or click here to learn more about WCCA Learn More: Discover the inspiring beginnings of WestCare California, from a single residential treatment center to nearly 30 locations across the Golden State.

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HONORING SERVICE AND SACRIFICE: SSVF IN JULY

By Christina Cruz, Program Manager, WestCare Pacific Islands

Asan Bay Overlook, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Guam

As Guam commemorates the 81st Anniversary of Liberation Day this July, WestCare Pacific Islands’ (WPI) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program stands in solemn reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our island’s liberators and the generations of Veterans who followed. This month, the SSVF team renewed their commitment to serving those who have borne the burden of defending freedom, providing housing stability, advocacy, and compassionate support to Veterans and their families facing homelessness or crisis.

In the spirit of remembrance, we honor the legacy of Guam’s World War II survivors and all who paid the ultimate price for our liberation. Their courage inspires our mission. As we serve those who once served us, SSVF remains driven by the belief that no Veteran should ever be left behind.

Liberation Day is not only a celebration of freedom, but a call to continue uplifting the lives of those who helped to secure it.

WPI SSVF visit the Hasso Manenggon Memorial Park, Guam

Scan or click here to learn more about WCPI

The Guam Museum- Hagatna, Guam

Uplifting the Human Spirit

PACIFIC ISLANDS:

WESTCARE AROUND THE WORLD

Uplifting the Human Spirit

From California to the Caribbean, from Maryland to the Pacific Islands, WestCare is proud to serve individuals and families in 17 states, 3 U.S. territories, and 2 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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