The Express (January 2023)

Express THE

OUR WESTCARE STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WestCare Family,

As the nation celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16, I remember his great sacrifices that have forever changed our country. A legacy so great the nation pauses to remember him each year.

It will be almost 60 years since his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in August of 1963. The notion of having a dream for better days full of unity, peace, and freedom is one that many of us know. I believe that to Uplift the Human Spirit is to dream alongside the people we serve, to empower them in their journeys, and to encourage them along the way. It is no question that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an expert on our motto of Uplifting the Human Spirit I encourage you to reflect on his work around nonviolent social change - breathing life into his words through your everyday service. Rereading this famous speech, the following quote jumped out to me as I kept our motto in mind:

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight….”

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963

May each of you and your clients feel the impact of these words, knowing that our organization is here to help turn dreams into reality. Recovery, stability, and happiness are possible, no matter the circumstances. Nothing is too low, rough, or crooked to be whole again.

It is important to note that to truly honor Dr. King is to recognize that injustice in our nation is still prevalent. It is our responsibility to commit to a life of learning, advocacy, and community involvement - just as he did. I hope that WestCare is a safe place for challenging conversations surrounding injustice and is a force in the pursuit of justice across the nation. While the work will never be over, I am proud of everyone who has linked arms for decades in the fight for equality.

Warmly,

Dick Steinberg President, WestCare Foundation

WestCare Arizona Supports “Wear Blue Day”

By Emily Selby, Counselor

Earlier this month, WestCare Arizona went blue in support of Human Trafficking

Awareness Day, recognized every year on Jan. 11! In an estimate from the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 27 million people around the world are taken against their will and forced into human trafficking. It is important that people are aware of the dangers and signs of human trafficking. “Wear Blue Day” helps us spread the word around our community and look out for warning signs. Human trafficking can often be a hidden crime, making it hard to identify. But, the more that we know about human trafficking, the more we can help others!

WestCare Arizona

@westcareaz

Rosebuds: The Addiction Poem

By Sean Y., Client

My name is Sean Y. I'm currently a client in WestCare California’s MLK Residential program in Fresno, California. Because I have battled substance abuse for over 20 years now and have been through several treatment programs, I understand how challenging finding hope amid addiction can be. "Rosebuds: The Addiction Poem" is an effort to instill hope in the hopeless rather than become paralyzed in their despair and to inspire the reader to pursue a better life.

Sincerely,

Sean Y.

WestCare California

@WestCareCA

@westcarecalifornia

Roses are Red and violets are blue

Someone must've really done a number on you

That's what she told me

Once she told me she missed me,

She told me she missed me

Then I told her I felt guilty

Guilty for staying out all night

Guilty for not doing what I know to be right

Guilty for falling into temptation

Even though I fight it and fight it with all my might

Seductive and beguiling

The siren calls to me

My addiction knows all too well my inner yearning

My desperate craving

Craving for a fix

I've fallen in love with a stranger

I've fallen for the strange face in the mirror

I might as well have been pulling the trigger

Because each time I use

I fall deeper and deeper

I'm lucky to be alive

This time I barely survived

Last time I followed the hollows

Away I went

Falling way down the rabbit hole

Chasing the bittersweet kisses of a tourniquet

Roses are Red and violets are blue

Rose buds get darker and darker when I do one or two

I don't know why I do this

There must be something I missed

A classic egotist

I'm surely a sadist

Look up what it means to be selfish

Guaranteed you'll find my pic

A bonafide narcissist

I wasn't always like this

I was brought up with hugs and lots of kisses

But

Somehow, somewhere

The grass became much much greener

Someplace I didn't belong

Someplace far away from home

Down the road, up the street

Is where I lost my sensitivity

My ability to really feel anything

Surprise,

I was searching for something

Continued on page 3

Continued from page 2

Something for numbing the gnawing

Inadequate

No good for me

No good for you

The mess I found myself in distorted my point of View

The allure

Deceptive

Repelled then attracted

All but the truth of the matter

They ran for cover

Praying for sobriety

I couldn't see it

I was stuck in the middle

I just did a bit; it was only a little

Truth out the door

A little became a lot

Truth was it was me who got “got”

Before I knew it, I didn't know who I was anymore

More

More and more

Up the dose

Who can host

Be the one to introduce me

To the candy man Or

Mr. sandman Or

Anyone who can bring me a dream

Offer me a fantasy or some other alternative to my reality

Continued on Page 4

Christmas Time at Guara BiDominican Republic

By Victoria Osuna, Executive Director

Working as a team with lots of Christmas spirit, the clients of Guara Bi - Dominican Republic gathered together to decorate our Christmas tree. Each one of them also received gifts. This was a very emotional and important moment for us considering that many of them do not have the support of their families. Attempts were made to reincorporate good customs and traditions this holiday season for our clients.

On Dec. 17, after a year of great work from the team, we held the Christmas Family Dinner Together with some relatives, our clients enjoyed a typical Caribbean Christmas feast. It was a beautiful afternoon full of emotions. This dinner was very significant since for many, it was their first Christmas. We are greatly satisfied to Uplift the Human Spirit of our clients and the community through sharing the true spirit of Christmas.

Guara Bi

Hidden In Plain Sight: Florida Keys Prevention Tour

By Wilmarie Lopez, MA Behavioral Health Therapist

From Dec. 6 – Dec. 8, the Guidance/Care Center’s (G/CC) Key Largo Prevention Program partnered with the Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP) to bring Ray Lozano, a Drug and Substance Prevention Specialist and Youth Speaker, to present assemblies at high schools throughout the Florida Keys.

During this three-day tour, Mr. Lozano spoke to over 1,780 6th - 12th grade students, parents, teachers, administration, and local Elks members. He brought his knowledge and humor to the stage and educated all on the dangers of vaping, marijuana, and addiction. Ray explained, “how detrimental it is when it is to setting goals if you constantly use weed.” He highlighted that substance use during adolescence, “takes away your ability to do the amazing things that you were designed to do and causes you to become a taker in life and not someone who contributes to society.”

The enthusiastic audience was amazed at how much information Ray presented in 45 minutes. One student said he didn’t realize until the end how much he was learning and laughing all at once. On the first day of the tour, Ray had 81 students start following him on TikTok. By the third day, 175 new students were following him.

A “Hidden in Plain Sight” presentation was held for parents at the Tavernier Elks Lodge. It covered strategies on how to effectively communicate with children, based on their brain development. The exhibit provided a hands-on opportunity to explore a mock teen’s bedroom and explained various trends of teen substance use, signs, symptoms, and lingo.

Since this event was a success, the G/CC hopes to continue this partnership with the Elks DAP and bring other educational prevention guest speakers into our community.

Guidance/Care Center by WestCare

Continued from Page 3

I was suffering from

Diseased thinking

Thinking the crystal would somehow help me

Over and over again

I do the same thing

Insanity

I was hallucinating I was using

Doubting

Believing

Questioning

Who has the antidote?

This sickness is killing me

Me and my humanity

My head's not right

Pride's been injected

Hope got dejected

Authorities disrespected

Morality ought not be neglected

How did this part of me become my identity?

Roses are Red and violets are blue

Tell me why it's so hard to tell the truth

Tell me why is it so hard to live this way

Tell me why is it so high the price I paid

Trading my valuables for meaningless thrills

Getting evicted because I can't pay the bills

I became the man on the street

The jack of all trades

Honestly

I'm starting to see it

See the drugs acting as Band-Aids

An illicit medicine

Man made

Covering up wounds deep

Ineffective

Methamphetamine

Producing counterfeit

Dopamine

Staying on this road is a one way

I won't make it to live another day

If you're passing me up, then you're passing the buck

Hey brother, can't you spare a dime?

Can't you see I'm having a hard time?

Can't you spare me two cents

Or am I merely just a nuisance?

I just need a tip

At least just someone to be kind

Continued on Page 5

A FAVA Success Story Featuring Chris and Kaylee

By the Team at WestCare Iowa/Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA)

Continued from Page 4

I gotta’ stop selling my soul

I gotta’ stop making deals with the devil

I gotta’ take a deep breath

And

Let it all go

I gotta’ let the light in so I can breathe again

I gotta’ get back to the man I used to know

So, between a rock and a hard place

Here I stand face to face with myself

The only one who can help

I'm my own worst enemy

Hold on now

Hold your fire

This one is friendly

Stop and raise the white flag

Stat

Quick before I pass out and it all fades to black

This here is an SOS

A personal intervention

So, I won't end up in either a coffin or cuffs

I'm screaming at the top of my lungs

Listen

I've had it!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

I'm mustering up the strength to say

I'm admitting my mistakes today

I surrender

I cannot deny

The more I admit the less likely

I'll take my own life

Roses are Red

And

Violets are blue

Let me take the first step because

I really, really need you

- Sean Y., Client, WestCare California

In early January of 2018, we met Chris, a U.S. Army Veteran and his girlfriend, Kaylee in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Chris had served as an infantryman and was honorably discharged after completing two tours in Iraq. Chris and Kaylee came to Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) because they were being evicted from an apartment they could no longer afford. At the time, he was collecting unemployment from his construction job. Kaylee, who had been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), was seven months pregnant when her doctor put her on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy and unfortunately, had not worked long enough to qualify for unemployment benefits. As a result, the young couple was about to have their electricity shut off and could not fix Chris’s truck, which was in poor working condition. To say they were stressed is a serious understatement.

With the temporary financial assistance that Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provides, we were able to lend support to this couple in need. This assistance helped Chris and Kaylee become current with their rent and utility bills. In addition, Chris was able to fix his truck by installing a new alternator, battery, and tires as well as receive general maintenance.

Additionally, they were approved for heating assistance from a partner agency to get them through the winter. Chris and Kaylee began receiving Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. They also utilized food pantries while waiting for a Section 8 housing subsidy. As a result, they began to feel hopeful again. Kaylee began getting better reports from her doctor and Chris was approved for 60% Compensation from the VA Health Administration (VA).

We worked to develop a budget that would help them stay on track and created a plan. Chris got part-time work at a nearby convenience store and in March, Kaylee gave birth to their healthy seven-pound baby, Christine. Chris was thrilled with the way things had been going and decided to go back to college for business using the G.I. Bill. Kaylee was able to return to work with the help of her neighbor, who agreed to babysit. After six months, Chris and Kaylee exited our program - grateful for the SSVF assistance that they say saved them.

In the summer of 2022, FAVA staff attended a barbecue hosted by Webster County Veteran Affairs. A smiling family of four came to our table and asked for hugs. It was Chris, Kaylee, Christine, and one new baby - Jack! Everybody was as happy as the sunshine was bright. Chris had completed college and now owns a Mexican Restaurant. Kaylee is a support staff for the Department of Human Services in Webster County. They have plans to build another Mexican Restaurant in a neighboring city. We are proud of Chris and Kaylee's commitment to their family and all of their accomplishments and that FAVA was able to play a small part in their story through the SSVF grant!

Representing WestCare Excellence: The Stan Brooks Award

As part of WestCare Illinois’ recent holiday party, we presented The Stan Brooks Award, an honor that is held very dear for our team at the Sheridan Correctional Center. This is the 7th annual presentation of the award with our team missing one in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Stan Brooks (Pictured in top left) was a longtime WestCare/Gateway employee. He started his career in 1995 as a counselor at Lincoln Correctional Center and was then promoted to clinical supervisor at Jacksonville Correctional Center. He returned to Lincoln as a clinical supervisor before landing at Sheridan in 2004 Stan was an assistant director here for three years before becoming program director in 2007, the position he held until his passing in 2015.

Stan Uplifted the Human Spirit every day with everyone he came into contact with through his listening, mentoring, loyalty to WestCare, daily work ethic, enjoying life, and passion to help others. He personally had experienced a Therapeutic Community (TC) and was such a believer in it that he devoted his life to helping others overcome similar struggles through a program he knew really worked.

By Talisa Paul, Program Director

The annual Stan Brooks Award is our way to honor him and keep Stan’s spirit alive throughout the WestCare family by recognizing staff that have the same characteristics and commitment to Uplifting the Human Spirit that Stan had.

The individual that was nominated and selected for the Stan Brooks Award checks every box. This individual is a good listener who is compassionate and understanding towards the needs of staff and clients. They are helpful and willing to step out of their bounds to assist anyone that might need guidance or support in their area. This individual believes in the program and recognizes what we need to continue and sustain as a treatment program. This individual leads teams with respect, support, straight talk, and compassion. This individual has a good work ethic and is valued by many. With that being said, Sami D’antonio (Pictured second from top left), exhibits integrity, loyalty, and commitment and is always Uplifting the Human Spirit of those around her.

Congratulations, Sami!

The Second Annual Giving Back to Box Town Block Party

By Jennifer Hilton, Director of Training and Technology Transfer

In 2021, a dream started in the week before Thanksgiving when a group of my friends from high school got together for a Friendsgiving celebration. You see, we all went to a rough high school and most of them grew up in a tough neighborhood in Las Vegas known to many as "Box Town." We all still managed to get out and do well for ourselves. That night, these guys got to reminiscing about how we wouldn’t be who or where we are without the neighborhood that we grew up in and how they wanted to give back. So, an idea was born, the Giving Back to Box Town block party Last year’s first ever event should have taken months to organize between permits, insurance, procurement, and sponsorships, but instead came together in just three weeks with the help of our community. On the day of, we had giveaways of brand-new clothing, toys, and children's bikes as well as free food from local restaurants, three bounce houses, a DJ, a car show with 50 entries, and more!

This year, they decided early to make it an annual event and continue to make it bigger and better. So, we started planning early with a few months of fundraising and organizing. With WestCare Nevada as one of their major supporters to guide them through the planning process, the attendance doubled! Over 800 kids got to see Santa that day and receive toys from the Las Vegas Metropolitian Police Department (LVMPD) Bolden Area Command.

Over 100 classic cars lined the street from five different car clubs that volunteered their time. The Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy High School’s JROTC conducted the flag ceremony to help open the festivities. With DJ Hank and KLD Productions volunteering all day providing free music and announcements, the party vibes kept up throughout the event. The UFC donated new clothing and shoes for over 500 adults. Food was provided by three local food truck vendors that grew up in the neighborhood: Gravy Girl, Los Munchies, and Taco Guys. The big draw after Santa was the real-life heroes, though, the City of Las Vegas Fire Department Engine 103. Kids were excited when they got to watch it leave with lights flashing and sirens blaring for a real-life call. Finally, were the SWAT officers who were there with two very cool armored vehicles. Their team was all smiles.

This event started as a simple idea about giving back and grew into community prevention and intervention work – giving the neighborhood the chance to see those who they often only see in the worst of moments. But, on this day, they saw them in the brightest of times. It was a day of light and joy that can help carry people through till next year when we do it all over again!

WestCare PI Celebrates Community Spirit

By Chanelle Ramiro, Youth Educator and Regina Shiroma, Research Assistant

Biba Åñu Nuebu from the Pacific Islands! In December, WestCare Pacific Islands (WPI) was honored to host our President, Richard Steinberg, and CEO, Ken Ortbals, on a whirlwind visit to the islands. Their much-anticipated visit allowed our teams to get to know our executive leadership, showcase our Håfa Adai spirit, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in Guam, Saipan, and the Republic of Palau.

From each island visit, community partners and cultural leaders voiced the needs of individual populations and shared their hopes for the coming year. Inspired by gaps in services on our sister islands, WPI looks to strengthen ties within the Micronesian region and forge new relationships that aim to fill those needs aligned with our mission. Guided by the unique cultures of each community at the center of what we do, collaboration is critical to the success of any partnership - and this language of cooperation is a familiar one embedded in our culture of inafa’maolek, or interdependence.

As we ring in the new year, WPI is grateful for and proud of the partnerships, support, and inafa’maolek culture shared by its staff, local organizations, and people of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of Palau. We look forward to 2023 as we share growth and renew partnerships by working together to Uplift the Human Spirit!

Caption for Photo 1: WPI’s SSVF Veteran Advocate, Lorenzo Reyes, points to the supplies in the food pantry program to supplement the ancillary needs of Veterans served.

Caption for Photo 2: WestCare CEO and President pay a courtesy visit to the Republic of Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. (center) and Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau National Congress) Senator Rukebai Kikuo Inabo (left). They are joined by the WPI team.

Caption for Photo 3: WestCare CEO and President pay a courtesy visit to the CNMI Judiciary team. They are joined by the WPI team.

15th Anniversary Celebration

By Elizabeth Roldan, Program Assistant

With our hearts full of satisfaction and happiness, Guara Bi celebrated its 15th anniversary! During the celebration, WestCare’s Chief Operating Officer - Caribbean & Latin America, Mr. Cristian Duarte, thanked all of our employees for their effort and dedication in offering services to the homeless. One very emotional moment was when Mr. Duarte informed everyone that the Guara Bi - Caguas project will now be named the Guara Bi - Mendoza project. Mr. Iván Mendoza, Supervisor of the Department of Facilities and Vehicles, was the first client served at Guara Bi today. We are happy with this well-deserved recognition. It is an honor for all of us to celebrate the achievements made by Mr. Mendoza. Congratulations!

Guara Bi

WestCare Tennessee Announces New Leader

By Stephen Wright, Chief Operating Officer – Eastern Region

Shandi Hill joined WestCare Tennessee in 2018 as the project coordinator for a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant. Since then, she has grown into the role of an area director providing her unique experience and successful project management to help grow the reach of WestCare Tennessee in Jefferson and Cocke counties. She has over 20 years of being an experienced leader in serving rural areas and has successfully planned and implemented programs with federal grants such as HRSA, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), and Drug-Free Communities (DFC).

Over the past years, Shandi has used her wealth of expertise to ensure efficient work in the delivery of quality services. Because of her involvement in the community, she has been a spokesperson at the table when it comes to advocating for incarcerated individuals, individuals in recovery, economically challenged individuals, high risk youth, diverse cultures, Veterans, and aging seniors.

Shandi understands what the needs are for our identified areas of service as well as those areas that we hope to expand services to. She continues to grow her knowledge by keeping well informed with new and innovative ways in today’s culture. She loves to get things done and makes people feel comfortable speaking with her about their needs. If you are ever around and listening to her while out in the community, you will hear Shandi tell you how much she loves her work and how important it is to strengthen individuals and empower others in the community towards positive change.

In her own words, “Change may make you uncomfortable, but change must come to make you comfortable to learn and make a difference in the eyes of others in need.”

Working Together for a Brighter Holiday Season

Extravaganza Camp at a special holiday event at the Ella Austin Community Center

By Alisa Garza, Administrative Assistant

Many families served by WestCare Texas throughout the year do not have the means to provide gifts or have a Christmas meal with their families and friends. So, WestCare partnered with Pearl Street Church to support families who had previously reached out to WestCare Texas’ staff for resources during the Summer Extravaganza Summer Camp.

Our team coordinated invitations and provided gifts for all the families who attended. This special event focused on serving those who need resources during the holiday season. Due to this partnership, Pearl Street Church’s staff provided resources to over 20 families and 100 people. Here at WestCare Texas, we know that even though these families receive help during the summer, the support they need is year-long. Through combined resources, we continue to foster a relationship with families in need on San Antonio’s Eastside!

WestCare Texas @westcaretexas

Holiday Memories are Created at the Virgin Islands Christmas Party

By Tammy Smith, Program Assistant

On Dec. 22, The Village - Virgin Islands’ residents were the highlight of the annual Christmas party hosted at the residential treatment facility where residents, their loved ones, and staff came together as one blended family to celebrate Christmas.

This event was an opportunity for residents to showcase their artistic abilities to their families and staff as this year’s program featured four songs, three dances, a skit, and an original poem. Our residents made an impact at the party and we were astonished by the many talents that they showcased.

Our staff here at The Village - Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery, are committed as a team to making sure that we supply the best possible, safe, and family-oriented environment for our residents as we continue to Uplift the Human Spirit.

The Village - VI Partners in Recovery Inc / WestCare

In collaboration with Pearl Street Church, WestCare Texas hosted families from Bowden Academy as well as Eastside families from the WestCare Summer

Feeding the Community and Keeping Spirits Bright!

By Felicia Williams, Program Director

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, there was a call of action sent out. It was a cold bitter day, however Feeding America, Alderman Russell Stamper II, Alderman Michael Chambers, Milwaukee County Clerk Anna Hodges, Safe and Sound, Milwaukee Fire & Police Department, and WestCare Wisconsin answered the call of providing meals to families over the holiday break. The location was Q’s BBQ’s parking lot with 500 meals in premade boxes available for families to drive up, receive their meals, and drive away. The timeframe was from 10 to noon and there were no boxes remaining at noon. During the holiday season, we understand that many may suffer in silence, so to help the long waiting line, we loaded meals. By the time that we finished and heard the thank you’s, the cold weather didn’t matter!

ORTBALSFollow

Development Grants & Resource

Grants Do More Than Bring Funds Into a Project

By Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Grants

Grants provide programs and staff an opportunity to dream, to think outside their normal everyday solutions, and/or expand on those solutions to make them more responsive, more adaptable, or more resource rich. Additionally, they help to define the project, provide specific information, and identify available and needed resources. Measurable goals and objectives are developed to allow the team to determine what their success will look like, who will be responsible for their success, and how long it should take them to obtain their success. A grant transports an idea to a workable plan.

Grants also prove the need for the suggested solution and develop the claim that the document's authors are the best group of individuals in a community to respond to the need. It will point to the staff's experience, the history of past successes, the proposed provider's financial stability, and commitment and dedication to seeking a positive result.

When a grant is awarded, it brings jobs to the community, provides a reasonable resolution to the need, and delivers hope for a better community. It is a miraculous thing, and we are excited to share that with everyone. A new grant is a brilliant opportunity to make a difference in many lives!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Workgroup

DEI is a Journey, Not a Destination

By David Rosynsky, Director of Innovation and Standardization

A new year can hold a lot of promise. The phrase “New Year, New You” comes to mind. Many of us promise ourselves that this year will be the year our resolutions stick and that we achieve our goals.

Setting goals is a crucial part of one’s growth and development.

But, sometimes, it feels more like pressure rather than the promise of a new year. The phrase “New Year, New Stress” comes to mind, especially for people who struggle with their mental health, self-esteem, or other issues.

Expert ruminators find this time of year particularly handy for taking stock and revisiting the wins and losses of the past. This activity isn’t limited to individuals, especially groups who fall victim to this heavy contemplation.

As we surge towards 2023, our all-volunteer Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Staff Workgroup engaged in deep conversations, asking ourselves some familiar year-in-review questions such as:

“Are we doing enough?”

“Do we know enough?”

“How can we do more?”

Though we didn’t have all the answers, we recognize that the work being done helped our organization become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We acknowledged that nurturing an evolving culture is a process that takes small and consistent steps to do it well. It’s a lesson exemplified by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom we honor this month.

Dr. King sought to raise public consciousness of racism and ending racial discrimination and segregation. While his purpose was to realize racial equality, Dr. King understood that a series of smaller objectives involving grassroots campaigns were crucial to achieving seemingly impossible goals.

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” said Dr. King. “In actions great and small, he helped to change the course of America.”

January Observances

Know of a commemorative holiday or awareness event not noted? Let us know by emailing WestCare’s DEI Staff Workgroup at diversity@westcare.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 16, 2023

National holiday and official day of service that celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27, 2023

An annual day of commemoration to honor victims of Nazism and the Holocaust and teach accurately about antisemitism to help prevent future genocides.

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The more our workgroup talked, we realized that each of our bi-weekly discussions were more than just regular meetings. Within our meetings, we created a safe space to engage in complex conversations, explore issues and ideas, and ultimately practice listening, honesty, and mutual respect. These meetings are our small steps – our grassroots efforts to expand our experiences, stretch our comfort levels, and challenge ways that “we’ve always done it.”

So, as we step into the new year, we must work to resist the voices in our heads that often thrive on self-doubt, remembering that we’re all on a journey - and, if we’re lucky, a long one.

Reaffirms a national commitment to protect and empower survivors of all forms of human trafficking, to prosecute traffickers, and to bring an end to human trafficking that largely targets members of racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other disproportionately affected groups.

Technology Information

WestCare Supports Data Privacy Week

Adapted from information provided by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA)

Data Privacy Week is an annual effort taking place this year from Jan. 22 – 28, 2023. The goal of Data Privacy Week is twofold: to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users' data. WestCare has once again shown its commitment to Data Privacy Week by registering as a Champion. As a Champion, WestCare recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information.

All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver's license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, like health data – think about how a smartwatch counts and records how many steps you take.

While it's true that you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, you are not helpless! In many cases, you can control how you share your data with a few simple steps. Remember, your data is precious, and you deserve to be selective about who you share it with! Here are some simple, easy tips that will help you manage your data privacy:

Know the Tradeoff Between Privacy and Convenience

Nowadays, when you download a new app, open a new online account, or join a new social media platform, you will often be asked for access to your personal information before you can even use it! This data might include your geographic location, contacts, and photos. For these businesses, this personal information about you is tremendously valuable – and you should think about if the service you get in return is worth the data you must hand over, even if the service is free. Make informed decisions about sharing your data with businesses or services:

Is the service, app, or game worth the amount or type of personal data they want in return? Can you control your data privacy and still use the service?

Is the data requested even relevant for the app or service? For example: "Why does a Solitaire game need to know all my contacts?"

If you haven't used an app, service, or account in several months, is it worth keeping around knowing that it might be collecting and sharing your data?

Adjust Settings to Your Comfort Level

For every app, account, or device, check the privacy and security settings. These should be easy to find in a Settings section and should take a few moments to change. Set them to your comfort level for personal information sharing; generally, we think it's wise to lean on the side of sharing less data, not more.

You don't have to do this for every account at once, start small and over time you'll make a habit of adjusting all your settings to your comfort. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has in-depth, free resources like the Manage Your Privacy Settings page that lets you check the settings of social media accounts, retail stores, apps and more.

Protect your Data

Data privacy and data security go hand-in-hand. Along with managing your data privacy settings, follow some simple cybersecurity tips to keep it safe. We recommend following the Core 4:

Create long (at least 12 characters), unique passwords for each account and device. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever it is permitted – this keeps your data safe even if your password is compromised. Turn on automatic device, software, and browser updates, or make sure you install updates as soon as they are available. Learn how to identify phishing messages, which can be sent as emails, texts, or direct messages.

For more information about Data Privacy Week, visit https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week/

Uplifting the Human Spirit since 1973

WestCare, a family of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations founded in 1973, provides a wide spectrum of behavioral health and human services in both residential and outpatient environments. Our service domains include Treatment and Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Veterans Services, Criminal Justice, Housing Opportunities, Education, Prevention, and support for those fleeing Domestic Violence. These services are available to adults, children, adolescents, and families. We specialize in helping people traditionally considered difficult to treat, such as those who are indigent, have multiple disorders, or are involved with the criminal justice system.

Proudly serving seventeen states, three U.S. territories, the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Palau

Give for the Right Reasons. Give Because You Care.

WestCare devotes its best collective and individual efforts to uplift the human spirit by consistently improving, expanding and strengthening the quality, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of everything we do. Help us empower everyone with whom we come into contact to engage in a process of healing, growth and change, benefiting themselves, their families, coworkers and communities.