THE ORIGIN OF WESTCARE PACIFIC ISLANDS
Beverlyn Coleman, Vice President, WestCare PI; Aja Ramos, COO, WestCare Pacific Islands; Ken Ortbals, WestCare CEO; and Dick Steinberg, WestCare President
CHARTING THE CURRENTS OF COMING OF AGE
The Origin of WestCare Pacific Islands
By Rebecca Hernandez, Creative Services Manager, Foundation
The turquoise waves lapped up on the sandy white shores with the rhythm of a soothing lullaby As the sun began to sink down behind the horizon, 16-year-old Mo'na sat alone on the beach, her fingers idly sifting through the warm sand Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions, torn between the thrill of a recent encounter with a boy she liked, and the gnawing fear of the unknown.
Mo'na had always been a curious and adventurous spirit, but lately, her curiosity led her down paths she wasn’t sure she was ready to navigate She had heard whispers among her friends about sex, STI’s, and pregnancy - but the details were murky at best. It seemed like the adults in her life avoided these topics almost on purpose and she was left with a confusing mixture of myths and half-truths
An uneasy feeling swept over Mo'na A lump of anxiety formed in her throat and her head fell slowly into her hands She asked herself, “How am I going to talk to my mother about this?” She closed her eyes and tried to keep the tears at bay, but they trickled through the cracks of her resolve, moistening her palms anyway Had she gone too far? How will she educate herself about this new stage of life? She needed answers
The next day as Mo'na left her last class, she threw her backpack over her shoulder and swept her hair back behind her ear She was feeling more hopeful today, resolute in her mission to get the answers she needed
As she navigated the hallway, she said “Hi” to a few kids, dodged a group engrossed in a lively game of hacky sack, and stepped over a boy leaning against the wall playing a guitar She noticed a table where a woman was handing out flyers at the end of the hallway The curious soul she was, she reached out for one
It read “Fa’nå’guen maisa hao!” in big letters across the top of the page. Mo'na’s eyes widened as she read on. “Join us for a free workshop on safe sex: understand your body, make informed decisions for your health, gain access to healthcare resources and support systems ” She looked up at the lady at the table “Come see us at WestCare,” she said
Unbeknownst to Mo'na, 2009 was the year that WestCare Pacific Islands (WPI) opened their doors, but the seeds of change had been planted four years before when Sarah Thomas-Nededog, then the Executive Director at Guam’s Sanctuary, Inc , and Darlene Terrill, then the Program Director of WestCare’s Stepping Stone Youth Shelter in Las Vegas, sat together on the board of the Western States Youth Services Network (WSYSN) “Before WestCare got involved on the island, Sarah and I partnered with our kids We had a pen pal system set up between the Sanctuary there and the shelter in Las Vegas,” Darlene, now WestCare’s Regional Director for Iowa & Minnesota Operations, explained.
“So, when Sarah voiced her concern about a surge of newcomers to the island and the accompanying substance use issues, it prompted us to consider how WestCare could help them get prepared ”
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Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Indonesia
Philipines
“So, I got a call from Darlene,” remembers Richard “Dick” Steinberg, President of WestCare, “and she said, ‘well, since you’re already in the Virgin Islands, there is this great gal from Guam,’ and I gave her a hard time because the Virgin Islands are on the opposite side of the planetwe are talking different oceans,” he chuckled Despite the geographic confusion, he learned there was a great need at Sanctuary in Guam and arranged to meet with Sarah
“We really hit it off We met for breakfast and had so much to talk about we ended up having lunch in that same booth. We spoke in depth about what was going on,” Dick recalled It wasn’t long after that when Dick made a trip to the islands to see how he could help
In the early days of WestCare’s connection with Sanctuary, WestCare assisted in opening their first residential treatment center for teens. Adolescents had always been the main focus at Sanctuary “We provided guidance and support, helped with policies and procedures, and gave them access to our database to manage their information,” explained Shawn Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of WestCare’s Western Region
During WestCare’s period of assistance to Sanctuary, a gap in services for young women became evident, particularly in addressing risky behaviors that contributed to high rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and decreased academic success on the island
With a grant from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), WPI launched its first project, the Isa-Ta program. This initiative aimed to reduce risky adolescent behaviors by addressing issues such as low self-esteem, poor social and coping skills, lack of knowledge, untreated mental health issues, poor parental modeling, chaotic home environments, and poor communication between parents and children.
In the early days of WPI, the team there made a huge impact In its first two years alone, WPI reached 42,649 community members through outreach events and other functions - representing 23.4% of Guam’s population at the time.
On the subject of population, Guam has the highest concentration of Veterans per capita of any state or territory in the nation with one in every eight adults identifying as a Veteran In 2010, WPI won its first grant from the Veterans Administration (VA) to serve the Veterans of Guam. The project aimed to address readjustment and transition challenges by focusing on outreach, peer counseling, brief interventions, and connecting Veterans with the Vet Center to navigate their VA benefits Additional services included crisis intervention and suicide prevention The program was further augmented by an AmeriCorps grant, which recruited Veterans as members. These experienced Veteran members provided support to the VA grant-funded program through outreach and assistance in navigating the Veteran registry As the island’s needs became clearer, WestCare strived to expand their available services further
Mr.
Milestones in WestCare Pacific Island’s History
PEN PALS
Darlene Terrill and Sarah Thomas-Nededog establish a partnership while serving on the board of Western States Youth Services Network (WSYSN) Youth from Sanctuary in Guam and Stepping Stones in Las Vegas and exchange letters as pen pals.
WPI OPENS DOORS
With a grant from the Office of Violence Against Women, WPI begins services with their first outreach program, Isa-Ta.
SANCTUARY
WestCare assists Guam’s Sanctuary in establishing and maintaining a youth drug and alcohol treatment facility.
VETERANS SERVICES
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES (SSVF)
WPI’s longest running program, SSVF, begins serving Veterans and their families on the islands.
WPI receives their first grant to provide Veterans services from the Veterans Administration, which is further augmented by AmeriCorps.
Steinberg meets with PI Team in Las Vegas office.
In 2012, then WestCare Chief of Operations, Maurice Lee, enlisted the assistance of longtime friend and partner of WestCare, Sarah Thomas-Nededog “Sarah was the catalyst for change on the islands She was smart, she was talented, she was connected, she understood treatment, and she understood the culture ” Sarah became WPI Vice President and played a pivotal role in expanding and enhancing services in the Pacific over the next six years Under her visionary leadership, WPI received its first Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation, became recognized as one of Guam’s trusted Veteran supportive services programs, and strengthened its connections with Pacific communities
“Sarah is extremely talented when it comes to bringing groups together and networking in the islands,” said Richard Steinberg “She was the head of the Micronesian Youth Services Network (MYSN) and the Chair of the Pacific Island Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO), so she was very well-connected and used those connections to make sure islanders had access to services they needed ”
An example of one such service was the Guam HIV/AIDS Network (GUAHAN) that was the first and at that time, the only AIDS service organization on the island GUAHAN was at risk of ceasing operations due to a lack of funding sources to sustain testing and counseling services To ensure continuity and access to these critical services, WPI took over the project This transition was supported by a small grant from the Office of Minority Health Resource Center under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provided the community with a small library of Pacific-based resources. The library is kept and managed in WPI’s offices at the Reflection Center Additionally, WPI was awarded a small contract through a partnership with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services – Division of Communicable Disease’s STI/HIV Program to provide HIV and STI testing and counseling services.
In 2015, WPI embarked on a pivotal expansion into Palau, driven by a commitment to address the pressing needs of its youth Adolescents in Palau, much like their counterparts in Guam, faced significant challenges such as limited access to education and health resources, high rates of teen pregnancy, and substance abuse. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, WestCare Pacific Islands launched the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) in both Palau and Guam
AJA RAMOS & MANGO
Aja comes on board as the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Program Coordinator in Guam.
Established CNMI office to provide training and technical assistance, working closely with the Marianas Alliance of Non Governmental Organizations (MANGO).
SPARK, PREP & PALAU
WPI receives Healthy Marriages Responsible Fatherhood grant from Administration of Children and Families and opens up SPARK Program for relationship enrichment. Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grant awarded in both Guam and Palau. WPI begins services in Palau.
I GUMA-TA & CARF
UPLIFT COUNSELING SERVICES
Established Uplift Counseling Services through a contract with US Probation Office.
I Guma-Ta received 5-unit housing from the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) dedicated to Veterans and other households in need of rapid rehousing. WPI receives first full CARF accreditation for four of their programs.
Sarah Thomas-Nededog, Frances Sablan, and Maurice Lee
Maurice Lee with WestCare PI Staff and Board
This evidence-based initiative was designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary for healthy development and successful futures
The introduction of PREP marked a significant moment for WestCare Pacific Islands Aja Ramos joined as a program coordinator for PREP in Guam and has since risen to become the Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Island Region, illustrating the caliber of leadership nurtured within the organization
Beverlyn Coleman, Vice President of WPI, eloquently explained the driving force behind this expansion: "It is because we're so small and we are on this small chain of islands that we stay very connected and a lot of things happen and come to fruition based on the informal connections that we establish When we look at going anywhere, we want to know how we can help to support and what gaps we can fill So, that continues to be our mission to expand outside of Guam and help our island brothers and sisters "
Despite the vast miles of ocean that separate these islands and the different governments that run them, the people of the Pacific Islands remain deeply connected through shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and a collective sense of identity and community The decision to extend services to Palau was not just about addressing immediate needs, but about fostering positive youth development, reducing health disparities, and building a brighter, healthier future for the younger generations across these interconnected islands.
By 2020, WPI expanded their services further with the addition of a school-based behavioral health program
Through an 18-month disaster response grant from SAMHSA, Beverlyn Coleman and her team built the Ma’lak Na Ha’ani program from the ground up. “You can imagine the struggle of building a school-based program during COVID. But, since
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH YOUTH
WPI Palau received a grant from the Department of Interior's Technical Assistance Program.
STEER: Stop Transmission through Education, Empowerment, and Resources awarded.
Sexual Risk Avoidance Education grant awarded.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH YOUTH
Disaster Response grant established Ma’lak Na Ha’ani (MNH) for youth behavioral health, sustained by NCTSI and Guam’s Bureau of Women’s Affairs.
Established Maolek Na Lina’la program for substance use prevention.
GEDA grant received.
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
Path to Freedom received award from US Department of Labor.
Hatsa awarded by Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI).
2024
UPLIFTING THE HUMAN SPIRIT ALL OVER THE PACIFIC
Received duplex property and funding for renovations from GHURA for unhoused individual/families with Veteran priority.
Aja and the WPI team continue to extend a helping hand to their island brothers and sisters.
TYPHOON MAWAR
Category 4 typhoon strikes the Pacific Islands. WPI pulls together to be there for their communities.
Dick, Ken, and Aja visit Palau
WPI staff on a team building outing
Aja Ramos, Congressional Aide for former Guam Delegate Madeline Bordallo, and Leslie Estrella
then, we have expanded our services beyond school-based counseling and do more community outpatient ” When the group was awarded SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative Grant, the program was guaranteed funding for an additional five years.
One of the proudest collective achievements of WPI emerged from the devastation wrought by Typhoon Mawar Striking Guam on May 24, 2023, the first Category 4 storm in over two decades, left the island in darkness with 80% of its residents without water and telecommunications offline. This crippled the island community, leaving many families unable to buy essential supplies The storm uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and caused extensive flooding - forcing nearly 800 individuals into shelters
Despite the chaos, WPI's response was swift and organized Staff secured offices and homes, ensuring immediate outreach to clients and consumers as soon as cell service returned Their behavioral health, Veterans, and homeless programs linked families to federal aid while their housing and Veteran programs distributed essential supplies Prevention teams pivoted to support sister programs and coordinate outreach
WPI's support extended beyond clients to its own staff, offering emergency assistance, access to office facilities for charging devices, and childcare solutions Management provided crucial aid to employees who suffered significant damage to their homes, closed the offices to accommodate staff who needed more time to recover, and even managed accommodations for staff who had been off-island for trainings when the typhoon hit
In the wake of the tragedy, a visit from Dick Steinberg reminded the WPI team that they are not alone “He came out just to see how he could help,” Beverlyn explained “He held meetings with each program and their teams and it meant a lot to us He is just a very true, kind-hearted man and it comes from a genuine place of wanting to help ”
From the beginning of WestCare, Steinberg’s dedication to others has created a ripple effect, attracting compassionate and dedicated individuals who continue to carry forward the organization's legacy of care and support. Whether in times of
crisis or in the daily efforts to uplift communities, WestCare remains steadfast in its purpose.
As WestCare continues to grow in the Pacific Islands and beyond, Aja Ramos envisions a truly international umbrella of care “There are numerous destinations and countries around the region that struggle with poverty, drug abuse, and various social challenges WestCare has the potential to expand into these areas, especially since we are strategically located at the gateway to Asia "
Beyond expansion, Aja recognizes the importance of continuing to nurture WestCare’s staff and company culture “As we grow, we will continue to put our team first and ensure that the supportive and embracing culture we have developed remains strong for all employees,” she explained “Our people at WestCare genuinely love working here and that’s something we are immensely proud of and committed to preserving ”
WestCare Pacific Islands @westcare.pi
Scan or click here to learn more about WestCare Pacific Islands
Ken Ortbals and Dick Steinberg visit with youth mental health staff
WPI receives their 1st CARF Accredidation
Jeannette, Dick, Mayleen, Aja, Tublai, and Ken tour a school in Palau
WESTCARESNAPSHOT
FLORIDA:
BuildingBridges:MyJourneywithLeadershipBroward'sClassofXLII
By Dustin Forman, Director of Development, WestCare Foundation
From September 2023 to June 2024, I had the honor of participating in Leadership Broward’s Class of XLII, renowned as Broward County’s premier leadership development organization with a distinguished 42-year legacy of preparing and uniting leaders across business and civic sectors to advance Florida’s future.
My tenure with Leadership Broward provided an invaluable platform for professional growth and networking within Broward County. Engaging closely with a diverse cohort of professionals from government, business, and nonprofits, I cultivated meaningful connections and collaborated on impactful community-focused initiatives that deepened my insight into local challenges and refined my leadership acumen.
The program's emphasis on experiential learning and interactive workshops facilitated the development of significant relationships with influential leaders throughout the region.
NEVADA:
As a result, The Village South successfully expanded its engagement with key stakeholders, including but not limited to securing a representative from Baptist Health on its Community Action Council (CAC) and securing funding support from the Florida Blue Foundation. With an increasing number of scheduled meetings and ongoing conversations with various companies, I am eagerly anticipating the additional opportunities that will arise from my involvement with Leadership Broward. The program has already proven to be a catalyst for meaningful connections and collaborations and I look forward to further exploring how these engagements will continue to benefit The Village South.
In summary, my experience with Leadership Broward was instrumental in broadening my professional horizons, enhancing my leadership capabilities, and establishing a robust network of peers and mentors dedicated to driving positive change across Broward County.
WestCare Nevada had the honor of being invited to and attending the Networking Charity Luncheon, hosted by First Lady Donna Lombardo, at the Governor's Mansion. Governor Joe Lombardo also attended the event, which was emceed by the First Lady’s daughter, Lacey Alderson, who, among other things, shared that she was a previous employee of WestCare Nevada.
The event united non-profit organizations, charitable foundations, and corporations to improve the connections and partnerships needed to improve behavioral health outcomes across the Silver State.
WestCare Nevada is grateful that we have a First Lady who is using her platform to benefit behavioral health for some of our most vulnerable citizens.
RedTentWomen’sInitiative(RTWI)Joins WestCareGulfCoast’sFamilyofPrograms
By Rachel Lopez, Creative Services Manager, WestCare Foundation
Effective as of July 1, 2024, The Red Tent Women's Initiative Inc. (RTWI) has joined forces with WestCare GulfCoast-Florida to expand services and secure their mission's future.
Since its establishment in 2012, RTWI has provided traumainformed care to women in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties who are incarcerated or are at risk of incarceration. Through their programs, participants are taught positive coping skills, mindfulness techniques, and life skills to empower them to face their past trauma and avoid incarceration or reenter society successfully. The outcomes of the program include but are not limited to enhanced personal communication skills, resiliency when encountering difficult situations, and successfully securing gainful employment.
Over the past 12 years, RTWI has partnered with criminal justice and community organizations, especially in Pinellas County, and despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, they have expanded into Hillsborough County and launched a diversion program. However, the growing demand for their services has exceeded their current infrastructure. As part of WestCare GulfCoast-Florida, a branch of the global WestCare network, they will continue serving incarcerated women and those at risk. This partnership ensures the preservation of their legacy and provides opportunities for growth and development as WestCare GulfCoast-Florida provides administrative support.
Through this transition, WestCare GulfCoast-Florida aims to uphold the RTWI’s mission of preventing recidivism rates amongst former female offenders. It is our intent to bolster their current efforts with increased administrative support to better serve and uplift the individuals that they support and in turn, their families and loved ones. Without the steadfast efforts, selflessness, and compassion of their leadership, staff, and board members who will all be joining the WestCare family as part of this move, RTWI would not have been able to become the beacon of hope for women involved in the criminal justice system as it is today.
“I am excited and encouraged by this opportunity. Red Tent will finally be able to expand and reach out to countless women and families in need while retaining our unique mission and identity,” said RTWI’s founder, Barbara Rhode in an official announcement to community partners from the RTWI. “This opportunity is a huge step forward for all of us.”
"WestCare has the infrastructure to not only sustain the Red Tent Women's Initiative program in Pinellas and Hillsborough County jails, but also support its growth and the demand to expand to other counties with its in-jail and diversion programs,” explained Board Chair, Joanne Wolf, in the program’s aforementioned announcement. “This partnership opens up exciting possibilities for our program's future."
“We are excited to begin this new chapter and Uplift the Human Spirit of those that the Red Tent Women’s Initiative serves. Through trauma-informed services within and outside of correctional institutions, we know these efforts go a long way in helping the women that we serve heal from trauma and gain the strength to improve their lives, gain self-sufficiency, and play a contributing part within their communities upon reentry,” said Steve Blank, Regional Vice President, WestCare GulfCoast-Florida, Inc
This collaboration promises a bright future for WestCare GulfCoast-Florida and RTWI’s mission and fills us with hope and optimism!
Scan or click here to learn more about RTWI!
Tie-DyingTogether:AColorful DayatAshCamp
By Noah Adkins, SEP Research Assistant
On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, with tables adorned with buckets of vibrant dyes and stacks of plain white T-shirts patiently awaiting transformation, WestCare Kentucky’s Supported Employment Program (SEP) in Ashcamp, KY hosted a tie-dye event aimed at fostering creativity and community among its residents.
Situated amidst the hills of Eastern Kentucky, residents came out in the dozens to participate. This initiative sought to harness the therapeutic benefits of art while encouraging personal expression and camaraderie among participants. Residents, accompanied by SEP staff members, gathered eagerly around the designated tie-dye stations, each person armed with rubber bands and an array of colors.
Residents had been looking forward to the event immensely, saying things like, “I’m extremely excited, I like making things colorful” and “It is meditation for me, it definitely helps with my PTSD. It helps me get my mind focused and in a steadier place.”
As the day drew to a close, the results of the tie-dye session were proudly displayed - a kaleidoscope of vibrant T-shirts, each one a testament to the unique journey of its creator. As residents admired their handiwork, they reflected on the emotional journey that led them to this moment of creative triumph.
ExpressingGratitudeinPikeville
By Cheyenne Price, RCORP Program Director
In a effort to strengthen community ties and express gratitude, the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) team from WestCare spent a day networking with over 12 local businesses and individuals in our area. The team included Cheyenne Price, Program Director; Lynn Bradford, Peer Navigator; and Lauren Ray, Case Manager, who dedicated their day to connecting with key partners and supporters.
The purpose of this outreach was twofold: to extend gratitude to our consortium and community members for their support during our grant period and to explore opportunities for future collaboration. By visiting these organizations, WestCare aimed to reinforce its commitment to being a valuable resource and asset to the community, fostering partnerships that benefit everyone involved in human services.
This initiative underscores WestCare's ongoing mission to build strong relationships within the community. By engaging directly with partners, the team emphasized the importance of collaboration in the human services field, highlighting the shared dedication to Uplifting the Human Spirit and improving the lives of individuals affected by opioid addiction and other challenges.
Each stop provided an opportunity to express gratitude and discuss how WestCare and its partners can continue to work together to address community needs, particularly in combating opioid addiction and supporting overall community well-being.
The team received positive feedback and support from each organization, further emphasizing the strength of these partnerships and the shared commitment to improving the lives of those in our community.
Moving forward, WestCare looks forward to continuing these collaborations and exploring new opportunities to serve as a trusted partner and advocate for positive change.
Cheyenne, Lynn, and Lauren engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing stories and experiences with our partners. These interactions highlighted the importance of collaboration and the shared goal of making a positive impact in our community.
PrideontheEastside
By Alisa Garza, Executive Assistant & Operations Coordinator
WISCONSIN: GrowingwithEarnandLearn
By Felicia Williams, Regional Administrator
For Pride Month, WestCare Texas in San Antonio held its 3rd Annual Pride on the Eastside event at the Ella Austin Community Center on the evening of June 8, 2024. The event featured performers, water slides, HIV testing, and 36 vendors, including small business owners and LGBTQIA+ vendors offering prevention information.
River City Produce also participated by giving away free produce boxes and providing a food voucher to those getting tested.
In addition, the Honorable Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, the first LGBTQIA+ judge in Bexar County, TX, was one of our keynote speakers. She presides over County Court at Law No. 13, which includes the Misdemeanor Court and the Domestic Family Violence Court.
At the Pride on the Eastside event, the U.S. Attorney's Office delivered a speech on LGBTQIA+ hate crimes, their impact on society, and how to report them. WestCare Texas was proud to partner with the Pride Center San Antonio to host this family-friendly event in the hopes that it will continue to create a bond of strength and unity within our community.
The Earn and Learn program through Employ Milwaukee assisted the Urban Farm Warehouse in building compost bins. The owners are teaching the youth how to grow and maintain gardens and how to reuse what is not used or neededintergenerational learning at its finest.
Thank you to Christopher Robinson, Community Organizer, and Dillan Love, Youth Service Coordinator, for making connections that the youth can carry with them throughout their lives.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF Uplifting the Human Spirit
In celebration of 50 years of Uplifting the Human Spirit, The Express is embarking on a journey through time. Over the next year, we will feature the origin stories of two entities every month, tracing our history in semi-chronological order. Join us on this extraordinary odyssey of discovery and inspiration.
Help us tell WestCare’s story from around the world!
Our commitment to showcasing the incredible work that makes WestCare a beacon of healing and support in our communities remains steadfast. While we are featuring the history of WestCare, we will continue to feature highlights from the remarkable journeys of individuals and groups who inspire us all. We urge you to continue 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.
To read more stories from WestCare, visit The Express Blog!
GUAM
PALAU
U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS
PUERTO RICO