Columnist Ruthe Deskin: WestCare continues to beat odds

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001 | 8:26 a.m.

With the help of a grant from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, they established Fitzsimmons House, a rehab facility for adult males suffering from drug addiction.

Soon it was determined that drugs were only a part of the problems that needed to be addressed. Fitz House became WestCare, one of the nation's most successful programs dealing with social problems.

In the beginning it was touch and go. Financial problems were always a concern, but somehow the dedicated men and women who made up the WestCare board circumvented all odds.

Under the inspirational guidance of WestCare's president, Dick Steinberg, the organization has established facilities in California, Arizona and Florida.

Today WestCare offers more than drug rehabilitation. Its staff works with prison-based programs, runaway shelters, domestic violence cases, safe houses, family counseling and youth programs.

WestCare's mission statement tells it like this: "WestCare is committed to providing crisis intervention, treatment prevention, education, research and training in fulfilling community needs for youth, adults and family units related to substance abuse and behavioral and physical health."

In 1998 WestCare celebrated 25 years of service. As 2002 approaches, WestCare is stronger than ever. In the early years, it was a simple matter to approve a budget as there was so little with which to work.

Recently, according to Bob McNutt, longtime board member and one of WestCare's most active supporters, a budget of $24 million was approved, and the newest venture for WestCare is a youth shelter in Hudson, Fla.

How do you measure success?

By all those whose lives have benefited from the services.

By the length of time the program has existed.

By the quality of the volunteers and the dedication of the staff.

By steady growth.

By a philosophy that asks, "What can we do next?"

WestCare easily qualifies in all categories.

My long association with the Greenspun family has nothing to do with my reaction to their latest venture, although some might accuse me of being too close to the forest.

The new Green Valley Ranch Station Casino is a winner. It has all the amenities and beauty of a grand Strip hotel-casino, yet retains the friendly atmosphere so characteristic of all Station properties. It's a long way from the first venture of the Fertitta family on Sahara Avenue. The original Palace Station wasn't given much chance of survival off the Strip. But survive and thrive it did, and became the cornerstone of a series that now includes eight Station properties.

Both Brian Greenspun and Station President Lorenzo Fertitta promise to continue the Station philosophy of welcoming locals.

May everyone, of all faiths, enjoy this Christmas season. Someday, perhaps, peace and good will to all men might become a reality.