HISTORY

Uplifting the Human Spirit for Almost Four Decades...

WestCare Foundation and its family of non-profit affiliates began in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973 as a small organization called Fitzsimmons House which was renamed WestCare in 1988. The initial program served male heroin addicts and soon expanded to include services for men and women abusing alcohol and other drugs. Services and locations have continued to expand ever since and now encompass 17 states, 4 U.S. territories and 2 republics. Much of this growth is the result of partnering with like-minded, community-oriented programs which focus on providing the highest level of service possible.

Uplifting the human spirit is a lofty goal for any organization especially given the challenging times in which we live. Quality health and human services for individuals, families, and communities in need are a priceless resource. With over four decades of experience, WestCare has the necessary expertise to be that resource for those in need of a wide variety of support services.

WestCare's operations are guided by the belief that our first responsibility is to our clients and their families who come to us seeking help. We recognize the value of each person and believe in treating everyone with dignity and "meeting them where they are at". We value the human spirit and seek to provide the highest quality services ensuring that they are accessible to those who need them. Programs use appropriate evidence-based or evidence-informed practices with many being accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission.

WestCare recognizes our responsibility to our employees who work in many programs and locations spread over a vast geographic area. Each man and woman working for us is a talented individual who brings skills, ideas, professionalism, and dedication with them every day. WestCare respects their individuality and treats them with the dignity and respect they deserve. This includes fair compensation, clean and safe working environments, job security, opportunities for advancement, and respect for their personal lives and family responsibilities. WestCare's leadership provide competent oversight of employees and programs and conduct themselves in an ethical manner.

WestCare is accountable to the communities in which we live and work. We strive to be excellent corporate citizens and residents wherever our programs operate. We maintain our properties in good working order, guard natural resources, and respect the environment. We are responsive to local needs and the recommendations of our Community Action Council. We support efforts to improve the delivery of services including health, human services, and education.



HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1973 – Fitzsimmons House opens in Las Vegas Nevada
  • 1974 – WestCare California begins operations
  • 1983 – 501(c)3 Non-profit status obtained
  • 1988 – Name changed to WestCare
  • 1993 – WestCare Virgin Islands established
  • 1997 – WestCare Foundation created
  • 1999 – WestCare Arizona established
  • 2001 – WestCare Gulf Coast Florida established
  • 2003 – WestCare Georgia established
  • 2004 – WestCare Kentucky established and opens Hal Rogers Appalachian Recovery Center
  • 2008 – WestCare helps develop Community Triage Center concept
  • 2009 – WestCare Washington State and Pacific Islands established
  • 2010 – WestCare Minnesota established and opens Veterans Initiative Center & Research Institute (VICTRI); WestCare Wyoming established
  • 2011 – Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) created in Iowa
  • 2011 – WestCare Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin established
  • 2012 – WestCare Oregon and Texas established
  • 2016 – Operations begin in Republic of Palau and Puerto Rico