Latest news with #LoisNesci
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grand opening of new substance abuse recovery center in Westfield
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday marks the grand opening of a new Westfield Peer Recovery Center, adding to the growing number of centers dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse. This center is a step in providing support and resources for those on the road to recovery. The opening of the Westfield Recovery Center on Broad Street marks a significant milestone in the fight against substance abuse in the community. It will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those seeking to overcome addiction. PETA to receive all records of UMass Amherst monkey lab in lawsuit settlement 'This is a rural community, even though it's very large-based,' said Nico Alicea, a Western Mass Regional Coordinator with MOAR. 'It's a rural community, we need to make sure that access to treatment is everywhere for anybody.' The goal is meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need so they can stand on their own. The center will be helping these individuals gain access to support services, groups, and community resources. 'People are suffering, and so many people are dying because of substance use issues,' said Lois Nesci, Chief Executive Officer of Gandara. 'But this makes an incredible difference, because people feel that there is a safe place for them to be.'And the journey to recovery can look different for each person. 'If these are individuals in very early recovery or looking to get into a detox or C-assessed level of care, we can certainly help them with that,' said Chelsea Bryant, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Gandara. 'Provide transportation and find those resources to maintain sobriety once they finish that level of care.' The center is hopeful that this will encourage more individuals to seek help and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. It aims to dispel misconceptions that addiction is a choice and rather a medical condition that requires understanding and center was made possible through Opioid Settlement Funds awarded to Westfield. Half a million dollars has gone to cover the center's first two years of operational costs. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gandara opens new young adult housing facility
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)– The Gandara Center has cut the ribbon for housing for young adults through their 'SHINE' program. The SHINE program is dedicated to providing stability, support and hope for young adults transitioning out of the youth services provided by the Department of Children and Families. Department of Public Utilities says gas companies must cut bills by 5 percent The apartments include two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, kitchen, laundry and even a office or game room. They also provide the resources for young adults to reach self-sufficiency. Lois Nesci, CEO of the Gandara Center, said it is all about providing an environment that is respectful for the people they serve. 'Which offers them housing and support for employment, education, physical and emotional health and socialization,' said Nesci. The apartments will be filled by young adults ages 18 to 22 as a transitional place as they work to establish themselves. DCF is incharge of the placements. The Gandara Center said they help over 100 young adults a year with their variety of services including the transitional housing and rapid rehousing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
