Sanctuary Inc. Guam, WestCare Pacific merge to beef up service, expand reach

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Two leading nonprofit organizations serving troubled youth, families and veterans in need have joined forces to expand their reach and strengthen their operational capacity with long-term sustainability.

The merger between Sanctuary Inc. of Guam and WestCare Pacific Islands consolidates overlapping services, creating a “unified voice for advocacy and regional collaboration.”

"Our merger is more than an organizational milestone; it's a promise to our island community," said Aja Ramos, chief operating officer of WPI.

"By uniting Sanctuary's legacy with WPl's regional infrastructure, we are creating

new opportunities to provide hope, healing and support for the next generation," she added.

According to the FAQ sheet, combining the two organizations' strengths will enable them to better meet the growing and changing needs of Guam's youth and families by offering more support, stronger programs and broader reach, without losing sight of their community's values.

Sanctuary will now operate as part of the WestCare Pacific Islands family, with support from a larger regional network. 

According to the FAQ sheet, all existing services will continue and expand.  The goal is to build on Sanctuary’s foundation by bringing in new resources, partnerships, and ideas to help us serve even more people.

WPI was established in Guam in 2009 as part of the WestCare Foundation, a national organization providing support for veterans, youth and families.

The initial program served men addicted to heroin and soon expanded to include services for men and women abusing alcohol and other drugs. In 2015, WPI established its location in Palau, where it operates its drug prevention program for youth.

Sanctuary Inc. is a 24-hour shelter and safe home for youth ages 12 to 17 who are runaway, homeless and/or victims of abuse.

The leaders said the merger is not expected to disrupt current services provided to clients, youth and families.

The organizations’ leaders said the historic partnership combines Sanctuary's nearly five decades of service to youth and families with WPl's regional expertise in behavioral health, substance use treatment, homelessness and veteran services.

The merged organizations aimed to strengthen resources and establish a more robust safety net for those who need it most.

“The merger honors Sanctuary's rich history, its founders, and the thousands of lives transformed through its programs,” reads the joint press statement. 

“By joining with WPI, Sanctuary will continue its mission with enhanced stability, new resources, and expanded services while ensuring staff, clients, and community partners remain at the heart of everything they do.”

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