FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 16, 2025
Hagåtña, Guam — Acting Governor Josh Tenorio and Archbishop Ryan Jimenez of the Archdiocese of Agaña jointly led a full-day tour of community programs focused on healing, rehabilitation, youth development, and care for the most vulnerable. The visit marked the second tour conducted by the two leaders this year and continued a shared effort to better understand where stronger collaboration between the Government of Guam and the Church can close service gaps and improve outcomes for individuals and families.
“Our communities face challenges that no single institution can solve alone,” said Acting Governor Tenorio. “This tour was about listening, learning from those doing the work every day, and finding meaningful ways government and faith-based partners can move forward together.”
Substance Use and Recovery The tour included a visit to New Beginnings, an outpatient treatment program serving primarily first-time offenders, including DUI cases. About 90% of clients are court-ordered into treatment. Staff noted rising methamphetamine use, high rates of homelessness, and complex challenges faced by women seeking treatment, including domestic violence and housing instability. Providers emphasized the need for broader support systems that address addiction alongside housing, safety, and mental health care.
Children and Youth Services At the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Children’s Division, leaders discussed increasing referrals, particularly among middle–school–aged youth. Services focus on emotional regulation, coping skills, and school-based outreach. The tour also included Latte Treatment Center, the GBHWC Therapeutic Group Home for Youth, a residential psychiatric facility that provides children requiring intensive 24/7 mental health care on Guam rather than being sent off-island. Staff highlighted the importance of family reunification, foster care transitions, and coordination with schools.
The visit continued at the Lagu Resource Center, which provides year-round youth development programs for youths in the surrounding area, foster and court-involved youth, including mentoring, life skills activities, and after-care support.
“When we invest in our youth early, we build stronger futures for our entire island,” said Acting Governor Tenorio.
Justice, Shelter, and Community Care At the Judiciary of Guam, Acting Governor Tenorio and Archbishop Jimenez met with Chief Justice Robert Torres to discuss juvenile justice, treatment courts, reducing recidivism, and improving coordination across agencies. Chief Justice Torres noted that faith-based organizations can play an important role in rehabilitation and reintegration. Archbishop Jimenez shared insights from similar programs in Saipan that combine treatment with holistic and recreational approaches.
The tour also included visits to Guma San Jose, the Alee Shelters, managed by Catholic Social Service, and the Dededo Senior Citizens Center. Discussions focused on safety, capacity, providing stability for children, addressing limited resources, and ensuring dignity and companionship for Guam’s seniors.
“This tour reinforced that healing, dignity, and opportunity are deeply connected,” said Acting Governor Tenorio. “By working together across government, the judiciary, and the Church, we can build a more compassionate and coordinated system that truly meets people where they are.”
The Office of the Governor and the Archdiocese of Agaña will continue discussions to identify next steps for collaboration, with a shared commitment to serving Guam’s most vulnerable communities with care, respect, and hope. In July, the Archbishop also joined the administration to tour the Department of Public Health’s Dementia Adult Day Care, Bed for the Night, I Guma Mina’ase, and the Transitional Housing Project; the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center’s 3.7 Detox Unit, Center for Hope, and Guma Mami; DISID’s Adult Day Program and Karidat; the Department of Youth Affairs; and Sanctuary Inc.
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