Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Awarded $75,000 Grant to Support Clinical Training Program

Heather Stuyvesant on January 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Heather Stuyvesant
Director of Development
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
(515) 564-5122
hstuyvesant@mindspiritcenter.org

Urbandale, Iowa – December 18, 2024 – Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Maytag Family Foundation to support its Clinical Training Program in 2025. This transformative funding will enhance the Center’s efforts to address Iowa’s mental health workforce shortage by preparing the next generation of skilled mental health clinicians.

The Clinical Training Program at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center provides a rigorous, hands-on learning environment for graduate students, provisionally licensed counselors and postdoctoral psychology fellows. Through classroom instruction, clinical supervision, and direct client care, trainees gain invaluable experience while supporting the Center’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable mental health care to underinsured and uninsured clients.

“The generous support of the Maytag Family Foundation enables us to expand our Clinical Training Program and continue our tradition of training high-quality clinicians who are essential to Iowa’s mental health workforce,” said Jim Hayes, Executive Director of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. “This grant will directly impact our ability to meet the growing demand for mental health services while ensuring that clients, regardless of their financial situation, receive the care they need. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient Iowa.”

Iowa currently ranks 45th in the nation for mental health workforce availability, with nearly half of adults with mental illness unable to access necessary treatment. Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is committed to addressing this critical issue by equipping clinicians with the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to those in need.

Since its founding in 1980, the Clinical Training Program has successfully prepared more than 120 mental health professionals, with over 95% of graduates continuing to serve Iowa communities. The Maytag Family Foundation grant will allow the Center to strengthen its program and continue making a profound difference in the lives of trainees and clients alike.

About Maytag Family Foundation

The Maytag Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations and initiatives that improve the quality of life in communities throughout Iowa. With a focus on education, health, and community well-being, the Foundation invests in innovative programs that create meaningful and lasting impacts.

Boost Your Impact: How Donating Stock Can Maximize Your Giving and Strengthen Our Mission

Rachel Degen on November 6, 2024

Donating stock

If you’re looking for a unique way to make a difference, donating stock could be a great option. With the stock market performing well, many investors are seeing significant gains. Rather than cashing out, you might consider donating some of those appreciated stocks directly to a nonprofit like Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Here’s why this could be a smart choice.

Why Donate Stock?

Stock donations are not only a financially savvy way to support the causes you care about but also a highly impactful one. Here are some of the unique benefits to consider:

  1. Avoid Capital Gains Tax
    When you sell stock, you typically owe capital gains tax on any increase in value. By donating the stock directly, you avoid this tax, allowing you to contribute a larger amount to the nonprofit—tax-free. For instance, if your stock has doubled in value, you won’t owe tax on that gain, which means your gift’s value is maximized.
  2. Receive a Fair Market Deduction
    Stock donations also allow you to deduct the full fair market value of the stock on the day of the donation. This can offset your income tax for the year, further enhancing the tax efficiency of your gift.
  3. Strengthen Your Impact
    With the market’s recent strength, many investors are in a position to give generously. This means your donation could have an even greater impact than a cash gift, as you’re able to contribute a more significant amount without it costing you any extra out-of-pocket.

When we receive stock donations, it allows for larger contributions that help us create a stronger impact in the community. Because these gifts often have higher values due to tax benefits, they empower us to fund vital programs and plan for the future with greater confidence.

Donating Stock is Easier Than You Might Think

If this sounds like a meaningful way to give, rest assured that donating stock is often a simple process as outlined in the below image from a reputable source. By choosing to donate stock, you’re supporting our mission in an impactful way while also making the most of recent gains in the market.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to give stock, reach out to Heather Stuyvesant or call 515-564-5122. We’d love to help you make the most of your generosity as we wrap up on 2024.

Together, We Can Make a Difference.

Rachel Degen on November 6, 2024

A heartfelt letter written by our 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree and Author, Carol Bodensteiner. We’re grateful Carol chose Mind & Spirit Counseling Center as part of her journey.

Dear Friends,

If you’re anything like me, you believe that you should be able to handle whatever life throws your way. We all know there will be bumps in the road, but even when we stumble, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and start again.

This mindset comes naturally to me. From my English heritage, I inherited the traits of a ‘stiff upper lip’ and the determination to ‘keep calm and carry on.’ From my German roots, I acquired the ability to work hard and solve my own problems. These values have served me well throughout my life—through a successful career, raising a son, and navigating the ups and downs of marriage and divorce. No challenge seemed insurmountable if I just kept moving forward.

But life has a way of testing us, sometimes beyond our limits.

When my mother passed away in August 2007, it was a shock, but at 91, her death felt natural. However, less than nine months later, my sister died by suicide, and I was knocked off balance. Within the next 18 months, I lost two close cousins and my aunt. My marriage also hit a rough patch. The weight of so much loss in such a short time, coupled with the strain on my marriage, shook me to my core. I began to question everything—my faith, my values, and even my own identity.

Despite it all, I believed I could still manage on my own. I thought if I just put one foot in front of the other, I could keep going. But I wasn’t okay. When my husband suffered a serious injury, I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. Life had become overwhelming, and I was at my breaking point.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I confided in a friend, who recommended the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Although I had known about the Center for years, counseling had never been my first choice. It wasn’t the way I was raised. But I had nothing left, and I knew it was time to seek help.

From the moment I walked through the doors of the Center, I was met with compassion and understanding. My counselor was soft-spoken and caring, guiding me through my present-day struggles while helping me unpack the deeper issues from my past. Week after week, session after session, she provided a safe space for me to cry, reflect, and heal.

As a writer, I process my emotions through words, and I brought that into my counseling sessions. With a notebook on my lap and pen in hand, I recorded my thoughts, even as tears blurred the ink. My counselor’s gentle questions helped me examine my own experiences and provided me with the perspective I desperately needed. Over time, I began to find my footing again.

I am deeply grateful to the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center for being my safe haven during the darkest time of my life. Their talented counselors provide a lifeline to so many who, like me, reach a point where we can’t go it alone, no matter how strong or independent we believe ourselves to be.

As the year comes to a close, I invite you to join me in supporting the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Your generous donation will ensure that this beacon of hope continues to shine for those who need it most. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of others who find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the strength to carry on.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Carol Bodensteiner, 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree and Author sends a heartfelt letter of gratitude.

Carol Bodensteiner is a public relations professional with over two decades of experience in the marketing industry. After leaving agency life, Carol embarked on a successful writing career, authoring several books, including a memoir and novels depicting life in Iowa. A long-time supporter of the Center, she has served on the Women Helping Women committee for several years, including as a co-chair. Carol is passionate about helping others succeed through initiatives supporting literacy and language by serving as an adult ELL teacher for Oakridge Neighborhood and reading to children through the United Way Book Buddy Program. In her free time, she participates in two book clubs and savors time on her acreage with her husband, David, and with her son’s family, who visit often.

Visit carolbodensteiner.com for more details about Carol and her work as an author.

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Gift of Grain: A Unique Way to Support Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

Heather Stuyvesant on October 11, 2024

Grain bin at harvest to represent Gifts of Grain blog post

At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we are constantly exploring creative ways to empower our supporters to make meaningful contributions. One unique method that many may not be aware of is the option to make a gift of grain. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or simply have grain to donate, this option offers a distinctive way to support the life-changing work we do while providing you with potential tax benefits.

Here’s how gifts of grain can make a difference.

What is a Gift of Grain?
A gift of grain is an in-kind donation where farmers transfer ownership of their crops directly to a charitable organization like Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Instead of selling the grain and then donating the proceeds, you can donate the grain itself, allowing us to manage the sale of the commodity. This method has distinct financial advantages for farmers, as it may reduce both income tax and self-employment tax liability.

How Does it Benefit You?
For farmers, donating grain rather than the proceeds of grain sales can be an attractive giving strategy. When you donate the actual grain, you may be able to deduct the cost of producing the grain from your taxes, while avoiding the need to recognize the sale proceeds as income. This could lower your overall taxable income, which can provide significant tax savings.

Of course, before making any decisions, we encourage donors to consult with their tax advisor to fully understand the financial implications and benefits specific to their situation.

How Gifts of Grain Help Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
By making a gift of grain, you play an important role in supporting our mission to provide accessible mental health care to those who need it most. As one of the few counseling centers that accepts Medicaid, we are dedicated to serving underserved populations with high-quality services like individual counseling, group therapy, family services and our clinical training program. Your donation not only supports these essential programs, but it also makes a tangible difference in our community by ensuring more people have access to the care they need. Every bushel you give directly impacts the lives of individuals and families relying on our services.

Why Your Support Matters
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is committed to being a beacon of hope for those navigating life’s challenges. By contributing in unique and thoughtful ways, like giving a gift of grain, you play an essential role in making mental health care more accessible and sustainable for everyone. Your support helps us continue to fulfill our mission, train the next generation of clinicians, and offer our services to people who might otherwise go without the care they need.

If you’re interested in learning more about making a gift of grain or other ways to support Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, please contact our Development Office today. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through the process of giving.

Together, we can cultivate healthier minds, bodies, and spirits. Thank you for considering this impactful way to give!


For more information or to get started with a gift of grain, please reach out to Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development at (515) 564-5122

2022 Women Helping Women event raises $223,000 for women, children and families who need access to mental health services

Nina Pack on May 21, 2022

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 24th annual Women Helping Women event which raised $223,000. Funds will support mental health counseling, education, training and other services that impact women, children and families who are underinsured or from low income households. Sharon Goldford was our 2022 honoree and our inspiring keynote speaker was Jacquie Easley McGhee. Our 2022 planning committee co-chairs were Rachel Hardin and Laura Palmer.

2022 Women Helping Women Sponsors and Donors

Nina Pack on March 15, 2022

Thank you to all our sponsors and donors for supporting the 24th Annual Women Helping Women luncheon on May 20, 2022! Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured. Through your generosity, the event raised $223,000!

On #givingtuesday, we give thanks for you!

Paige Franzluebbers on November 30, 2021

You made a difference for one child.

Emily came to Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s Children Overcoming Obstacles of Life (C.O.O.L.) program when she was five years old. She had a difficult time focusing in school and making friends.

Thanks to you, children like Emily are provided with tools to manage her learning and get along with her classmates.

Your support for Emily says everything there is to know about your generous and caring heart. Thank you for your willingness to join in our shared mission to bring hope and healing to people of all ages through counseling and education.DonateNow

Thank you for supporting the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center!

 

Did you know?

  • 600 children and teens plus their families are served annually through the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s specialized services called C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life).
  • The Center is a non profit organization serving more than 4,000 individuals annually through counseling and education — including psychiatry, psychological testing, renewal programs, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other services.
  • The Center is one of few mental health providers in Central Iowa who serves people from all walks of life, including those from low-income households who are uninsured or underinsured.
  • 40 percent of the Center’s services are subsidized, with thanks to a generous base of community support.

2020 Annual Report

Terri Speirs on October 18, 2021

We gratefully acknowledge and thank all who so kindly contributed to the Center in 2020. This generosity brings hope and healing to children, teens and adults in need of high quality mental health services.

VISIONARIES ($45,000+)
Polk County Health Services

CHAMPIONS ($25,000 – $44,999)
Delta Dental of Iowa of Foundation

DEFENDERS ($10,000 – $24,999)
American Enterprise Group
Doug Bruce
Carlson Family Foundation
Doug A. Fick
Polk County Board of Supervisors
W.T. & Edna M. Dahl Trust
Sally Wood

PATRONS ($5,000 – $9,999)
Bank of America
BWA Foundation
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Ann Flood
Sally and Tom Graf
William C. Knapp Charitable Foundation/Susan and Bill Knapp
The Viking Foundation of Lincoln
The West Bancorporation Foundation, Inc.
Sally and Sam Wallace
Wells Fargo

HEALERS ($2,500 – $4,999)
Susan and Mark Ackelson
AT&T
Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey
Central Presbyterian Church
Cultivating Compassion: The Dr. Richard Deming Foundation
Ernest and Florence Sargent Family Foundation
Starr and Harry Hinrichs
Norma Hirsch
Trudy Holman Hurd
Rusty Hubbell
Hy-Vee
Nancy Main
Sue and Todd Mattison
Plymouth Congregational UCC
Shirley Poertner
Dr. Michael and Ann Richards
Rotary Club AM
Rachel Stauffer and Jim Lawson
Kitty Ellsworth Stoner
Susan and Carl Voss
Marti Wade
West Bank
Kathleen and Larry Zimpleman

NURTURERS ($1,000 – $2,499)
Anonymous
Linda and Bob Anderson
Sandra L. and Rev. Paul R. Axness
Dr. Barbara Beatty
Kristen Benge
Karin Beschen
Annie and Matt Brandt
Elizabeth Burmeister
Teree Caldwell-Johnson
James Carney
Chrysalis Foundation
Roxanne Barton Conlin
Patty Cownie
Des Moines University
Paula Duncan
Easter Family Fund
Nora and David Everett
Kathy Fehrman
Cindy and Tom Fischer
Jann Freed and John Fisher
Foster Group, Inc.
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Barbara M. Gartner
Beth and Stephen Gaul
Diane Glass and J. Jeffrey Means
Sharon Goldford
Mary Gottschalk and Kent Zimmerman
Katherine S. Hauser, M.D.
John and Jeannine Hayes
Sarah and Jim Hayes
Leslie and Steve Heimbach
Lynn Hicks
Ann and Thomas Holme
Charlotte and Fred Hubbell
Debbie and Michael Hubbell
Ellen Hubbell
Randy H. Hamilton and Bruce L. Hughes
Iowa Foundation for Education, Environment, and the Arts
Andrea James
Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
Robert Josten and Susan Judkins
Junior League of Des Moines, Inc.
Nancy and Bill Knapp II
Silver Fox
Kristen and Joe Lee
Frank Levy
Tracy Lewis and Rick Gubbels
Janet Linn
Robbie and Rick Malm
Steve Marquardt
Jami Matice
LaDonna and Rich Matthes
Claudette M. McDonald
MidAmerican Energy Company
James Miller
Karla and Mark Minear
Dr. Bernard and Brenda Mouw
D.J. Newlin
Pauline and William Niebur
Oasis, A Paychex Company
Cynthia O’Brien
Jill Oman
Allison and Timothy Peet
Deb and Bob Pulver Foundation
Iowa Radiology
Lynn Rankin and Steve Karlin
Janis Ruan
David Safris
Salon Spa W
Jackie Saunders
David and Mari-Jo Shaw
Rebecca Shaw
Chris and Larry Sidwell
Cameron Shepherd and Peter Sloterdyk
Kathy and Ted Stuart
Mary H. Stuart and David Yepsen
Nanette D. Stubbs
Marsha Ternus
Toni Urban
Sheri and Dick Vohs
Dr. Teri Wahlig and Mark Feldmann
Cynthia and Kent Wanamaker
Karrie and Mark Weinhardt
Connie Wimer
Alan Zuckert and Joyce Dainty

ADVOCATES ($500 – $999)
Anonymous
Stephanie Asklof
Mollie Baker
Susan Ballard
Libby and Charles Becker
Janet Betts
Carol Bodensteiner
Renee Clippert
Beth Coonan
Suzanna de Baca
Marsha and Ellery Duke
Sondra Eddings
Denise Essman
Georgann Franck
Deborah Gitchell
Bonnie Green
Jill D. Greiner
Mary Pat Gunderson
Barbara Hein
Jody and Thomas Herman
Tim Hickman and Frank Vaia
Kathleen Hoegh
Martha James
Ms. Linda Jennings
Karen Jeske
Dianne and Roger Jones
Anne Kelly
Kemin Industries, Inc.
Lola and David Kenworthy
Diane and Keith Krell
Marla Lacey
Jennie LeGates and Fritz Wehrenberg
LMC Insurance & Risk Management
Shirl Melton
Robyn Mills
Cheryl Morton
Barbara and Dan Mueller
Barb and Andy Nish
Beth Nyguard
Jo Oldson and Brice Oakley
Jennifer Lock Oman
Lynsey Oster
Rita Perea
Olivia Rasmussen
Kay Riley
Estee Roe
Kelle Rolfes
Anne Roth
Patrice Sayre
Chris Shay
Marti Sivi
Laurie and Ashley Sloterdyk
Terri Mork Speirs and Robert Speirs
Randal and John Stern
Bob and Karen Unrau
Char Vukovich
Emily and Fred Weitz
Deb Wiley and John Schmidt
Jean and Bob Williams
Emily Williams-Bouska
Kim and Rich Willis
Connie Wilson Design

SUPPORTERS ($250 – $499)
Anonymous (4)
Becky Anthony
Assured Life Association
Patricia Barry and Bryan Hall, In Honor of Mary Riche
Mary K. Bartine
Mary Beard
Connie Beasley
Christine Bening
Sandy Benson Johnson, Benson Family Foundation
Beth Bishop
Paula Bittick
Connie Boesen
Nancy Bone
Michelle Book and Woody Brenton
Margaret Borgen
Katie Bradshaw
Dory Briles
Shelley Brody
Mary Brooks
Suzie Glazer Burt
Phyllis and Richard Cacciatore
Bonnie Campbell
Tom Carpenter
Kevin and Julie Carroll
Marilyn Carroll
LaNae Ceryanec
Joyce Chapman
Diane and Tom Child
John and Holly Clark
Polly Clark
Alicia Claypool
Julie Ann Connolly
Chris Conyers
Stephanie Cornish
Kim Coulter
Holly Craiger
Cheryl Critelli
Cynde Cronin
Diane Cutler
Douglas Detrick
Dr. Christine Dietz
Denny Donnelly
Richard Douglass
Kelly Edmister
Lynn Ekblad
Dr. Kathy Elsner, D.D.S.
Karen Engman
Claudia Peyton Ewald
First United Methodist Church
Peggy Fisher
Judith Flapan
Fran Fleck
Allison Fleming
Julie Fleming
Robin Fortney
Heidi Foster
Richard Gibson
Judy Gilbert
Kathy Giles
Shawna Gisi
Linda Goeldner
Judy Goodwin
Mary Gordon
Carrie and Joe Hall
Carol Corning Hallquist
Rachel Hardin
Renee Hardman
Dennis Groenenboom and Scott Hartsook
Lori and Larry Hartsook
Lynn Heggen
Victoria Herring
Trudie Higgs
Kelli Hill
Rev. Martha Hill
Jennifer Hilmes
Barb Hirsch-Giller
Jill Hittner
Dixie Hoekman
Michelle Hogan
Julie Honsey
Beverly Hutney
Connie Isaacson
Connie Cook and Joe Jongewaard
Rosemary Jungmann
Maureen Keehnle
Suzan Kelsey Brooks
Pamela Kenyon
Char Kimball
Mary Ellen Kimball
Kitchen Collage
Kathi Koenig
Mary Kramer
Mary F. Kunkel
Caroline Levine
Tracy Levine
Christine Lewis
Theresa and Doug Lewis
Sheila Starkovich Lingwall
Julie Linn
Lisa Veach
Ann Lyons
Deb Madison-Levi
Cyril Mandelbaum
Kate Massop
Lorraine May
Cathy McMullen
Jan and John Mechem
Kristin Medhurst
Rebecca and Brian Metzger
Ann Michelson
The Middleton Family
Allen Miller
Lisa Minear
Jana Montgomery
Ann and Alfred Moore
Debra Moore
Polly Moore
Diane H. Morain
Jill Musin
Linda K. Neuman
Liz Neumann
Dawn Connet and Greg Nichols
Charlotte Noble
Jackie Norris
Jeanne O’Halloran
Noreen O’Shea and Thomas Benzoni
Katie Gibson Overby
Mary Pappajohn
Donna Paulsen
Gail Pearl
Phyllis Pearson
Sally Pederson
Sen. Janet Petersen and Brian Pattinson
Diann M. Peyton
Melissa Poley, Serendipity Spa
Deanna Questad, M.D.
Judy Ralston-Hansen
Lynette Rasmussen
Artis Reis
Mary Anne Rennebohm
Martha A. Reno
Helen Robinson
Steven Rosenberg
Janet Rosenbury
Katie Roth
Priscilla Ruhe
Katherine Safris
Priscilla Sayeed
Pam Schoffner
Eliza Ovrom and Mark Schuling
Melanie Scupham
Karen Shaff
Mary Kay Shanley
Loretta Sieman
Kendra Simmons
Rachel Sivi
Sue and Larry Sonner
Kelly Sparks
Kimberly Stamatelos
Joan Stark
Hallie Still-Caris
Jacqueline Stoken
Ellen Strachota
Gail Stubbs
Sarah Sullivan
Sarah Susanin
Cheryl Sypal
April Talbot
Joyce and Harold Templeman
Terri Vaughan
Susan Vujnovich-McRoberts
Marcia Wanamaker
Marilyn Warling
Linda Weidmaier
Tracy Wheeler
Michele Whitty
Malinda Wiesner
Willis Auto Campus
Martha Willits
Rena S. Wilson
Mary L. Wine
Janie Wine
Dr. Judy Winkelpleck
Roberta and Reg Yoder

FRIENDS ($100 – $249)
Anonymous (4)
Nancy and Jim Adrianse
Robin Ahnen-Cacciatore and John Cacciatore
Rebecca Albers
Jennie Allbee
Amy Anderson and Mark Hill
Ed Augustine
James Austin
Barb Bachman
Rabbi Emily Barton
Morgan Baumert
Benson Family Foundation
Kathy Bernreuter
La Verne and Blaine Briggs Donor Advised Fund at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
Rachel Bruns
John Bunz
Ellen and John Burnquist
Judith Burns
Tom Butterfield
Shelley and Joseph Chambers
Mary Sconiers Chapman
Eva Christiansen
Mary Cory
Patricia and Jay Cramer
Delta Dental of Iowa
Lori and Tim Diebel
M.J. Dolan
Amy and Tom Donnelly
Margaret Doyle
Mary Beth Drey-Buechel
Kathryn Wheeler Driscoll
Teresa Driscoll
Jane Fogg
Marianne Fons
Ruth Foster
Linda Franker
Paige and Jason Franzluebbers
Carol Fredrich and John Fairweather
Mary Ann Gardner
Mollie Giller
Sandra Githens
Eve and Darrell Goodhue
Celeste Goodrich
Mary Helen Grace
Kay Grother
Ann Harrmann
Mark Haverland
Kathleen Heinzel
Jane Hemminger
Denise Holck
Dale Howe
Dr. Alexandra Hubbell
Ted Irvine
Kathe and Bob Irvine
Joseph Jester
Joanne Johnson
David Johnson
Beth Stelle Jones
Megan Kading
Emily Susanin Kessinger
Brad and Lori Kiewel
David King
Jenna Knox
Susan Koehler
Angela Loomis
Marian and Ivan Lyddon
Glenys Bittick Lynch
Sharon and Susan Malheiro
Meghan Malloy
Ali Makris
Anna Mason
Linda and Nile McDonald
Kate Mead
Patricia Mikus
Joan Miller
Amy Mills
Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman
Cindy Mumm
Anna and Bobby Nalean
Jessica Nelsen
Charlotte Nelson
Ellen and Bruce Nelson
Nancy Nichols
Nancy Nunn
Mary O’Brien
Catherine Olesen
Linda and Gary Ordway
Leigh O’Tool
Diana and Daryl Pals
Katie Patterson
Muriel Pemble
Judy and John Perkins
Kim Poeppe
Donni Popejoy
Kathy Reardon
Cindy Chicoine and Morgan Rivers
Sunny Roeder
Victoria Roller
Harlan Rosenberg
Annette and Randy Roth
Don Rowland
Barbara Royal and Deidre Fudge
Linda Rullan
Marsha Rusch
Marilyn and Duane Sand
Laura Sands
Kathryn and Mike Sankey
Erica Schaefer
Sam Scheidler
Ann Olsen Schodde
Barbara Scholz
Erica Shannon Stueve
Cherry and David Shogren
Gina Skinner-Thebo
Chuck and Meg Smith
David and Betty Stout
Jan Stump
Martha Swanson
Sue Ann Tempero
Margaret Van Houten
Sierra Waddell
Chris Waddle
Ann-Charlotte Wade
Martha Ward
Whitney Warne and Erik Dominguez
Emily Webb
West Des Moines Christian Church
Christopher Wilson
Andrea Woodard
Barbara and Jon Yankey
Suzanne Zilber

COMPANIONS (gifts up to $99)
Anonymous
John and Laura (Ackelson) Christiansen
Jeff Anderson
Susie and Charlie Anderson
Mary Ann Moore
Beverly Apel
Ashley Asberry
Janice Bannister
Mary Barber
Dodie and Wayne Bauman
Teresa Baustain
Lois Beh
Julie Benson
Judy Blank
Jan Blessum
Patricia Boddy
Nan Bonfils
Lindsey Braun
Rose Breuss
Lisa Brovold
John Robert Burkhart
Beverly Butler
Sue Caley
Vero Chiropractic
Zach and Azure Christensen
Kathleen Clark
Annie Clarkson
Tracy Codel
Julie Coppock
Mark Courter
Rebecca Criswell
Judy Curtis-Latessa
Gina David
Judy Davis
Linda Dawe
Dave and Kristi Dawson
Kathleen Delay
Sheryl DeMouth
Lillian Dittrick
Erik Dominguez
Karen Downing
Jennifer Drake
Keeley Driscoll
Olivia Driscoll
Pamela Duffy
Beth Ann and John Edwards
Jim Egger
Joan Ellis
Beverly Evans
Mary Fanter
Rhonda Fingerman
Brenna Finnerty
Jane Flanagan
Annie Flood
Margaret Flood
Sheri Fogarty
Chris Frantsvog
Eileen Gebbie
Catherine Gillespie
Harlan Gillespie
Julie Good
Grace Green-Dickerson
Courtney Greene
Nancy T. Guthrie
Terri Hale
Sally Hampton
Jan Hardin
Tara Harms
Melissa Harris
Penny Heiss
Highland Park Christian Church
Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel
Larry Hoier
Cheryl Hood
Teri Hughes-Paulline
Janet A. Johnson
Laurie Jones
Diana Kautzky
Mary Keables
Deb Kline
Wendy Knowles
Kay Kopatich
Nancy Landess
Mary Daily Lange
Carol Leech
Ann Levine
Gary Lewis
Linda Railsback
Linda Liston
Jess Lundquist
Lindsey Mabe
Lynn Mankins
Joan Mannheimer
Diane McClanahan
Nancy McClimen
Lynn Z. and David G. McCreery
Ms. Louise McDonald
Carol McGarvey
Alissa McKinney
Michael McNeil
Bob and Sharon Meisenheimer
Matt Meline
M. Ann Mendleson
Reo Menning
Kendra Miller
Jami Milne
Karen Muelhaupt
Phyllis Mumford and Kent Sovern
Marilyn Musser
Stacie Neussendorfer
New Beginnings Christian Church
Fred O’Dell
Carla Offenburger
Vickie Olsen
Mary St. Onge
Laura Palmer
Mary Jean Paschen
Debra Peckumn
Cheryl Pederson
Sandy Percy
Sherri Pike
Kathy Quinn
Linda Railsback, M.D.
Wilma Richards
Lane Riggle
Tamara Rood
Sheila Rouse
Myrna and Kenneth Rummer
David and Lita Sagula
Debra Salowitz
Betsy Salsberry
Karin Sandahl
Abigail Schiltz
Jill Schreiber
Lois Schultz
Cory Scott
Bobbi Segura
Susan Seitz
Andrea Severson
Mary Sheldahl
Beverly Shirbroun
Kathy Shives
William Staplin
State of Iowa One Gift Program
Jan Stegeman
Joshua Steward
Mary Ellen Streyffeler
Sybil Sullivan
Robin Kline
Aundrea Suntken
Deborah Svec-Carstens
Veronica Swift
Sister Cathy Talarico, CHM
Peri Van Tassel
Ellen Taylor
John R. Taylor
Judy Taylor
Debra Tesson
Lisa Todd
Cecilia Tomlonovic
Jill and Derek Trobaugh
Elaine Van Dyck
Suzanne Van Englehoven-Wedeking
Mary Van Heukelom
Carole Venhaus
Christine Walker
Kjersten Walker
Jodie Warth
Jody White
Dee Willemsen
Sarah Noll Wilson
Ronda Wissink
The Reverend Paul Witmer and Lynn Heuss
Chris Woods
Katherine Sircy
Mary Yearns

Gifts in Kind
Anonymous
Tom Fischer
Shirley Poertner
Business Publications Corp.
Integrity Printing
Connie Wilson Design

Honor Gifts
Gifts were given in honor of: Given by:
All the hard working staff in Iowa’s community health centers Nancy Adrianse
Susan Ackelson Mary and Lorlin Barber
Laura and John Christiansen
Cris and Dick Douglass
Ellery and Marsha Duke
Ann Flood
Diane Glass and J. Jeffrey Means
Kathe and Bob Irvine
Marilyn and Duane Sand
Susan Seitz and Mike Smith
Marti Wade and Benjamin Ullem
Suzanne Zilber
Beverly Apel Paul Bittick
Jan Berg Kruse Tracy Wheeler
Laurie Betts Sloterdyk Annie Sloterdyk Brandt
Peter Sloterdyk
Susan and Carl Voss
Mary Kay Bruce Michelle Book and Woody Brenton
Mary Brooks
Azure Christensen
Eileen Burtle Phyllis and Richard Cacciatore
CASH Potluck Group Diane and Tom Child
Shelley Chambers Shelley and Joseph Chambers
Renee Clippert Joan Ellis
Eva Christiansen State of Iowa One Gift Program
Dennis T. Cuthbertson Susan Ballard
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center Staff Beth Bishop
Linda Goeldner
Christine Dietz Brenna Finnerty
Melissa Harris
Debra Peckumn
Barbara Royal and Deidre Fudge
Ellery Duke Beth and Stephen Gaul
Ann Flood Annie Flood
Mary Gottschalk Carol Fredrich and John Fairweather
Teree Caldwell-Johnson and Vernon Johnson
Lynn and David McCreery
Jerry Gubbels and Robert Lewis Tracy Lewis and Rick Gubbels
Harold “Hal” Higgs Kathryn and Mike Sankey
In gratitude of Christmas Traditions Richard and Robbie Malm
Diane McClanahan Susan Ballard
Teresa Baustian
John and Christine Burkhart
Beverly Butler
Cindy Chicoine
Christine Dietz
Eileen Gebbie
Harlan Gillespie
Diane Glass and J. Jeffrey Means
Sharon and Dennis Goldford
Julie Good
Mary Gottschalk and Kent Zimmerman
Leslie Heimbach
Julie Honsey
Kendra Miller
Karla and Mark Minear
Terri and Robert Speirs
Joshua Steward
Susan and Carl Voss
Marti Wade and Benjamin Ullem
Martha Ward
Paul Witmer and Lynn Heuss
Rachel Meier Paige Kennedy Franzluebbers
Mark Minear Kathleen Hoegh
Greg Nichols Nancy Nichols
Allison Peet, Terri Mork Speirs, Billie Wade Katherine and Andrew Hauser
Ashley Sloterdyk Peter Sloterdyk
Kathy Reardon Chris Frantsvog
Beth and Stephen Gaul
Sharon and Dennis Goldford
Julie Honsey
Catherine Olesen
Beverly Shirbroun
Jan Stegeman
Deborah Svec-Carstens
Marti Wade and Benjamin Ullem
David Wright and Kathi Sircy
Mary M. Riche Jennie and Robert Allbee
Becky Anthony
Patricia Barry and Bryan Hall
Mary Ann Beard
Dory Briles
Mary Kay and Doug Bruce
Mary Chapman
Connie Cook
Kitty Ellsworth Stoner
Heidi and Rod Foster
Mary Susan Gibson
Katie Gibson Overby
Judy Gilbert
Sharon and Dennis Goldford
Mary Pat and Joe Gunderson
Carol Corning Hallquist
Ann Harrmann
Victoria Herring
Jane Hemminger
Connie Isaacson
Karen Jeske
Susan Judkins and Robert Josten
Maureen Keehnle
Pamela Kenyon
Jenna Knox
Tracy Levine
Ann Lyons
Richard and Robbie Malm
Linda Neuman
Allison and Timothy Peet
Audrey Rosenberg
Priscilla Sayeed
Sue Ann and Richard Tempero
Anna Van Heukelom Mary Van Heukelom
Susan and Carl Voss James Carney
Shannon Welch-Groves Allison and Timothy Peet
Memorial Gifts
Gifts were given in memory of: Given by:
Isabel Anne Dietz Myrna and Kenneth Rummer
Jan Berg Kruse Tracy Wheeler
Walt Githens Sandra Githens
Winnie Grace Hayes John and Jeannine Hayes
Troy Matice Delta Dental of Iowa
Jami Matice
Victoria Roller
Tim Means M. Ann Mendleson
Don Pinkley Karen and Larry Holer
Ray Speas Anonymous
Margaret Swanson Mara Swanson
Kris White Linda “Sunny” Liston

2021 Women Helping Women raises $218,000 to support mental health counseling and other services for women, children and families

Nina Pack on May 22, 2021

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 24th annual Women Helping Women event which raised $223,000. Funds will support mental health counseling, education, training and other services that impact women, children and families who are underinsured or from low income households. Sharon Goldford was our 2022 honoree and our inspiring keynote speaker was Jacquie Easley McGhee. Our 2022 planning committee co-chairs were Rachel Hardin and Laura Palmer.

Thanks to you, Mikey smiles again

Terri Speirs on November 30, 2020

You made a difference for one child.

Thanks to you, Mikey smiles again.

Pandemic. Divorce. Sadness. Some things seem impossible to explain to a seven-year-old, but Mikey is OK because you gave him the gift of counseling.

Through telehealth mental health therapy, Mikey has learned he is loved. His parents have learned to co-parent in two households. It isn’t easy but it is possible, thanks to you.

On #givingtuesday — we give thanks for you!

Did you know?

  • 700 children and teens plus their families are served annually through the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s specialized services called C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life).
  • The Center is a non profit organization serving more than 4,000 individuals annually through counseling and education — including psychiatry, psychological testing, renewal programs, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other services.
  • The Center is one of the only mental health providers in Central Iowa who serves people from all walks of life, including those from low-income households who are uninsured or underinsured.
  • 40 percent of the Center’s services are subsidized, with thanks to a generous base of community support.

You can make a difference for another child.

DonateNow