Women Helping Women 2025 Ignites Community & Connection With Over $234,000 Raised to Support Mental Health Services in Central Iowa

Rachel Degen on May 13, 2025

Nearly 600 attendees joined the Center’s 27th annual Women Helping Women event on May 2, 2025, raising over $234,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training and services for underinsured women, children and families in need.

Women Helping Women 2025 photo of panelists on stage during program

This year’s luncheon offered guests the first experience of a panelist discussion in the history of Women Helping Women. The panel went in depth on how social media can affect our mental health. Moderated by former broadcast journalist, Jackie Schmillen, the panel was guided to share real stories and provide expert opinions on this theme. With such a timely subject matter, the discussion has continued generating conversations since the event!

Whether you’re new to Women Helping Women, or a longtime supporter, please enjoy highlights from our 2025 luncheon!

Please stay tuned to watch the video of the entire program to experience the highly anticipated panel discussion.

We gathered nearly 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at the Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa on May 2, 2025, as we celebrated 27 years of Women Helping Women—honoring those who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose. This year’s program featured our 2025 honoree, Mary Gottschalk, whose leadership and determination have impacted countless lives, and a powerful panel discussion exploring the impact of social media on mental health. Moderated by Jackie Schmillen, the panel included insights from Dr. Heidi Bowden, Gabby Guerra, Hannah Koch and Rob Randazzo, who shared both professional expertise and personal reflections on navigating digital life while supporting mental wellness.

Their conversation shed light on how social media influences self-worth, connection and anxiety—especially among youth—and why cultivating healthy boundaries and community support is more important than ever.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, table hosts and supporters, the event raised more than $234,000 to support the Center’s mission of providing critical mental health services to women, children and families across our community.

Women Helping Women 2025 Program Cover
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Thank you to our 2025 sponsors and donors for supporting our 27th annual Women Helping Women luncheon!

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You can make a difference in the mental health of women, children and families!

Support Women Helping Women

We look forward to your continued support of our next Women Helping Women annual luncheon event!

For more information, contact Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development

Office: 515-564-5122 | Email: [email protected]

2025 Women Helping Women Donors and Sponsors

Rachel Degen on May 13, 2025

Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped the 27th Annual Women Helping Women event raise over $234,000! Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.

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
[email protected]

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.