Thank you to our 2018 donors!
We gratefully acknowledge and thank all who so kindly contributed to the Center in 2018. This generosity brings hope and healing to children, teens and adults in need of high quality mental health services.
It’s been a great year
James E. Hayes, D. Min., M. Div., Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
December 2017 – A reflection by Jim Hayes, Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
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It’s been a great year.
December 5, 2016 I began my tenure at the executive director of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center (DMPCC). I had the privilege of two weeks of sitting at the feet of Ellery Duke who served this institution for forty years. He didn’t quite impart all his wisdom in that time, but had a plane ticket, so had to depart for warmer climes on December 23, 2016. The way I see it, my tenure really began once everyone returned from holiday break on January 3, 2017.
It’s been a great year.
How do I capture all that is good about this place? It’s been a whirlwind for me personally and professionally, so putting my thoughts into a tidy box of memories hardly seems fair. One construct that works for me is all that we learned undergoing a strategic planning process ably led by our consultant Sheri Vohs, thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. During the process, we explored the “Value Proposition” of our work here at the Center. Let me reflect a bit on how I have witnessed one of those values lived out in the day to day lives of the many people connected to our organization.
People. It is clear to me on a daily basis that this place is special because of the people involved in our organization. It starts with our clients. They are courageous. They accept the responsibility of vulnerability in order to face whatever it takes to work on hope and healing in their lives. There are often stigmas to our work. These folks testify to the brokenness that is a part of each of us and that it’s ok to own the limitations and contingency of our lives and that by doing so in the context of a safe environment, we can all live more fully. Wow, that was a long sentence, read it again! One comment that came up during the planning process is that we meet people where they are and not as a problem that needs to be fixed–as a person who just needs someone to walk with them. We respect the people who come through our door and the values they bring with them. We love them rather than manage their issues. That’s a high bar and an important value added to our community.
People in our organization are talented. Clinicians, spiritual directors and all our staff live out our mission to bring understanding hope and healing to others each day. The quality of our staff and the diversity of our services make this place hum with activity. There is a tremendous amount of intellectual curiosity around this place. Folks are always trying to figure out how to get better. Our value of trying to serve as many people as possible regardless of ability to pay requires great sacrifice of time and resources. I am inspired by the commitment of my colleagues and have learned much from them in my first year. I thank them for grace and patience as we all grow as leaders in this field.
The value of people in our organization stretches well beyond the confines of this building. There are many stakeholders that contribute to our success: volunteers, friends, donors, foundations, politicians and anyone who recommends to a friend or family member that we can help. I have enjoyed meeting many of you and look forward to meeting many more. Thank you!
All of you contribute to other values that we had a hard time naming. Words like peaceful, holistic, and spirit came up. When pushed to the limit of words, I often resort to stories. As I head out of this place for a meeting or engagement in the community, I often hold the door for someone entering the Center and say hello. I respect their privacy and don’t make much small talk. There is still a connection, at least for me. I know that regardless of why they are here, for counseling, spiritual direction, scheduling a future appointment, addressing a question about a bill, a class, a prescription re-fill, or any other number of reasons, I know they will encounter someone who cares. I like to think they will leave this place with a stronger sense of peace; that whatever strategy for healing is necessary, their whole story (body, mind and spirit) will be taken into account; that their spirit will be lifted up as a result of their time with us.
Knowing that I work in a place that does that kind of work brings me great joy, along with a healthy dose of humility and privilege. Thank you, all of you, for all you do to make it possible to carry on this crucial mission.
It’s been a great year.
I can’t wait for an even better 2018.
Jim
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More blog posts from Jim Hayes here: www.dmpcc.org/Jim
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If you are still making end of year philanthropy decisions, please consider helping children, teens and adults who need access to mental health counseling and education.
Meet board member Shirley Poertner
Shirley Poertner, a member of the Center’s Board of Directors
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is grateful for our volunteer, community-based board of directors. They give generously of their time, talents and treasures to advance the mission of understanding, hope and healing. Why? One board member, Shirley Poertner, agreed to share about herself and her motivations. Thank you, Shirley!
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What are your hobbies? travel, mystery novels, gardening, walking with my dog, Cooper
What is your professional background? I worked in banking for ten years before taking corporate positions at Meredith Corporation and DuPont Pioneer. I formed a management consulting firm in 1994 and for twenty years, offered leadership development, executive coaching , and strategic planning services. The last ten years of my professional career, I was an Associate of VitalSmarts LLC in Provo, UT and marketed, sold and delivered workshops based on the New York Times bestselling book, Crucial Conversations.
Tell us about your educational background: I have a teaching degree from NE MO State University (…now Truman U) and a Master’s in adult education from Drake University.
How did you get involved with the Center’s Board of Directors? I had used the Center’s services over the last fifteen years, donated annually, and I knew a number of the Center’s staff and board members. I had always thought the Center would be a wonderful place to contribute by sharing some of my professional skills. When my name was mentioned as a potential board member and I was contacted, I immediately said, “Yes!”
What do you find most inspiring about the Center’s mission? The most inspiring aspect of the Center for me is its spiritually integrated counseling and its focus on holistic healing and self-discovery. The Center’s services that I tapped into in the early 2000’s literally changed my life, enriching my perspective on who I am and what I have to offer the world.
What would you like others to know about the Center? I’d like others to know what a unique place the Center is, its diversity of services, its inclusiveness and accessibility. We don’t turn anyone away who is in need of healing, offering a sliding fee schedule and assistance funds.
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If you are still making end of year philanthropy decisions, please consider helping children, teens and adults who need access to mental health counseling and education.
In gratitude to Betty Durden
Betty Durden: Leaving a legacy for the Center’s future
Betty Durden (photo courtesy of her family)
(October 2017) – Betty Durden lived large and gave generously. A woman of extensive accomplishment, she led with courage even when personal risk was high and rewards limited.
Of the many organizations Betty supported, she gave to the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center throughout her lifetime including serving as a member of the Center’s Foundation Board and advising on human resource best practices. At the time of her death she left a large legacy gift to the Center – a bequest that will help ensure access to counseling services for others, for years to come.
On October 12, 2017, the family of Betty Durden hosted a reception at the Center to honor Betty, and to present a large bequest check from Betty’s estate to fulfill her philanthropic wishes. Center staff were grateful for the invitation to join in the celebration of Betty’s life, and to witness the gift presentation following comments offered by Betty’s daughter, Barbara Durden Davis (see transcript below).
We are forever grateful for Betty Durden’s vision, support and remarkable legacy — supporting our shared mission of understanding, hope and healing far into the future.
The full transcript of Barbara Durden Davis’ presentation
The family of Betty Durden, along with the Center’s executive director Jim Hayes, board vice chair Sally Wood, and Center founders Ellery Duke and Eileen Burtle.
Good Afternoon –
My name is Barbara Durden Davis and I am the daughter of Betty J. Durden. My oldest brother, Rick Durden is here as is my other brother, David. Along with David is his wife Loretta and with me are my husband Mark Davis, my daughters Erin and Erika Romar and my granddaughter Kiylah Reed. My first cousin, my mother’s nephew Ron Morden is also here (see family photo above). My brother Rick’s wife, Karen, was going to come but unfortunately was unable to do so at the last minute.
Our Mother, Betty, died on February 20th of this year and my brothers and I are carrying out the wishes she specifically delineated in her will. But before we make the check presentation, I’d like to tell you a bit about her.
She received her BA in English from Drake in 1948 after having a couple of hiccups in her education due to time spent at the FBI in Washington D.C. in the steno pool and serving as a Yeoman in the WAVES.
She received an MSE in Guidance and Counseling in 1971 and then an Ed.D in 1990 when she was 67 years old. Both of these were from Drake University.
While she was in a volunteer position at the Des Moines YWCA, she was approached during the summer of 1969 to join Drake University as Director of Women Programs where she was to set up a program of continuing education for women. She accepted and was appointed Assistant to the Dean of Continuing Education. She stayed with Drake through 1988 retiring as Director of Human Resources and Special Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity Programs.
In 1984 she had been honored as a YWCA Woman of the Achievement.
In her “spare” time, she organized and chaired Governor Robert D. Ray’s Commission on the Status of Women, was the State Chair of ERA of Iowa, sat on boards of Interstate Association of Commissions of Status of Women, Children and Families of Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
In talking with your Director Emeritus, Ellery Duke, I found out how our Mother began her relationship with Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. Although he didn’t remember who had recommended for her to come on the Board, it was her knowledge of personnel issues which made her a valuable asset to Ellery and the Center. She and the Personnel Committee of the Board reviewed the employment handbook and helped make sure the Center was complying with employment rules and regulations. Ellery said he relied on her for her expertise in the area of Human Resources.
When her term as a regular board member was coming to an end, she wanted to become a Foundation Board member and did so. Which she then became the President of. A former employee here recalls our Mother’s tremendous organizational skills and the follow-up she provided. She always had an agenda ready for the meeting and provided typed minutes to the Board members thereafter. Although no longer the President, Mother was an active member of the Foundation Board during the time of the Capital Campaign which resulted in the facility we are in now. And, fortunately, she was able to live the benefits of this new facility through partaking in the therapy services herself and personally knowing that others were receiving the help they needed.
A little insight into her private life: She had her hair done weekly. She would not go anywhere without her lipstick on. She had a passion for fine jewelry and Persian rugs. When most people walk into a room they notice the walls, the furniture and maybe the lighting. Our mother walked in with her head down, inspecting what covering was on the floors. She collected teacups and saucers. She loved eggs made out of all kinds of substances; stone, malachite, porcelain, glass… She felt that eggs were a representation of life’s renewal. She studied and educated herself on various religions. Oh, and she was a published author at age 90. She wrote “Sanity after Seventy, a humorous and poignant look at life in the very mature years….by a woman who is living them.”
At times she was quite haughty and a snob. She was almost the spitting image of Queen Elizabeth II and in our family, she WAS the Queen. But she was a very loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent role model for women and she had an adage for us: if you join a group and don’t like how it is run, either quit or take it over!
Our Mother was a huge believer in education and in helping others. She had a deep sense of faith. Ellery Duke told me that Mother was especially pleased with Des Moines Pastoral Counseling because of your ability to integrate spirituality and human need. This bequest to Des Moines Pastoral Counseling was not a last minute decision nor was it made lightly. I was her attorney for many years and every time we dealt with her estate planning, she made sure that she would be providing for this Center. And as such, our Mother presents to you a check.
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For more information about the benefits of estate giving, please visit www.dmpcc.org/legacy.
Media Release
The community is invited to the 19th Annual Women Helping Women luncheon, benefitting vulnerable women and girls who need mental health counseling
- Link to Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1191939134176001/
- Photos at bottom of screen.
Click image to launch printer friendly version
(Des Moines, Iowa) May 2, 2017 – The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is hosting its 19th Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon, benefitting vulnerable women and girls who need quality mental health services. The luncheon will take place on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines. To make reservations, please visit www.dmpcc.org or call 515-251-6670.
The keynote speaker will be artist, professor and social activist Tilly Woodward. The honoree will be Pamela Bass-Bookey, whose leadership as a founding member and first President of the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation has helped to make Des Moines a world class destination for public art.
Women Helping Women has built a strong reputation as an event that provides stimulating, motivational speakers, creates an exceptional opportunity for networking, and, most importantly, supports women in need. Last year nearly 500 people attended the event and the funds raised helped provide over one thousand counseling sessions for women and girls who otherwise would not have had access to counseling.
“It is deeply moving to see how people respond to Women Helping Women with great generosity in spirit and support,” said Terri Mork Speirs, Director of Marketing at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. “Many of us have personal experience with depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, loss and other emotional challenges – and we want to help others. The luncheon is a chance to enjoy a lovely time with friends for a great cause while being inspired by two amazing women.”
Mental health is an important issue for all. For women and girls the needs are further complicated because of their overrepresentation in populations that experience poverty and crime. Lone mothers can be the most vulnerable and often have little to no access to resources, including counseling and psychiatry.
Since 1999, the Center’s Women Helping Women annual luncheon has raised almost $700,000 to provide counseling assistance so that those who need professional help may access it, including those who are underinsured or live in low-income households.
For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.dmpcc.org or contact Terri Speirs at [email protected] or 515-251-6670.
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More about the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center:
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization serving more than 3,700 individuals annually including 645 children and adolescents. The Center is not affiliated with a particular religious group and respects the values of all. Although best known for its 45 years of providing professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services to promote education and understanding:
- Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
- Psychiatry
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Training for clinical professionals
- Leadership and spiritual life programming
- Career Coaching
- Conflict transformation and strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
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Media contact:
Terri Speirs, Director of Marketing and Communications
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
8553 Urbandale Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
515-251-6670 / [email protected] / www.dmpcc.org / YouTube Channel
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Related photos
Event speaker, Tilly Woodward, click for high resolution image
We’re expecting 500 attendees. Click image for high resolution image.
Women Helping Women logo
Thank you to the 2017 women helping women sponsors and donors
Thank you to the many businesses and individuals who have provided support to the 19th Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon, ensuring greater access to quality mental health services for vulnerable girls and women from low-income households.
Media Release
Community raises more than $50,000 to develop new and innovative mental health counseling services
(Des Moines, Iowa) November 23, 2016 – More than $50,000 has been raised by the community in October and November to support mental health services through the Ellery H. Duke Fund for Hope & Healing. The fund honors Ellery Duke’s 40 years at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center as licensed psychologist and executive director, and provides critical resources to serve children, adolescents and adults who need quality counseling.
The Ellery H. Duke Fund for Hope & Healing will support new innovative programs and services such as:
- groups for survivors of suicide loss
- services for Spanish speaking clients
- support for families of addicted loved ones
- satellite counseling centers in neighborhoods with populations of vulnerable and underserved persons
The Center operates in a culture of continuous learning and consultation, a philosophy cultivated by Duke’s leadership. With 26 licensed counselors who are masters and doctorate level experts in their respective fields, the possibilities for research and development are great.
The community need is also great. Consider these Iowa statistics:
- About 25,000 adolescents aged 12-17 (10.4 percent of all adolescents) experience at least one Major Depressive Episode annually. [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Behavioral Health Barometer, Iowa, 2015, surveys conducted 2010 – 2014]
- Approximately 60 percent of adults and 50 percent of children who need mental health treatment do not receive the services needed. [The National Alliance on Mental Illness]
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15 – 44 year olds, and the third leading cause of death for 5 – 14 years olds. [Iowa Department of Health]
In addition to implementing new and innovative solutions to urgent mental health issues, The Ellery H. Duke Fund for Hope and Healing may also be used to support existing programs and services such as the Center’s counseling assistance fund and the graduate psychology training program, the Center’s 20-year-old practicum that trains the next generation of psychotherapists.
“Ellery has been a great source of inspiration and professionalism for so many people,” said Mary Gottschalk, President of the Center’s Board of Directors. “We live in a world where mental health still carries negative stigma and is squeezed for resources. Yet Ellery has built a highly-respected organization, and recruited high-level clinicians to provide psychological services for people from all walks of life.”
“Many colleagues have worked together over the years to grow the Center’s mission,” said Duke, who is retiring as executive director in December. “When I think of the people who will be served through this new fund, I am deeply honored and grateful,” said Duke.
The mission of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling center is to bring understanding, hope and healing to people of all ages through counseling and education.
For more information about Ellery Duke’s tenure please visit: dmpcc.org/Ellery.
More about the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center:
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization serving more than 4,000 individuals annually including up to 800 children and adolescents. Although best known for its 44 years of providing professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services in psychotherapy and education:
- Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
- Psychiatry
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Training for clinical professionals
- Leadership and spiritual life programming
- Career counseling
- Conflict transformation and strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
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Media contact:
- Terri Speirs, Director of Marketing and Communications
- Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
- 8553 Urbandale Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
- 515-251-6670 (w) / 515-770-5155 (c) / [email protected] / dmpcc.org
From the Desk of Ellery Duke – November 2016
Dear Friend,As I draw closer to my retirement date in December 2016 I want to express how grateful I am for you. Thank you for your interest, your time, your financial gifts, your trust and your many contributions to the Center’s growth. It has been my priviledge to work with so many fine staff and board members. It has been my delight to relate to so many generous donors. And, it has been my honor to really learn about life from so many people facing tough challenges with courage and resilience.
There is so much more I can say but for now I would simply like to offer this: thank you. I look forward to working together with Jim Hayes, our incoming executive director, for the month of December before passing the baton. I am excited for his leadership and look forward to supporting him with the same enthusiasm you have all given to me.
Ellery H. Duke, Ph.D.
Executive Director and Licenced Pyschologist
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
For more information about Ellery’s tenure: dmpcc.org/Ellery
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center earns accreditation renewal
(Des Moines, Iowa) September 13, 2016 – The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center has been awarded Full Accreditation renewal for June 2016 – June 2020, from The Samaritan Institute, located in Denver, Colorado.
“Accreditation is a major accomplishment and demonstrates a Center’s commitment to excellence,” according to Robert Johnson, L.D.S.W., President/CEO for the Samaritan Institute, the headquarters for an international network of Samaritan Centers. “The accreditation process indicates that Centers offer professional services within a framework of quality organizational, administrative, and financial practices,” Johnson said.
The accreditation process is a rigorous four-month self-study to evaluate the quality of clinical services, community support, management processes, educational programs, administrative functioning, financial accountability, marketing and communication efforts, and overall Center effectiveness.
The Samaritan Ministry advocates the concept of interfaith, team-oriented, and cost-efficient counseling, emphasizing the inter-relatedness of mind, body, spirit and community.
“I am so proud of our clinicians and staff for their excellence that makes it possible for us to earn this accreditation, and to serve the community through quality counseling and education,” said Ellery Duke, executive director of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling. “I am also grateful to our capable board of directors, generous base of support and clients who entrust us with their concerns. This is a team effort.”
Through its affiliation with the Samaritan Institute, the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is part of an international network of 62 Samaritan Centers with 481 offices in 25 states and Japan.
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center was established in 1972 by the First United Methodist Church. Community support has expanded to include a broad band of individual donors and generous corporate and foundation support, including the Dean and Sandra Carlson Foundation, the Fred Maytag Foundation, BWA Foundation, the Gannett Foundation/The Des Moines Register, Polk County Board of Supervisors, the Principal Financial Group Foundation, Westbancorporation Foundation and more.
More about the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center:
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization serving more than 4,000 individuals annually including up to 800 children and adolescents, through 26 licensed clinicians. In 2015, the Center operated with a $2.9 million budget. Although best known for its 44 years of providing professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services:
- Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
- Psychiatric consultation and care
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Training for clinical professionals
- Leadership and spiritual life programming
- Career Coaching
- Conflict transformation and strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
Thank you Ellery!
From the Desk of Ellery Duke – November 2016
A message of Gratitude from Ellery here.
Honor Ellery with a gift to the Ellery H. Duke Fund for Hope & Healing
After nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Ellery will be retiring in December 2016. We invite you to recognize Ellery for the impact he has made on the lives of so many. This fund will help ensure a legacy of hope and healing for generations to come.
Ellery’s retirement message – June 2016
Click image to launch a PDF of Ellery’s letter to supporters of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
Media Kit
Media release – Dr. Ellery Duke announces retirement after leading large mental health
organization and counseling clients for nearly 40 years
2015 Annual Report – Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Three-Minute Video – Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Images – Click images to launch high resolution version for print.
Ellery Duke, Ph.D., licensed psychologist
Ellery Duke, Ph.D., licensed psychologist
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Ellery’s bike ride across America
Ellery bicycled 3,571 miles in 32 days, July 7 – August 7, 2013, raising more than $30,000 for mental health counseling assistance. Read his biking blog here.
Click image to access a photo album
