2023 Women Helping Women event raises $300,000 for hope and healing to those in need of mental health services

Rachel Degen on June 21, 2024

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 25th annual Women Helping Women event on May 19, 2023, which raised $300,000. 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. 

Connie Isaacson, the 2023 Women Helping Women Honoree, gives an awe-inspiring speech to a crowd who gathered together in support of the mission at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Connie exemplifies a deep passion for nonprofit organizations, and we are grateful for her service in our community.

Whether you’re new to Women Helping Women, or a longtime supporter, please enjoy highlights from our 2023 luncheon!

Watch the 2023 presentation to experience Connie and Jann’s influential messages that created a renewed sense of purpose and worth.

We gathered 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines on May 19, 2023! A celebration of 25 years of honoring women who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose, we enjoyed a dynamic program from our 2023 honoree, Connie Isaacson, and our keynote speaker Jann Freed, PhD, who inspired us to ponder “What if the rest of your life is the best of your life?”

The energy in the room was palpable as we honored all of the women who have helped make the event a success for the last quarter-century! This year’s event surpassed last year’s record-breaking fundraising total, raising $300,000 to provide services for women, children, and families who otherwise couldn’t access the mental health care they deserve.

Women Helping Women luncheon fundraiser 2023 program cover
View 2023 Program
A full room of attendees at the 2023 Women Helping Women annual luncheon to assist women and children with mental health support
With 600 attendees at the luncheon, the Embassy Suites was buzzing with inspiration.
2023 Women Helping Women Susan Voss (co-chair), Connie Isaacson (honoree), Jim Hayes (executive director), Anne Kelly (co-chair), and Jann Freed (speaker)
A special thanks to Susan Voss (co-chair), Connie Isaacson (honoree), Jim Hayes (Mind & Spirit Counseling Center executive director), Anne Kelly (co-chair), and Jann Freed (speaker).
Connie Isaacson & Laurie Sloterdyk
Laura Palmer and Women Helping Women 2023 committee members at the "Leave Your Mark" artwork
Laura Palmer invited attendees to leave their mark on symbolic artwork to display at the Center.
Susan Voss, 2023 co-chair
Jan Freed, PhD, 2023 speaker
2023 Women Helping Women committee members and Mind & Spirit Counseling Center staff
Kudos to all the great work by the 2023 Women Helping Women committee and members of the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center staff!
See highlights of Women Helping Women from Past years

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors and donors for supporting our 25th annual Women Helping Women luncheon!

View All Donors


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 event! Learn more at Women Helping Women.

For more information, contact Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development

Office: 515-564-5122 | Email: hstuyvesant@mindspiritcenter.org

2023 Women Helping Women Donors and Sponsors

Nina Pack on March 30, 2023

Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped the 25th Annual Women Helping Women event raise a record-breaking $300,000! Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.

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!

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.

2020 Women Helping Women Sponsors and Donors

Terri Speirs on March 6, 2020

Thank you to all our sponsors and donors for supporting the 22nd Annual Women Helping Women luncheon on May 15, 2020! Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.