OPPORTUNITIES for the COMMUNITY

Campus High Five RACE to benefit C.O.O.L.

Hold the date: Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Campus High Five race is not a cookie-cutter 5k with a cute t-shirt and a momentary warm feeling at the finish. Leave your iPod at home, come to Iowa City, and don't worry about coffee to wake you up. This is:

- a loud and social experience
- a community event for all running abilities and attitudes
- a celebration of the sport with live music and a post race party

Athletic events are a great way to allow people to make commitments to themselves through the motivation provided by benefiting others. This event was conceived to fund a non-profit aimed at empowering children. The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life) program is the chosen beneficiary of the inaugural Campus High Five Race! Plan to join the fun and support C.O.O.L.!

In August, start checking the website for registration information: www.campushighfive.com

Thanks to all who helped us celebrate the success of the
CAMPAIGN for HOPE and HEALING
at the Groundbreaking Ceremony

More than 100 dignitaries, donors, staff and Board members were present for the ceremony to break ground for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s new facility at 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Urbandale, on Thursday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m.

During the program, Polk County Supervisor, E.J. Giovannetti, cited the important work of the Center in meeting the area’s critical mental health needs as one of the reasons the Center was able to raise more than $2.8 million during very tough economic times in support of this project. “Construction of this facility is a sign of this organization’s continuing mission to handle tough issues on a long term basis, so people can lead peaceful, healthy and productive lives.”

The Campaign for Hope and Healing supports a $3.3 million capital project involving land acquisition and construction of a new facility for the Center. The new enhanced Center will provide 14,200 square feet of space, specially designed for counseling both children and adults, more than doubling the current leased space. The larger facility will provide space for employment of eight to ten additional licensed counselors, allowing twice as many children and adolescents and 70% more total clients to be served within the next five years.

SVPA designed the new Center and Hubbell is providing construction services. The scheduled date for completion is February 2011.

We are continuing to seek support for the full $3.3 million project. Contact Kathleen Murrin at the Center for a brochure and pledge card.

PrairieFire: A Program of Spiritual Renewal and Formation

PrairieFire is designed for people who desire to live each day prayerfully and intentionally, who long to respond fully to God's call. All who seek companionship in their spiritual journeying are encouraged to apply. Current participants include clergy and chaplains, counselors and social workers, healthcare professionals, spiritual directors, parish nurses, Stephen Ministers, hospice staff and lay persons.

PrairieFire is a two-year program that meets monthly, September through June, beginning September 2008, in Des Moines. Grounded in the Christian contemplative tradition, the classes will feature didactic and experiential elements. A new PrairieFire group is forming for fall 2010.

PrairieFire also offers an optional third year practicum experience leading to a certificate in the ministry of spiritual direction. Those participating in the practicum will make periodic visits to the Sophia Center, a well-established ecumenical program for spiritual formation offered by the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, Kansas.

Kathy Reardon, RN, MS, and Kay Riley, MA, are the Co-Directors of PrairieFire.
Contact J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D., at the Center for additional information or to request an application packet (274-4006 or jmeans@dmpcc.org).

PrairieFire Recommendation Form

PrairieFire Cover Letter

PrairieFire Application Form

PrairieFire Program Information

Young Adults Socializing

On Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m., there is a social gathering for young adults, ages 18-29, with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group meets at Palmer's Deli, 2843 Ingersoll Avenue, in Des Moines, for an hour of cards and games. All young adults, ages 18 - 29, are invited to join in.

Our young adults with autism do not easily form social relationships because the initiating of social activity is difficult. However, like any young person, they long to be in relationship with people their own age. This social opportunities group is an attempt to provide a time where young people can gather to laugh and share their lives through cards and board games. Participation is NOT limited to individuals with autism. The only requirement is one must be younger than 30 years of age and at least 18 years of age. A desire to have fun is also recommended.

There is also a “Movie Night” for young adults held at Plymouth Congregational Church, hosted by Sally Pederson and Jim Autry. Movie Nights are scheduled for Fridays, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. This is another social opportunities event open to all young adults, ages 18 to 29. Plymouth Church is located at 42nd Street and Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines.

For questions or additional information, please contact Grace Sherer at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, 274-4006.