OPPORTUNITIES for the COMMUNITY

Dealing with the Psychological Effects of Unemployment

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Free Public Service Presentation

One of the major consequences of the current economic crisis is widespread unemployment. This life crisis hits individuals and families hard, and the emotional and psychological effects can be far reaching. The Iowa Psychiatric Society, Des Moines University, and the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center are sponsoring a free public service presentation to offer information and suggestions designed to help individuals and families cope with the dilemmas unemployment creates. There will be ample time for questions and discussion.

• Recognizing and Managing Symptoms of Emotional Distress
Douglas F. Steenblock, M.D., Psychiatrist, Iowa Veterans Home

• How Unemployment Affects the Ways We Think About Ourselves
J. Jeffrey Means, M. Div., Ph.D., Associate Professor & Chair
Department of Behavioral Medicine, Des Moines University

• Helping Children Cope with the Stresses of Unemployment
Kelli Hill Hunt, Ph.D., Child Psychologist, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

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 will be forming in 2010.

Kathy Reardon, RN, MS, and Kay Riley, MA, are the Co-Directors of PrairieFire.
Contact J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D., at the Center to request an application packet.

PrairieFire Information Packet

PrairieFire Application Form

PrairieFire Recommendation Form

GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Group spiritual direction is a process in which a small group of seekers gathers to companion one another in exploring one's personal spirituality and the nature of spirituality, under the guidance of an experienced spiritual director.

Two small spiritual direction groups are being formed now to begin in the fall. One group is designed for laypersons and the other for clergy. Each group will be limited to 5 - 6 persons. The groups will be facilitated by Kathy Reardon, R.N., M.S., spiritual director.

Participants will learn the art of spiritual listening to "the still small voice within" as they share the reality where they meet the sacred in everyday life. Group members will open to experiences of quieting body, mind, and spirit; of learning to listen with "the ear of the heart;" of differentiating the Voice of God from one's own voice; and strengthening their relationship with Divine Presence through authentic sharing and care-full listening to one another.

The spiritual direction groups will meet for two hours, beginning with two sessions in September and meeting monthly thereafter through June of 2010. Meeting times will be determined by the needs of the groups. Cost will be $45 per session. An initial interview is required.

To schedule an interview or to ask questions, please contact Kathy Reardon at the Center, (515) 274-4006 or kreardon@dmpcc.org.

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, Des Moines, for an hour or so of cards and games. All young adults 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 adults, they long to be in relationship with people their own age. This social opportunities group is an attempt to provide a time when 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 that one must be younger than 30 years of age and at least 18 years old. A desire to have fun is also recommended.

For more information, please contact Grace Percival at the Center (274-4006).