E-Connect Newsletter / 11.9.16
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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
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Spanish-speaking counseling services available

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is pleased to offer Spanish-speaking counseling services with thanks to Alicia Krpan, one of our three graduate practicum students for 2016-2017. (See segment above.) Alicia specializes in providing counseling services to children and families, and also serves adults. To schedule an appointment with Alicia, please call the Center's intake specialist, Carol, at 515-274-4006.
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Susan Koehler, P.A.-C. Psychiatry Physician Assistant
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Health Tip - Need Sleep? Five Ways to Rest Well
By Susan Koehler, P.A.-C., Psychiatry Physician Assistant, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Sleep is essential for a person's health and well-being, yet millions of people do not get enough sleep on a regular basis. Surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reveal that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders. Helping my patients establish healthy sleep hygiene is a foundational part of my treatment approach because good sleep is vital for overall quality of life. Here are the top five sleep tips I share with my patients, simple steps one can make to create a better sleep hygiene:
- Establish and maintain a regular bedtime and a regular arising time. Try to maintain a regular arising time, even if you have had trouble sleeping the night before.
- Have a regular bedtime routine - a warm bath or shower can be relaxing and help you drift off to sleep.
- Avoid naps during the day or evening.
- Alcohol and caffeine can interfere with sleep. Avoid both after dinner.
- Regular physical activity helps sleep and well-being.
This health tip first appeared in the Urbandale Chamber's monthly newsletter.
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Job Opening at the Center
Part-time Insurance Coordinator
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Click image for more information
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 Register for the 17th Annual International
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
November 19, 2016
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Des Moines University
Student Education Center, 3300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Admission: No cost -- free lunch provided
Questions: chris.frantsvog@polkcountyiowa.gov
515-286-3430
Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registering will help with lunch and planning.
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is pleased to serve on the planning team for this event, and will have an informational table there. Please stop by to say hello.
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New Support Group for Survivors of Suicide Loss
The Center is starting a new support group for survivors of suicide loss, no matter how long ago your loss occurred. The first meeting will be:
- Tuesday, December 20, 2016
- 7-8:30 p.m.
- at the Center, 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, IA
- thereafter, the third Tuesday monthly
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Welcome James E. Hayes, the Center's incoming executive director
Following a thoughtful and rigorous search process, the
board of directors of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is pleased to announce our next executive director, chosen by unanimous consensus:
James E. Hayes.
Jim presently serves as Associate Dean/Director of Retention & Student Success at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.
His education includes studies in History, French, Philosophy and Theology. Jim has an S.T.L. in systematic theology and a Doctorate from the Aquinas Institute at St. Louis University.
Current executive director, Ellery Duke, will retire on December 22, 2016, after serving the Center for almost 40 years. For more information on Ellery's tenure, please visit
www.dmpcc.org/Ellery.
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Create your "unselfie" for
An "unselfie" is a way to show your support to your friends and family through social media. It's easy and fun! Here's how you do it:
1. Save the date for #GivingTuesday: November 29, 2016
3. Click, open, and print the flyer below.
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click to launch a printer friendly version for your "unselfie" |
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Take an "unselfie" or ask someone to photograph you with the flyer (see sample below).
5. On #GivingTuesday, post to your Facebook feed and tag "Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center" to show your support.
6. Continue to show your support by posting throughout the end of the holiday season.
Stay tuned for more #GivingTuesday fun!
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Save the Date:
- 19th Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon
- Friday, May 19, 2017
- Embassy Suites downtown Des Moines
- Benefiting vulnerable girls and women who need quality mental health counseling.
- Speaker and honoree to be announced soon!
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Many thanks to the 2017 Women Helping Women committee.
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Our mission is to bring understanding, hope and healing to people of all ages through counseling and education.
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Our key services:
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization
serving more than 4,000 individuals annually including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Although best known for its 44 years of quality, professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services:
- Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Psychiatric consultation and care
- 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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Yup, that is me in the "unselfie" up there. Please consider creating your own. Let me know if you need help. Thanks so much for your interest!
In gratitude,
Terri Mork Speirs
Director of Marketing and Communications
Interim Director of Development
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
515-251-6670
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