December 2024 E-News

Giving the Gift of Presence

The holiday season is a time of giving. Shoppers search in stores or online for special gifts to give friends and family. Holiday bakers share trays of cookies with neighbors and coworkers. Children eagerly unwrap presents to see what is inside each box. It is a joy to give to those we love. Interestingly, Sister Joyce Rupp, author and speaker, notes that Jesus gave few material things to people. “What he gave most,” writes Rupp, “was his personal presence, gifts that were treasures of the heart: belief in self, inner healing, peace of mind, compassion, forgiveness, dignity, and justice.” In the midst of this busy season, perhaps we might consider taking the time to share our presence with someone who is grieving or in pain; someone who is lonely; someone who is overwhelmed or afraid. What greater gifts could we share than ones that reflect the love of Emmanuel, God-with-us?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Becky Glass, Executive Director

Welcome!

PPCC welcomes Georgeanne Fortune as our new part-time Business Manager!

PPCC and Sentara Health Partner to Shape Future Counselors

This year PPCC's Residency Training Program received a significant grant from Sentara Health. In November, Alexis Burrell, MPH, Sentara's Community Benefit Project Manager for the VA Peninsula, visited the Newport News office and met with our residents. The grant funds are utilized by PPCC to cover the cost of clinical supervision for graduate and post graduate students in our Resident Training Program; to provide educational workshops in the community; and to offer financial assistance to clients who are uninsured or cannot afford their copays. This contribution reinforces our shared commitment to creating healthier communities through partnerships with organizations and individuals.

Expressions of Gratitude

Our Autumn Banquet provided us with the opportunity to express gratitude to board members, staff, donors, and partners, whose support continues to make PPCC’s work of hope and healing possible. We were delighted to welcome Dan Stephens, CEO & President of Solihten Insitute, who reminded us that the time we invest in the lives of others can have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond one person or one family. Special thanks to all who participated in this evening of inspiration and fun!

Enjoy more photos from the banquet HERE

PPCC Earned Its Wings at 5k On the Runway

The Peninsula Airport Commission and 5K on the Runway presented PPCC with a check for serving as the charitable partner for the 5K race held on the runway of the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport in September. The race was a fun experience where everyone got the chance to Run, Walk, or FLY!

A Message to Our Donors

Recently, we invited our clients to share their gratitude for the counseling and support they receive at Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center (PPCC). The responses were deeply moving, and we’d like to share one with you:

"Hi Everyone,

I have been coming to PPCC for years on and off. It has helped me to find hope and strength through times that were hard and dark. Each counselor has been so supportive in my journey towards the light. I am so thankful for them.

Thank you for being generous donors! Really, without it I would be going through dark times alone. I hope the fruit of your efforts are reached by your donations. Again, thank you to all the admin, counselors, and donors!"

Your generosity has a profound and immeasurable impact. By providing counseling to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay, you help guide individuals toward wholeness and health. You are a vital partner in supporting PPCC’s mission, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions.

As the year comes to a close, our work never stops. If you have not made a gift to PPCC this year, it is not too late!

Donate Online

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Upcoming Dates - Mark your calendars!

Lunch & Learn- You’re invited to PPCC’s Lunch & Learn Series on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This is a free opportunity to learn more about the featured topics as we hope to raise awareness and improve resiliency in ourselves and our community. All Lunch and Learn seminars will run from noon to 1pm and will be conducted at PPCC’s main office at 707 Gum Rock Court in Newport News unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, January 28th "Bittersweet: Finding Hope & Renewal After Loss

Tuesday, February 25th "Sex Positive Theology: What is it and how can it help?"

Tuesday, March 25th "Laughter & Play for Adults"

Care & Connect Tours- Please join us on one of our tours to learn more about PPCC, our mission, and how we are impacting our community. This hour-long visit will give you new understanding about our services and how we are working to meet the challenges of a mental health crisis. Please contact Ford McFall to reserve your spot. Email Ford HERE

Thursday, January 16th at noon

Tuesday, February 4th at 8am

Thursday, February 27th at noon

Tuesday, March 4th at 8am

Thursday, March 27th at noon

Clergy Connections-

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month

January 21st

February 18th

March 18th

Learn More Here!

Upcoming Parenting Classes

Beginning in February, PPCC will be offering “Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting” classes for parents of children of all ages. This program was designed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, clinical psychologists who have conducted 40 years of breakthrough research on relationships, families, and parenting styles at the University of Illinois and University of Washington. At the end of this six-week program, we hope that parents will be able to:

· Understand the importance of Emotional Intelligence

· Know how to recognize, respond to, and validate what their child is feeling

· Know how to be an effective Emotion Coach with children of any age

· Discover ways to express understanding and empathy

· Know how to set limits and problem solve with their children

For more information on how you can register, please contact Becky Glass at 757-873-2273 or office@peninsulapastoral.org