‘Hope becomes real’: Rogers’ spiritual care supported by Women’s Gathering

06/05/24 12:30:pm

Funded entirely by Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, Rogers’ Spiritual Care Program will use the estimated $55,000 raised at the 20th annual Women’s Gathering to consult with patients, lead group sessions, and offer another source of hope.

The May 21 gathering, themed “Faith it ‘till you make it: Embracing safety, trust, and healing from the inside out” invited women for a lunch and presentations. More than 240 attendees got the chance to listen to speakers, including Foundation Board Member Christie Toson, and Rogers Spiritual Care team members such as the new chaplain, Jeromy J. Wells, DMin, BCC, RYT, USAF ret, who served as the program’s primary “mission moment” speaker.

“Ann Voskamp says it best: ‘Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.’ Our job is to provide a safe space for our patients to face their reality,” Dr. Wells said in his speech. “And in doing so, our presence reminds them that they are not alone and there is hope.”

The year 2024 marks the 27th year of Spiritual Care at Rogers, growing from a small pilot program at one location to a department that makes thousands of contacts each year at Oconomowoc, West Allis, and Brown Deer locations.

In the first three months of 2024, data shows the Spiritual Care team made 781 patient contacts in groups, engaged in 338 individual spiritual consults, and provided 163 resources to patients including Bibles, devotionals, inspirational coloring sheets, printed prayers, and information on local churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples.

“Rogers’ Spiritual Care is on track to have one of our most effective years yet, which means even more patients will experience needed spiritual encouragement, support, and compassion,” Christine said in her speech. “It is important to remember behind every number is a person with a heart and soul, often at one of the toughest times in their life. Their world has become unmanageable, and they look to Rogers and Spiritual Care as light in the storm."

Christine read these accounts from patients positively impacted by the team:

“You are an impactful individual…and you were instrumental in helping me learn more about my faith. Continue to do the good works of the Lord…You challenged my life by opening my soul to Christ our Lord!”~an adolescent patient with depression.

“You have touched so many people’s lives here. They’re all talking about it.”~an adult with substance use issues.

“Clearly from these situations and comments, spiritual care was an integral part of our patients’ treatment journey that may also have had a lasting impact on their lives,” Christine said.

In Dr. Wells’ speech, he noted how the spiritual care is available to patients, no matter what spirituality means to them or what name they might give a higher power. Dr. Wells shared two stories working with patients: one who believed in God, and one who found hope through the universe itself.

“Everyone deserves access to quality, evidenced-based holistic mental health care. We have our own motivations, hopes, and reasons for being here, but we are One Rogers and part of the same mission. Our focus is our patients, and our purpose is for their holistic health and wellness. Your spiritual care department is a part of that process by guarding the sacred space for spiritual healing from the inside out. Our daily presence allows us to engage in ways others cannot. And when we do our part, of holding gently the sacred space needed for internal healing, then hope becomes real,” Dr. Wells said in closing. “Thank you for supporting us and what we do. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Coping Skills Drive, retailers’ donations

A welcome reception at the Women’s Gathering also offered boutique shopping, with partner retailers donating 20% of sales to the Foundation.

New this year as part of the Coping Skills Drive during Mental Health Awareness Month, guests could bring items to fill a patient’s “emotional toolkit,” including puzzles, cards, journals, coloring books, art supplies, board games, and stuffed animals. In previous years, the drive collected Teddy Bears. Organizers say this change proved to be extremely successful, with the wide variety of items received to benefit not only children and adolescents, but adults as well.

A former Foundation board member, Lani Bertrand, RPh, says over her career as a pharmacist, she has always supported efforts like this to enhance patient care.

“With behavioral health, it’s about the entire family’s care and well-being, not just that of the individual patient. During this year’s event, I found myself reflecting back on my first involvement with the Foundation, serving on the Board. It was during that time that we all put effort into both an inaugural Women’s Gathering, and the development of a Spiritual Care Program at Rogers,” Bertrand says. “To be present at the 2024 event with spiritual care as the topic brought me full circle with my support of Rogers. Over 20 years of supporting this wonderful behavioral health program, and I’m proud of how it continues to grow!”

“The close relationship that the Spiritual Care staff and therapists have in patient healing is a great benefit offered. All patients from Christians, Jewish, and all religions - even Atheists - can feel comfortable discussing intangible subjects with the staff,” says Sue Basile, a community member who attended the event. “This gathering is one way the women who attend can spread the word and feel comfortable talking about mental health issues as they would discussing physical matters. Shout out to everyone involved in this wonderful event. I look forward to attending every year.”

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