Mental health supporters come together to benefit spiritual care at the Women’s Gathering

06/14/23 01:00:pm

More than $50,000 was raised to support Rogers’ spiritual care program, thanks to generous sponsors, underwriters, donors, and attendees of the 19th annual Women’s Gathering at the Wisconsin Club, held May 16.

Funded 100% by the Rogers Foundation, spiritual care is offered in Brown Deer, Oconomowoc, and West Allis. Through group and one-on-one sessions, patients have the opportunity to explore faith as a part of their recovery process with on-staff chaplains.

Under the theme of “Growing with grace: Building a solid foundation for mental and spiritual health,” the event featured Kristin Simons, mission moment speaker, who received treatment at the Herrington Center for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery 17 years ago.

“I knew I needed help, but I had no idea where to turn,” says Kristin Simons, mission moment speaker. “I had in my head that stereotype of the person who drank all day, couldn’t hold down a job, and couldn’t function. I was so ashamed. I’m a professional, a wife, a mother. How could I be an alcoholic? Part of the reason I’m standing in front of you today, is to say that yes, women like me, women like you, are alcoholics, and there is so much help available if you have the courage to ask for it.”

Other presenters included Barb Gromacki, Rogers Board Chair, Sherri Kasdorf, spiritual care supporter, and Whitney Frank, experiential therapist, who led the audience in a mindfulness exercise.

Attendees brought stuffed animals for patients and were able to shop from a variety of vendors who donated 20% of their sales to the Rogers Foundation.

You can check out photos and speakers’ presentations here.