Jane Restores Her Life

Jane finally gave in to her sister and made the call to Heartland Family Service. She knew she needed help for her depression, but had put it off because she just didn’t believe anything would help. At 49 years old, she had been employed on and off again for 13 years. After her divorce two years ago, Jane had fallen so deeply into her dark world that she was “stuck” without the motivation or energy to look for work. Her family helped her pay bills when they could, but now she was running out of money and facing possible eviction from her apartment. Jane needed help to find her way out of the dark.

After a few visits, the therapist observed that Jane was articulate about her goals, but held an overwhelmingly negative perspective on her ability to meet them. Together they examined the accuracy of her point of view, and explored options. Jane agreed to see our psychiatrist, who could prescribe medication to complement the therapy. Through the combination of medication and cognitive behavioral treatment, Jane began to change her thought patterns. She started to look for a job.

Recently Jane called her therapist to tell her that she had been hired for a fulltime position. She was nervous about the change, but her confidence was strong, and she could see herself succeeding in the job. Although she said she would keep the therapist’s number, Jane did not ask to resume sessions as before. To the therapist, that was a good sign that Jane was learning to succeed on her own.

To learn more about Heartland Family Service Mental Health services, click here. For more information, contact our intake specialists at 402-552-7400 or email info@HeartlandFamilyService.org

2011 Senior Prom

High school students befriended senior citizens as they danced, laughed, enjoyed music and created memories at the eleventh annual Heartland Family Service Senior Prom.

The event, held at the Field Club of Omaha on April 3rd, was organized by the Junior Friends, Heartland Family Service’s volunteer group for students in grades 10-12. Most guests were members of our Senior Center, which provides recreational, social and nutritional needs for its members living in midtown Omaha.

The senior prom had a carnival theme, a DJ and songs by the Sarpy Serenadors. The Junior Friends created a balloon arch that the seniors stood under for photos, which were printed and given to the guests before they left, as a memento of the event.

“The senior prom makes the senior citizens feel special,” said Karen Sides, center coordinator. “The seniors enjoy the fact that they can go somewhere nice like the Field Club, and they love the extra attention that the students bring to the event.” Call Karen at 402-552-7480 to learn more about our senior center.

Click here to see more photos from this year’s Senior Prom.

Program Updates

This year we celebrate our 30th year of outpatient substance abuse treatment. Our Spanish language group is the only one in the metro area. The program is offered to both youth and adults, has a strong family component, and offers DOT-approved DUI and OWI classes. Treatment is made affordable through several health insurance companies; and a sliding fee scale is available through federal, state, and/or county funds from Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare in Nebraska, and through the Iowa Department of Public Health in Iowa. Call 402-552-7400.

Good News! Heartland Housing Beginnings has been awarded a HUD grant to provide permanent supportive housing to young adults age 19 to 24 who have “aged out” of the foster care system, or who were in the foster care system and are now experiencing homelessness. As a collaboration between Heartland Family Service and Omaha Home for Boys, plans are to serve at least 15 scattered-site households and to gather data on needs, services, outcomes and housing costs in the pilot year. Call 402-457-7783.

Seven students graduated this spring from our Therapeutic School, achieving an important landmark for their future. This K-12 school in Council Bluffs serves special education students who have major mental health issues, providing a safe and encouraging environment for the students to thrive academically and emotionally. High school graduation allows these young men and women to transition into the next stage of their lives at the level of their peers, giving them the confidence they need for employment or college. Call 712-325-1331.

Join the HFS Friends Guild

The Friends Guild functions as an auxiliary organization and component of our board of directors to broaden awareness of Heartland Family Service and to assist with its activities. Join as a member and know your membership fee is helping our clients. If you are interested in leadership, the Guild Board is comprised of about 40 members who get up close and personal with the staff and programs in order to make big things happen.

Make new friends while you make a difference. For more information on the Friends Guild or to join, contact Caryn Ficco at 402-552-7424 or cficco@HeartlandFamilyService.org
We need you!

2010 Student League Graduation

On April 10, the 2010-2011 Student League class and their parents gathered at Happy Hollow Country Club for graduation and to celebrate their successes for the year. The students participated in many exciting activities, including a bus tour of Omaha led by Marty Shukert, a poverty simulation and the opportunity to volunteer with several Heartland Family Service programs. The 2011-12 Student League class will begin in September. For more information, contact the us at 402-552-7418.

Your Gift Supports Many

There’s a song from the musical “Porgy and Bess” that includes the lyrics, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” But for many that we serve, summertime provides little relief. Our clients work year-round at becoming healthier individuals and stronger families through the programs we provide. And, they depend on support from many sources—their families, friends, therapists and even you. When you donate to Heartland Family Service you become part of that very important support system that helps ensure their success—and ultimately our community’s success. Your gift will help provide staff and services that give our clients a hand up, not a hand out…and will help make their journey just a little bit easier. Please return the enclosed envelope with your gift today.

IDEA Award Recipient: Partners for Meth Prevention

Congratulations to our 40+ co-members of Partners for Meth Prevention (PMP), a metro-wide coalition to prevent methamphetamine abuse that was recently honored by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy. PMP earned Iowa’s first ever “Innovation, Determination and Excellence in Action” (IDEA) award for exemplary service and leadership that demonstrably improves the health and safety of Iowans through innovative prevention, enforcement or other drug control initiatives.

Pictured: Lorelle Mueting, Partners for Meth Prevention program director, accepting the IDEA award from Mark Schouten of the Iowa Governor’s office and Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.

Upcoming Events

Strike A Chord
August 5, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Harrah’s, Council Bluffs
402-552-7424

Salute to Families – Iowa
November 10, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Mid America Center, Council Bluffs
712-435-5350

Salute to Families – Nebraska
November 17, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Happy Hollow Club, Omaha
402-552-7447