On Thursday evening, September 19, friends, supporters and clients of The Brook Wellness Center enjoyed “Dining in the Ozarks.” The nonprofit organization’s annual fundraising gala was hosted this year by Church 3:16 in Forsyth, and included delicious food specialties from several area restaurants. Nicole Hagen served as emcee for the evening; Pastor Jeramie Henson of Church 3:16 led in opening prayer, and gospel music was provided by LaVonne Parrott.
Director Rosie Robinson shared highlights of 2024, including the opening of The Brook’s Forsyth location at 16519 U.S. Hwy. 160, which allows the mental wellness and substance abuse recovery nonprofit to better serve clients in central and eastern Taney County; the Branson West location serves Stone County and locations west of Branson from offices at 11016 W. St. Hwy. 76. Along with the new location, The Brook has added two of four planned new therapist positions, with all therapists now trained in trauma-informed therapy techniques, and has also added a Marijuana Brief Intervention program to serve area youth struggling with marijuana and other addictions.
“Jesus is our CEO,” said Robinson, stating that although clients are not required to profess any particular faith, The Brook’s goal is to have the love of Christ evident through the caring staff.
Client testimonies shared at the dinner made it evident that goal is effective. One of those clients, now five years clean, said the daily text messages during a period of relapse helped him realize Rosie and the other staff weren’t giving up on him. “I just couldn’t do it on my own,” said another client. “I finally began a journey of recovery through redemption in Christ, and now I’m 1,893 days clean!”
The Brook has served 326 graduates through their substance use disorder program, and has been privileged to see 125 family reunifications. The facility holds certifications through the Missouri departments of mental and behavioral health, helping many clients qualify for financial assistance through state programs and various insurances, and fundraisers help provide for anyone not covered through such sources so that nobody is turned away from getting help.
Goals for the coming year include a larger facility to accommodate additional play therapy and a drop-in center for youth. “Many kids don’t realize they have a choice, that they don’t have to continue in what may seem like a family path,” shared Stan Robinson, who serves as clinical director and chaplain. The proposed new center will give such youth a safe place.
The evening wrapped up with drawings for some awesome raffle items donated by generous sponsors as part of the fundraising effort, and the opportunity for attendees to learn more and consider supporting The Brook’s valuable programs on a regular basis.
Follow The Brook Wellness Center on Facebook or visit https://www.thebrookwellnesscenter.org for updates on exciting events throughout the year, starting with a Family Fall Festival at the Branson West location on October 26. Events planned for the rest of 2024 and 2025 will include Thanksgiving Dinner for clients and families; a Toy Drive helping with Christmas gifts for client children; an Esther Day of pampering and encouragement for women; the Walk for Recovery; Family Fun Day in June; a Fishing Day in September, and of course, next year’s banquet.
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