The Brook Wellness Center hosts annual fundraising banquet

On Thursday evening, September 18, staff and volunteers of The Brook Wellness Center welcomed donors, community leaders, and client families to the Seventh Annual Fundraising Banquet. 

Following a welcome by board member Bambi Jackson, who served as emcee for the event, Pastor Jeramie Henson, pastor of host Church 3:16 in Forsyth, opened with prayer. Attendees then enjoyed “supper with a purpose,” along with inspiring entertainment by Branson gospel singer LaVonne Parrott. 

President and CEO Rosie Robinson gave an overview of The Brook’s accomplishments since its 2018 inception, including over 145 family reunifications and over 350 clients served by scholarship funding. “Jesus is the real CEO,” she stated, citing the importance of the Center’s faith-based emphasis in helping individuals and families get their lives back on track following life-controlling substance abuse and mental health issues. Robinson thanked counselor Dr. Richard Staley for his investment of time and expertise in the center’s early days. She also gave an update on Clinical Director Stan Robinson’s health: Following a rough year of cancer treatments and back surgery, he is excited to get back to serving clients, and was even able to combine his meat-smoking skills with cooking by Church 3:16 volunteers for the evening’s delicious food! 

A highlight of the banquet, as always, was hearing personal testimonies from several clients. Jesse shared his gratitude for help restoring relationships with his kids. “God intervened,” he stated. “The Children’s Division is not the enemy,” agreed another client. “They want the best for your kids, and The Brook helps you provide that.” Other clients stated they were grateful for the ongoing support and sense of family at The Brook, major factors in helping them continue to succeed in recovery even when stress and anxiety hit. “I was two years sober when I moved to the area,” said Wayne, “but the support really helped as I got settled and built my business.” The audience was moved to tears and applause by the final testimonial, a poem shared by one of the Center’s youth clients.   

Accomplishments at The Brook during the past year have included new therapists being added; training to become a trauma-informed center; and the development of the Marijuana Brief Intervention therapy with funding from Skaggs Foundation. Statistics show that the legalization of recreational marijuana in Missouri has not served youth well, with 90% of 140 Taney and Stone County youth reporting marijuana use needing counseling for underlying issues. An alarming 13% of Taney County students also self-reported having considered suicide. 

To better address youth issues, the Brook has implemented Phase 1 of the planned Child & Youth Haven, with a separate children’s center in a separate location from the adult treatment areas. Fundraisers have helped cover start-up costs including furnishings, technology and supplies, with additional fundraising in process toward a drop-in center and temporary residential facility. Two therapists are currently completing certification in play therapy. 

“Children are not just statistics; they’re our future,” Robinson reminded attendees. “They need a safe place to be heard. They need compassion, counseling and care—and most of all, love.” 

With locations in Forsyth and Branson West, The Brook’s mission is to provide a peaceful place to find spiritual, mental and physical wellness. As a member of the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers, The Brook can connect clients with Medicaid or other insurance funding; and the scholarship program ensures that nobody is turned away, so don’t hesitate to visit www.thebrookwellnesscenter.org and check out the services for yourself or anyone you know who may need help. 

While at the website, or via the Facebook page, make plans to enjoy upcoming events including Family Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Dinner and the annual Christmas Toy Drive serving children of client families. A new season of fun family events will kick off in 2026, so mark your calendars!