Love Your Neighbor

From the Director’s Desk
Friends of Catholic Charities are aware that we have been blessed with a team of talented, educated and caring counselors. What many may not be aware of is the sincere quality of dedication they each hold to our vision of Providing Help & Creating Hope.
It is this dedication that inspires them to serve beyond the walls of their office space and out into our communities to provide education. Since the beginning of 2019, Catholic Charities counselors have provided presentations/trainings to over 240 attendees, including all Catholic school principals in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. These events offer valuable education that help attendees better understand mental health and chip away at the stigma of mental illness.
Three of Catholic Charities’ counselors, Lisa Turner, Lori Eastwood, and Lynne Lutze are certified instructors in Mental Health First Aid. After attending a Mental Health First Aid training offered by these counselors, attendees leave better equipped to offer support to others who may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health concern or are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Recently, Catholic Charities was graciously awarded a grant from Allamakee County Community Foundation. With the help of this funding,counselors Lisa Turner and Lori Eastwood had the opportunity to complete a week long training to become certified instructors in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Now certified, Lisa and Lori will begin implementing YMHFA in Allamakee County. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
To learn more about our Counseling Program or Mental Health First Aid and view resources, please click here or call us at (563) 588-0558 with any questions.