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4 Ways to Make a Gift to WellStone

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, News, Uncategorized.

Happy mother and daughter outdoors | Adobe Stock

WellStone is North Alabama’s nonprofit mental healthcare center, serving up to 14,000 kids, teens, and adults each year. As a 501(c)3 organization supported in part by our generous community, WellStone provides more than $4.5 million in uncompensated care to North Alabamians annually. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.

There are four ways you can make your year-end gift to WellStone: 

One-Time Gift 

Give a one-time gift of any amount to support kids, teens and adults.

  • Give $25 to cover a person’s co-pay for medication.
  • Give $60 to cover an individual’s therapy appointment.
  • Give $100 to provide arts and crafts for adults and teens in crisis.

Give a gift of any amount to support the Be the Rock capital campaign for WellStone Emergency Services, North Alabama’s only 24/7 emergency mental healthcare center.

GIVE 2024 GIFT

Monthly Gift 

Support WellStone monthly, at any amount, and spread your impact for kids, teens, and adults across the entire year. Recurring donation opportunities begin at $5.50/month. Consider trading a monthly purchase of your choice (e.g. your $7 latte order or $11 fast food meal deal) for a gift of hope and healing to your community. Your monthly gift builds a firm foundation for WellStone’s future. 

GIVE 2024 GIFT

Planned Gift 

By naming WellStone as a beneficiary in your will, you can leave a legacy of health and well-being in North Alabama. Your planned gift can strengthen our mission and provide access to quality mental healthcare to everyone in your community, regardless of resources, today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Learn more about planned giving opportunities through WellStone by reaching out to our Director of Development, Karen Petersen, at karen.petersen@wellstone.com to learn more. If you’ve already included WellStone in your estate plans, please let us know so we can thank you today, long before your gift is realized.

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Major Gift with Naming Opportunity 

WellStone expanded the Be the Rock capital campaign to include the WellStone Emergency Services (WES) Pediatric Unit. We recently topped $1.6 million in gifts and pledges to support that campaign. Hundreds of WellStone donors helped us reach that milestone with gifts ranging from $5 to $150,000. We are still striving to meet our $2.5 million goal. Please consider a gift to the Be the Rock campaign. For gifts of $15,000 and above (payable over 3-5 years). Schedule an appointment with the Director of Development at karen.petersen@wellstone.com. View naming opportunities here.  

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WellStone is grateful for your support, regardless of donation size or type. Each contribution makes a difference, helping kids, teens, and adults find hope, healing, and a safe, structured path toward long-term recovery!

We hope you agree with these three reasons to make a year-end gift to WellStone.

Give a year-end gift to WellStone to support life-changing and lifesaving mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment services. Mental illness and substance use disorders affect all of us, either directly or indirectly.

Follow us on social media to learn more about who WellStone is and the services we provide.

3 Reasons to Make a Year-End Gift to WellStone

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, News, Uncategorized.

WellStone Emergency Services | Photo captured Sept. 19, 2023

WellStone is North Alabama’s largest nonprofit mental healthcare provider, serving up to 14,000 kids, teens, and adults each year. As a 501(c)3 organization supported in part by our generous community, WellStone provides more than $3.1 million in uncompensated care to North Alabamians annually. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.  

Here are three ways that your year-end gift to WellStone makes an impact: 

WellStone opened North Alabama’s only 24/7 emergency mental healthcare center last fall for adults in a mental health or substance use related emergency. The center is the first of its kind in Madison County, providing immediate, life-saving support to individuals in crisis. We are currently building a pediatric addition, ensuring the same quality of emergency care for kids and teens.

Your gift to WellStone makes this service possible.

GIVE 2023 GIFT

WellStone recently opened an inpatient addiction recovery center in Madison County, which provides treatment services to adults battling substance use disorders. This center is the first of its kind to open in our community in more than 20 years, providing urgently needed beds and affordable care for individuals seeking recovery from addiction to alcohol and/or other substances.

Your gift to WellStone makes this service possible.

GIVE 2023 GIFT

WellStone is the largest and most comprehensive mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment provider in North Alabama, offering a broad range of evidence-based treatment plans, programs and services to children aged 3 through geriatrics. With more than 70 programs and the recent addition of crisis care services, WellStone is uniquely positioned to meet as many needs as possible in our amazing, growing community.

Your gift to WellStone makes our comprehensive, growing list of programs and services possible.

GIVE 2023 GIFT

Give a year-end gift to WellStone to support life-changing and lifesaving mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment services. Mental illness and substance use disorders affect all of us, either directly or indirectly.

Follow us on social media to learn more about who WellStone is and the services we provide. If you’d like to designate your RMD to WellStone, or include us in your estate plans, please contact Karen Petersen, Director of Development.

If you or a loved one are in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to speak with a compassionate, trained mental health counselor. 

To access care and register for services at WellStone – Huntsville, call 256.705.6444. For WellStone – Cullman, call 256.255.1020.  

If this is a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911 to contact your local authorities. 

Four Quiet Nooks, Countless Moments of Healing

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, Uncategorized.

The WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit is making an extraordinary difference for kids struggling with mental health and substance use crises.

That’s thanks in large part to hundreds of community members who stepped up, generously contributing to WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign. Among them, four donors who secured one of the sweetest naming opportunities available within the unit.

“We were called to support the pediatric center because of our experience with our granddaughter’s mental health journey,” said JJ Jayne.

We recently installed signs recognizing the following donors, who supported the center’s quiet nooks:

  • The Jayne Family

  • The Optimist Club of South Huntsville

  • Rachel Brown in memory of Richard Hunter Brown

  • Christy Nichelson in memory of Miriam J. Burnett

When Martin Sisson’s team designed the WES addition, they incorporated four built-in nooks, a pair in each of the two hallways. Kids love the nooks for reading, writing, or just “chilling.”

Dr. Edgar Finn, the Pediatric Unit’s Medical Director, has sessions with patients in these spaces, as well.

These donors made their Be the Rock gifts more than a year ago, long before the center was completed. Today they see the dividends of their charitable investments in the children served by this pediatric unit—the first of its kind in the state and the first extended psychiatric care center for youth in Madison County.

“I was really impressed with the unique design layout, open, airy, with these cool little nooks for young patients to hang out and chill,”
— Dennis Longino, longtime member of the Optimist Club of South Huntsville.
“We are proud that our Optimist Club was able to help make this much needed facility a reality.”

Christy Nichelson also enjoyed visiting the Pediatric Unit, and seeing the connection, compassion, and community her gift helped create for kids in crisis.

“It was simple, really,” said Nichelson. “I just wanted to help provide a safe place for children to heal. They deserve this.”

That safe place for children is serving approximately 50 youth per month, with an average stay of three – four days. They come in with suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and leave with hope, strength, and a treatment plan to guide them on recovery journeys.

You can still be part of this transformational project. To invest in the pediatric unit through WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign, [click here]. Naming options are still available.

Introducing The Lantern Circle: Shining a Light on Monthly Giving

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health, Uncategorized.

Introducing The Lantern Circle: Shining a Light on Monthly Giving

WellStone is proud to announce its newest giving program: The Lantern Circle—a special group of donors who support our mission through recurring monthly gifts.

By bringing their lanterns together, these generous individuals shine a brighter light on mental wellness in our community and help ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for behavioral healthcare in North Alabama.

“We wanted to make sure that WellStone knew they could count on our donation each month,” said Ann Marie Lang, who, along with her husband Gene, began monthly giving three years ago. “This can make it easier for budgeting purposes of their various programs.“

Pictured: Anne Marie & Gene Lang
Pictured: Anne Marie & Gene Lang

Monthly giving is gaining momentum across the country. Between 2018 and 2022, recurring donations increased by 144% nationwide. While WellStone’s growth hasn’t been quite as fast, it has been steady.

That’s a promising trend. Consistent charitable income provides a strong foundation for planning and expanding services. And according to Giving USA, many monthly donors eventually become major contributors over time.

This type of giving is also a win for donors. It’s flexible, convenient, and often more manageable than a single large gift. One young professional puts it simply:

“I donate $7.36 each month—the cost of my favorite coffee at Gold Sprint.”

It’s a reminder that even modest recurring gifts can go a long way when combined with the collective power of The Lantern Circle. No matter the amount, these donors are lighting the way to hope and healing—month after month.

“Gene and I support WellStone because mental health hasn’t always been talked about,” Ann Marie shared. “It was often kept a secret in families. We’re glad WellStone is bringing education and awareness to the forefront and helping people who are struggling.”

Karen Petersen, WellStone’s Director of Development, is especially excited about the new program and eager to spotlight its supporters.

“We want all of our donors to know how grateful we are,” Petersen said. “Monthly donors have a special kind of dedication. They give month after month, often year after year. That’s a big deal.”

In the coming months, WellStone plans to offer more engagement opportunities for Lantern Circle members.

“We are so glad to be part of this program,” said Ann Marie. “Gene and I are grateful that we can help support mental health in North Alabama. These donations help us feel even more connected to our community.”

The very first monthly donors—Jon and Sonja Rossow—signed up in the fall of 2021, when recurring giving first became available. They were soon followed by Jalynn Whitfield, a local college student.

Since then, the circle has grown, with each member making a lasting difference in the lives of the thousands of children, adults, and seniors WellStone serves each year.

If you’d like to join Ann Marie, Gene, and others in The Lantern Circle, please visit one of our donation pages and select the recurring gift option.

Please note: A minimum monthly donation of $5.30 is required by our donor software platform.

Jones Family Supports Mental Health

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, News, pediatric mental health.

 

Tracy Shields Jones: Committed to Community and Compassionate Care

Tracy Shields Jones, president of Century Automotive Group, has led the family business for decades. As a third-generation dealer, Tracy takes pride in the luxury cars her family sells. But even more than that, she takes great pride in the community her family supports.

“It is just the right thing to do,” said Tracy. “I was raised to believe that if you take care of your community, then it will take care of you! Huntsville is such a great place to do business and raise a family, and we want to make an impact for generations to come.”

Supporting Mental Health Through the Be the Rock Campaign

That’s why Tracy and her husband, George, personally contributed to WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign. This campaign raises critical funds for WellStone Emergency Services (WES) — first for adults, and now for youth.

The Jones family was among the first to pledge a major gift when WellStone formally launched the campaign in 2022. Today, a Quiet Room in the temporary WES unit bears the family’s name.

With one in five Americans experiencing mental illness, Tracy recognized the urgent need for the new facility.

“There are so many people that fall through the cracks when it comes to mental illness and addiction,” Tracy reflected. “There are loved ones who don’t need to be admitted to the ER or put in the back of a police car, but there was no other alternative until WellStone Emergency Services.”

Transformative Care for Adults and Youth

The original WES facility, which opened on WellStone’s main Huntsville campus in October 2022, now serves over 150 men and women every month. This fall, the new pediatric addition — Madison County’s first extended psychiatric care center for kids — opened to address the growing need for youth mental health services.

The Jones family’s generous donation is one of hundreds contributing to nearly $2 million raised through the Be the Rock campaign, but Tracy believes the campaign is about more than funds. It’s about growing awareness, removing barriers to access, and providing compassionate care.

“Being a part of WellStone has opened my eyes to the needs in our community,” Tracy said. “The fact that there was a need for the new WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit just breaks my heart. We have got to do better by our youth and those suffering with mental illness. We have got to serve our community through compassionate care for kids and adults in crisis. They need us.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

Three of Tracy and George’s four children are now working at Century Automotive Group and will eventually take over the family business. Just like Tracy and George — and Tracy’s parents, John and Patsy Shields — the next generation is continuing the family’s legacy of philanthropy.

After all, as the Jones family agrees: “It’s the right thing to do!”

Thank you, Tracy and the entire Jones family, for your unwavering support of WellStone and our community!

Huntsville Pool Tournament Raises Funds for WellStone

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, Mental health, overdose awareness, suicide prevention.

The American Poolplayers Association (APA) is serious about the game of pool. But the local chapter is also extremely serious about the health and well-being of its members. That’s why they hosted the first Mental Health Awareness Tournament in Huntsville.

Last fall, within a two-week period, the APA-North Alabama lost three of its players, tragically and unexpectedly. Parker Carnohan and Ben Ochoa died by suicide, and Carl Michael Cilyok, by overdose. They chose to create the fundraiser tournament to raise money for, and awareness of, mental health services, all while paying tribute to their dear friends.

The tournament was held at the end of August, just days before Suicide Prevention and Overdose Awareness Months.  More than 40 teams gathered at Bumpers for the tournament. Through fees, raffles, and individual donations, the event raised $2,755. Proceeds benefited WellStone, which serves more than 12,000 individuals and families every year, regardless of resources.

“This tournament meant a lot to me because without mental health treatment, there’s no telling where I would be today,” said Courtney Hopkins, a former WellStone client who coordinated the inaugural event. “Everyone is struggling, not just with their mental health, but financially and emotionally. The last thing I would want to worry about is if I can afford to get treatment. I know it helped me, and led to a better life for me, my husband and my children.”

Hopkins also appreciates the crisis care services WellStone offers to teens and adults struggling with mental health and substance use emergencies, including suicidal ideations. She, along with APA-North Alabama league operators, Cyndi Harbin and Lee Zeiher, recognize the lifesaving resources WellStone provides to folks in Madison County, Cullman County, as well as surrounding communities. They all worked hard to ensure the tournament’s success.  Winning teams!

“We are so grateful to everyone who came out for this event and extend a special thanks to Courtney and APA-North Alabama,” said Karen Petersen, WellStone’s Director of Development. “The turnout was amazing event its. The event itself was meaningful and it was really cool to see a packed pool house full of players supporting our mission and talking openly about mental health.”

After eight hours of shooting pool, Von Bryant and Carla Dustin Patton clinched first place; Tori and Tyler Petrie, second. Both winning teams added part of their monetary prizes to the WellStone donation.

Of course, the event was about more than raising money. It was also about raising awareness and encouraging people to ask for help when they feel depressed or anxious, or if they are facing any kind of mental health or substance abuse struggle.

“I want the stigma removed from this very important cause,” Hopkins said. “Everyone matters.”

Hopkins said they plan on making the Mental Health Awareness Tournament an annual event. So grab your cue and get to work! You have less than a year to sharpen your game.

August is National Make-A-Will Month

Written by Human Resources on . Posted in Fundraising, News, Uncategorized.

Joyful beautiful senior woman is using smartphone sitting on the bed at home.

At WellStone, we are grateful for generous donors who support our efforts to connect children, adolescents, and adults to health and well-being. We are also grateful to donors who invest in our mission even further through their estate plans.

In August, which is designated as National Make-A-Will month, we remember that a will is something every adult should have. After all, by making (or modifying) your will, you can:

  • Protect your loved ones;
  • Ensure peace of mind; and
  • Leave a legacy

“We are so blessed and paying it forward in our Will to help those in the future is a wonderful acknowledgement of the blessings we have,” said Christine Hinson, Esq., of Hinson & Hinson, and a member of WellStone’s Trusted Advisors Network.

While you can create a will online, experts recommend using an attorney who can make sure your document holds up in court. (If you don’t have an attorney, you are welcome to reach out to the Estate Attorneys who serve on WellStone’s Trusted Advisors Network.)

By naming WellStone as a beneficiary in your will, you can leave a legacy of health and well-being in North Alabama. Your planned gift can strengthen our mission and provide access to quality mental healthcare to everyone in your community, regardless of resources, today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Former clients share stories of how WellStone has impacted them. Director of Development Karen Petersen shares how you can #give to future stories of #hope and #healing with a charitable gift to WellStone.

It’s the perfect time to put your passions into action, and build your WillPower. This video was created through WillPower, a North Alabama nonprofit collaborative effort designed to encourage charitable giving through estate planning.

To learn more about planned giving opportunities through WellStone, contact Director of Development Karen Petersen at karen.petersen@wellstone.com.

To explore other means of giving to the mission of expanding quality, accessible mental healthcare services to our community, visit go.wellstone.com/be-the-rock.