Northwest Catholic Counseling Center Event Sparkles with Hope

Portland, April 26th, 2014. “Swing Into Spring” lived up to its name at the annual fundraiser for The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center on April 26 at Riverside Golf and Country Club. 135 people enjoyed music, food and friends while raising money to pay for mental health care services for those without resources. The event raised nearly $65,000. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Compassionate Heart Award to Mercedes Loprinzi, a longtime Center supporter. (Photo Credit: Kim Oanh Nguyen, Photos by Kim)

Ken Willett and Doody Boliba get into the spirit of the evening.

Event volunteer Diane Millemann does her best to convince guest Ron George that buying beads will add some fun to his evening.

Magician Dan Waterman (left) dazzles Karen Wegener while her husband Brian Wegener (center) looks on.

From Northwest Catholic Counseling Center:

The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center supports and strengthens our community by providing professional mental health services to all, regardless of faith or finances.

All people, regardless of social, economic or religious circumstances, have access to professional mental health counseling. The community recognizes the importance of good mental health and value of accessible mental health care, understanding that appropriate counseling and medication management leads to positive social outcomes: healthier relationships, more stable families, more effective parenting, decreased domestic violence, more productive employees, decreased criminal activity, and wiser use of financial resources.

The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center commits its professional, creative, and fiscal resources to the compassionate care of each person it encounters. The non-profit agency serves a wide variety of people and has a special commitment to women and children, who bear the greatest weight of the dual burdens of poverty and mental health issues. Staff members employ a broad range of therapeutic models and tools, all focused on the healing and well-being of clients. The organization draws support from a broad cross-section of community partners, including clients, care-providers, organizations, and individual supporters. While always keeping client care at the forefront, the organization utilizes a successful business model and sound fiscal policies, ensuring its ability to always provide mental health care for those requesting it.

We believe in:

Justice – receiving health care as a basic right
Compassion – nurturing hope and healing
Collaboration – partnering with clients, the community and our staff
Excellence – assuring the highest level of care for all

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.