When growing up in rural Nebraska in the 1960s and 1970s, I could have never imagined that any member of my family would experience behavioral health issues. We were a normal small town Nebraska family, and I assumed that we were immune from this type of illness. As many of you might remember, there was a stigma related to behavioral health issues at that time, and it wasn't really talked about anywhere, including at the dinner table.

Many people, including members of our Lutheran churches, thought mental illnesses were weaknesses, and that Christians could pray their way back to good health as they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. That's what I thought as well until a member of my family was impacted by severe depression and then another. We were praying and placing our faith in Christ. That was absolutely imperative and very helpful, but we also learned that psychologists and psychiatrists were needed for holistic healing.

Had members of my family not connected with behavioral health professionals, the ending might not have been as good. One of our family members turned to GracePoint for help, and GracePoint restored that person back to health through Christian counseling and behavioral health services. The care that my family received was definitely a gift from God.

Fortunately, we had insurance and the financial means to cover the cost, but many people don't. We should all be thankful that GracePoint offers the type of care that's needed through their professional services which are based on Christian faith. GracePoint offers the utmost level of behavioral health services from healing, credentialed professionals.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of the healing power of the grace of Jesus Christ. Counselors who understand the loving power of Christ can provide healing and hope for persons who are hurting. GracePoint also specializes in caring for church workers who are struggling emotionally.

You have the opportunity to support GracePoint's ministry to help those in need. Your gifts will make a difference.

In 2012, Justin Hannemann invited my late wife, Leona, and me to join a group of fellow Christians to hear the story of GracePoint, co-founded by Justin and his father, Mark Hannemann. After hearing the stories of the anonymous people who GracePoint counselors had healed, we were committed to supporting GracePoint.

Shortly after the group meeting, I was asked to join the Board of Directors. It was important to Leona and me-and now to my children and me-that GracePoint would continue to flourish so their counselors could provide holistic Christian healing to those in need of counseling, in order to deal with mental health issues.

Today, insurance and private pay covers only about 54% of the Institute's operating costs, which means that financial gifts are needed to help cover the remaining 46% of operating costs. Christian counseling comes with a price tag for counselors, administrators, facilities, and other expenses. We are all blessed to be called to support Christian counseling. With your help, we can ensure that GracePoint is able to continue to serve church workers, families, couples, and individuals now and into the future.

In 2016 Vanessa met Justin Hannemann in a professional circle, and GracePoint's vision and successful track record in providing Christian care and compassion in the areas of emotional, spiritual, mental, and relational needs quickly resonated with her. Vanessa soon began referring a portion of her leadership coaching clients to GracePoint for pastoral counseling services. As Vanessa witnessed the healing these leaders received, she began to refer friends and family members to GracePoint for individual, couple, and family counseling.

Vanessa's support for GracePoint continued when she joined the GracePoint Board of Directors in 2021. The hours Vanessa spends volunteering to support GracePoint are a highlight of her community involvement.

GracePoint flourishes by the financial support of others, as insurance covers only a portion of the total cost for counseling services. Every financial gift positively impacts the mission of GracePoint. With your help, we can continue investing in the emotional, spiritual, mental, and relational wellness of all people. Thank you for your generosity.