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World AIDS DAY
Dec. 1 FREE HIV TESTING
(Sponsored by ICARE
& Johnson County
Public Health)
Iowa City Public Library
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Registration not required.
Give Hope
Online Auction! Feb. 28 - March 9, 2010 Read more under Events & Activities. |
| The Perfect Gift! |
Looking for that perfect holiday gift to give?
Come holiday time it can be a dilemma to decide what gift to give and what the receiver will like. A gift of hope is truly unforgettable. Make a donation in the name of those on your holiday gift list. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Contact Sandy Durbala or call 319-248-8788. She'll be happy to facilitate your gift and provide a certificate for your gift-giving. |
| Did You Know? |
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The Client Experience
MECCA has enhanced the client experience by offering physical and recreational activities for persons in residential programming. In addition to leisurely walks to relax and meditate, we encourage everyone to participate in a brisk cardio walk. We also offer informal sports activities (throwing frisbees, footballs, and playing soccer). We are researching the possibility of offering yoga classes for clients as well.
Residential clients in Iowa City attend an Open Mic night at a local coffee shop -an activity our clients really enjoy.
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Voices from Within... |
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"I got a lot out of my stay. I learned coping skills to control being overwhelmed. The staff was awesome. You all truly seem to care about each and everyone."
-Residential Client |
| About MECCA |
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MECCA Services is a community-based,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to:
A full range of substance abuse services are offered, including prevention, early intervention, assessment, detoxification, treatment and continuing care.
MECCA Services' facilities are located in Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Polk, Warren and Washington Counties. For more information about MECCA, please visit:
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Contact
Community Affairs |
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Shannon Wagner
VP of Comm. Affairs
Event & Volunteer Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Please contact Sandy with comments or suggestions regarding the newsletter.
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From the Development Desk
Welcome to the first edition of MECCA Matters, MECCA Services' e-newsletter designed to keep you informed of the latest developments in programming as well as share information on upcoming events and fundraising activities.
First, I would like to introduce myself as the newest member of the Community Affairs team. My name is Sandy Durbala and I am really excited to represent the many programs of MECCA Services as the Fund Development Manager. My background includes 14 years fundraising for Grinnell College as well as prior experience in trust administration while on staff at an Iowa City bank.
For me personally, I feel I have come home and look forward to being an active member of the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids corridor community. I also look forward to the opportunity to meet each of our many volunteers and donors in the near future. The time, talents and financial support you provide to MECCA is invaluable.
I hope you will enjoy reading news from MECCA and encourage you to provide comments and suggestions for future issues. If someone you know would benefit from receiving the newsletter, please use the link at the bottom of this page to forward it on. They can then click on the Subscribe link within the e-mail.
Thank you once again for your continued support of MECCA and its programs.
Sincerely,  Sandy Durbala
Fund Development Manager |
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Events & Activities...
World AIDS Day - Dec. 1
Free Rapid HIV Testing
ICARE and Johnson County Public Health will be offering free Rapid HIV testing on World AIDS Day, Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 10 to 3:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library. This is a quick, pin prick blood test with results in just 20 minutes. Counselors will be available to talk about HIV/AIDS prevention, concerns you may have, and where to get treatment or participate in support groups. Testing is open to anyone in the community. For more information, visit www.icareiowa.org or call 319-338-2135.
Give Hope Online Auction!
Feb. 28 - March 9, 2010
Need a hand spring cleaning? Dreading filing your taxes? Looking for the perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift? Sick of walking your dog in the winter? Our Give Hope Online Auction is the perfect way to purchase local services and help MECCA at the same time! We are looking forward to launching the auction this spring!
At this time we are approaching a number of local businesses - in and around Iowa City - asking for donations with a goal of raising money to improve MECCA's services. If you know of someone who is interested in donating a service or item to our auction, please contact Sandy Durbala or call 319-248-8788. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details coming soon! |
All Hands on Deck
United Way Day of Action
On September 17, volunteers from Principal and EMC Insurance Companies volunteered for the United Way Day of Action in Des Moines. Volunteers painted, cleaned and helped with yard work at three of our Des Moines locations. Thanks to each and everyone who helped make this day a success!
40th Anniversary Open House
On September 17, MECCA hosted an open house in celebration of our 40th Anniversary. A special thanks to all community volunteers who helped us set up, serve food and tear down. Your presence was greatly appreciated. To view media articles and photos from the event please, visit www.meccaservices.com.
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity!
In December, we will be looking for volunteers to help distribute Safe Sex kits at the pedestrian mall in Iowa City in recognition of World AIDS Day. If you are interested in helping out at 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, please contact Ericka Pullen or call 319-351-4357.
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What's in a Grant
In addition to the vital support of our donors, MECCA also relies on funds received from several grant sources. MECCA recently submitted proposals to the following:
- The Iowa Department of Public Health and Magellan Behavioral Care of Iowa, for a five-year contract that reimburses us for all of our Medicaid clients.
- The United States Probation Office, for clients in the correctional system who may require substance abuse and mental health treatment services in Central Iowa.
- The Johnson County Council of Governments, for revenue that funds vital services in Johnson County.
- The Chrysalis Foundation in Des Moines, for women seeking comprehensive residential and case management services at Bernie Lorenz Recovery.
As we all know, the current economic times have made the reliability of grant funding uncertain. Thus, your support is more important than ever. |
Call For Donations!
Twin size sheets
Comforters and quilts
Unused personal toiletries
Pillows
Dressers/Armoires
Lamp shades
Towels and washcloths
Microwave oven
Couches and chairs (gently used)
Women's clothing (new or gently used)
The Bernie Lorenz Christmas Party (for current clients) will be held on Dec. 15, 2009. If donors or volunteers are interested in attending or if you would like to donate a Christmas gift to the women of BLR, please contact Amanda Samuelson or call 515-661-5903.
MECCA Services (Des Moines & Iowa City)
The following items are needed for our Residential Program:
Men's and Women's clothing (new or gently used)
Gift cards for client graduation gifts (valued at $10-$25)
Sports equipment (frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, etc.)
United Way Reminder
Remember to check with your employer about United Way designations. They may match your gift. You also have the option to designate funds, making it very easy to donate to MECCA!
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Remembering Former Board Member, Larry Meyers
Longtime Johnson County resident and MECCA Board of Directors member, Larry Meyers died September 22, 2009. An elected member of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Larry was appointed to MECCA's board in January, 2007, where he served on the finance committee. Larry was dedicated to our clients and staff and will be deeply missed.
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