Donor Volunteer Masthead
HELP US GO GREEN

 
We enjoy sharing news from MECCA through our newsletter and hope that, if you received this in your post mailbox, you will consider subscribing to receive future issues through your e-mail account. To sign up, call any of our Community Affairs staff or go to our  home page,
 
THANK YOU!
 
 
 
 
 Fall 2010 Event Schedule

Bernie Lorenz Alumni Picnic 
Sat., September 26
 
Day of Action 
 Des Moines
 Thurs., September 16
 
 
 
 
FY2011 is in full swing!

Thank you to all of our friends who chose to support the many programs of MECCA with their volunteer time and financial support during Fiscal Year 2010.  On June 30 we closed the books on another successful fiscal year.  We look foward to working with you to help us make Fiscal Year 2011 even better.
 

Impact of Giving

MECCA's charitable account at Stuff, Etc. in Iowa City is reaping great benefits for our clients.  Recently, a residential client who came to treatment with only the clothes on her back was able to purchase necessities at the store using funds in the account.  Likewise, two other clients purchased clothing suitable for job interviews. 
 
Please  continue to drop off items at Stuff, Etc. on our behalf.  Your giving is having a direct impact on clients!

Voices from Within

 
 
"I learned about my disease and how I can overcome it.  I will never forget the impact this has had on my life."
 
   - residential client
 

About MECCA

 
 

MECCA Services is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and/or treatment of:   
 
● Substance abuse
● Mental health concerns
● HIV/AIDS 
● Problem gambling
   
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:
 
 
 
Contact Us
 
 
 
Ron Berg
Chief Executive Officer
 
VP of Comm. Affairs

Ericka Johnson
Event & Volunteer Coordinator
 
Sandy Durbala
Fund Development Manager

Walter Chien
Grant Coordinator

     
 
 
 
We make it easy . . .
 
 
1) Online:
www.meccaservices.com
 
2) By Mail:
MECCA Services
430 Southgate Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52240

-or-

MECCA Services
3451 Easton Blvd.
Des Moines, IA 50317

3) By Phone: 
319-248-8788 (Iowa City)
515-262-0349 (Des Moines)

Thank you for your support!
 MECCA Appoints CEO
Ron Berg 
The Board of Directors is extremely pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ron Berg as Chief Executive Officer. Ron has been with MECCA since 1982, serving as Vice President of Clinical Services, and most recently as Acting CEO.  
 
MECCA Board Chair, Bill Nusser, states that Berg's combination of clinical experience and leadership skills, as well as his industry involvement on a local, state and national level, made him undoubtedly the most desirable candidate for this position. "The board particularly appreciates Ron's interest in solidifying the quality of existing programs offered at MECCA, as well as his eye to the future of this 41 year-old organization." 
 
"I am both humbled by and excited with the opportunity to move into the role of CEO of MECCA," says Berg. "I look forward to working with you in this new capacity as I am well aware that our supporters have been such an integral part of our successes over the years."We are very focused on continuing to improve the quality of our services and I invite you to help us in this by contacting me to let me know how we are doing, and how we might improve.  I look forward to hearing from you."
 
Ron can be contacted at rberg@meccaia.com or by calling 319-351-4357.
 
The Ultimate Gift - a
n Expression of Belief in our Mission
 
Making a bequest is a thoughtful way to achieve charitable and financial goals.  For a not-for-profit who is a recipient of this type of gift, it is a joyous occasion. MECCA has received its first bequest in the history of our organization.  This gift, amounting to more than $160,000, also represents the largest private gift from an individual.  The donor, working through an attorney, contacted MECCA staff for assistance with suggested language to insure that their wish to support our programs and anonymity were in place. 
 
"We are deeply grateful for this gift that will provide updated facilities for the people we serve.  It is important that our clients have a warm and welcoming environment, and this gift will help us accomplish that," says CEO, Ron Berg.
 
Bequest Options - 4 Ways to Leave a Lasting Impact
 
General bequest - A gift of a stated sum of money.
 
Specific bequest - A gift of a particular piece of property - including land, stock, art and collections.
 
Contingent bequest - A bequest made on condition that a certain event must occur. For example, providing funds if other heirs are no longer living.
 
Residuary bequest - A gift of a percentage of the "rest, residue and remainder" of an estate after all specific bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.
 
When it comes to planning a bequest, we recommend you consult a qualified legal professional.  If you would like to contact us, we will be glad to explain in detail the best way to give a bequest to MECCA. Feel free to contact Sandy Durbala at 319-248-8788 or via email at sdurbala@meccaia.com
 
 
 
 
 
Events & Activities...

MECCA Benefits from Local Charitable Drives 
On May 22, MECCA participated in a community campaign called Give Back Des Moines, sponsored by the 2010 class of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Our organization received goods collected through a community-wide drive and will also receive a cash donation which is being used to purchase furniture for Bernie Lorenz Recovery, our women's half way house in Des Moines.
 
In Iowa City, MECCA recently participated in Rummage in the Ramp, sponsored by the City of Iowa City.  Staff members volunteered their time to pick up unwanted items from local residents which, in turn, were sold to the public.  The proceeds from the sale of items benefit all participating agencies.  The goal of this annnual community event is to keep items out of the landfill while providing financial support to local not-for-profit agencies.   
 
"We are always excited for new opportunities for community collaboration", says Shannon Wagner, Vice President, Community Affairs. "Pooling our resources makes sense, and helps us provide the best we can for the people we serve." 
 
                                                              
              
2010 ICARE Pancake Breakfast - Bigger than Ever!
ICAREPancakes and all the fixings were served up for 1200 attendees during this year's ICARE Pancake Breakfast. We couldn't have done it without the support of our sponsors, food and raffle donors and more than 100 volunteers.  $10,000 was raised in support of ICARE's mission to enrich the quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
 
Auction Bid_Final
 
Give Hope Auction 2011 Dates Set! 
 Mark your calendars for the 2011 Give Hope Auction February 20-27,  2011.  The first auction was a success and plans are currently underway to increase the number of items available in the auction catalogue.   If you know of a local business who would be interested in receiving free exposure by donating a service or item, contact Sandy Durbala at 319-248-8788 or via email sdurbala@meccaia.com.
 

Bernie Lorenz Recovery Alumni Picnic 
September 26, 2010 is the 8th annual Bernie Lorenz Family and Alumni Picnic at Bernie Lorenz Recovery in Des Moines, Iowa.  MECCA's BLR program provides safe, supportive housing and services for women in recovery.  The annual picnic is a great opportunity for alumni to socialize and have fun with family and friends.  There is good food and fun games for everyone to enjoy, and a short program that gives BLR alumni the opportunity to speak about their recovery and support others.
 
If you'd like to learn more about Bernie Lorenz Recovery please visit www.bernielorenzrecovery.org.   We are proud of our alumni and look forward to seeing everyone again this year!
 
Des Moines Day of Action
Day of Caring 2009September, 16 is the date selected for volunteers from various central Iowa businesses to work on needed projects at Bernie Lorenz Recovery in Des Moines.  Bernie Lorenz's projects include painting bedrooms, carpet cleaning, yard work, window cleaning, and powerwashing the house