May FuseNews

YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH | MAY 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday May 12, 2022 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM CST

FuseDSM Quarterly Breakfast - "Human Trafficking in Iowa"

Tuesday May 17, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn - "Owning Your Muscles: Mobility Tools for the Workday Warrior"

Wednesday May 18, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST

FuseDSM NPO Confidential - (Previously FuseDSM Non Proft Forum - new name, new format, same great program!)

REGISTER

Wednesday, May 25, 2022 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

REGISTER

Thursday, May 26, 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT

Firestarter Meeting - Kelly's Little Nipper

REGISTER

RIBBON CUTTING - Walmart SE 14th St

REGISTER

Friday, May 27, 2022 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CDT

REGISTER

REGISTER

UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday Jun 1, 2022 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CDT

FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting

Thursday Jun 9, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon - Broadlawns Medical Center - Better | Bolder | Brighter

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Thursday, Jun 9, 2022 4:00 PM - 6:00 AM CDT

Intern Immersion Networking Event

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Tuesday, Jun 14, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT

Chamber.edu

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Wednesday Jun 15, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

Tuesday Jun 21, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn - "The Hidden Cost of Customer Defection and How to Stop It"

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Wednesday Jun 22, 2022 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

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Thursday Jun 23, 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT

Firestarter Meeting - TBD

Thursday Jun 23, 2022 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAY 2022

MAY CONTENT IN THE COMMUNITY //

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: PRELUDE BEHAVIORAL SERVICES RETAIL SPOTLIGHT: TEEHEE'S COMEDY CLUB RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT: CASEY'S TRAILS IN IOWA- CATCH DSM ITINERARY

MEMBER NEWS //

GET INVOLVED IN THE CHAMBER HY-VEE DIETICIAN SPEAK UP STORIES

MAY EDITION //

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH CHALLENGE – DES MOINES PARENT INTEGRATIVE COUNSELING QUARTER;Y BREAKFAST

p.33 Member spotlight: Teehee's Comedy Club

IN THE CHAMBER //

CHAMBER UPDATES PAGE NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT PAGE MEET THE BOARD - TOM WELCHANS FIRESTARTER SPOTLIGHT - KRISTA LINDHOLM

p. 8/9 Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAR

MAY 2022

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Dear FuseDSM members,

What if we were bold enough to stop and ask our family, friends and employees “are you ok?; be bold enough to help people know it’s ok to not

So, there has been the “one word” theme running through our FuseDSM

be ok and that there is a community that wants to help get them to “ok”

events and conversations, so why stop now.

and that there are resources to help.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. My word for 2022 is “Bold” –

Let’s work together to make sure everyone in our community has the tools,

FuseDSM’s word for 2022 is “Collaboration”. How can these guiding

the education, and the will to advocate for a healthy and safe community

principles help us, and our members, address an incredibly important

where all of us can move from surviving to thriving together.

challenge facing our community?

For more information and resources, nationally and locally: Collaboration is “the action of working with someone to produce or create

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

something”. As business owners and non-profit leaders we do this every day

https://mindspringhealth.org/

as we serve our clients. We do this to keep our community humming and

https://namiiowa.org/

growing.

https://makeitok.org/IOWA/

What if we committed, along with our fellow community members, to

All best,

produce or create a product - or rather - an environment that helped people move from a surviving to thriving state of mental wellness.

Carolyn Jenison

CAROLYN JENISON FUSEDSM CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Speak PR

p.2-3 Don't Miss: Upcoming Chamber Events

p.10 Welcome New Members to FuseDSM

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER

MAY 2022

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

LENZ HEATING & COOLING Lenz Heating & Cooling is a family-owned & operated company. We Provide Residential Air Conditioner and Furnace Services.

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COPY + PASTE DSM Des Moines Gift Shop and Stationery Store.

Clever gifts for the person who has almost everything - home of Imperfect Inspiration.

BELLHOP A neighborhood tropical bar in Des Moines' Historic East Village bringing you back to your favorite tropical vacation.

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LUCKY GAL TATTOO & PIERCING Lucky Gal Tattoo and Piercing is voted the number one tattoo shop in central Iowa specializing in tattoos, piercings, and laser tattoo removal.

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MONSTERAMA ARCADE Vintage 80’s and 90’s era arcade games, also pinball and classic gaming systems. Featuring a full service menu

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THE IOWA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS We help you turn your entrepreneurial spirit into a plan to create and grow your business, support your family, and change your community from the inside out.

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BARREL HOUSE Barrel House Is a warm, fun and inviting, “Taking care of people” concept. We have fantastic specials.

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EAST VILLAGE PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapist owned physical therapy clinic.

Providing orthopedic physical therapy for pain, injury, surgery, etc.

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DES MOINES PARENT

MAY 2022

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH CHALLENGE

BY ERIN HUIATT OF DES MOINES PARENT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. How often do you think and/or focus on your personal mental health? As a business owner, mother, wife, friend, daughter, and all the things it can easily become the lowest priority on my list. Many of us have heard the quote “You can’t fill from an empty cup”. We all know this. We understand the meaning behind it, but why are we not stopping to fill our cups? It is time for this to change!

This month I am challenging you all to a Mental Health Wellness Challenge. I have a list of 15 questions, thoughts, and or activities for you to do throughout the month. These will force you to slow down and focus on your mental health for about 5 minutes. Spread them out through the entire month or do them 15 days in a row. Do whatever you feel is right for you.

Day 1 What is ONE thing you can change in your day to improve your mental health?

Day 2 Grab your phone and create a playlist of music for times you need some uplifting. Take a step further and have a dance party!

Day 3 Create ONE intention today and how you will meet it. Take it a step further and do this every single day in addition to this challenge.

Day 4 Try a guided meditation. There are many apps available including the Calm app which is my personal favorite.

now

Day 5 Take 5 minutes and just sit in the moment instead of thing focusing on things in the past or future. Some may call this meditation :) Day 6 Pamper yourself today! Pick up your calendar and schedule it now.

MAY 2022

Day 7 Spend 5 minutes with a journal and answer this question “How have your mental health struggles made you a stronger person?”

Day 8 Take a nap. Yepp, pretty easy!

Day 9 Clean up your email and social media. This may take more than a day but start with taking 5 minutes today.

Unsubscribe and/or unfollow anyone that does not bring you joy or happiness.

Day 10 Read something that will benefit your mental health such as a comic that will make you laugh, a chapter from a selfhelp book, or a video from someone you find inspiring.

Day 11 Rise and shine! Before getting out of bed, check in with yourself. How are you feeling today? Plan accordingly.

Day 12 Journal. No specifics just write or doodle whatever comes to mind.

Day 13 No social media! Take the whole day off.

Day 14 Grab your journal and have a heart-to-heart with yourself.

Jot down your current needs. Do you need a hug? A cup of tea? Someone to listen to you? Share this with a friend or partner.

Day 15 Date night …. with yourself! Read a book in a hot bath or watch your favorite movie with your favorite candy

DES MOINES PARENT

1.

CATCH UP ON EVENT PHOTOS WITH FUSEDSM! 5

2.

3.

4.

2.

6

1. Monthly Luncheon - Anawim Housing 2. St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines Ribbon Cutting 3. Feed Your Mind - Project Iowa Youthworks 4. Economic Development Committee Hull Avenue Revitalization Meeting 5. FuseHR Forum May, 5th 6. 160 Driving Academy Ribbon Cutting

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

FUSEDSM QUARTERLY BREAKFAST - "HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN IOWA" The FuseDSM Quarterly Breakfast is in place of the Monthly Luncheon in May. We are holding a breakfast meeting quarterly to open up attendance to those members that may not be able to make the regularly scheduled luncheon due to conflicts. Each month the Chamber invites a dynamic speaker to provide timely information affecting our community, insight on issues concerning the community, or inspirational stories which resonate within the community.

There is networking time prior to the start of the program. Breakfast is a buffet so you will be free to network prior to filling your plate! This is the quarterly event you do not want to miss to maintain those important relationships with your fellow members.

Human Trafficking in Iowa Hope for Justice is fighting human trafficking and helping victims and survivors all around the world.

Speakers: Rocky Vest, Partnership Development Manger David Gonzalez, Senior Investigator - Midwest Region.

Greg Hall, Senior Investigator Rocky Vest, Partnership Development Manager with Hope for Justice will talk about his journey in transforming his cycling hobby into a force to fight human trafficking in Iowa and around the world. Come hear how you can use your "ordinary" to do the extraordinary. Your business, skills, and hobbies can help change lives and end modern slavery.

REGISTER Learn More About the Monthly Luncheon Sponsored by:

Airport Holiday Inn & Conference Center 6111 Fleur Drive Des Moines, IA 50321

Thursday May 12, 2022 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT

MAY 2022

SPOTLIGHT

ORCHARD PLACE MOONLIGHT CLASSIC JULY 16, 2022 Become a sponsor and mission partner

Bike at night to bring light to children's mental health needs

Donors, sponsors, and corporate partners join Orchard Place in our

Cruise the streets of downtown Des Moines and nearby trails with

mission to develop strong futures for youth with mental, emotional,

family and friends while raising awareness for children's mental

and behavioral health challenges. The Moonlight Classic is a

health and much-needed funds for programs at Orchard Place. This

signature fundraiser for Orchard Place and your involvement shows

one-of-a-kind nighttime bike ride takes you by spectacular

that you care about children's mental health. Plus, this is a special

downtown landmarks including the Iowa Capitol, East Village, Mary

event your team members and families can enjoy together. To learn

& John Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Gray's Lake.

more about sponsorships and partnerships, please reach out to Jenna Turner, Director of Individual & Corporate Giving for Orchard Place by email or by calling Jenna at (515) 287-9605.

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WE MAKE SURE TO ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP. HERE AT VESTWELL WE LIKE TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP. WITH ONGOING EDUCATION, A USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN, AND HUMAN RESOURCES YOU CAN REACH AT ANY TIME WE MAKE CREATING RETIREMENT PLANS A WALK IN THE PARK.

VISIT

FUSING THE COMMUNITY

MAY 2022

WATER BOTTLE DONATION BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER #FUSINGTHECOMMUNITYTOGETHER This is another one of the moments that make us really appreciate the people in our community and those we get to know through the FuseDSM Chamber of Commerce!

North High came to us asking about a donation of water bottles for all of their students to use at school, and we were lucky enough to connect together 2 very generous members of our chamber together to help accomplish this!

Thank you to Lenz Heating and Cooling and Copycat Prints for their generous donations to

the

community

and

for

#fusingthecommunitytogether in the best way.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

We will exceed the expectations of those we serve and our stakeholders.

At Prelude Behavioral Services, we are dedicated to the possibilities of change and committed to enhancing quality of life through accessible behavioral health services.

Prelude Behavioral Services will be recognized for leadership and outstanding quality in the field of behavioral health, assisting individuals, families,

Today, Prelude provides treatment services to more than 5,000 Iowans each year – a diverse clientele representing all income levels, social strata, ethnic origins, and occupations. Prelude is committed

to

serving

hard-to-reach

disenfranchised populations and to breaking down barriers that hinder access to behavioral health care for all Iowans.

and communities to realize their full potential. All will be received warmly and graciously, and will be treated with dignity and respect in a safe and hopeful environment.

and

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

MAY 2022

PREPARING FOR THE STORM: MENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM BY: CHRISTINE YOUNG, LISW PMH-C The perinatal period (pregnancy and the year postpartum) is unlike any other time in a person’s life.

Our medical systems place a significant emphasis on the expectant parents’ physical health. Parents attend routine checkups, sonograms, and Doppler readings. They join baby care classes and read countless books to learn about the physical developments of this little person inside.

However, like a side to the main dish, expectant parents’ mental health is often an afterthought. From wondering if baby is a boy or girl, to hair color, to what will life be like - how can we anticipate a mental health storm during the perinatal period?

What are perinatal mood disorders?

Perinatal mood disorders are mental health conditions that present in pregnancy and postpartum including depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, and bipolar disorders.

What should mothers know about perinatal mood disorders?

Perinatal mood disorders can happen to anyone and if you have a perinatal mood disorder, you are not alone! Studies show that up to 15% of mothers develop a mood disorder. Studies indicated that during the pandemic this number is closer to 30%.

Perinatal mood disorders are temporary and treatable. Some symptoms include sadness, irritability, anger, rage, sleep disturbances (when you can sleep), feeling overwhelmed, appetite changes, mood swings, and exhaustion.

Who is a higher risk of developing postpartum depression?

Parents that have a biological predisposition or environmental factors are at an increased risk for postpartum depression. Some of the biological predispositions include those who are sensitive to hormonal changes, have a family history of depression, and/or are currently struggling with mood disorders. Some environmental factors include increased stress, first time mothers, military mothers, mothers of multiples, and younger mothers.

What can I do to make sure I do not have depression/anxiety postpartum?

Unfortunately, no one can prevent a postpartum mood disorder. However, you can prepare for the possibility and increase your knowledge to help manage it if it does occur.

What causes perinatal mood disorders?

Many factors, environmental and biological, influence our bodies during such a drastic emotional and hormonal roller coaster. Many biological factors, such as a postpartum hormonal crash, are uncontrollable. However, your environmental factors, such as sleep deprivation, are controllable.

How can a family prepare?

Although not as easy as packing a hospital bag, there are ways to prepare to support perinatal mental health such as increasing education and awareness, attending support groups, taking medication if needed, and receiving individual therapy

Do I need medication?

Mediation can be extremely helpful when struggling with any perinatal mood disorder; however, for many families medication does not need to be the first line of treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) has a great impact on perinatal mood disorders. A combination of medication and psychotherapy may be necessary to relieve symptoms.

Do mood disorders only affect mothers?

No! Fathers can also experience perinatal mood disorders as they navigate through transition.

If I think I have a mood disorder, what should I do?

The first step is talking to your doctor or midwife about how you feel. The first two weeks postpartum are emotionally challenging as your body and mind adjust to this new little being in your world. However, if you have experienced depression or anxiety for over 2 weeks, you may need to take an assessment to lead you to the right direction.

If you need support with your mental health during pregnancy and new motherhood, Broadlawns Medical Center is here to help. Broadlawns offers the most comprehensive delivery system for mental health services in Central Iowa. Our professionals are dedicated to excellence, compassion, and personalized care.

Individual therapy is available in-person and virtually for patients of all ages. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.broadlawns.org or call (515) 282-5695.

MARKETING COLUMN

MAY 2022

MAY MARKETING TIP CREATIVE DSM | DIGITAL & SOCIAL MARKETING

Each year it seems like trends come and go faster than anyone can keep up with in the summer.

As a local or small business working on your social media, it can be overwhelming to navigate through. Let’s talk about when it’s right for you to hop on those fast pace trends and how to pick which ones are right for your brand.

May Marketing Tips: How to Navigate through summer trends!

VISIT

1. Stay on top of local trends and things that are happening around your community, city or state. This will help boost your organic reach and could be a good first start at tackling trends.

2. Try to avoid participating in trends that could be seen as problematic later. It can be difficult to navigate this, as we can’t see the future, however avoiding things with previous problematic celebrities, influencers, topics, etc could be beneficial.

3. Test the waters! If you are not afraid to try out different trends and their formats, try multiple and see what you enjoy doing the most and what performs the best on your pages.

Want some free marketing advice? We're always down for a discovery call: creativedsm.as.me/marketing-discovery-call

DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS

MAY 2022

ADDRESSING THE UNDERCURRENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

DANIELLE RUSCH SENIOR HR CONSULTANT - DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS The effects of mental health in the workplace is nothing new. But what has shifted in the past two years because of the pandemic is an acknowledgement and acceptance of the impact mental health has on employees individually and organizations as a whole.

The pandemic has made it okay to talk about mental health and harder to avoid the conversation because of the increase and speed at which it impacted our daily lives - both in and out of the workplace.

Addressing mental health in the workplace will only yield benefits, so why are we avoiding it?

Do Companies Purposely Avoid Mental Health Conversations?

Inherently, no. The challenge companies face is that they don’t always know what to do. Managers and leaders are not licensed therapists, nor should they pretend to be. The challenge lies in being aware enough and willing to provide the resources and support so employees can seek the help they need.

Managers and leaders need to be the conduit between the employees and the support they need, not be the support themselves. Whether you recognize and acknowledge it or not, it’s still there and will impact your business.

The Undercurrents of Mental Health When mental health is not addressed in the workplace, it will erode your team. On the surface things may seem fine, but if you’re noticing changes in your employees behaviors, productivity, or other patterns, it’s important to address them early. These undercurrents will not cease if left alone. The longer you wait, the more negative impact it will have on your employee, your team, and ultimately, your organization.

Turning away from mental health support will only cause higher turnover, reduced productivity, reduced engagement, and strained relationships

Causes of Undercurrents The causes of these mental health undercurrents vary from person to person. They can be related to home life, work life, or a combination of both. People are human and walk through revolving doors everyday between their work and home life, not able to separate the impact one has on the other.

In the workplace, it could be an employee feeling undervalued, under appreciated, overworked, or feeling taken advantage of, among other things.

While you may not always know the cause, it’s important as a manager or leader to create safe and comfortable environments, such as in one-on-one meetings, to allow your employees to be vulnerable to speak up so you can provide support before they get worse.

The more managers and leaders acknowledge that work and home directly correlate to an employee’s productivity and recognize how to support them, the more likely a company will be successful.

MAY 2022

DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS

Ways to Support Mental Health in the Workplace Similar to supporting your employees and teams’ physical health through medical benefits and fitness incentives, supporting their mental health shouldn’t be any different. Here’s some ways you can begin to think about supporting your team from a mental health perspective: Create a partnership with a local therapist office Include mental health visit incentives (or pay up to a specific number per year) Allow for mental health days in your paid time off policies Conduct one-one-on meetings to allow a safe environment for employees to vulnerably share challenges and opportunities

As the pandemic has shifted, and we’re beginning to see employees back in the office, we will continue to see more mental health effects. I believe you will need to be more cognizant of these undercurrents. It won’t be a quick fix, but it’s important to get started and work mental health into your leadership strategies just as any other employee benefit.

Danielle Rusch is the owner of Dynamic Talent Consultants in Grimes, IA. She focuses on diagnosing organizational health concerns and prescribing actionable solutions to both C-Suite executives and managers to create a safe environment for teams and businesses to thrive in.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MAY 2022

MEMBERSHIP PERKS REFERRALS & RESOURCES DO YOU FIND THE BEST LEADS ARE ACTUALLY REFERRALS? It’s a common thing, people work with other people they know, like and trust. That’s why FuseDSM, your chamber of commerce, is always looking for new ways to connect our members into the vast network that is Des Moines.

When you’re a member of the chamber, you can reach out to the chamber directly to ask for or even receive a referral for business. It’s simple, when there is a certain ideal clientele, send an email to info@fusedsm.org, and we’ll keep you at the top of the list when requests come in for that. Or even better, send us an email that you are looking to connect with any individual and we are happy to make that connection for you.

Referrals & Resources are an important part of your business, and a key perk to your chamber membership JOIN HERE

MAY 2022

MAKE IT OK TO NOT BE OK INTEGRATIVE COUNSELING SOLUTIONS May 1 ushers in May Day, Mother’s Day, beautiful showers and flowers and….National Mental Health Awareness Month

Integrative Counseling Solutions is an outpatient mental health agency with four Central Iowa locations, a team of 14 licensed therapists who serve individuals, couples, families and children from 4 and up. We accept most major insurances.

In addition, Integrative Counseling Solutions currently hosts 3 graduate students who will soon become licensed therapists. These graduate students are the future of our profession and we provide them an excellent training program and supervision as well as the opportunity to become licensed therapists on our staff.

Since 2008 Integrative Counseling Solutions has been breaking down barriers to deliver mental health services across Central Iowa, in 4 office locations,30 schools and on line through a web based HIPPA protected system.

Integrative Counseling Solutions professional staff and graduate students reach out to rural communities as well as 3 of the largest Cities and School Districts in the Greater Des Moines Metro Area.

With specialized training in Adlerian Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Brainspotting, Dialetical Behavior Training, Motivational Interviewing, Bowenian Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, Sensory Rhythm and Movement Therapy and Art Therapy, Integrative Counseling Solution’s Therapists are able to help their clients resolve core issues, reduce symptoms of their DSM - 5 diagnosis, learn new ways to cope and improve their relationships, resolve traumatic memories and increase skills to help them reach their therapeutic goals.

COVER ARTICLE

COVER ARTICLE

MAY 2022

Due to the workforce shortage in the mental health field, there is often a wait

This July we will see the rollout of a new three-digit number ( 9-8-8) for

to get in for counseling at many agencies. I am often asked how to find a

the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which mental health advocates

therapist that has an opening. Here are a few options for finding a therapist:

hope will make it easier to get help.

1) Call your insurance company to get a list of therapists who take your

This simple way of reaching the hotline was established amid growing

insurance policy

concerns about the effects of the pandemic on American’s mental

2) Call Your Life Iowa, support is available 24/7 855/581-8111

health.

3) Call United Way's 2-1-1 line for referrals to meet any human service need 4)Call your child's school to see if they offer School Based Mental health and

On July 16, the Lifeline will transition from its current 10-digit hotline

if so, get the name of the agency who is offering that service at the school

number to the much easier to remember 988, modeled after the 911

5) Universities usually have a counseling center available for students

emergency number for police and fire.

6) Psychology Today lists counselors and their areas of specialization. www.PsychologyToday.com

The 24-hour hotline has been in service since 2005, and in that time has

7) You can google a therapist with a particular specialty in your area

received more than 20 million calls from people looking for help.

8)Pro Tip: Many agencies provide School Based Mental Health and some of their student/clients may not continue in the summer, so....May/June is a great

"What we're building on is a proven, existing service that's shown to

time to get one of those open slots, Our agency is one of those agencies that

reduce emotional distress and suicidality," Lifeline Executive Director

usually sees a slow down in the summer months and this is a good tine to get in

Dr. John Draper told ABC News. "It's essentially scaling up that service

the door.

to make sure that we're going to be able to reach more people and serve them more effectively."

This year we have some important new ways to help people with their mental health.

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RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

CASEY'S "THE BEST MADE-FROM-SCRATCH PIZZA" For more than 35 years, we’ve been perfecting our famous handmade

pizza.

With

made-from-scratch

dough,

real

mozzarella cheese, fresh veggies and quality meats, our pizza is crafted in-stores and baked fresh morning to night.

As the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., we’re known for breakfast pizza (yes, it exists!) and several specialty pizzas (can you say Taco?), while still offering kid-favorite pizza staples like cheese and pepperoni (adults love them, too). Our store teams are passionate about delivering on the food and convenience you crave At Casey’s, our purpose is “to make life better for communities and guests every day” — and we make sure it shows. We are passionate about giving back to our communities because we are our communities. We’re your neighbors, your friends, and your family.

We take pride in supporting efforts that strengthen our communities because our families also live and work here. We know you by name, and we show up for you when we know we can help. We are here for our communities, which means we’re Here For Good.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

TEEHEE'S COMEDY CLUB AN INDEPENDENT CLUB BY COMEDIANS, FOR COMEDIANS AND OUR COMMUNITY.

The time is right for an independent comedy club owned by comedians, who understand and love comedians. We want to ensure that anyone seeking to do comedy in Des Moines has a stage, microphone, and audience to perfect their craft.

That’s why Teehee’s Comedy Club is Iowa’s premier independent comedy venue.

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the club is perfectly situated amongst the city's top restaurants and night life in the blossoming new arts district. Formerly the thrift store Found Goods, the building has been completely overhauled from top to bottom to create a beautiful, intimate comedy club in the spirit of a southern speakeasy.

Teehee’s is an exquisite 100 person capacity venue located at the corner of 15th Street and Walnut in heart of downtown Des Moines. Complete with full bar, superior audio visual capabilities, and a space with character and style unlike any other in the city.

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WEST BANK

MAY 2022

Better to be safe than sorry is the way to go when it

Documents with Financial Information: As a general

comes to shredding important papers. Wondering what

rule, you should shred any document you receive

papers are important to bring to the West Bank Free

from a financial institution. Once the statement or

Shred Day? Below are four types of documents that you

account information from your bank is no longer

should always shred.

necessary, it should be shredded. These type of documents hold sensitive information that you do

Documents with Personal Information: Anytime

not want others to easily access by just throwing it

you receive something in the mail with personal

away.

information such as date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email address or driver’s

Junk Mail: While junk mail seems innocent, often

license number, it is important to shred. It makes

the

identity thief’s job easier when they can access

documents contain personal identifying information.

information on one paper documents. It does not

Since companies target certain demographics, it

take much information for them to be able to do

always a good idea to shred. Examples include pre-

major damage. Mail from government agencies,

authorized credit card offers, mail from insurance

work-related mail, travel documents, and medical

companies,

related mail are common documents that have

organizations.

computer

barcodes

and

mail

displayed

from

on

these

membership

personal information and should always be shredded.

Don’t wait for a personal information breach to be more Documents with Account Information: When you

cautious when it comes to shredding documents. Make

receive mail with information regarding an account

the most of the West Bank Free Shred Day and bring

you should double check there is no sensitive

any documents to be shredded on site free of charge.

information.

numbers,

Free Shred Day will take place May 14, 2022 from 8

usernames, and passwords. Mailings such as bills and

AM- 12 PM at our Main branch location. (1601 22nd St.

credit card statements often contain this type of

West Des Moines, IA 50266)

information.

This

includes

account

EXPERT ARTICLE

MAY 2022

FINDING THE LIGHT THROUGH THE DARKNESS - MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH DREAM CATCHERS The Dream Catchers Foundation is a non-profit group

The services Tricia and the Trixie’s staff provided not

of

offer

only brightened someone’s day, they helped improve

complimentary salon services to men, women and

self-confidence of people that were terminally or

children who are chronically or terminally ill, as well as

chronically ill, as well as those who had hit a rough spot

their caregivers. We will also provide services to local

in life and had ended up on the street. They were

veterans. Clients are eligible to receive up to 6 services

providing a service that helped someone say: “I look

annually. Services include haircuts, massages, facials,

good!” or “I feel good!” They were providing services

manicures and makeup applications. It is the only non-

that really made a difference.

licensed

beauty

professionals

who

profit of its kind in Central Iowa.

"Our fundraising efforts support our grassroots Individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses are more

awareness campaigns, basic overhead costs such as

than twice as likely to experience depression and

website hosting, purchasing products to create a dream

anxiety than those around them who are living

bag for each of our clients until we receive those items

physically healthy lives. For some illness, this number

via donation and to eventually pay for a mobile, pop-up

can be even higher.

salon so that we may travel around Central Iowa to meet with clients and hold fundraising events with partner sponsors"

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HY-VEE DIETICIAN

MAY 2022

FIRED-UP FOR MEMORIAL DAY! BY: ANNE CUNDIFF, RD, LD, FAND CORPORATE HY-VEE DIETITIAN

Your next cookout will be a knockout with these nutrition tips when firing up your Memorial Day menu! Hy-Vee’s meat and seafood departments have all of the offerings when it comes to this much-awaited cookout, from sustainable seafood options to high-quality meat options and over-the-top exceptional service. When choosing the perfect seafood to wow your guest, check out these options as they bring the wow factor to your cookout.

Select your preferred type of fish: Catfish has a mildly sweet flavor with a moist, dense texture. It’s perfect for

BY: ANNE CUNDIFF, RD, LD, FAND CORPORATE HY-VEE DIETITIAN

baking, broiling, frying or sautéing on the stove.

Cod: This firmer, mild fish adapts to all cooking styles and seasons beautifully.

Halibut: This sweet-tasting and lean fish has a thick, meaty flesh perfect for baking, broiling or grilling.

Salmon: King and sockeye are higher in overall fat content and grill up beautifully!

Build a balanced Memorial Day menu: Do not forget to add some color to your protein-rich main dish! Build a salad using a base of leafy greens, topped with bell peppers, snap peas, edamame or berries.

If you’re already grilling, toss your veggies on the grill: Asparagus, corn or veggie kabobs make the perfect side dish! Try grilling peaches or make rainbow fruits kabobs for a sweet summer treat to include every color in your cookout this Memorial Day! If you need more guidance with your holiday menu or reaching your nutrition goals, connect with your local Hy-Vee dietitian on our virtual nutrition services platform. To learn more, head to www.hy-vee.com/health and schedule a complimentary Discovery Session with your Hy-Vee dietitian.

VISIT

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

MAY 2022

Serves 4 All you need:

Hot Honey and Miso-Glazed Halibut

1 (15×5-in.) cedar grilling plank 2 tbsp white miso paste 2 tbsp hot water 4 tbsp Mike’s Hot Honey, divided, plus additional for garnish 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar 1 tbsp peeled and grated ginger root 1 tbsp Hy-Vee maple syrup 1 tbsp Hy-Vee toasted sesame oil 1 tsp lemon zest 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp peeled and sliced garlic 4 (5- to 6-oz.) Fish Market fresh skinless halibut or cod fillets, ½-in. thick ½ cup coarsely chopped English cucumber ¼ cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into ribbons Black sesame seeds, for garnish

All you do:

1. Cover cedar plank in water; soak 2 hours or overnight.

2. Whisk together miso and hot water until combined. Whisk in 2 tablespoons hot honey, rice vinegar, ginger root, maple syrup, sesame oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic.

3. Reserve 2 tablespoons miso marinade for vegetables. Place fish fillets in large resealable plastic bag. Pour remaining miso marinade over fish; seal bag. Turn bag to evenly coat fish with miso mixture. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.

4. Combine chopped cucumber, edamame and carrot ribbons in small bowl.

Toss with 2 tablespoons reserved marinade to coat; set aside.

5. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350°F). Place soaked plank on hot grill 5 minutes or until lightly smoking, turning halfway through.

6. Remove fish from marinade; discard miso marinade in bag. Place fish fillets on cedar plank. Grill 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork (145°F).

7. To serve, drizzle halibut with remaining 2 tablespoons hot honey. Top with cucumber mixture. Garnish with black sesame seeds, if desired.

Nutritional Facts per serving: 270 calories, 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0g trans-fat, 70mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 27g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 23g sugar (20g added sugar), 29 g protein.

Daily Values: Vitamin D 35%, Calcium 2%, Iron 6%, Potassium 15%

REAL ESTATE EXPERT

MAY 2022

WHERE IS THE NEW CONSTRUCTION MARKET IN IOWA REALLY AT? PENNIE CARROLL & ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE

BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT A BUILD FROM THE BEGINNING.

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRENT SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS?

A. Get with YOUR Real Estate Agent. These are three real advantages

Home Builder Eric Vander Ploeg touches on the effect of supply chain

and why we think this is important to YOUR new construction journey.

1. A Good Real Estate agent helps you get in contact with Good Home Builders.

2. A Good Real Estate Agent understands the importance of location and can educate you on all lots available.

3. A Good Real Estate agent understands the market, and guides you to a decision that leaves you with a great lot and home instead of getting burned.

B. Time to break ground. Besides constructing your home, home builders (such as www.eaglehomesiowa.com) provide a planning process that guides you through options on how YOUR home is going to be built.

1. Financing options. Different builders offer different options. In www.eaglehomesiowa.com case you can choose to go through a builders loan or your own.

2. Design and Drafting. This process is the fun part. Although decisions

on the Iowa Home Building rhythm.

“Supply chains in some areas are catching up. That being said, we are still far from where we were. After a good amount of time, the building culture has adjusted to this supply chain timeline as a normal.”

Vander Ploeg mentions that to combat the supply chain timeline, Eric and his home owners “simply” adjust their timeline back to match the supply chain. It is not perfect, but setting realistic expectations helps when envisioning YOUR new home.

The reality is jumping from a model home to a custom home is a pretty big leap in the current market. Custom builds are comprised of real-time decisions that may require patience on the supply chain timeline.

Conclusion

can be hard, most builders have model homes you can brainstorm

In the end, it’s not a bad time to build if you understand the supply chain

with.

and adjust your expectations on the timeline of the project. Get with

3. Location. You’re now financed and have a design, now it is a matter of putting the shovel to dirt.

YOUR realtor, team up with a builder, set realistic expectations, and wait eagerly.

MAY 2022

BUSINESS OWNER TIPS

WELCOME TO AN APARTMENT THAT FEELS LIKE A HOME YOU WOULD HAVE DESIGNED FOR YOURSELF

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IOWA REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME TO PROTECT IT

You’ll want to choose a business name that reflects your brand identity and doesn’t clash with the types of goods and services you offer.

Once you settle on a name you like, you need to protect it. There are four different ways to register your business name. Each way of registering your name serves a different purpose, and some may be legally required depending on your business structure and location.

Entity name protects you at a state level Trademark protects you at a federal level Doing business as (DBA) doesn’t give legal protection, but it might be legally required Domain name protects your business website address Each of these name registrations are legally independent. Most small businesses try to use the same name for each kind of registration, but you’re not normally required to.

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BU L D L ER S O

BY A P AD B O X

RE D

FEED YOUR MIND SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

FEED YOUR MIND LUNCH & LEARN "OWNING YOUR MUSCLES: MOBILITY TOOLS FOR THE WORKDAY WARRIOR" This inspirational and energizing workshop is for anyone who is willing to learn what they can do to counteract the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that our bodies were made to move and people do not have the knowledge or tools to loosen their tight muscles.

Workday Warriors are often overwhelmed and confused about posture, stretching, and what they are supposed to do to take care of their tight muscles.

Through entertainment and a simple framework, Dr. Ryan Domeyer from REV Health + Wellness will introduce participants to what, when, and how they can fix their tight muscles for good. Your participants will leave inspired and equipped with knowledge to feel better, move better, and perform better.

Dr. Ryan Domeyer PT, DPT, CMPT, PN-1 has a passion for helping people perform at their best and reach their health and wellness goals. He received his Bachelors Degree in Sport Science and Psychology from Loras College in Dubuque, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Des Moines University. He is a certified manual physical therapist, certified in dry needling, blood flow restriction training and is a certified Precision Nutrition coach.

REV Health & Wellness specializes in orthopedic musculoskeletal rehabilitation, which is a fancy way of saying that we get people out of pain and moving better.

Ryan has extensive experience working with both youth and adult athletes as well as busy professionals. His sports medicine specializations include weight lifting, overhead throwing, running analysis, and ACL and hip replacement post-surgical return to sport. He partners with each of his clients to work with continuous improvement to get them back to their optimal performance.

LEARN MORE

Ryan is a girl dad, husband, coach, foodie and has a passion to make himself and others better. His movement practice of choice is lifting weights and loves the feeling of a 200 degree sauna.

DR. RYAN DOMEYER PT, DPT, CMPT, PN-1

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

MAY 2022

KINGDOM LIVING BUILDS RECOVERY COMMUNITY ACROSS DES MOINES KINGDOM LIVING May is mental health awareness month and over the last two years nearly every one of us has dealt with mental health challenges during coronavirus, isolation, lockdowns, and more. For so many people mental illness isn’t limited to just the month of May or the last few years, it’s a year-round and sometimes lifelong struggle to be happy and healthy. Kingdom Living was founded to help people on the path to their healthy, happy selves.

In 2016, Kingdom Living was founded by Jessie Goodwin and Mike Madden to give back to the community. After recovering from their own addiction, they wanted to create a community for people like them who needed a place to strive for their recovery. Recovery isn’t something that an addict can do once and be done with, it is permanent and long-term to the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Like every part of life, recovery is an ongoing project, and for alcoholics and addicts having a space and a community that supports their recovery can make a tremendous difference in their success.

Kingdom Living is proud to support more than one hundred current residents on their path to recovery by providing safe, structured, and happy sober living environments. By focusing on transition housing, Kingdom Living helps people from all backgrounds to take charge of their lives once again. Beyond the individual alcoholic or addict, recovery helps bring families back together.

Alcohol and substance use disorders are diseases that don’t just affect the addict, they ripple out to the people they love and can hurt them too. That’s why reunifying families and helping to develop new bonds of love, care, patience, and support is so important.

Kingdom Living currently houses 111 residents (men and women) throughout the City of Des Moines. In 2021, we served 358 total residents. We are proud and honored to have impacted so many individual lives and the community atlarge since their founding in 2016, but the work is far from over. Kingdom Living will be opening two additional houses in 2022 to expand their network and reach even more people their message of health, happiness, family, and recovery. For more information or to apply with Kingdom Living, visit www.kingdomlivingia.com. Kingdom Living is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

MEMBER EVENT

MAY 2022

2022 BROADLAWNS GOLF OUTING

MONDAY, JUNE 27TH ECHO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB Please join us on Monday, June 27th for the 32nd Annual Broadlawns Golf Outing at Echo Valley Country Club. This 18-hole, four person best shot tournament benefits the Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation and supports our mission of attending to the healthcare needs of our community and its most vulnerable individuals.

All proceeds from this year’s event will support Broadlawns Social Services.

Last year, 70% of Broadlawns patients were not commercially insured, with 15% having no measure of insurance at all. Our patients have substantial needs beyond medical care and Broadlawns Social Services connects them with resources to address their social determinants of health. From warm clothing for newly settled refugee families to safe car seats for newborn babies, Broadlawns Social Services provides nurturing and compassionate assistance for our patients.

It is through the generous financial support from our sponsors that it is possible for us to host one of the best charitable golf events within our community each year, and we would very much welcome your participation in this year’s event. We hope to see you on the golf course in June!

You can make a tremendous difference to the community Broadlawns Medical Center is privileged to serve.

SPONSORSHIPS We invite you to make a meaningful difference to the Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation by supporting at one the following levels: Presenting Sponsor - $10,000

Drink Sponsor - $5,000

Breakfast Sponsor - $7,500

Golfer Gift Sponsor - $5,000

Lunch Sponsor - $7,500

Birdie Sponsor - $2,500

Scorecard Sponsor - $5,000

Par Sponsor - $1,250

Cart Sponsor - $5,000

Bogey Sponsor - $750

VIEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

MAY 2022

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MEET TOM WELCHANS BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT

Meet Tom Welchans , a member of our Board of Directors of our Chamber of Commerce. Tom has been actively contributing to FuseDSM and our Board of Directors Committee, and currently serves as our treasurer. Outside of FuseDSM, Tom is a CPA at Denman & company, LLP in Des Moines.

Bring Your Color to Life

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FIRESTARTER SPOTLIGHT

MAY 2022

MEET KRISTA LINDHOLM FIRESTARTER Krista Lindholm is a Business Development Manager for Oasis, A Paychex Company (formerly known as Aureon HR) in West Des Moines, IA. She has over 20 years’ experience of building long lasting business relationships and assisting clients with the complexities of employment. Oasis is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that works with small to mid-sized companies helping them to make employment easy. We provide clients with a suite of HR services and technology infrastructure to help clients gain operational efficiencies, control costs, manage & reduce liability and give them the tools needed to help attract & retain top talent.

When Krista is not assisting clients solve their HR problems, you can find her spending time with her husband Jon and 2 sons. A lot of that time is spent sitting on either basketball, football or track bleachers watching both boys compete or when time allows playing a round of golf, catching a good movie or relaxing with friends! Krista is originally from Sumner, IA and a graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. If you have any questions regarding the complexities of employment pertaining to Human Resources, Payroll, Employee Benefits or Risk and Compliance, you can Email Krista directly or connect with her on LinkedIn.

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

MAY 2022

DES MOINES DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

TIPS FOR SATURDAY MARKET

The Downtown Farmers’ Market has something for all ages. If you’ve never attended or have questions about The Market, here are a few tips: When To Go It pays to get up early. Get to The Market when it opens to find the best selection and the freshest produce. The Market is open May – October, 7 a.m. to Noon May – Sept. and 8 a.m. to Noon in October.

Join us at 7 a.m. (8 a.m. in October) for the traditional bell ringing to officially open The Market on Saturday mornings! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for more information.

Where To Go The Market takes place in Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. For navigation purposes, use 300 Court Ave. when routing to The Market using GPS. The Market is located along Court Ave., between Water Street and 5th Street.

Where To Park

Visitors have numerous options available adjacent to The Market. Several free and paid parking meters, lots and garages are available on streets surrounding The Market. Patrons are also encouraged to use a free bike valet service or park along the Downtown Farmers' Market DART D-Line route and take the free D-Line shuttle bus to The Market. Read more about parking options.

What To Bring Bring Your Own Bag Some vendors have plastic bags, but it’s best to bring your own canvas shopping bag or basket from home. It’s much better than having all your items bagged separately. The Market sells the ever-popular jute shopping bags, cooling bags and reusable bags at the Information Booth, located at Third Street and Court Avenue.

Bring a Cooler Storing a cooler in your car helps keep food items cool, especially if you don’t go home right away.

Plan Your Trip Each Saturday has special programming and a different lineup of vendors. Some vendors are at each Saturday Market, while others are only there on certain Saturdays. Check out the Vendor page and Programming page for more information. (Note that this information is updated frequently throughout The Market season. You can also find up-to-date information on The Market's social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.)

Ask Questions Ask vendors questions when you see unfamiliar produce. Vendors and farmers love to share their knowledge and can even give you recipes and cooking tips.

Dress Comfortably Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The Market is open rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Learn more about The Market's weather policy.

Pets Be kind to your pups and leave them at home, as the environment can be overwhelming for many dogs. If patrons do choose to bring their pets, they are expected to act in a responsible manner and adhere to these rules to make everyone’s Market experience pleasant.

Dogs must be under control on a short leash (maximum threefoot leash), and by the owner’s side at all times.

Dogs need to be kept away from produce, plants and prepared food products.

Dogs need to be courteous and able to socialize with people and other dogs.

Be understanding. Not everyone loves dogs, and some fear dogs.

The Market operates under the City of Des Moines’ laws regarding pets, which include a leash law, cleanup of droppings, current tags and a current rabies certificate.

Plan in advance to bring doggy cleanup bags or use bags provided around The Market located in dispensers on various light poles.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

MAY 2022

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH UNITY POINT HEALTH

In recent years the topic of mental health has been more in the spotlight. The pandemic’s impact started many of these conversations, as it upended so many parts of our lives – work, school, social. With life returning to some sense of normal, here are some key considerations from one leader to another.

Mental Health matters – While the term “mental health” can be a bit hard to define, no one can deny the impact of medical conditions like depression or anxiety. All of us know friends, family, co-workers that have these diagnoses. Sometimes they are well-managed conditions and don’t cause any disruption, whereas other times they can lead to problems at work and at home. As a leader at your organization and the community, here’s what you can do to help.

1. Check your organization’s healthcare benefits. Are mental health and substance use treatment covered? On par with medical benefits? If not, consider making a change in the future to ensure parity. If this isn’t your department, ask your HR leader about it – be an advocate.

2. Does your organization have an EAP – Employee Assistance Program available? Many businesses add this as a benefit for employees to encourage access to free (for the employee) counseling sessions. Let’s face it – people have problems periodically in life and they bring those troubles with them to work. Does your organization have an easy way to offer support to employees? When the issue is resolved the team member feels better, is more productive and is grateful for the support.

3. Most leaders don’t get basic training and education on mental health issues, yet they are expected to supervise team members who most certainly have these issues. Silence and denial is not a good game plan. Consider bringing in an outside trainer to do a brief training.

These can be focused on “soft-skills” of listening and communication or more serious medical topics. Perhaps most importantly, workshops like this help destigmatize mental health.

4. Tell your story. By demonstrating your genuine self, by being real with people, you role model a powerful, authentic version of leadership. Historically many great leaders were portrayed as if life never got them down – like they were bullet-proof to disappointments and failure. Yet that sanitized story doesn’t match our experience. We struggle to keep up with demands at work. We get stressed about financial performance. And we’re not all in perfect relationships. Thanks to some brave leaders, we now know there is another way to present ourselves to our teams, family and community – by being genuine and authentic.

Mental Health topics shouldn’t be taboo, secret or shameful in our community, and the strongest way to lead is by example.

5. Final instructions: If someone you know has the courage to be vulnerable with you and share that life is hard, don’t miss the opportunity to slow down and really listen to the person. It’s cliché, but you could be saving a life. Try sending a supportive text later in the day – “Thinking of you.

Thanks for trusting me enough to share what was on your mind.”

Get help if you need it. Central Iowa has many caring and well-trained professionals to assist you. Accessing care can be a challenge (the need outpaces the demand of resources). Don’t wait.

Author: Dr. Kevin Carroll, EdD, FACHE, LMFT is Vice President, Behavioral Health Services for UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. He is a former WDM Chamber Board Member and former WDM School Board Member. He can be reached at kevin.carroll@unitypoint.org

EXPERT ARTICLE

MAY 2022

MENTAL HEALTH IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION

BY ERIK DOMINGUEZ I was not the most organized student in school. I had difficulty prioritizing tasks and, as a result, a lot would fall through the cracks.

While I would love to tell you that I improved with age, somehow I ended up getting the same feedback from my supervisors at work as I did from my teachers at school: positive attitude, hard worker, committed, but oftentimes lacks organization and follow-through. Not only did the feedback sting every time I received it, but my lack of attention to detail impacted my work.

Enter the stress cycle. Every detail I missed was a reminder of the added stress I would have in cleaning up my mistake. Each time I made a mistake, I knew that I was losing credibility with my team and my stakeholders. The stress escalated to where I was anxious about what details I was missing and who I was letting down. The anxiety continued to grow year after year, no matter what job I had, no matter what role I played.

I always knew that I battled with anxiety to some degree and had gotten a lot of help for it. I saw a therapist for many years and I was on antianxiety medication for many more years. Yet nothing seemed to help shift me into more organization and attention to detail. It wasn’t until just three years ago that I attended a conference that literally shifted my entire life.

The speaker was teaching about common mental health obstacles that disrupt learning and she said that general anxiety disorder and ADHD are oftentimes misdiagnosed. She articulated the stress cycle I just explained above: those with ADHD often have high anxiety stemming from the way that their ADHD impacts their daily life. From that moment, I went on a journey to really uncover what support I truly needed to be most effective in my life.

I am grateful for the normalization of mental health conversations and awareness that we have all experienced in the last few years. However, I still believe that there are elements of the discussion that are missing. It is not just enough to be aware of your mental health challenges; you must also be aware that there are multiple angles of your journey that can challenge you to a point that you want to give up. Below are the key lessons I have learned in the last few years about what it means to really address a mental health opportunity and thrive with it.

EXPERT ARTICLE

MAY 2022

Explore.

Own.

Unfortunately, one doctor’s visit, one therapy appointment, one blood

This is the most important aspect of my mental health journey that I

test - it won’t do it. Mental health is not like a sinus infection - you

needed to be very mindful of. My ADHD is a reason, a cause, a source

can’t get diagnosed and treated in one session. Just like it doesn’t take

of a lot of what I miss and mistakes that I make. However, it is also a

one time going to the gym to get in shape, it will take a consistent habit

superpower - it allows me to see a situation in a different way. Because

of seeking and getting help before you find what works best for you.

of that, I never use my ADHD as an excuse. Mental health is not a crutch, a hall pass, or a get out of jail free card. It is something we get to

Advocate.

Early in my 20s, I was struggling with school. I could barley sit in class. I went to a therapist thinking that I had ADHD. The therapist identified my anxiety and said that ADHD was a myth that I was making up. It didn’t feel right at the time, but I was not confident enough to push back on this. So I gave up. Once I heard that anxiety and ADHD were commonly misdiagnosed, I started to speak to doctors, therapists, and YES insurance companies to advocate for my care.

use to our advantage, not as an excuse.

Finally, it is really important to reiterate that this is a journey. While I have made a lot of progress in my focus and attention to detail in the last few years, there are still elements of how my ADHD impacts my personal and professional life that need to be addressed. There have been and will be times when it is frustrating and discouraging, but I know that each step I take is a step in the right direction and a step in the journey of mental health

Diversify.

When I was erroneously diagnosed as generialzed anxiety disorder, I took the pills and left the doctor’s office, thinking that all would be better. Even after I started my medication for ADHD, I didn’t really belive that would be the end-all, be-all. I pair medication with therapy, emotional intelligence training, coaching, meditation, exercise, community, and more! There are different facets of our mental health that need our attetion and just approaching solutions from one angle is not always effective.

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"DELIVERING OUR PROMISE TO SERVE GREAT FOOD AND PROVIDE UNMATCHED SERVICE."

CATCH DSM

MAY 2022

TRAILS IN DES MOINES CLER YOUR HEAD AND MOVE YOUR FEET ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL TRAILS THAT RUN THROUGHOUT IOWA

No matter the weather, you can enjoy a day on one of central Iowa's many scenic trails – more than 800 miles worth!

Explore the famous High Trestle Trail over the Des Moines River near Ankeny, or make a date of it and stop for a beer while walking or biking the Clive Greenbelt Trail. Check out our guide to the best trails in Greater Des Moines!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS CHICHAQUA VALLEY TRAIL Stretching 25 miles from Berwick to Baxter, the entire trail is paved, making it perfect for runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and all other non-motorized methods of transportation. Watch for mile markers to Kansas City along the trail, what was formerly a railroad route. Abandoned in 1984, the railroad route reopened as a recreational trail in 1987 and features a stone bridge dating back to 1885.

HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL The trail crosses over the 1/2-mile, 13story high bridge over the Des Moines River valley. The High Trestle Trail Bridge is one of the largest trail bridges in the world and was named as one of BBC's "Eight Amazing Footbridges" in 2015. Illuminating the sky with bright lights after dark, the bridge includes six overlooks with interactive panels highlighting the area's cultural and natural history.

THE PATHS ARE CALLING NEAL SMITH TRAIL Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and then makes its way through a variety of landscapes, including riverbanks, wildflower meadows, lakeshores, and dense forests. Plenty of benches offer ample opportunities for trail users to rest and enjoy the deer, rabbits, butterflies, and other critters active along the route.

CLIVE GREENBELT TRAIL For a smoother walk, run, or jog, the Clive Greenbelt Trail is 11.3 miles of smooth asphalt, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. This beautiful and scenic route features an iconic bridge, creek, and small waterfalls.

Located in Clive, IA, this trail is close to many food or drink hotspots, so you can get your grub on, before or after enjoying the trails.

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MAY 2022

The first session of swim lessons start June 13 - get signed up now! Our American Red Cross lessons are for ages six months through adults. We offer a variety of sessions at a variety of times, including Baby and Me, Preschool Swim, Learn-To-Swim Levels 1 5, Adult Lessons and Private Lessons. ost: $30 per group session, $80 per private session and $5 for scholarship-eligible participants. To learn more or sign up, visit https://bit.ly/swimlessonsa2022. For scholarship information, visit bit.ly/dmprscholarships.

CITY UPDATE

Session 1: June 13–17 Session 2: June 20-24 Session 3: June 27-July 1 Session 4: July 11-15 Session 5: July 18-22 Session 6: July 25-29

Thank You TO OUR

Chamber Champions We are grateful for your contribution to the FuseDSM Chamber of Commerce and your dedication to helping the community as it uplifts our members!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MAY 2022

FuseDSM's Board of Directors serve a three-year term with a maximum of two terms. Members of the Board focus on the development of Board policies that govern the implementation of institutional plans and purposes. The role is separate and distinct from the role of the staff, to whom are delegate the implementation of these policies.

CAROLYN JENISON //

DANIEL WILLRICH//

Speak PR Chair

Pelds Design Services Vice Chair

LAURA GIBSON//

TOM WELCHANS //

CICIL Secretary

BILL RAINE //

Raine Recruiting Board Member

CPA, Denman & Company Treasurer

DWANA BRADLEY// Iowa Urban Magazine Board Member

GINA VITIRITTO//

JAMES WALFORD // James Walford State Farm Agency Board Member

SHALLEE KEENAN//

DANNY BEYER// Iron Horse Wealth Management Board Member

DONNA MILLER//

TROY DUBBERKE// Atlantic CocaCola Bottling Company Board Member

Prairie Meadows Board Member

Kemin Industries Board Member

Miller, Zimmerman & Evans, PLC Board Member

MICHAEL BIRD // CEO Spindustry 2nd Vice Chair

RANDY SACKETT//

Yellow Cab Co. Past Chair

FERNANDO AVEIGA// PanAmerican Broadcasting/106.9 La Q Buena Board Member

MEGAN FLETCHER// Siegwerk Board Member PAM THOMPSON // Parks Area Foundation Board Member

OUR FUEL CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

TRUST INVESTORS

INFLUENCE INVESTORS

EMERGE INVESTORS