In life, we often find ourselves navigating through different chapters, each filled with unique experiences and challenges. For me, the journey led back to Reno, a place where memories were etched and where the roots of family and community ran deep. Five years ago, I returned to the city after nearly two decades away, back to where my children were born and raised. Little did I know that this homecoming would not only bring a sense of familiarity but also a profound sense of purpose.

 

The decision to return was not a simple one, but it felt right. With friends, family and my church, the idea of coming home resonated deeply within me. After spending the majority of those two decades on the coast, I was a little concerned about missing the salt air though I found myself craving a change in scenery. That's when Lakeridge caught my eye, offering the panoramic views I longed for while providing a safe resting place.

Retirement was on the horizon, or so I thought. The prospect of returning to my executive healthcare career did not appeal to me. Grace Church, my church home since 1993, called out to me. It felt like the place where I was meant to work. For many years, I watched how Grace Church had played a vital role in the community, raising millions of dollars to combat addiction in the city. My new role as the Director of Development was to stay connected to the pulse of the city and county.

 

A pivotal moment occurred during a meeting with Mayor Scheive a few years ago. I asked her, "What keeps you up at night?" Her response was poignant and resonant: "Addiction, homelessness, and lack of mental health services." With tears in her eyes, she expressed the collective need to do better for the community. That encounter confirmed what we as a church knew needed to happen next.

 

Fast forward to the present, and I am thrilled to announce a significant development. Grace Church has embarked on a church-wide initiative- we are set to open a licensed clinical counseling center in Northwest Reno, scheduled for July 1, 2024. This counseling center, named "For The One Counseling," will be a beacon of hope for anyone in need. Our doors will be open to children, adolescents, and adults, offering services from licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical counselors, and licensed clinical social workers.

 

For me, the ethos of For The One Counseling is rooted in 1 Corinthians 16:14, which says, "Let all that you do be done with love." Loving like Jesus is the driving force behind our mission. It motivates us to approach every action with kindness, encouragement, forgiveness, and a commitment to healing brokenness. We believe that when our words and deeds are infused with genuine love, they have the power to transform lives and make a lasting impact.

In addition to supplying quality counseling services, we are committed to making them accessible. Our fees will be reasonably priced, and we will offer a limited number of scholarships for those in need. No one should be denied the opportunity to seek help and find healing.

 

Returning home after two decades was more than a geographical relocation; it became a journey of rediscovering purpose and embracing the call to make a difference. With For The One Counseling, we aspire to contribute to the betterment of our community, addressing the pressing issue of lack of access to mental health services. Together, with love, we embark on this new chapter, committed to making a positive impact, one life at a time. For The One.

Life is a grand journey, filled with adventures, family, and the simple joys that make it all worthwhile. For me, when the workday is done, the allure of travel takes center stage. Having explored nearly 40 countries, I will be checking off a few more this summer! Robert Louis Stevensen said “There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign.”

Amidst the hustle and bustle, my anchor is firmly rooted in my faith and family. With four grown kids and a dozen grandkids, life is full of laughter, shared stories, and the warmth of familial bonds. The joy of spending time with them transcends any worldly adventure. These moments are the true treasures that add depth and meaning to the constant motion of life.

 

Amidst the globetrotting and family gatherings, is my sweet 6-year-old Yorkie/Shizu, Simone. She’s been my constant. With her around, the world slows down, and the stresses of the day fade away.

 

Life, in all its complexity, is a beautiful orchestra of moments. From the grandeur of international adventures to the simplicity of a quiet evening at home, each note contributes to the richness of the overall score. So, as I embark on this next chapter, I carry with me the spirit of adventure, the warmth of family, and the excitement of what God has in store to make it all worthwhile.