The Center’s executive director, Ellery Duke, to participate in a community conversation about suicide prevention. The public is welcome.
In 2012, Brian and Dawn Carico of Johnston, Iowa, experienced the unexpected suicide of their 15-year-old son, Cameron. On Wednesday, August 26, 2015, the Caricos will help lead an event to bring greater awareness about suicide prevention. The event will include a breakout conversation led by Ellery Duke, Executive Director of Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
Click image to launch printer-friendly flyer.
The community is invited to come and hear their story and share conversation with others. The event, A Candid Community Conversation about Suicide with Brian Carico, will be hosted at Ankeny First United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center, 710 NE 36th Street, Ankeny, Iowa.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with a light supper. Brian Carico will deliver a keynote speech at 7 p.m. Breakout sessions will be 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Ellery Duke will lead one of the breakout discussions.
Ellery Duke’s discussion will explore spirituality and suicide. Ellery writes, “When a tragedy impacts life, it is often natural for people of faith to question their relation to the divine power in their life. We need to be reminded that our faith does not inoculate us against loss and grief, no matter what the cause. We also need to be reminded that our Creator grieves with us and comforts us. Loss is an opportunity for us to give our lives over to our Creator and friends as sources of comfort.”
Ellery Duke, Ph.D., Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Ellery Duke is a retired United Methodist Elder and licensed psychologist, with a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy from Northwestern University. For 36 years, he has been the executive director of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, which has a satellite office at Ankeny First United Methodist Church.
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center provides a full range of psychological services and lifelong education. To make an appointment, call 515-274-4006 or email info@mindspiritcenter.org.
The event is presented by Ankeny Mental Health Ministry and Ankeny First United Methodist Church. For more information about the event, contact AnkenyMHM@gmail.com and/or check out the Facebook event page.