Pine Rest Foundation
Our Stories
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Help us to increase access to quality behavioral health services through direct financial assistance to individuals.
Our Stories
Everyone touched by Pine Rest has a story:
…of how they personally have experienced the hope provided by our care
…or witnessed someone else have their life restored
…or been uplifted by our educational offerings
…or have been blessed through volunteering.
These are some of our stories.
Patient Stories
A Patient’s Story of Recovery: Meet Nikki
My drinking began early in my teenage years. By the time I was 20, I knew I didn’t drink like most people. I remained functional and managed to graduate from nursing school. When my brother committed suicide in 2010, my using moved to a new...
From Anxiety to Confidence: One Patient’s Story of HOPE!
John*, who was struggling with crippling anxiety, was one of my first patients during my second year of residency rotation in the Loeks Residency Center at Pine Rest. Unfortunately, John and his wife were very limited in what they could do on a...
A Patient’s Story of Hope and Motherhood
Two weeks after giving birth to my second daughter, I realized I was suffering from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). The signs were familiar as I had experienced the same symptoms after my first child was born, three years earlier. I...
Changing the Course of Life
Meet Rob. He has struggled with anxiety and depression as long as he can remember, self-harming throughout high school. Growing up, his family did not have adequate insurance, so he just dealt with it as best he could into adulthood. After...
“Without the Patient Assistance Fund, I could no longer get the help that I need so badly at this time.”
“After a traumatic brain injury, the Patient Assistance Fund allowed us to receive counseling to help our family adapt to the changes we faced.”
“The Patient Assistance Fund has given me the opportunity to take part in a program that has truly changed my life…I have my life back in my control.”
“One day I was in my apartment crying inconsolably. I knew something was desperately wrong and that I needed to find help. I called Pine Rest and they made arrangements to meet with me. Being a college student, I let them know I didn’t have a lot of money, but they explained that there was a Patient Assistance Fund to help me cover the cost of my treatment. I met with a group, a counselor, and worked through what I was feeling, which was diagnosed as depression. After learning some techniques and finding the right medication, I was able to graduate from Cornerstone University and am working toward by Master’s Degree at Liberty University.”
Community Stories
“I would like to express my thanks to the Pine Rest Foundation for helping to provide a social worker in our school (through Caring Communities). He is an important member of our staff. Both students and staff feel comfortable sharing concerns with him. The Foundation makes difficult choices on how to use its money. I believe the money provided to the school social work program is a benefit to the Christian community in Muskegon.” – Gerald Van Woerkom, Principal, Muskegon Christian Schools
“Thank you to Pine Rest for providing this high-quality lecture series. In a day of diminishing education budgets, you have shared Pine Rest’s expertise with many community professionals. I know that I am not alone in my appreciation of your contribution to continuing education for area agencies. Keep up the good work!” – Ross Cate, Psychologist, Catholic Social Services
Donor Stories
Staff Member Stories
“As a psychologist at Pine Rest, I have worked with many people helped by the Patient Assistance Fund. It can be very difficult for people to seek counseling for emotional issues. Many barriers exist—especially financial. Because of your support, I have watched faces and shoulders lighten in relief because the burden of paying for help has been eased.” – A Pine Rest Psychologist
Board Member Stories
“The reason I became a Foundation member was to assist in making Pine Rest’s mission and quality programming available to my loved ones, my community, and future generations. I wanted to become a part of Pine Rest’s supportive constituency. I was impressed with the services available to members and have enjoyed participating in Foundation events.” – Norma Van Kuiken, Former Pine Rest Foundation Board Member
