Holiday Appeal 2025

Dear Friends,

Bringing Hope to Life - Your Support Matters

As we close another challenging year, the need for accessible mental health care has never been greater. Anxiety and depression are at record highs, and too many people face barriers to getting help. At Maria Droste Counseling Services (MDCS), we work to remove those barriers - because no one should be denied care due to cost!

This year, thanks to your support, we have:

• Provided nearly 7,000 therapy sessions to individuals, couples, children and families
• Offered over 85% of our services at reduced rates, saving clients over $350,000.

Behind these numbers are real lives changed. One client recently reached out to us five years after her therapy ended to tell us: 

“I hope you are well and I hope you remember me. I was just reflecting on my life and I remembered you and how you helped me through some really tough times in my life. Thank you so much for all you have done through the counseling and encouragement.  The work you are doing is so important and I am forever grateful for meeting you.”

Stories like hers are possible because of you.

Our challenge: Demand for therapy continues to rise, and we need your help to retain our dedicated therapists and add more to our team. Nearly 50% of our budget depends on donations and grants.

Our goal: Raise $80,000 this holiday season to keep mental health care affordable for our neighbors. Every gift- $1,000, $500, or any amount - makes a tangible difference.

Please join us in Bringing Hope to Life. Your 100% tax-deductible donation ensures that those struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma can find healing and hope.

With gratitude and warm wishes from all of us at MDCS,

Michael Shanahan, Executive Director