Spring-Summer-2013

1032 Crosswinds Ct.
Wentzville, MO 63385
www.cridercenter.org
636-332-6000
Spring/Summer
2013
In this Issue.......
Message from the CEO........3
Meet the Executive Team....3
Save the Dates...................3
BeaHero,MakeaDifference..4
Treasure Shop....................5
Coats for Crider...................5
A Toast to the Boards..........6
Celebrate Healing...............6
2012 Annual Report..........6
The Eliminator Mud Run......7
Follow Us on Facebook.......7
Spotlight on Success..........8
Student Finds Hope............9
Did You Know?...................9
Upcoming Events.............10
Health&SafetyTips............11
Going Green.....................12
Crider Hosts 1st Annual Cruisin’ 4 Crider
onnectionsonnectionsCCa newsletter for friends of Crider Health Center
Follow Crider Health
Center online!
Twitter LinkedIn Facebook
On Saturday, April 20, 2013, a group of
dedicated motorcyclists gathered at Mungenast
Motorsports to take part in a 130 mile ride
aimed at raising awareness about mental illness
and the stigma that is associated with it.
Crider Health Center, Gateway
Harley-Davidson and Mungenast Motorsports
partnered in what would become the kick-off to
Crider Health Center’s campaign to stop stigma in
its tracks. Riders, united with purple bandanas,
set out on a course that would take them through
several cities in the St. Louis metropolitan
area, including cities and towns in St. Louis,
St. Charles, Warren, and Franklin Counties.
Sponsors included Chiodini Architects, Krey
Distributing, SSM Healthcare and Baue Funeral
Homes.
“Although many who planned to
participate in this event were deterred by the
cold weather, we did have a group of dedicated
riders who braved the elements to stand up for
a cause they believe in,” said Pam Imboden,
marketing and development manager at Crider
Health Center. “The impact these riders made in
our community was truly remarkable. Through
their participation, the message that it is hurtful
to place a label on a child or adult because of a
mental illness was conveyed. Because our riders
took a stand against stigma, it made it possible
for others who are still living in the shadows of
mental illness to come forward for information
regarding services.”
In the United States, one in four adults
will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some
point in their lives. Never before has education
and awareness been such a crucial component in
debunking the myths surrounding mental illness
and creating an atmosphere where differences
are celebrated. “Living in the shadows of
mental illness can be isolating,” said Imboden.
“Coming forward to share you are suffering
from an invisible illness, such as depression, can
often be frightening because of societal labels;
however it is a crucial step in treating the illness,
stopping the suffering, and beginning the quest
for fuller, more productive and healthier lives.”
Crider Health Center is already
beginning the planning process for next year’s
event which will be held on Saturday, May 17,
2014. Sponsorships are available. For more
information on sponsorships, please contact
Pam Imboden at 636-332-8327 or pimboden@
cridercenter.org.
“We are looking forward to planning
next year’s event,” said Imboden. “In the
meantime, Cruisin’ 4 Crider participants are
continuing the friendships that were made at
the event and have already planned monthly
rides that will take place throughout the rest of
the riding season.”
To learn more about where the rides will
take place or to view pictures from the event,
please visit the gallery at www.cridercenter.org.

The Governing, Foundation and Young Professionals Board of Directors are diverse groups of dedicated
individuals who believe strongly in the mission, vision and values of Crider Health Center. Each Board member
publicly advocates for Crider Health Center services and programs and strives to help Crider fulfill its vision of
full, productive, healthy lives for everyone.
If you would like more information or would like to be considered as a Board Member, please contact:
Sarah Javier
(636) 332-8326 or sjavier@cridercenter.org
1032 Crosswinds Ct., Wentzville, MO 63385
www.cridercenter.org / 636-332-6000
Our Mission:
To build resilience and promote health
through community partnerships.
Our Vision:
Full, Productive, Healthy Lives
for Everyone.
Governing
Board of Directors:
Miriam Mahan, Chairperson
Deanna Orf, Vice Chairperson
Ron Cottrell, Treasurer
Regina Creech, Secretary
2
Crider Health Center is proud to be supported or certified by:
Tina Babel
Heather Cushing
Tom Fenner
John Hammond
Ted House
Joseph Jones
Rich Metz
Joi Niedner
John Sooter
Lisa Stiern
Keith Sutherland
Leo Tigue
Samuel Tucker
Emeriti:
Michael Crider
Russell Crider, MD
Foundation
Board of Directors:
Rich Metz, Chairperson
John Weeks, Vice Chairperson
Nicholas Bielke, Secretary/Treasurer
Matt Dace
Linda Didion
Shawn Estep
Dave Glover
Maureen Glover
Emil Hitt
Brian Meyers
Paul Myers
Kelly Nation
Tadd Orr
Tamara Orr
Aaron Robinson
Katrina Russell
Sherry Smith
Cheri Thurman
Bill Zywiciel
Young Professionals
Board of Directors:
Matt Walker, Chairperson
Sara Willis, Co-Chair
Kendra Wicks, Secretary
Julia Barbagallo
Zach Belyew
Jamie Clark
Matt Halveland
Jennifer Kinsella
Christine Petty
Adam Rockey
Shannon Rockey
Dawn Stueck
Our Values:
Insupportof ourmissionandvision,wepledgetodevelop
andofferservicesthat:
• areaccessibleandresponsivetothehealthneedsof thecommunity;
• areoutcome-driven, effective, efficient andcontinuously improved;
• aredeliveredwithrespect,integrity,professionalism,culturalsensitivityand
confidentiality;
• areindividualandfamily-directed;
• strengthenindividualsandfamilies;
• areintegratedandholistic;
• optimizecommunityresources;
• aredeliveredintheindividual’senvironment,whenandwherepossible;
• aredeliveredbyadiversestaff,administrationandBoard;
• areculturallycompetentandrepresentativeof thecommunitiesserved.

Laura Heebner, MBA, LCSW
President and CEO
3
Meet the Executive Team
Nancy Gongaware, Crider Health
Center’s Senior Vice President of
Medical and Dental Services, has
worked in Community Mental
Health for over twenty-seven
years, having worked for Crider
since 1993.
As Senior Vice President of
Medical and Dental Services,
Nancy provides administrative
oversight and leadership for all
integrated primary, dental, and outpatient behavioral
health care services. She also provides leadership and
direction to Crider’s Patient-Centered Medical Home.
Prior to her current position, Nancy served as Crider’s
Vice President of Human Resources and Quality
Management.
Nancy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
from Seton Hill University and her Master’s Degree in
Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University.
She holds a license as a professional counselor in
Missouri and a certification as a Senior Professional in
Human Resources.
Nancy Gongaware,
MA, LPC
Message from the CEO
July 1, 2013, marks my one-year anniversary as the President and CEO of Crider Health
Center. It is an honor to serve Crider and the community in this capacity and I am happy
to report that it has been one fantastic year. Not only has Crider been able to serve more
people than ever before during this past year, but our focus and commitment to quality
and customer service is moving to a whole new level as we embrace what we call a culture
of “BETTER and BETTER.”
After experiencing tremendous growth in just five short years (approximately 180
employees in 2008 and over 400 today), Crider leadership felt it was time to pull every
Crider employee together to do three things: 1) share our appreciation for all of the hard
work that they do each day, 2) express the significance of Crider’s mission, vision, and
values in the work we all do, and 3) ask each staff member to join an elite team of “Crider Champions” who love
their work and pledge to embrace Crider’s BETTER and BETTER culture so that our customers will consistently
enjoy the experience of SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
What is the BETTER and BETTER culture? It is a culture where every staff member works individually and as
a team member to become BETTER and BETTER in all they say and do so that Crider, as an organization, can
consistently deliver the best care possible.
I am excited about the future of Crider Health Center and feel fortunate to have such a wonderful group of Crider
Champions by my side as we continue to work towards our vision of full, productive, healthy lives for everyone.
Thank you all for your continued support.

Be a Hero...Make a Difference!
You can be a hero by making a contribution to Crider Health Center. Your tax-deductible donation will make
a difference in the lives of individuals living in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Franklin Counties who would
not otherwise have access to affordable, quality health care and services. There are several ways you can help...
• Donate. Monetary gifts can be made to Crider Health Center at any time. Your gift will be used to help fund
the services and programs that Crider offers for children and adults.
• Multi-Year Pledges are a wonderful way for businesses and individuals to pledge funds to support Crider
services and programs. Payments can be spread out over several years, making a gift more affordable.
• Planned Giving is a great way to leave your legacy and ensure that the programs and services you have
grown to love will continue being offered after your death. By naming Crider Health Center as a beneficiary
in your will and trust, you will be helping countless children and families who need our services.
• Corporate and Foundation Giving can really make a difference in the lives of the children and families
Crider serves. Your gift can be commemorated with a brick on our donor walkway, a tile on our donor wall,
or through several unique naming opportunities.
• Events & Promotions offer a unique way for businesses and individuals to get involved. Show your
support through event sponsorships, advertising, joining an event committee, or by participating in Crider’s
fundraising events. All proceeds benefit Crider Health Center Foundation and fund the many programs and
services offered.
• Third-Party Fundraisers are a great way for people of all ages to involve themselves in fundraising for the
programs and services provided by Crider. Host your own golf tournament or set up a lemonade stand. The
only limitation is your imagination. Be creative in finding ways to get involved in raising funds for Crider’s
much needed services.
• Wedding Favors are the perfect way for brides and grooms to share their love with their community. By
making a contribution to Crider Health Center in honor of your guests, you can ensure that Crider programs
and services will continue to be offered to those who need them.
• Wish List and In-Kind Giving consists of items that help individuals participating in our community-
based programs. Items are used to help individuals maintain a full, productive and healthy life and consists
of hygiene products, art supplies, toiletries, etc. Please contact us or visit www.cridercenter.org for a more
specific list of items needed.
Tributes and memorial gifts can express your feelings in times of joy or sorrow or mark important personal and
family milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries. Your gift honors an individual in a meaningful way by
helping to support children and adults who need our services. The attractive acknowledgement card sent by
Crider lets the recipient know of your thoughtful remembrance.
• Living Tributes are made to honor a living individual. The honoree will receive a card informing him or
her of the tribute gift, and the card will have a beautiful picture on the front of therapeutic artwork done by a
Crider Health Center client. The donor will receive a “thank you” card displaying the same artwork.
• Memorial Tributes provide a meaningful way to honor the memory of a friend or family member. All
honoree names are published annually in the agency newsletter. The honoree’s family will receive a card
informing them of the tribute gift, and the card will have a beautiful picture on the front of therapeutic artwork
done by a Crider Health Center client. The donor will receive a “thank you” card displaying the same artwork.
For more information, contact Sarah Javier at (636) 332-8326 or sjavier@cridercenter.org.
4

5
The Treasure Shop, located in Troy, MO, is operated by Crider Health
Center. The funds raised through sales helps Crider provide various
services and programs to the community. Because of generous donors,
many at-risk adults, children and youth have been able to receive the help
they need to live productive lives within their community.
While monetary donations are always appreciated, there are plenty of
other ways that you can help Crider Health Center achieve its vision of
“full, productive, healthy lives for everyone.” Did you know...
• To assist our consumers and the community with clothing and
household items, Crider Health Center runs the Treasure Shop, a
thrift store located in Troy, Missouri. Donations of new or gently
used clothing and household items are always welcome and proceeds
generated from sales are used to help fund Crider Health Center
programs and services.
• Volunteers are always a welcome addition to the staff at the Treasure
Shop. Volunteers are needed to sort through donations, stock shelves,
and assist customers with their purchases.
For more information, please call 636-528-6622.
One would give
generous alms if
one had the eyes to
see the beauty of
a cupped receiving
hand.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Who says that angels don’t exist on earth? Certainly
not the staff at Crider Health Center! After all, an angel has
been helping them provide coats for children
participating in Crider’s children’s programs
and services for the past eight years.
Each year, a very generous donor
delivers a check for thousands of dollars that
allows the staff at Crider Health Center to
purchase brand new coats for needy children
in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Franklin
Counties who would otherwise be forced to
brave winter without needed protection from
the cold, harsh elements.
“Each and every year, the Coats
for Crider program grows larger and more
successful,” said Laura Heebner, president and
CEO at Crider Health Center. “Businesses
from across the four-county region have partnered with us by
generously providing coupons for a free kid’s meal to be tucked
away into the pocket of each coat. And last year, a local St.
Charles County church donated 100 hand-knitted scarves to
accompany each coat.”
This year, Crider Health Center is actively reaching out
to local businesses in the hopes that they will become involved
in the Coats for Crider program and help us keep
children warm all Winter long. Businesses or
individuals wishing to become involved, can either
make a monetary donation so Crider Health Center
can purchase more coats or by provide a coupon
or gift card to be tucked inside the pocket of each
coat.
“We are always thankful when members of
the community and businesses help us bring a smile
to the face of a child. As one can imagine, seeing
the look on a child’s face when they receive their
very own coat and scarf is a heartwarming and
touching moment. However, watching their face
light up when they put their hand into the pocket
and discover a gift card or coupon, that is just for
them, is priceless,” said Heebner.

To find out more about Crider Health Center’s Coats for
Crider program or to make a donation, please contact
Christina Bogusky at 636-332-2134.
An Angel on Earth Helps Crider Health Center
Keep Kids Warm All Winter Long

6
TO THE
A Toast
Boardscompletely vested in helping Crider Health Center
remain one of the premier non-profit organizations in
Missouri.
If you would like more information on how
to become a Board or Advisory Committee
member, contact Sarah Javier at 636-332-8326 or
sjavier@cridercenter.org.
On Thursday, May 7, 2013, Crider Health Center
hosted an event to show its appreciation for those that
generously and selflessly give their time, treasure and
talent to further the mission and vision of Crider Health
Center.
Crider Health Center has three boards; the Governing
Board, the Foundation Board, and the Young
Professionals Board. There are also two Advisory
Committees for Harmony and Headway Rehabilitation
Clubhouses.
Individuals serving on each of these Boards or Advisory
Committees volunteer their time and energy and are
Celebrate Healing
Our donors are special to us! Because healing can not happen without
the support of generous, community-minded individuals, Crider is
hosting it’s 1st Annual Celebrate Healing event.
Like a stone cast in the water creates many ripples, the funds donated to
Crider Health Center creates a ripple of HOPE that can be felt across
our four-county service area. Through your generous donations,
Crider has been able to continue offering quality, affordable healthcare
to those in our community who need it most.
As part of our Annual Giving program, donors who have donated
$500 or more during the fiscal year (Jul 1-Jun 30) will be invited to a
special luncheon in their honor.
For more information on how you can join our Annual
Giving program, contact Sarah Javier at 636-332-8326 or
sjavier@cridercenter.org.
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters
to create many ripples.
~ Mother Teresa
View the 2012 Annual Report
Online Today!

lives,” said Shaw. “The Young Professionals Board of
Directors is hosting The Eliminator Mud Run to raise
the necessary funds to ensure that Crider can continue
providing healthcare services and programs to those in
our community who need it most—when they need it
most.”
The cost of admission is $75; however there is
early-bird pricing available. Register by August 11th and
SAVE $15 per person.
You can register at
www.eliminatormudrun.
kintera.org.
The Young
Professionals Board
is a diverse group of
individuals, ages 25-40,
who strive to extend the
mission of Crider Health
Center in achieving
“full, productive, healthy
lives for everyone”
through fundraising and
community outreach.
For more information
about Crider Health
Center or to learn how you can become involved with
the Young Professionals Board, please contact Shaunna
Shaw at 636-332-8352 or sshaw@cridercenter.org.
7
Get Dirty for a Great Cause
Help Eliminate Barriers to Healthier Lives
Are you tough enough to help Crider Health
Center eliminate barriers to healthier lives? If so,
make plans to join the Crider Health Center Foundation
and Young Professionals Board of Directors at the 1st
Annual “The Eliminator” Mud Run on Saturday, August
17, 2013. The event will help raise awareness about
the barriers many in our community face finding access
to quality, affordable healthcare and raise funds for the
programs and services
provided by Crider
Health Center.
“Weareexcited
to be bringing The
Eliminator Mud Run
to our community,”
said Shaunna Shaw,
development associate
at Crider Health
Center. “This event
provides Crider with
an exciting opportunity
to break down the
barriers and obstacles
that prevent the most
vulnerable members in
our community from receiving the healthcare they need
to live fuller, more productive and healthier lives.”
Although the healthcare industry has come a
long way, there are still many barriers that need to be
addressed. Some barriers to healthcare include: the
stigma that accompanies certain ailments such as mental
illness, the lack of providers in rural areas, the cultural
beliefs and behaviors of patients in need of treatment, the
growing lack of access to healthcare insurance, and for
those living at or below poverty-the inability to pay for
healthcare services or being forced to choose between a
medical/dental appointment or purchasing groceries for
their family.
“Crider Health Center exists to serve those
in our community facing the barriers of healthier
Have You Visited Our Website
or Liked Us On Facebook Yet?

on Success!
Spotlight
My name is Gary and I’m a person with a mental illness.
Life for me hasn’t been easy but I have managed. When I was a
child, my father was very abusive both mentally and physically.
Because I was abused, I developed a problem with wetting myself
whenever my father was around.
Whenever I wet myself, he would
beat me, strip me down, put a diaper
on me and set me on the porch for
all my friends to see. Embarrassed, I
became a loner and had a lot of anger
issues.
At eight years old, my father
went to prison. I stopped wetting
myself but still had a lot of other
problems. I was taken to doctors,
therapists and testing centers but
no one could figure me out. I went
untreated. Two years later, I was
introduced to drugs by people I
thought were my friends. I began to
get in trouble at school.
At thirteen, my father got
out of prison and returned home.
One day, he walked out and never
came back. He would call on occasion to tell me he was coming
to pick me up for a visit but he never showed up. Frustrated, I
told him not to bother coming one day because I knew he wasn’t
going to show up anyway. That night he committed suicide. I will
never know if what I said is what sent him over the edge. After
my father’s suicide, I began to have sleeping problems and my
anger issues got worse. I was sneaking out to go drinking with my
friends and acting out very negatively. Ultimately, a judge labeled
me incorrigible and placed me in foster care.
At fifteen, I got into a fight with another boy at the
boy’s home I was living in and was sent back home. My mom
immediately sent me to live with my grandmother in West
Virginia. I felt abandoned. Eventually, I returned home but was
constantly dodging the abuse of my mother’s new husband. I ran
away from home when it was ten degrees outside with nothing
but two T-shirts and two pairs of pants. I dressed in layers and
started hitch hiking. There was a creek in Pacific, MO that I knew
I could survive off of. There I would finally be safe from the
beatings.
Alone on the creek, I was at peace. I survived by finding
food in a McDonald’s dumpster and catching crawdads. I stayed
warm by stealing blankets from the laundromat and building fires.
At seventeen, I went to my Mom’s house and was asked
to baby sit my little brother. Later that night, my mom’s husband
came home without my mom. He jumped on my back and stuck
his finger deep into my eye socket. I managed to get away to the
neighbors. The police were called and charges were filed but my
Mom talked me into dropping the charges. After leaving the
police station, she dropped me off in town and drove away.
Once again, I was alone. I couldn’t sleep. I atesporadically.
The thoughts in my head were very negative and I didn’t want
to live. I sought refuge in alcohol but
the refuge was only temporary. The
thoughts of suicide always returned. I
began cutting myself with razors and
wondered if there was any hope for
me?
Ireunitedwithanoldgirlfriend
and started living with her. Finally,
someone wanted me around. Shortly
thereafter, we were married and were
blessed with a daughter. My anger,
addiction and mental health issues
became more evident and it proved
more than my wife could handle. I was
abusive to her and would frequently
leave so I could get drunk. After eight
years, she divorced me. I rarely slept
and I tried to self-soothe with drugs
and alcohol. I couldn’t hold a job for
more than a few months and I gave up
my parental rights.
My life was spiraling out of control. As if by divine
intervention, I found Crider and for some reason I was compelled
to walk through the door. Crying and unable to stand still I started
talking to the secretary who introduced me to a counselor. Soon
I was talking to a doctor and was prescribed medication. There
were some challenges but I continued with treatment. That’s
when my counselor suggested that I start going to the Harmony
Clubhouse.
I had this idea that the Clubhouse was a place where
people sat around in bathrobes and drooled on themselves but it
wasn’t like I had imagined. I finally, after all these years, found a
place where I fit in. I now had a home, friends and support. There
were still obstacles that I had to overcome, such as my addiction
to drugs and alcohol; but for once I had hope for my future.
Since becoming a Harmony Clubhouse member, I have
received my GED and will be attending college in the fall of 2013.
I look forward to the future and what it will bring.
My journey is not over. I am still learning about my
mental illness and discovering ways to live a more productive life.
But, I know that I am not alone in this endeavor. I have a lot of
support from Crider and Harmony Clubhouse. I may never be
cured but with help I have faith that I will be able to overcome the
obstacles that life brings. I no longer suffer from a mental illness-I
live with it. I no longer suffer from active addiction-I live a life of
recovery from addiction. I am grateful to everyone who helped
me in my endeavor to overcome mental illness and addiction.
Harmony Clubhouse Member Overcomes Insurmountable Odds
Gary received his GED in 2012.
8

9
Partnership with Families Program
Helps Student Find Hope!
Partnership with Families Program
Helps Student Find Hope!
Valerie is a bright, caring, gentle, insightful, beautiful, and talented young lady. But, she
didn’t always see herself that way. Valerie had problems in her family that caused her
to doubt her self-worth, use harmful coping skills, and struggle to understand healthy
relationships and boundaries. She often revealed too much personal information with
new peers before developing trust and loyalty. Unfortunately, those peers used that
information to spread rumors that hurt Valerie’s feelings. For several years, Valerie
displayed behaviors that the school deemed inappropriate and were unable to handle.
She was also hospitalized each Spring for self-harming behaviors.
Because of Valerie’s participation in the Partnership with Families program, she was able
to complete this school year earning A’s and B’s. She did not require any disciplinary
action at school, she participated in after school activities, auditioned for her school’s
talent show and was one of 30 students accepted to perform for an audience of
peers, staff, and families. She also earned a Positive Peer Influence award. Valerie
was nominated by a teacher and received recognition for being a student who tries her
best, never gives up, and is always helpful to her peers. This spring, Valerie was not
hospitalized and there have been no further reports of self-harm.
Within the past year, Valerie has participated in and successfully completed
Crider’s Transitional Youth Program (TYP) to learn independent living
skills while improving interpersonal skills. Valerie used the interview
skills that she learned in TYP to interview with a selective alternative school in her district. This year,
Valerie participated in two sports with the CHAMP organization and received the award for Best Female Athlete for the 2012-
2013 season due to her positive attitude, good sportsmanship, ability to follow directives from coaches, and her dedication
to the team.
Valerie understands her challenges, accepts responsibility for her actions, and tries very hard to learn from others. She has
learned from past experiences concerning her behaviors and works hard to ensure that mistakes are not repeated. Valerie
recently reported that she is grateful for the assistance from Crider, especially for helping her through the Spring. However,
Valerie understands that all of the credit cannot go to Crider. Valerie knows that she is the one who has taken the necessary
steps to live a fuller, more productive and healthier life. Valerie stated, “I actually coped myself and things got better; I never
thought they would.”
Did You Know?
14 Million - The number of American adults, distributed equally between men and women, have Borderline
Personality Disorder. BPD is more common than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, typically resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year,
more than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
SEVEN out of ten people who care for someone with depression suffer high levels of mental distress.
Most people look at mental health and physical health as two entirely different entities. But the two are so
intimately interwoven that what happens in one area deeply affects the other.
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.
More than 5.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD according to recent
estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

10
August 17, 2013 - The Eliminator Mud Run
Are you tough enough to help us eliminate the barriers
to healthier lives? If so, plan to join us on Saturday,
August 17th at the 1st Annual “The Eliminator” Mud
Run at The Battlegrounds located at Cedar Lake Cellars
in Wright City, MO! Join as an individual or as a team.
Don’t miss out on the fun! The earlier you register, the
more money you SAVE! Register June 1 - August 11, pay
$60 per person. Register August 12 or later, pay $75 per
person. Register at www.eliminatormudrun.kintera.org
TODAY! For more information about The Eliminator
Mud Run, contact Shaunna Shaw at 636-332-8352 or
sshaw@cridercenter.org.
November 1 - December 13 - Coats for Crider and
Holiday Gift Drive
Help make a difference in the life of a child this holiday
season. Each year, Crider provides coats and toys to
children participating in our programs and services.
Upcoming Events
Without these coats and toys, many of these children
would be vulnerable to the harsh winter elements and/
or have no gift to open on Christmas morning. To
make a donation for Coats for Crider,or donate a
toy for the Holiday Gift Drive, contact Christina at
636-332-2134 or cbogusky@cridercenter.org.
May 17, 2014 - 2nd Annual Cruisin’ for Crider
Just like bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, children
and adults living with mental illness face the stigma of
societal labels. You can help stop stigma in its tracks
whether you ride a motorcycle or not. Crider will be
hosting a ride through our service area to raise awareness
about stigma and concluding with a festival where riders
and the general public will be treated to a concert, food,
vendors, games and more. For more information
about Cruisin’ 4 Crider, contact Pam Imboden at
636-332-8327 or pimboden@cridercenter.org.
News and Information You Can Use
Coats for Crider & Holiday Gift Drive
You can make a difference in
the life of a child this holiday
season. Crider is accepting
donations of new coats and toys
for the Children participating
in our services and programs.
Please drop off donated toys and
coats to:
1032 Crosswinds Court

Install a home sprinkler system
• These can be built in a new home or put into an
existing home.
• Sprinklers can reduce property damage, injuries and
most importantly reduce the number of deaths from
home fires.
Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
• Use a fire extinguisher when a fire is contained, like
in a waste basket.
• Keep your fire extinguisher in an easily accessible
place.
• Call your local fire department if you have questions
on how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Fire extinguishers have gauges on them indicating
whentheyneedtobereplaced.Theyshouldbechecked
regularly to make sure they are still functional.
If a fire occurs in your home:
• Never open a door that feels hot. Escape another way.
• Take the safest route, but if you have to go through
smoke, crawl low and under the smoke. Cover your
nose and mouth with a moist towel (if possible) or an
article of clothing.
• Immediately leave your house, and then call for help.
• Once you’re out, stay out. Don’t go back in, not even
to grab someone else.
What happens after a fire?
After a fire, your world may be turned upside down and
you may wonder what you should do now. Information
and resources are available to help get your life back to
normal. The U.S. Fire Administration has pulled together
some tips to get you started.
These tips can be found at:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/atf/
Source: www.nsc.org
11
Although deaths and injuries from residential fires
have decreased in the past several years, deaths from
fires and burns are still the third leading cause of fatal
home injuries (CDC). Seventy percent of these deaths
are from inhaling smoke. Two-thirds of deaths from
home fires occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or
no working smoke alarms.
Fires are more likely to happen in certain areas or by
certain equipment in your house. Be extra careful while
you’re cooking, smoking, around candles, furnaces,
electrical cords and fireplaces, and with children,
toddlers and babies nearby.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking
equipment, most often a range or a stovetop, is the
leading cause of reported U.S. home fires and home
fire injuries.
Fortunately, there are things you and your family can
do to protect yourselves.
Have a properly working smoke alarm
• Change the battery to your smoke alarm once a year
and change the whole unit every 10 years. Pick a
special day, a birthday, holiday or daylight savings
and change the battery every year on that day.
• If possible, replace smoke alarms with
interconnected alarms. When one alarm goes off,
the others will sound too.
• Smoke alarms should be in every floor of your
house (including your basement) and outside
bedrooms or sleeping areas.
• Test your smoke alarm monthly.
• Make sure your kids are familiar with the sound of
the alarm.
Plan a family escape route
• Practice it on a monthly basis.
• Practice with everyone in your family, even
children, toddlers and infants.
• Practice from every room in the house.
Health & Safety tips
Keep your Family Safe from Home Fires

1032 Crosswinds Ct.
636-332-6000
By signing up for an e-newsletter you can help us reduce our
mailing costs and the amount of waste
that goes into our local landfills.
If you would like to receive future newsletters by email, please contact:
Pam Imboden
Marketing and Development Manager
(636) 332-8327
pimboden@cridercenter.org
Crider Connections is a semi-annual newsletter published for the benefit of friends and benefactors of Crider Health Center. It
is written and published by the Development Department. If you have questions about this publication, please contact
Pam Imboden, Marketing and Development Manager at the number listed above.
Crider Health Center is going green!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
ST. CHARLES, MO
Permit No.
916

Spring-Summer-2013

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (13)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (15)

Similar to Spring-Summer-2013

Similar to Spring-Summer-2013 (20)

Spring-Summer-2013