Bethlehem Lutheran Church

On Tuesday July 10, 2007, the Wellness Connection of Minnesota (WCMN), an outreach ministry of Bethlehem's Health Ministries, was presented with a $5000 check from Park Nicollet Foundation at their annual foundation retreat. 

The $5000 will be used to train our staff in the health realization model of working with clients who are refugees and/or immigrants.  Mental illness related to post traumatic stress, loss of family, depression, grief, etc. is a major concern in the Somali and other refugee communities. This money will be used to address this growing need in the population we serve at the Wellness Connection of Minnesota.

WCMN Update:

• Dave Wething, a Bethlehem member, assisted in the incorporation process which was effective in July, a step to becoming a non profit organization.

• We received a grant from Minnesota Department of Health to assist women in receiving the screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer. Our workers will recruit women who have no insurance or large co-pays and assist them in getting the screenings completed.

• We received a Fairview Foundation grant for Bethlehem Lutheran to work with Messiah Lutheran in meeting health needs of the community. One of the WCMN community health workers will assist Messiah, supervised by Diane Waarvik, Director of Health Ministries.

Everyone at Wellness Connection of Minnesota is thankful for all the support and encouragement from members of Bethlehem.  Thank you....