$10,000 Grant from the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation for Everstand’s Parent Support Group and Therapeutic Drum Circle Programs
Everstand is proud to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation to support the creation of a Parent Support Group and a Therapeutic Drum Circle program at its Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC) in Pasadena, Maryland. This generous funding will enable Everstand to provide vital, evidence-based mental health services to families and youth in Anne Arundel County and beyond.
“We are deeply grateful to the Giese Foundation for their generous support, which has made it possible for us to offer a regularly scheduled Drum Circle to aid in healing from complex trauma,” said Bradley Spoon, LCPC, CCTP, Clinical Supervisor for Everstand’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC). “Their contribution is also helping us provide essential parenting support and training groups for families of children with severe mental health needs. Together, we’re fostering healing, resilience, and a stronger, more compassionate community.”
The Parent Support Group will offer parents and guardians a safe and supportive space to learn effective parenting techniques, build confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation. Over the course of three 6-week sessions, parents will gain valuable mental health education and peer support, helping them better navigate the challenges of raising children with mental health needs.
The Therapeutic Drum Circle, a unique musical therapy experience, will engage youth in rhythm-based activities using percussion instruments. This innovative program will help participants process trauma, develop communication skills, and discover healthy ways to cope with stress, fostering personal growth in a supportive environment.
Kathy Wiles, daughter of Brian Giese, shared: “Everstand struck us as a quality organization after impacting family friend’s children who recently were adopted through foster care. We have seen first-hand the growth of daily functions due to evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care through individual therapy and parent coaching. It’s a long road ahead and Everstand’s therapists have been integral to providing vital tools for our friends. One particularly impressive aspect from the organization is the investment in helping parents understand best practices in encouraging a healthy attachment style. They provided direct tools in caring for their kids and understanding behaviors and trauma responses. Thank you, Everstand, we are very excited to partner to encourage more impact on the community by expanding access!”
Both programs will track outcomes to ensure measurable impacts, using tools like the Parent/Client Impact Survey and assessments designed to capture improvements in emotional well-being and family dynamics.
“Everstand is committed to enriching our community one family at a time,” said Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola, MSW, President & CEO of Everstand. “This grant will allow us to address critical mental health needs by creating spaces where families and youth can find healing, connection, and hope.”
Everstand thanks the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation for their partnership in expanding access to essential mental health services in the Pasadena community. For more information about these programs or to get involved, please visit the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic page on our website or email omhc@everstand.org.
About Everstand
Everstand’s holistic range of services include residential programs, mental and behavioral health support, trauma recovery, case management, and educational services. We stand as a beacon for youth and families, equipping them with vital tools that build resiliency for life’s greatest challenges. With roots dating back 150 years, we pledge to stand beside, stand up for and stand strong with those we serve.
In 2024, Board of Child Care began doing business as (dba) Everstand. It’s legal name and Federal EIN remain unchanged. Our intention is to maintain our legal name of “Board of Child Care of the United Methodist Church, Inc.” to provide easier continuity with our operating licenses, state and federal databases, state and federal registrations, trademark office, our finance and HR teams, and referral sources.
About the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation
The Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation is a grant-giving family foundation dedicated to supporting faith-based initiatives and partnering with local nonprofits that advocate for youth. With a focus on making a lasting difference, the Foundation is committed to creating and implementing God-loving causes, specifically related to the future generations. Please visit the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation’s website to learn more about their great work.
