A Letter from Matt
I
t is a real privilege to serve as the Executive Director of the Oaklawn
Foundation. I most enjoy telling our story, extolling the mission and
virtues of our organization and building purposeful relationships for
Oaklawn. But sometimes, life happens, and the work we do hits home.
These past few months have been tumultuous as my family, some dear
friends and I have faced mental health and addiction related crises. A
family friend tragically lost a son to his battle with depression. Weeks later,
my nephew, who had just turned 21, died of a drug overdose. Within this
same period, many friends told me about their personal and/or family
struggles.
When personally confronted with the real-life effects of mental illness, you
can’t help but to be adversely impacted. For me and many others, it also
makes me more personally motivated to make a difference.
Matt Lentsch
Executive Director,
Oaklawn Foundation
That, my friends, is a great question. It’s 2014. Yet we still face a real and
persistent stigma that makes us hesitant to receive treatment and cautious
to openly discuss these issues and ask for help. What Oaklawn and our
partners do in the treatment of mental illness and addictions really matters.
It isn’t just a good thing to do; it is a life-changing and life-saving business.
We must all be motivated to break down that shame and seek to be bold in
sharing our own stories.
Mission:
With uncommon expertise in
mental health and addiction
services, Oaklawn joins with
individuals, families and our
community on the journey
toward health and wholeness.
Vision:
To help people live in harmony
with self, others and God, through
healing and growth of the whole
person.
Values:
As a faith-based organization,
the people of Oaklawn are
committed to:
-Compassion
-Integrity
-Human dignity
-Professional expertise
-Community partnerships
1
Advocate
No family — regardless of economic or social status — is immune to mental
illness or addiction. Pastor Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven
Life,” had a son who committed suicide a little more than a year ago. When
he returned to the pulpit at Saddleback Church, Pastor Warren launched
a sermon series on grief and a campaign to help churches address mental
illness. “There’s no shame when any other organ in your body fails, so why
do we feel shame if our brain is broken?” he asked.
Summer 2014
Raising funds and awareness are essential to Oaklawn’s mission, as
philanthropy plays a major role in providing services and helping to fill in
the gaps in funding. Oaklawn relies on this charitable giving, with millions
of dollars spent on charity care each year. But funds aren’t the only thing
that the Foundation provides. Raising awareness plays a central role in our
mission.
That’s where you come in. Oaklawn needs your support, whether through your
own giving or through your advocacy in the community. You are our best
ambassadors and can help spread the news of all the life-impacting services
that Oaklawn provides. Please consider giving to Oaklawn, and encourage
others to consider it, as well. With our outstanding Foundation Board, you
can count on our good stewardship, ensuring that all your donations are put
to the best possible use. Without your help, Oaklawn would not be able to
provide all of the life-changing and life-saving services we do, and with your
continued financial support and advocacy, our care will only continue to
improve and expand.
God bless,