Donor Spotlight: Beth and Tim Coonan

About 10 years ago, Des Moines attorneys Beth and Tim Coonan were first introduced to the work at MercyOne House of Mercy, and they continue to serve as advocates for the organization.

House of Mercy is one of Iowa’s largest most comprehensive providers of vital services for men, women and children working through mental health and substance abuse disorders.

“I was immediately drawn to the fact that women who are overcoming substance abuse and addiction issues can go through the recovery process in a supportive environment that also allows them to be with their children,” said Beth.

Beth is currently in her eighth year of service as a member of the House of Mercy Board of Directors. She recounts how much House of Mercy has grown in raising its community awareness and strategically expanding its scope of services. She also expressed how she hopes to see to see continued growth to fit the needs of those being treated in the Des Moines community.

For a number of years, Beth and Tim have also been involved with the MercyOne House of Mercy Game Show Gala, House of Mercy’s signature fundraising event, to help raise awareness and support those being treated through the organization. This year, they are serving as Gala co-chairs alongside Monni and Brian Chittenden.

“I’ve always supported Beth as she has served on the Board of Directors,” said Tim. “So I saw serving as Gala co-chairs as a great opportunity to work directly for MercyOne House of Mercy in support of the vital role it plays in the community.”

This year’s Game Show Gala is Thursday, June 13, 6-9 p.m. at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. What is so special about this year is that the Game Show Gala will help seed operational support for the new mental health center at House of Mercy.

“Access to mental health services is something Tim and I am very passionate about,” said Beth. “This new addition is really going to help a lot of people who are in need.”

In 2018, House of Mercy served 2,833 clients through recovery, halfway housing, permanent housing, adolescent group living, substance abuse and mental health treatment. The Coonans are grateful to see their fundraising dollars go to helping so many Des Moines community members get the help and treatment they need.

“MercyOne House of Mercy gives hope to those who are lost by offering a chance at a new start,” said Beth. “It is literally saving lives every day.”

If you want to support clients working through mental health and substance abuse disorders at MercyOne House of Mercy, please contact MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Senior Director of Development, Sophia Ahmad at sahmad@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8035.