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Mary Weeks selected to lead Walk-In Counseling Center

Gary Shoener to expand Walk-In consultation and training

Minneapolis (June 16, 2010) – The Walk-In Counseling Center Board of Directors has chosen Mary Weeks, Minneapolis, as its new executive director. Mary joins Walk-In with a broad base of experience gained during a 38-year career in social services, college teaching and nonprofit leadership. She received her master of social work degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has served as executive director of Crisis Connection and YouthLink, both located in the Twin Cities. 

Bruce Bobbitt, immediate past president of the board, commented on Mary’s appointment, “Mary is the perfect person to lead Walk-In. She is a proven executive director who understands how to preserve the best of the past and also respond to today’s needs with new, innovative ideas. She knows that Walk-In’s model works, but that it needs to evolve as the needs of our clients and the community evolve.”

During the past two years Walk-In has been focusing on strategic planning, enhancing the care model, increasing private donations and expanding the board of directors. Phil Oxman, the newly elected board president, is excited about Walk-In’s ability to move forward. “All the right pieces are in place. We have a great board, amazing volunteers, a growing donor base and a new executive director. We are ready to take the next step in our strategy to expand service to larger numbers of Twin Cities residents in need.”

Gary Schoener, who has been executive director since 1973, will remain with Walk-In as director of consulting and training. “Gary’s passion is consulting and training,” continued Oxman. “He is internationally known for his expertise in professional ethics, boundaries and service delivery. Gary’s focus on consulting and training benefits both the profession and Walk-in.”

Weeks’ first priority is to talk with key Walk-In stakeholders to gain their insights and ideas. “Walk-In is fortunate to have a large number of experienced, thoughtful people ready and willing to help us grow,” Their advice and counsel will be important to our success over the next few years. They are ready to go, and so am I.” Weeks may be reached at 612-870-0565 x109 or send an email to Mary Weeks.

Since 1969 Walk-In Counseling Center has offered free, easily accessible counseling for people with urgent needs and few options. Walk-In uses volunteers to deliver services, and as far as we know, it houses the largest number of active volunteer mental health professionals in the world. Walk-In’s 160 volunteer professionals and receptionists donate over 11,000 hours each year to serve clients who have no insurance, can’t get help elsewhere or just simply walk through the door. Walk-In’s well-earned reputation is based not only on client services, but also contributions to the profession and the community through consulting and training, partnerships and leadership on emerging issues. For more information or to make a donation, log onto www.walkin.org.

SAVE THE DATE! Walk-In Transition
   Thursday, September 30, 5:30
   St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church
   3450 Irving Ave. S., Minneapolis
   Look for additional updates about this event!

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Minneapolis psychologist Phil Oxman selected as president of the Walk-In Counseling Center Board of Directors 

The Walk-In Counseling Center Board of Directors has elected Phil Oxman, Minneapolis, as president.

Oxman has had a distinguished career as a psychologist. He is currently a psychologist in private practice and also employed part-time as a psychologist with Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Minneapolis. Oxman also served as executive director and psychologist of Park Place Clinic of Counseling, Minneapolis, and was co-founder of the Domestic Abuse Project. Prior to coming to Minneapolis Oxman developed and directed a shelter program for runaway youth and their families. He also developed a drug education program for preteens and provided career/vocational counseling and sex education for adolescents and adults.

Oxman is well known for his long history of community involvement and  leadership. He served as a board member with the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and chaired its board for two years. Oxman has also been president and a member of the board of directors of the Minnesota Jewish Theater Company and a board member of Shir Tikvah Congregation for four years. Oxman was recognized by the Jewish Family and Children’s Service with its annual award for volunteerism, citing his work with GLBT Jews. Oxman also was a volunteer counselor at the Counseling Center in Milwaukee.

Walk-In Counseling Center has benefited from Oxman’s expertise and dedication through the years. He has been a volunteer counselor and supervisor at Walk-In and has served on Walk-In’s board of directors for several years. He began his relationship with Walk-In as an intern and counselor in the mid-1970s.

Oxman holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Other Walk-In board members elected as officers include:
Lori Berg, Vice President (The Saint Paul Foundation)

Carol Mollner, Secretary (Consultant)

Chris Ross, Treasurer (LabHub, Inc.)

Mark Heymans, 5th member of executive committee (Children’s Foundation)

Click for more information about Walk-In Counseling Center or to view the 2009 annual report (pdf).

• Mary Weeks selected to lead Walk-In Counseling Center
• SAVE THE DATE!
  Walk-In Transition
• Phil Oxman selected as
  president of the
  Board of Directors
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