Message from
Dr. Ashley Kjos, CEO
As we approach the close of another transformative year, I am filled with gratitude and a profound sense of pride for the incredible strides we have made together at Woodland Centers. Throughout the past year, we have continued to extend our reach and deepen our impact in the community. Our programs and services have touched the lives of countless individuals, providing a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health and substance use challenges.
- In the face of unprecedented demand for mental health and substance use services, our organization has encountered workforce shortages that echo the broader challenges within the healthcare sector. Despite these hurdles, our dedicated team has demonstrated unparalleled resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to maintaining the quality and accessibility of our services.
- In a rapidly changing landscape, adaptability is key. Woodland Centers has implemented innovative solutions, such as investing in ongoing training and development programs and leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of service delivery. Our staff have risen to the occasion, embracing innovation to ensure that our services remain accessible and effective.
- I am grateful for the partnerships we have forged with like-minded organizations, government agencies, and passionate individuals who share our vision for a healthier, more resilient community. Together, we are creating a network of support that transcends boundaries and fosters lasting change.
- As we look ahead to the coming year, our commitment to the well-being of our community remains unwavering. We have ambitious goals and exciting initiatives on the horizon, all aimed at elevating our impact and championing mental health and substance use awareness.
I extend my deepest appreciation to each of our partners for your dedication, partnership, and belief in the transformative power of compassion. May the coming year be filled with hope, resilience, and shared successes.
Become A WC "Impact" Partner!
The “WC IMPACT Partner” Program raises dollars to help WC continue to grow and create a center of excellence in Mental Health and Mental Illness programming, therapy, and residential opportunities for kids, adults, seniors, and families in West Central Minnesota.
The tax-deductible donation levels are:
Support {Up to $199} Bridge Builder {$200-$499}
Providing Hope {$500-$999} Inspiring Change {$1,000+}
Please contact Kim Madsen, Director of Community Impact at 320-235-4613 or [email protected]
or
Angie Richardson, Social Media/Marketing Coordinator at 320-235-4613 or [email protected]
Community Impact
Woodland Centers in partnership with local Veterans and the VSO of Kandiyohi County continue to host a veteran support group. The location changed to the VFW in Willmar. There is now an afternoon and evening session to make this more accessible for Veterans. The 1st and 3rd Wed. at 1:30 and the 4th Wed. at 5:30. All Veterans are welcome. Please inform any clients, friends, family members of this opportunity to connect and find support.
Woodland Centers is a Naloxone Access Point. Someone in need of a naloxone kit can come in and ask for one with no questions asked and can remain anonymous. Every WC location is now a full access point. We have Offices in Willmar, Olivia, Litchfield, Montevideo, Benson, Ortonville and Dawson.
Beau W. is starting a new adolescents called PEERS! This is a 16-week program that's totally worth bragging about! It's for middle and high schoolers who are eager to learn new ways of bonding and keeping friendships. The fun and interactive group sessions include exciting socialization activities where teens learn and practice important social skills. Meanwhile, parents are in for their own separate sessions and gain the skills to help expand their child's social network and give feedback through weekly socialization homework assignments. This will be held in Willmar on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. For more information, please contact Beau, MHP at [email protected].
Meet Some Woodland Centers Team Members
Jamie T.
Hi everyone, my name is Jamie and I work in Crisis. I have been in the mental health field for about two years and have my Bachelor's in Psychology. I am also in school for nursing and hope to get my Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree. During my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching movies, and spending time outside with my dog Cloud, and cat Lotus. I am also expecting my first baby.
Dana T.
Hi, I’m Dana, the new receptionist in Willmar. In my free time, I love to travel, and hang out with family and friends, my cat Cinnamon who was adopted from the Hawk Creek animal shelter, spending time on the lake, going for walks/hikes, and in the evenings I like to watch a good show on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, etc. I have always had a passion for working with people and have been blessed to have this strength. Mental health has always been interesting to me because there is so much to learn and every day is different, never the same. I am very lucky to have been offered the position here at Woodland Centers.
Join Our Team
Woodland Centers offers 37 paid days off the first year; 7% in a 401K and excellent health insurance for Full-Time employees!
Woodland Centers is recruiting for the following positions:
- RN or LPN - Crisis
- Registered Nurse - Assertive Community Treatment
- Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) or Alcohol & Drug Counselor
- Chemical Health Prevention Specialist
- Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor or Alcohol & Drug Counselor-for area schools
- Qualified Mental Health Professional/Clinical Trainee - Assertive Community Treatment
- Crisis Mental Health Practitioner – Overnights
- Mental Health Practitioner in Willmar, Eden Valley Watkins & LQPV Schools
- Qualified Mental Health Professional/Trainee Outpatient - Hybrid Position
- Qualified Mental Health Professional/Trainee - School Linked for the following schools: Eden Valley Watkins, Willmar High School & ACGC
- Qualified Mental Health Professional - Team Lead/Supervisor - Assertive Community Treatment
- Crisis Mental Health Practitioner – Weekend Baylor Hours
WC is committed to community involvement and encourage staff to use volunteer time!
Pamela J. spent her volunteer hours with her son’s multiage classroom.
Karen O. spent her volunteer
hours painting the Campus
Ministry building out at
Ridgewater.
We are excited to announce that John a WC staff member developed a photographic exhibition about the diversity in Willmar.
His exhibition was selected from many at the State level!! John’s work will be on display for about 6 months at the Capitol building Art Gallery (like LA Coin, but from each state) from May to October.
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Monthly Mental Health Tips & Quarterly Newsletter
