For more than a year, Heather Gieck has been striving to change the lives of others at the Healing House and New Beginnings, a Jefferson City Christian-based recovery center for women battling addiction.
She opened the seven-bed facility last May, and it's the first of its kind in Missouri. Gieck now works with a core group of six women, giving to them what she once received herself - help, healing and hope.
In her teenage years, Gieck started her struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, which eventually landed her in prison. The experience led her to where she is today.
"It's very fulfilling," Gieck said about operating the Healing House. "It's a humbling experience, as well. I'm giving back to what was so graciously given to me."
Her efforts were honored Tuesday night at the Missouri Mental Health Foundation's ninth annual Mental Health Champions Banquet. Gieck was named a 2016 Missouri Mental Health Champion.
"What she's done for our community and herself in her recovery is amazing," said Patty Henry, MMHF executive director.
Each year, the foundation recognizes an individual making strides in three mental health fields: substance abuse disorders, developmental disorders and mental illness.
"I'm just very grateful," she said. "I'm very humbled."
Max Lewis, of Columbia, who hasn't let quadriplegia hold him back following a 1986 diving accident, was honored for his accomplishments, including establishing an adapted gymnastics class for children with disabilities at the University of Missouri. Sarah Earll, of St. Louis, was recognized for her work at Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance/St. Louis Empowerment Center, where she is the co-director.
The event celebrates success of individuals living with the three conditions, Henry said. Silent auction proceeds will go to supporting the foundation and its functions. In 2015, MMHF has hosted a Midwest suicide prevention conference, conducted suicide risk trainings, supported an Americans with Disabilities Act awareness event and led a social media campaign to raise awareness on mental health including commercial ads running in the Jefferson City area.
About 475 people registered for the banquet, the best turnout in the event's history, Henry said. In the audience at Capitol Plaza Hotel was Rhonda Remly, the person Gieck credits with propeling her recovery process. They met during a Bible study at the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, where Gieck was serving a prison sentence and Remley is the assistant chaplain.
Upon meeting, Remly said she knew Gieck was different.
"Heather was very determined," Remley said. "I could see the strength and determination. She had the attitude - she knew there was another way to live and she wanted that life. I could see that in her."
At Healing House, Gieck said the women in recovery discover the root cause for their addictions. A foundation of "the living word of God" is set first, and then, they work through the traditional 12-steps to recovery.
"I think one of the things that we need to start focusing on is that addiction is a matter of the heart, and we're busy trying to change the behavior. But the inner (self) has to change," Gieck said. "So, we need to focus more on a renewal on the inside than conformity on the outside."
In addition to the Mental Health Champions, the foundation presented Keith Schaefer, former director of the Department of Mental Health, with the with the Lasting Legacy Award. He served in the position from 1986-94 and then again from 2007-15. In his time, Schaefer advocated for a new Fulton State Hospital, which is currently under construction.
He also helped establish the Partnership for Hope, which expanded services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and Healthcare Homes, facilities that provide mental and physical healthcare services.
