FIRST CLIENT SEEN IN THE NEW OFFICE

The new Angel of Hope Wellness Center is officially open for business!

As planned, we saw our first client in the new office on Friday afternoon. If you have been waiting for Angel of Hope to re-open, you need wait no longer! Feel free to phone (541-HOPE) or email me to make your appointment.

Video Walk-Throughs of the New Office

Nick composed some great video walk-throughs of the office building, the first one is a walk-through from the parking lot to the handicapped/rear entrance. The first video is a bit large so for those of you on dial up connections, it might take a while to load. The second video is from the building's front door to our office door. The third video is of the suite next door to ours, which we HOPE to find someone to share with us! Who do YOU know who would be interested in sharing space with us?

RELIEF! WE'RE FINALLY MOVED-OUT OF THE OLD OFFICE!

Finally .... Moved-Out and We're Exhausted!

After more than a week of packing, lugging, loading and unloading until all hours of the early morning, Nick and I finally completely finished moving out of the old office on 9th & Oklahoma at about 11:00 Saturday morning. We spent several all-nighters last week with absolutely no sleep, moving things into the new office on 94th & Beloit Road. The elevator in the new building was a tremendous help. If you tried phoning us last week and last weekend, you probably got our answering machine or voice mail because our bodies ultimately demanded rest. Most of the past week and weekend are still a blurrrrrrrrrrr.

Still Settling-in

As of today, we're still trying to get things settled into the new office -- no easy task trying to fit furniture and other supplies from approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of office space into less than 300 sq. ft.! We have been finding it necessary to remove things that once served a purpose in former offices because there is simply no space for them now. It's been quite frustrating, and in a manner of speaking, the move is not yet complete because we are still trying to determine how to make the most important items somehow fit into two small rooms and take the rest home or to storage (which is also nearly full too). There were about 20 boxes of books alone (I kid you not!) and I no longer have the wall of bookshelves. Because we cannot just put things away where they belong, it is taking much longer to get settled-in and have the office ready to resume seeing clients. We have temporarily moved some of the furniture into the suite next door so we have some room to move around. As of today, we're still maneuvering around boxes, bins, and bags!

Poor Nick!

Poor Nick has been moving furniture back and forth -- when I tell him "Nick, I have an idea..." the poor guy starts getting worried because it usually means I want him to move something -- a box, bin, or piece of furniture .... yet again! Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without him. He really deserves more than a medal!

Who do you know.........?

The larger suite directly next door (#102) is becoming a serious goal. It has more than twice the space as the present office, but the rent is $300/month more than the new office. While it's not an impossibility, it is not doable at this time.... unless we get some help.

Here are the options:

1. Raise my fees to bring in enough money to pay the higher office rent. These are hard economic times for many people and I would rather not make it any more difficult for people to get the care they need. Still, this may become necessary if #2 or #3 below are not accomplished (soon).
2. Increase the number of paying clients -- Who do you know could benefit from the services provided at Angel of Hope Wellness Center? Have you been thinking about scheduling or rescheduling that appointment? Make that appointment now!
3. Take on an associate to share office space and expenses. This could be a great option and also enable Angel of Hope to increase the services provided. Again, who do you know would be a good addition to the Angel of Hope Wellness Center?

Scheduling Sessions Begining Friday, April 24th

The office may not be entirely finished by Friday, but we are committing to have it at least ready enough to resume seeing clients by this Friday. If you have been waiting to schedule or reschedule your appointment, wait no longer! Bills have to be paid and we can wait no longer to resume business. Come see our new office!

Although we do not (yet) have the spaciousness of our former office, I think you'll like the new location with plenty of parking, an elevator, (shared) conference room & lounge, professional building in a safe and attractive neighborhood.

As of yesterday, my name was not yet on the interior and exterior signs, but they should be posted soon. As a reminder, we are in SUITE #104, on the lower level (1st floor), the 3rd door east of the elevators on the north (front) side of the building. The original plan was to move into suite #108 as soon as it is remodeled (in the next month or so). And we still intend to do so unless we find some way to up-size into #102 instead. However, suite #102 also needs extensive remodeling; so we will most likely be working out of a two-room office for at least the next couple of months.

I'll be posting pictures of the new office on this blog soon, so do check back often.

HOLDING OUR BREATH FOR SMOKE-FREE AIR IN WISCONSIN

As you have probably seen or heard on the news, Wisconsin is once again considering making public places smoke-free.

Two organizations -- "SmokeFree Wisconsin" and "Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids" -- are working hard to educate people across the state not only about the dangers of smoking, but also the dangers of second-hand smoke. Neighboring states and even some Wisconsin cities have already gone smoke-free. And it is definitely time for the entire state to take a stand for health by passing legislation which will assure everyone the ability to breathe smoke-free air. Now is the time to make our legislators aware that the people of Wisconsin need and deserve healthy air quality, inside and outside.

Please read and sign the petition on the "Holding Our Breath" website by this Thursday, April 16th. And do forward the petition and website link to all your friends, family, and acquaintances:

http://www.holdingourbreathwi.com/

Although my late husband never smoked a day in his life, he died one month ago tonight of "small cell metastatic lung cancer." At least 90% of those diagnosed with this type of cancer were heavy smokers or were victims of second-hand smoke. This is a very aggressive type of cancer. Often, by the time it is diagnosed it is pretty much too late to even begin treatment. Untreated, the prognosis is only 2-4 months; 4-6 months with immediate aggressive treatment. By the time he was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread throughout his body -- lungs, lymph nodes, liver, colon, and possibly brain. There was no trace of cancer when he was hospitalized in December, 2007, after a serious auto accident. He worked in a chemical factory for 18 years, but this type of cancer is like a ticking time bomb that may not show up for years. When it does show-up, it spreads (metastacizes) with a vengeance.

Since at least 90% of those with this type of cancers are heavy smokers or live or work with large amounts of second-hand smoke, it is the type of cancer which in most cases can be prevented!

We must take action NOW! Sign the petition, share it with others, be informed, phone or email your state senator, and show up at hearings.

Below is a fact sheet from the "Holding Our Breath Wisconsin" website. It is also available in .pdf format on the website.

Holding Our Breath For A Smoke-Free Wisconsin!


Everyone who lives and works in Wisconsin deserves the same basic protections from secondhand smoke. Despite twenty years of scientific research proving that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, and the success of comprehensive smoke-free laws across the country, workers and customers across Wisconsin are still exposed.

Secondhand smoke is a major health hazard.
Ø The 2006 Surgeon General’s report declared the debate is over and the science is clear. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard that causes premature death and disease in nonsmoking adults.[i]
Ø Hundreds of studies and dozens of distinguished scientific and medical organizations have concluded that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard that causes lung cancer, heart disease and serious respiratory illness in nonsmokers.
Ø The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke is massive and conclusive and the only way to protect people is to eliminate their exposure.[ii]

We all have the right to breathe smoke-free air.
Ø Food service workers have a significantly greater risk of dying from lung cancer than the general public, due in part to their continuous exposure to secondhand smoke at work.[iii] No one should have to choose between a job and good health.
Ø Bar and restaurant workers deserve the same protection from secondhand smoke that many office workers already enjoy.
Ø Evidence from smoke-free communities shows smoke-free policies improve restaurant and bar workers’ health. Within several months of going smoke-free, Madison bartenders saw a significant reduction in respiratory symptoms like wheezing, cough and eye/nose irritation - symptoms that may be warning signs of serious conditions such as lung or heart disease.[iv]
Ø Protecting our right to breathe clean air is a health and safety issue and should be no more optional than ensuring our food, water and public facilities are safe.

It’s time for Wisconsin to join the numerous other states that have gone smoke-free.
Ø Twenty-five states and Washington D.C. have approved statewide smoke-free laws that cover all restaurants and taverns.
Ø Smoke-free legislation covering all restaurants and bars was recently enacted in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota (eff. 7/09), leaving Wisconsin further behind.
Ø Over 16,500 municipalities are now protected by a state or local smoke-free law covering all workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars. This represents 70% of the U.S. population!

Wisconsin is ready to enact a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law.
Ø The Surgeon General has concluded that eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Ø Over two-thirds (69%) of Wisconsin voters support a law that makes all workplaces and public places, including all restaurants and bars, smoke-free.[v]
Ø The WI Restaurant Association is working to protect the people who patronize and work in their industry—they have endorsed a statewide smoke-free law with no exemptions.
Ø The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and other leading Wisconsin health advocacy groups support a comprehensive smoke-free law that includes all restaurants and taverns.


[i] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006.
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Siegel, M. Involuntary Smoking in the Restaurant Workplace: A Review of Employees Exposure and Health Effects. JAMA. 1993.
[iv] Palmerscheim K, Remington P, Gundersen D. Program Brief: The Impact of a Smoke-Free Ordinance on the Health and Attitudes of a Bartender. University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tobacco Surveillance and Evaluation Program. February 2006.
[v] The Mellman Group and Public Opinion Strategies. Smoke-Free Laws in Wisconsin. April 2008.

NO MORE "BUTTS"!

If you are a smoker and have been considering the impact of this type of legislation, TAKE ACTION NOW! I can help you to "give up the butts" and live happy, healthy, and smoke-free. Just phone (414-541-HOPE) or email me to take the first step on the road to "Freedom from Smoking". You will be amazed at just how much easier letting go of the smoking habit can be with hypnosis and emotional release!

THE BIG MOVE IS NEARLY FINISHED!

After many hours of wrapping and packing, KAD movers arrived on Friday at 9:00 am and we did get most of the big items transferred to our new office. Nick and I spent most of Thursday and all Thursday night (without any sleep at all!) frantically boxing files, books, silk flowers, and so much more which we have accumulated over nearly 15 years in practice. Sincere thanks to Pam for her hard work helping us. I don't know what we would have done without your help, Pam! There were almost 20 boxes of books alone!

Being Holy Week has made the move even more difficult because we do feel so very strongly about keeping Holy Week focussed on spiritual priorities and participating in church services, especially on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and of course Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, we had to miss the Holy Thursday evening services because the movers were expected early on Good Friday morning. We had hoped that Friday would have been the end of the chore; but, here we are -- late Easter Sunday -- and STILL not finished! This was definitely not the way we wanted or expected to spend our Easter Sunday evening. We were supposed to be totally out of the building no later than Saturday. While I have gotten the key to my office, due to the holiday weekend, I was not able to get the keys to the new office building and we were unable to finish getting things moved-in Saturday evening or Sunday. That was a set-back we weren't anticipating.

Another delay was experienced because we are GREATLY DOWN-SIZING the office from about 1,000 sq. ft. to just under 300 sq. ft.! Needless to say, a number of things no longer fit our new space. We're still trying to re-arrange furniture and we are finding it necessary to remove some pieces. It looks like there will only be room for a small but comfortable therapy room and a small front business office. We're still trying to figure out how to fit a desk in the place! The movers spent about a half hour on Friday moving around a rather large desk and very heavy lateral file cabinet in what is now my new therapy room, only to finally decide that the desk just was not going to fit -- and that it would have to be returned to another unoccupied office suite! Those men definitely earned their pay that day! More furniture may still be taking another ride out of the office and into storage!

The bottom line is that we were unable to afford to stay in the 9th & Oklahoma Avenue office. And while I do think you will like the new location, the office suite is much, much smaller than the office space to which we have grown accustomed. Please let me or Nick know your thoughts on the new office when you finally get a chance to see it later this week.

There is a larger suite available next door in #102, but at this time, we do not have the finances to rent the space. Nevertheless, we still consider it a possibility and hope that with your help, we will be able to make Angel of Hope Wellness Center more profitable and self-supporting. As some of you may already be aware, I have operated Angel of Hope Wellness Center as my ministry. I have never turned-away people who were sincere about receiving care regardless of their ability to pay for my services. And I don't intend to start turning-away people now either.

You can help keep the Angel of Hope Wellness Center ministry alive and well by:

• Making and keeping your regular appointments (and of course, paying for those services if you are able)
• Referring your family, friends and acquaintances who could benefit from natural health care, counseling, hypnosis, or life coaching
• Donations of office supplies are also appreciated: HP printer ink #21 & #22; Epson printer ink #69 series; multi-purpose printer paper

Who do you know.....?

Another option that I am considering is taking on a compatible associate to share office space and expenses as an "independent contractor".

If you are a therapist or health professional who is looking for affordable shared office space with numerous amenities including: private office, copier, fax machine, shared conference room, broadband internet access, janitorial services, plenty of free off-street parking, and wheelchair accessibility, in a Catholic Christian health and wellness center -- please phone or email me! I'd like to meet and talk with you! There is already a massage therapy office in the building, so I may not be able to bring a massage therapist onboard at Angel of Hope. And, because of the nature of my practice with hypnosis, an associate with a predominantly child practice would not be compatible (though we may be able to work out some scheduling times so the natural exuberant nature of children will not interfere with my clients who need to have a quiet environment for hypnosis).

Blessed Easter!

Wishing everyone an Easter season filled with hope, joy, and many blessings.

Do visit this site often for updates on the latest developments of the NEW ANGEL OF HOPE WELLNESS CENTER.

THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!

ANGEL OF HOPE WELLNESS CENTER'S

NEW HOME!

9401 WEST BELOIT ROAD, SUITE #104

MILWAUKEE, WI 53227

NEW PHONE NUMBER!

(414) 541-4673 --- (JUST REMEMBER: 541-HOPE)

Entrance to 9401 West Beloit Road

(There's another building which looks just like this next door to the west.)

I signed a lease on my new office this morning, got my key, and Nick & I have already moved-in a bookcase. We can start moving in immediately. I also hired the movers I used for previous office moves and they will be moving us out of our present office on Thursday morning.




Unfortunately, we will have to change the office phone number to: (414) 541-4673 (remember: 5 4 1 H O P E). But I'll have a recording for the next year on my current phone number. The new number will be hooked-up on the morning of Tuesday, April 14 (also Nick's 28th birthday!).

There are two large office buildings with white pillars in front. They are directly across the street from St. Matthias Church. Beloit Road is about one block south of 92nd & Oklahoma Avenue.

St. Matthias Church, directly across the street

There is plenty of free off-street parking in the lot behind the building and there is also a handicap entrance off the parking lot in the rear of the building. The parking lot entrance will bring you to the second floor. There are both stairs and an elevator which can take you to the lower level, where my office is east of the elevator.

Portion of Large Rear Parking Lot

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

is located off the parking lot on the side of the building

(between the office building & apartment building)

Lower Level Reception Area & Elevator

There is also free street parking in front of the building. If you use the front main entrance, take the stairs down to the lower level and turn left at the elevators. I will be in suite #104, about 1/2 way down the hall, the third office on your left. It's only a two-room suite, but there are chairs in the entrance lobby off the elevators and main entrance and there is also a common conference room/lounge next to the elevator. The ladies' room is to the west of the elevator and conference room and mens' room is to the east (closer to my office). Eventually, I will be moving over to suite #108 (the first office to the east of the main entrance/elevator) when the carpeting and painting is finished (probably next month).

Lower Level Reception Area

Entrance to Conference Room/Lounge

Conference Room

Lounge with Snack & Beverage Vending Machines