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Samaritan Counseling Center releases new strategic plan; launches fundraising appeal

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Thu, Dec 10th 2015 01:45 pm

Holiday and seasonal depression are on the rise - SCC offers help

The Samaritan Counseling Center is putting the finishing touches on its first strategic plan and entering the implementation stage.

Representatives of the center announced the launch of a holiday fund drive designed to raise critical funds necessary to sustain programs and services. Representatives also stressed their doors are wide open during this time of year when depression often surfaces.

The Samaritan Counseling Center offers professional, confidential counseling for individuals, couples, children, adolescents and families in a spiritual, faith-oriented context, providing life-changing interventions and resources for continued resiliency. Though it has served the community for nearly 60 years, the center has had a very low profile.

The Samaritan Counseling Center serves all people, many of whom are lower-income and economically disadvantaged and, thereby, unable to afford most counseling. No one is ever turned away from the center. Hence, the need for a holiday fund drive.

Samaritan representatives have faced great funding challenges over the past few years and are calling on the community to help. Folks are encouraged to contact the center at 716-743-9117 to make a donation - or to set up a counseling session if in need.

Struggles for ongoing funding prompted the center to undertake an exhaustive strategic planning process, which became a thorough investigation into agency operations and the nature of its mission and service delivery. The East Hill Foundation funded the process entirely. Central themes emerging from the plan were: expanding partnerships, reinforcing identity, increasing marketing/fundraising and enhancing operations.

Headquartered in North Tonawanda, the Samaritan Counseling Center has 14 satellite locations throughout the region, ranging from Lockport and Wheatfield in the north towns to West Seneca and Springville in the south towns. In between, there are locations in Clarence, Williamsville, Cheektowaga and two locations in the City of Buffalo.

In addition to counseling services, the center provides consultations, training, workshops and educational programs for physicians, clergy, agencies, congregations and groups.

The Samaritan Counseling Center is bracing for the influx it typically sees at this time of year. Community members can support their efforts - or seek help for themselves - by calling 716-743-9117.

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