wall sign at First Church of Marion Nazareth (Marion Nas) The downtown congregation is described as “a church in the heart of the city, with a heart to the city.”
Spend a few minutes with Senior Pastor Pastor Steve Estep and you’ll quickly realize that it’s more than just a catchphrase or marketing tool. His deep and intense personal desire to serve his community through a wide range of ministries has resulted in what has been called the Church’s latest undertaking. Health consultation/clinic request.
The clinic, located on Marion Nas’ downtown campus at 233 W. Church St., is still in its infancy, providing counseling services to individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“Hope for Health’s mission is to provide underserved people in Marion and surrounding communities with comprehensive health services, including mental health, counseling, health care and social services, in a Christ-centered environment. It’s about giving,” said Estep. “In many ways, it will complement the great things that are already happening. We have some great Christian counselors in Marion, but we need more than resources. You’re not trying to replace anyone, you’re not competing, think of this as another layer of support for the underserved.
“One of the things that makes it unique is that it’s Christ-centered. Those of us who come[for counseling]are like, ‘No, we don’t want that.’ Unless you say so, everyone will be prayed.”
For the past seven years, Marion Nas has delivered Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program. This is held every Thursday on the church campus. Its ministry serves more than 200 people each week.
Estep said the Hope for Health prayers and plans will begin in August 2021, spurring further discussion by “sharing our vision of a Christ-centered mental health/counseling clinic with the congregation of Marion Nas.” , then said it spurred significant action. topic.
“Dr. Roxanne Oliver was present that day and immediately offered her assistance to help develop and implement the plan for Hope for Health,” Estep said. In January 2022, we will hold our first board meeting, secure our 501c3 status, and begin the process of recruiting potential providers. Shortly after our first meeting, board member Vaughn Sizemore put us in touch with Columbus attorney Rick Bruner. By April 2022 we will officially be a 501c3 organization.”
Local consultant Teresa Lubuque, former executive director of the Marion Family YMCA, assisted the board in developing short- and long-term goals and submitted a grant application to the Hillman Foundation on behalf of Hope for Health. She is also helping the board investigate other grant opportunities, Estep said.
So far, the Marion Naz congregation has donated $10,000 to start the project. The Marion Community Foundation awarded her $10,000 grant to the counseling center. Most recently, the United Way of North Central, Ohio awarded Hope for Health her $5,000 grant. United Way Executive Her Director Amber Wertman presented Estep with the check last Wednesday in a simple ceremony at a church.
“The need[for counseling services in Marion County]is huge and we don’t have enough resources,” says Wortman. “(Hope for Health) putting your time, effort and talent into this means a lot to our community. A dollar grant) is an initial investment, but I think if the need grows and people find it to be a great resource, it will thrive and serve the community.”
According to Estep, the financial donations will help Hope for Health set up offices, purchase equipment, purchase security systems, hire part-time billers/certified record) I was able to join the provider.
“Great synergy is being created by these friends in our community who are excited to join Hope for Health in its efforts to address prevalent mental health needs in Marion,” said Estep. “We have been encouraged by other local counselors, including the Dan Ward Counseling Group, who are doing a great job for the people of Marion, but we have also been encouraged by our Christ-centered mental health. We know firsthand the gap between the need for health services and the resources available to meet that need. I am thrilled to see families find hope and help in Jesus name.
Denise Thiel and Vanessa Jones run the day-to-day operations of the clinic. Thiel is acting director of operations and Jones is an administrative assistant.
Counseling team members include Dr. Brandi Spaulding, LICDC, who specializes in individual, couples, family therapy and addiction counseling. Murphy Stansbury, a certified substance abuse counselor. Kim Turner, LISW-S, is a Cornerstone, Certified EMDR Therapist at Hope Grief Support and has many years of experience providing care and crisis interventions to a diverse population. Cornerstone by Warren Hastings, Facilitator, Hope Grief Support. and Dave and Cindy Gossard, PAL support group facilitators.
Hope for Health is now open every Wednesday from 1pm to 8pm. Spaulding offers weekly counseling sessions. Stamsberry now offers substance abuse counseling once a month on Wednesdays. Gossards is facilitating PAL support groups and Turner is facilitating grief support groups.
Estep said the board aims to use Hope for Health’s current momentum to build a larger base of clinic providers and partners.
“We strive to create a balanced learning environment for future providers,” said Estep. “We are currently exploring partnerships with local universities and colleges to see how students can integrate into clinics.”
For more information about Hope for Health Counseling and Clinics, call 567-213-5090 or email [email protected] is also available on our website Hopeforhealthmarion.org and the Hope for Health Consultation/Clinic Facebook page.
Email: [email protected] | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter
