Today we’d like to introduce you to GRACE Center Jody Robson, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCS.
Hi GRACE Center, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Grayling Regional Addiction Counseling and Education (G.R.A.C.E.) Center started in 1987 as a nonprofit ministry of the St. Francis Episcopal Church to provide needed services to the community. Our mission as a service agency is to be dedicated to improving the spiritual, emotional, mental, and social conditions of people in our area. We provide counseling, referrals, and substance abuse prevention education at a reasonable cost to all seeking our services. Centered around a non-judgemental environment, we stand committed ot positive personal growth through professional excellence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Over the years, our small agency has faced numerous challenges in keeping our doors open. We are located in a rural community where there is indeed a need for services. We are a small but mighty agency that has faced many ups and downs, involving funding, budgets, and limited resources. We often have trouble competing with larger agencies. This contributes to difficulties in hiring staff in a very competitive market. We have faced many changes throughout the years, funding cuts, changes in licensing or certification requirements, and, of course, changes prompted by the COVID-19 epidemic, including being unable to meet with clients in person. We have adapted and overcome many challenges, and provide both in-person and tele-health sessions, offering to be as flexible and affordable as we can.
Additionally, unfortunately, another factor is that the stigma that continues to surround Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health issues often prevents people from seeking help or from supporting their loved ones, and even impacts insurance, funding, and donations, all of which are vital in our operation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our team consists of me, Jody Robson, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCS, being the Clinical Director, along with Kristen Waslawski, LPC, Professional Counselor, Carol Moggo, our Office Administrator, and Allison Gabriel, Administrative Assistant. We work to provide a professional yet warm and welcoming environment. Kristen and I provide support and counseling to individuals and families to address a variety of issues. We work with clients facing numerous challenges such as depression, anxiety, adjustment or life changes, as well as Substance Use Disorder, family issues, and other services as needed. We have also provided education and support services, as well as taken part in community events, retreats, and prevention services. Carol and Allison work tirelessly to manage the office and administrative duties as well as schedule and welcome our clients day to day.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Our agency prides itself on putting the needs of those we serve first. Helping the people in our community is what matters most to our agency. We have worked hard to create a non-judgmental environment for people to feel safe to ask for help. We participate in numerous community events over the course of the year to provide information and resources. The agency also provides resources for anyone asking in the community, from food pantries, bus tokens for free rides, to counseling sessions and recovery meetings. G.R.A.C.E. Center strives to restore the joy of families in our community.
Pricing:
- G.R.A.C.E. Center accepts insurances, and also work with other agencies to provide contracted services, and have options for those who qualify for grant funding with a small co-pay, and also offer a sliding scale based on income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gracecentergraylingmi.org
- Facebook: GRACE Center
