Published: May 07, 2008 02:34 pm      

Edmond Family Counseling Center honored for compassion

EDMOND — The Edmond City Council and the Edmond City Council recognized Edmond Family Counseling Center as “Champions of Character” for the character trait of compassion, during its City Council meeting.

“The trait of compassion is defined as ‘investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.’ This is what I see the staff endeavoring to do on a daily basis, not just because it is our profession but also because it is a part of each staff member’s personal character and value system,” wrote Jackie Shaw, director at the Edmond Family Counseling Center.

Hundreds of children, teens, adults, couples and families have benefited from their relationships with the staff of the EFC: The reception staff, research and development coordinator and therapist are committed dear friends — all constantly go above and beyond, offering kindness, resources and positive examples of faith and hope to others.

The positive impact of each client’s life, that’s passed through the center, can be illustrated through their testimonies: “God places people in our lives to help us through this journey … I began a therapist/client relationship that remains the most important in my life,” was one response. Another responded: “They assured me that I would recover, not only the desire to live but would also regain the enthusiasm I had known … their skills and gifts helped me overcome fear, anxiety and to recover my love of life.”

And not the least: “When life looked very scary and death seemed a better option, God put (EFC) in my life and that was the blessing I so desperately needed. Thank you! Thank you so much. God bless you!”

The Character Council thanked the Edmond Family Counseling Center for representing the Edmond community as Champions of Character, said Council president Jim Hulsey, “… by their commitment to help others in the Edmond community; by listening carefully in their time of need and to heal their hurts — making a difference in other’s lives.”

The staff and volunteers at the Family Counseling Center are Shanna Allen, Angela Baugher, Donna Bell, Abbey Blair, Rebel Buersmeyer, Lerri Cooper, Belinda Crosier, Leigh Dean, Quinton Ellis, Robin Parks Franz, John Goetz, Carrie Kyger, Clydene Marshall, Carla McAuliffe, Bonnie McCurtain, Sandy Mold, Denise Orr, Kera Parker, Sherri Rhoten, Elizabeth Samara, Jackie Shaw, Laura Solomon and Sheila Stinnett.

The Character Council is a grassroots, non-profit, organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a “City of Character.” The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced.

To nominate a resident as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, log on to www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, P.O. Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.