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Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center celebrates (From the Charleston Gazette) Retired Charleston physician Marshall Carper remembers when there were few options for people who needed counseling. "Thirty years ago here, you could see a psychiatrist, but they didn’t provide counseling, just medication," said Dr. Carper. "Or you could talk to your minister, but many times, the minister felt ill-prepared for some issues. Clergy wanted someplace where they could refer." And the idea for an alternative was born. Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1970 by a dedicated group of clergy and lay people from different churches. "We saw a gap in services and an opportunity to help our community in need," said Jeanne Skaggs, another founding board member, at a meeting earlier this month to reminisce about the beginning days of the center. Their vision of an alternative to conventional care continues today. "We continue to help people who would otherwise fall through the cracks," according to Sky Kershner, Executive Director of KPCC, who has been with the Center for the past ten years. "Some cracks are economic, and others tend to do with ways regular counseling does not include elements that are extremely important to people, like their faith." "Our mission is twofold," said Kershner, who is an ordained United Methodist minister and holds both a Doctorate of Ministry degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work. "First, we provide faith-based, confidential counseling at an affordable cost. Contributions help subsidize the cost for clients who can’t afford counseling otherwise." "Secondly, we provide training opportunities for clergy and other professionals in the art and science of pastoral counseling." Kershner continued, "Our counselors are trained to help clients think in terms of the bigger picture of life, and what meaning they find in life." Many of Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center’s staff are ordained or avowed and represent a broad spectrum of churches, congregations and theological views. Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center will honor some of the founding board members in
recognition of the 30th anniversary at their annual benefit, the Jim Dent Memorial Dinner
on October 17th. The event saluting the late Gazette humorist is in its seventh year, and
features the return of political satirist and musical comedian Dave Werner.
"It’s only fitting that Jim Dent be remembered with a night of laughter,"
says Kershner. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling Kanawha Pastoral Counseling
Center at 346-9689. For the Benefit for Clients of KPCC
In a typical year, KPCC provides
A 70 % of all our clients received some sort of fee subsidy
for the services they received
Your generous contribution to the Jim Dent Dinner
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