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Concord Counseling is planning a huge bash Saturday, Sept. 10, to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the Westerville community. Founded in 1972, the mental health agency will mark its golden anniversary with ConcordFest, a festival celebration to be staged in in the parking lot of Concord’s Westerville offices at 700 Brooksedge Blvd. “We’re celebrating the last 50 years and how we want to move into the next 50,” said Linda Jakes, Concord’s Executive Director. From 2-6 p.m., ConcordFest will feature live music, food trucks, face painting and games, a photo booth, and a special exhibit of art for sale by members of the He’ART of Concord, a group of clients who create original artwork as part of their therapy. A giant tent will be erected in the parking lot to permit the event to proceed rain or shine. The live music will come from two outstanding local acts: soul and jazz singer Ka Tanya Brewer from 2-4 p.m. and the ‘60s and ‘70s cover rock band Avec Amour (formerly Midlife Crisis) from 4-6 p.m. All of Westerville is invited to ConcordFest,“to celebrate 50 years as your behavioral health ally in the community,” Concord’s invitation to the event reads. Jakes said the mission of Concord is to “instill hope and serve with heart.” It’s a mission that’s brought the agency to grow organically in offered services over the years. Named Executive Director in 2020, Jakes said she has worked at Concord for 35 years. Many of the nearly 100 employees – counselors, psychiatrists, case managers, vocational specialists, and support staff – have been with Concord for 10-plus or 15-plus years. Moving for Mental Health A special fund-raiser is being held as part of the 50th anniversary and will conclude with recognition for participants at ConcordFest Sept. 10. Moving for Mental Health is a challenge event that will run Aug. 11 through Sept. 8. Participants are asked to walk, run, or bike a total of 50 miles to raise awareness for mental health between those dates. They are asked pledge at least $1 per mile, and encouraged to seek sponsors for their physical activity. T-shirts and prizes will be awarded at the ConcordFest Sept. 10. Read more about the fundraiser and register to participate at CharityFootprints.com/Concord. Facts about Concord CounselingAccording to its website, ConcordCounseling.org, Concord was formed in 1972 by a group of volunteers – Westerville residents working with students, faculty, and administrators from Otterbein College. They saw the need for an organization that would help students and others in the local community deal with mental health issues. Today Concord serves people as young as age 3 and as old as age 98 and every age in between. It treats more than 4,000 individuals and families annually. “Dedicated to healing people in mind and spirit with programs and services that change lives,” Concord is a lead provider agency for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County. It also provides services for the City of Westerville, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and to students and staff in several Central Ohio school districts – Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Groveport and South-Western. In Westerville Counseling Services As a Community Partner with the City of Westerville, Concord provides an array of services to city residents, including some that are free of charge. Up to 10 outpatient counseling sessions are provided for free to uninsured or underinsured residents. They can include teaching coping skills, understanding feelings and behaviors, or helping to change behaviors. Call Concord’s Trish Schnell, SWA, at 614-882-9338, ext. 205 for more information on this City of Westerville-funded program. Senior Support Program To help keep seniors (ages 55 and older) active, Concord provides a range of free services to residents of Westerville and New Albany (Zip codes 43081, 43082 and 43054), in partnership with the City of Westerville and Franklin County Senior Options. The agency’s Senior Support Team provides free:
Find out much more about Concord Counseling, its history and the services it offers at its website, ConcordCounseling.org or Facebook page.  
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