The Ecumenical Consultation Center (ECC) opened its doors in 1973 in an effort to provide low-cost counseling and psychotherapeutic services to individuals and/or families who otherwise could not afford or qualify for them. While the need for such services still exists, ECC can no longer afford to provide these services and, after 34 years, will be closing, effective Oct. 15.

Although the ECC operated at 146 Broadway in a facility provided rent-free by St. Ignatius Loyola Church, it relied heavily on financial contributions from churches, synagogues, service organizations and many individual supporters to offset costs for repairs and maintenance not to mention utilities and insurance. Today's rising costs, however, have made it financially impossible for the nonprofit center to continue.

"The original purpose of the ECC was to fill a gap in our community's mental health services. The ECC was designed to serve those individuals and families who could not afford or did not qualify for the existing community services," said Rev. Dr. Theodore S. Grant, LCSW, founder. "In order to still provide the same quality professional care we would have to increase our fees. [Doing so] would eliminate the very clients we are committed to serve." He added that if ECC increased its fees it would also put the agency in "competition with the many other excellent mental health agencies" currently serving the area.

The agency's roots stemmed back to the Ecumenical Council, a group of clergy from Hicksville, Plainview and Bethpage who, during the 1970s, worked together for the welfare of Hicksville. A 1972 study of existing agencies providing mental health services revealed that the community did not have sufficient mental health facilities and that services for moderate-income families were sparse. It was at this time that clergy members also realized the growing requests for different types of counseling.

Since day one, however, it was decided that ECC would not be run with government funding. As a result, the agency relied heavily on financial donations from local businesses, individuals and religious organizations throughout Hicksville as well as neighboring communities such as Farmingdale, Seaford, Westbury and Hempstead.

But, like ECC, local congregations are struggling, making it difficult, if not impossible for them to provide financial assistance to non-profits such as the ECC. "When we started out we had a lot of support from all the churches, but as things got tighter, contributions diminished," said Rev. Grant, adding that he is extremely grateful to all those who have been faithful supporters of the agency over the years.

When asked how he feels about the center closing, Rev. Grant said it is both "sad" and "disappointing." "This is something I put a lot of my time into. A lot of people did. It is sad to see it all come to an end [but] that is the reality in our world today. It is very difficult for nonprofits to survive," he said, adding. "We are very proud to have been able to provide the services we did for so long and that we never turned someone away."

Although the agency will close its doors next week, its clients will not be left in the lurch. ECC's 10 certified/licensed professionals will continue meeting with clients, many through their own private practices.

"We have referred everyone to places where they can get help. Everybody is taken care of," said Rev. Grant.

Anyone wishing information or mental health assistance can contact Rev. Grant at 938-4657.