Our History
Grace Counseling Services was established in December 2011, guided by the vision of a hospital for the hurting, as articulated by lead pastor Matt Kaltenberger. With more individuals, couples, and families in turmoil; a burden the church carried became even greater. Knowing that we could no longer afford a delay of establishing a professional counseling center in addition to our in house pastoral counseling would feel like we were being disobedient to a direction God was calling us to in order to better care for people as a hospital for hurting people.
After prayerfully considering a proposal of what would be required, Grace pastors, along with support from the Board of Directors, approved the investment for Grace Counseling Services to be established and for Bob Zonts to begin graduate school to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University. Initial key leaders, including Bob Zonts, Joe Maletta and Jackie Eppler developed the counseling team with a mission to honor God by reaching people with the Good News Of Jesus Christ and teaching them to become followers of Him.
How it started
Susan Sheidy became the first staff as a professional counselor in fall 2017 dedicated to faith-based counseling. Beth Blinn later joined who shared Susan’s background with experience from The Refuge Center in Franklin, Tennessee, which influenced Grace Counseling's model. With the addition of Susan and Beth, Grace Community Church was able to provide licensed clinical professional therapy through Grace Counseling services in addition to ministry counseling. There was a clear vision in providing the community affordable, professional counseling services in order to empower, educate and support individuals, couples and families in need.
Spring 2021 marked a significant milestone for the counseling center, as it transitioned into a dedicated space within the church, featuring a reception area, group space, and five private counseling rooms. The design philosophy was prioritized by creating a warm and inviting space, conducive to the feelings of comfort and security for individuals and families. Each element, from furniture to aesthetic choices, was deliberately selected and prayed over, invoking divine guidance and provision. The use of refurbished and repurposed items underscored the center's commitment to renewal and transformation.
Continued growth
In the spring of 2023 a children's and teen therapy room was added to our counseling center to enable play therapy for children aged three and above. Throughout 2023 the office also linked arms with local colleges to provide an opportunity to function as a teaching facility, incorporating Master's Level interns and fostering the development of skilled faith based therapists.
Today, with nearly 50 appointments daily, the counseling center supports our church family, local community, and nearby counties across Pennsylvania. In the summer of 2024 several of the therapists were credentialed and became providers for five of the major insurance companies. The center's expertise is provided by licensed therapists, post masters & master’s level interns, a life coach, pastoral and administrative support staff.
