FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2021
Media Contact
Cindy Wallis: 419-562-2000
Community Counseling Services and Marion Area Counseling Services Announce Intent to Merge
The Board of Directors for Community Counseling Services (CCS) and Marion Area Counseling Center (MACC) are excited to announce their intention to merge effective January 1, 2022. Recently, the Boards for both CCS and MACC unanimously approved resolutions to enter into a merger. Upon completion of the merger, the combined organization will serve more than 7,500 clients from 5 counties on an annual basis and employ approximately 80 caring and dedicated professionals.
Joe Stafford, a Board member of CCS, commented on the proposed merger, saying, “I’m very excited about the merger of MACC with CCS. Both organizations have served their communities well for many years. This merger will allow us to provide more treatment options for our clients and provide higher quality care for our clients and the communities we serve. These are exciting days!”
Sam Wolfe, the President of the MACC Board of Directors stated, “I am very excited to complete this merger between two great organizations. This merge will provide a great expansion of services for our clients and the community.”
Both organizations have a long history of providing quality mental health, drug and alcohol, and social services to the region. The merged organization will serve as a model for community mental health, addiction, and support service organizations to come together to deliver high-quality care, extending their mission to as many individuals as possible. The merger will allow for the expansion of high-quality services, increasing the ease of access for services, improving technology, and providing support and investment to address additional needs in the community.
CCS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cindy Wallis stated, “The possibilities to expand services by sharing our professional expertise and financial resources will be a benefit to our current clients and the various communities we serve. We look forward to implementing new and shared best practices that will continue to enhance the infrastructure and day-to-day services we provide in the communities we serve.”
Elaine Miller, Executive Director of Marion Area Counseling Center commented on the merger, stating, “A merger between the two agencies will allow us to continue providing the same high quality and ethical treatment, but we can now focus on underserved populations in the area. The combined agencies can target diverse populations with outreach and specialized services that are not currently available in the area.”
Between now and the end of the calendar year, leaders from both organizations will diligently work on the transition and unification of both organizations.
During this time of transition, all services will proceed without interruption. Clients will continue to see the same clinicians at their current locations. All current insurance plans will be accepted by both organizations in addition to the newly merged organization.
The newly merged organization will be led by Cindy Wallis, the current CEO of Community Counseling Services. Cindy has led CCS since 2019. Prior to her role as CEO, Cindy was the clinical director for the organization. Elaine Miller, the current Chief Executive Officer of MACC, will be leaving the organization effective October 31st. Elaine has led MACC since 2019 and has worked at the organization for the last 36 years in varying capacities. She leaves MACC as one of the longest-serving employees in the organization’s history.
About Community Counseling Services
Founded: 1978
Main Location: 2458 Stetzer Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820
Services Provided to Children and Adults:
Addiction Services: Counseling, case management, prison re-entry, and jail treatment services, and medication assisted treatment
Mental Health Services: Psychiatry, counseling, case management, and on-site pharmacy
School-Based Services: Mental Health counseling and case management and addiction prevention services
Partnership with Bucyrus Health and Wellness Center-Third St. Clinic
Number of Employees: 47
Clients Served Annually: 5,700
About Marion Area Counseling Services
Founded: 1974
Main Location: 320 Executive Drive, Marion, OH 43302
Services Provided to Children and Adults:
Addiction Services: counseling, case management, drug testing, medication assisted treatment
Mental Health Services: Psychiatry, counseling, and case management
Social Services: Employment services, payee program
Number of Employees: 35
Clients Served Annually:1,900