Article updated: 10/2/2012 10:59 AM

Batavia man leaves Kairos, Elgin’s hidden gem

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Jim Otepka is retiring from his part-time job at Kairos Family Counseling Center in Elgin after almost 31 years. The center has operated rent-free in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church since 1975, offering counseling services on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay. Otepka also works full-time as the executive director of TriCity Family Services, and at 63, wants to see what it's like to have just one job.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Jim Otepka of Batavia has held a part-time job at Kairos Family Counseling Center in Elgin for almost 31 years.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Jim Otepka, who is retiring from his part-time position at Kairos Family Counseling Center in Elgin, also works full-time as the executive director of TriCity Family Services, and at 63, wants to see what it's like to have just one job.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Kairos Family Counseling Center has operated rent-free in the basement of Elgin's First Presbyterian Church since 1975, offering counseling services on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

About this Article

When the First Presbyterian Church in Elgin offered its basement rent-free to family counselors interested in starting a practice, they did so with a couple conditions. First, there could be no waiting list, and second, therapists would have to serve anyone regardless of ability to pay. Jim Otepka, of Batavia, has worked for Kairos Family Counseling Center for almost 31 years — he said the original offer from the church in 1975 is part folklore but fundamentally true.