Ecker Center warms up with generous donations
A week before Christmas, Ecker Center for Mental Health's maintenance staff discovered that the first-floor's HVAC unit had stopped functioning.
The industrial HVAC system supplied heat and air conditioning for the last 15 years to Ecker's staff, clients and visitors. As the winter temperatures continued to drop and the client appointment load climbed over the two-week holiday season, staff were concerned that without heat client care would be disrupted.
The estimated cost to replace the HVAC unit exceeds $50,000.
Repairing the HVAC unit was necessary, but the concern regarding the impact on the agency's financial reserves for the provision of client care was at the forefront, according to Ecker CEO Dr. Daphne Sandouka. Therefore, Ecker staff reached out to vendors, foundations and local elected officials for emergency assistance.
In a season of giving, the agency was so fortunate to have the following individuals and organizations come to the rescue during this unfortunate emergency: State Rep. Anna Moeller; state Sen. Cristina Castro; Hanover Township 708 Mental Health Board; Hanover Township Foundation; Bartlett Volunteer Fire Association; and the KCT Credit Union. Our gratitude is boundless.
Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire, who is also a director of the Hanover Township Foundation, presented Dr. Sandouka with a check for $10,000 from the Hanover Township Foundation, and the Hanover Township 708 Mental Health Board graciously provided Ecker Center with an emergency grant of $25,000. In addition to these generous, warming contributions, the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Association donated $2,500 and KCT Credit Union $1,000.
CEO Dr. Daphne Sandouka is pictured with Brian McGuire, accepting the $10,000.00 check. She would like to thank each organization for their donation and their support. The Ecker Center is so grateful that their clients and staff will be warm this winter and mostly that client services won't be interrupted.
Dr. Sandouka said, "A few days before Christmas most people are busy with family and holiday gatherings. These caring individuals and organizations made the Ecker Center's emergency a priority and we cannot thank them enough."
Donations to help further defray the HVAC replacement costs are being accepted via check or online at www.eckercenter.org.