It’s Sanctuary
By Jay Cobb, M.A., LMFT, LCMHC, Executive Director
As we observe Mental Health Month, we are reminded of our mission to provide accessible, mental health support for all. SCG remains committed to fostering healing, resilience, and hope in the communities we serve. More on this in a letter from Executive Director Jay Cobb, reflecting on Sanctuary Counseling Group’s journey in 2024 and looking ahead to our continued growth and impact in 2025.
“With 2024 closing, we began asking, “Why do we do this?” Why do we work so hard to make mental health accessible and affordable? Why do we have offices in so many diverse communities? Why is it important for us to raise money to have a strong scholarship program? Why do we have therapists with a variety of backgrounds and experiences? Why do we stand up whenever asked to educate people about mental health? Why do we visit college campuses?
I thought our mission said it all. At SCG, we want to “walk with our clients as they journey towards the healing of their minds, hearts, and souls. We believe that health and healing are open to all.” That is more the how, not the why though. So, we have been asking our staff why they are at SCG. Our board has been taking time during every meeting to ask why they serve on the board at SCG. We ask our donors why they choose to contribute to SCG, and we constantly are asking our clients why they walked through our doors. We are learning from each other every time the question is asked, and the answers amaze me!
In 2025, SCG will celebrate it’s 60th anniversary. That means that for 6 decades this organization has been asking the “why question,” and constantly adjusting to meet the needs of those hurting. After a 35-year career in the insurance industry, I made a change to work in this field because I asked a why question and God showed me how many people are hurting in our communities. At SCG we want to put the “boots” on the road with those hurting, walking the path with them no matter how hard or easy.
The why is because there are many who are broken and hurt. There are others who do not feel heard, and others who are lost. Many people do not feel they are safe to share their stories. Then there are the ones who feel forgotten or ignored. Whether they are anxious, depressed or adjusting to life circumstances beyond their control they need someone. Those who are recovering from loss and heartache are in search of comfort and reassurance. People who are survivors need to feel secure so they can unlock the life they have inside. There are kids who are not happy because life is troublesome for them, and they need to know someone cares. The why, is because everyone needs a place where they can be accepted and not judged; a place where they can open up about their most personal and intimate details without fear of consequences.
That place is Sanctuary.”
