It isn’t often that we have individuals leave who are retiring. Most often people leave because they relocate, find a different job, or circumstances in life change and they need to step away from the job.
At the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, the Center lost three individuals who had worked for us in significant roles and for a significant period of time: Nancy Buis, Duane Kapp, and Diane Kapp.
Nancy’s work with the Center began in 1996. Nancy’s role was significant in that she was able to assist several new Executive Directors as they took up leadership. She knew the history of the Center, she had connections to the various churches that provided support, and she knew the staff. Her support and encouragement when I began as ED made the transition much easier. Her professionalism and attention to detail helped her succeed in the role of Marketing Manager and Practice Coordinator. Nancy will be missed.
Duane began two years before I started. In 2009, he was hired to help the ED, Bruce Frens, expand the ministry of CCCC by working with and in churches. Duane had started doing this in his own practice in Southern California. So when he and his wife, Diane, moved back to the Chicagoland area, it was only natural that Duane would look for a Christian organization that was looking to expand. During this time, CCCC offices were opened in a variety of churches. Some of these offices have closed, but many remain open. These offices not only allow CCCC to effectively reach out into the community, they bring clients to the churches. Through this collaboration, churches have the opportunity to reach out to individuals and families who might not otherwise enter their building. Not only did Duane work to expand the ministry, he also helped the practice insure compliance with state mandates and brought a new level of professionalism to the practice. His experience also assisted therapists who had questions about the needs of their clients. Duane was an asset to the practice as a whole and a partner and a friend to me.
Diane Kapp – yes, Duane’s wife – worked for the Center longer than Duane. Her employment began in 2008. Duane and Di had the privilege and the challenge of working together for over 13 years. Diane worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She helped many individuals, couples, and families during her years with the Center. Not only did she provide therapy, she supervised many of our interns and therapists who were working on their hours to get fully licensed. This was something that she really enjoyed, and those she supervised enjoyed working with her as well.
All three of these individuals used their gifts and talents to serve the CCCC community, our clients, and, above all, their God. I know that I speak for everyone that we wish them God’s richest blessings in retirement.
Mel Jonkman, Executive Director
