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After serving for two decades in the U.S. Army, Jeff McQuade came face to face with the transition from a structured military life to an unstructured civilian life.
“I found it difficult to cope with the sudden influx of information and the hurried exit from the Army,” McQuade recalled. “Fortunately, now I am in a job that allows me to use my experiences to support other veterans who are going through the same things I did.”
McQuade is the veterans’ specialist on the Care Coordination (CC) team at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway. Team members work with one another, as well as other staff at The Center to support veterans.
“This important position allows me to use my knowledge about transitioning from active duty to the life of a civilian,” McQuade said. “This could entail finding housing, employment, and/or medical and therapeutic treatment. Our team can guide you in your search for all available resources.
“I am excited to be part of a community that supports veterans and their families,” he added.
In one recent instance, McQuade was in touch with a veteran who had served just over four years in the U.S. Army.
“He transitioned out of the military and went on with his life,” McQuade said. “However, he struggled to keep a job and faced some health problems. He contacted me for help with some paperwork, which can be overwhelming.”
After the veteran requested and received the information he needed, McQuade helped guide him to the appropriate resources for support.
“I shared some details about my situation and how I was overwhelmed with the paperwork,” McQuade commented. “I also mentioned to him that entities such as Disabled American Veterans and Heroes USA were very helpful.
“The Center collaborates with the community to accommodate our veterans,” McQuade summarized. “Those who served our country are one of the main reasons we have enhanced our services.”
Danielle Fahrney
Since Danielle Fahrney knows from experience what alcohol and drugs can do to someone’s physical and mental health, she is using her background to support central Kansans facing problems with addiction.
Fahrney, who recently celebrated 17 years of sobriety, is the substance-use specialist on The Center’s four-person CC team.
“I have a heart to serve the underdogs - the people society deems unreachable or unworthy,” Fahrney said. “I once was that person who struggled and needed encouragement. Our clients need to know they are worth it and they are not alone.
“I know how it feels to be overwhelmed when you don’t know what steps to take and how difficult it is to navigate those steps.”
One recent instance of someone needing a little guidance involved a man who moved here from out of state.
“He had absolutely no idea where to go or what to do,” Fahrney commented. “Fortunately, he found his way to The Center.”
While one CC team member helped with the intake process, Fahrney coordinated with The Center’s medical providers to help the man maintain his sobriety.
“He was nervous about coming in but very thankful for the care we provided,” Fahrney recalled. “We were able to get the medication that helps him in the recovery process.
“This is just one of many examples of how our entire staff jumps in and ensures the client’s needs are met. He felt supported and encouraged when he left our office that day.”
Fahrney noted the community is fortunate that The Center is nearing its full certification as a CCBHC, which stands for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
“A CCBHC looks at the whole person – mentally and physically,” she explained. “This is an incredible approach; we consider all facets of a person’s day-to-day life.
“Everyday stressors are extremely difficult for someone on the road to recovery,” Fahrney added. “This is why we focus on coping skills and provide extra support to get them through situations that can trigger a problem.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
