ESC takes pride in forging deep and lasting partnerships, exemplified by our collaboration with Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC). SCCC is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that utilizes a volunteer-based approach to provide high-quality and affordable mental healthcare services to those in need.
Using a volunteer-based approach, SCCC provides affordable online and in-person therapy sessions with licensed and pre-licensed therapists. Michael Koch, Executive Director of SCCC, received profound support from his ESC coach, John Coleman, during the most trying times of his career. Together, they navigated unprecedented challenges in the organization’s 50-year history, including the residual disruptions posed by the global pandemic, the shift to a virtual service model, and balancing the benefits of federal and private funding and their associated responsibilities.
Michael shared, “to have ESC there during that time, I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement. There were some rough waters, but I remember calling John and it was so important to have those candid conversations.” John was a steadfast ally for Michael, offering a grounded perspective and essential support during complex decision-making in particularly turbulent times. With John’s guidance, Michael stabilized SCCC and continues to explore new funding and service models to better serve the community.
SCCC has continued to collaborate with ESC, including a multi-year project working within ESC’s new service, Leadership Development & Alignment (LD&A). With ESC coaches supporting staff throughout the ranks of SCCC, Michael looks forward to working with ESC in the months ahead.
He reflects on SCCC’s collaboration with ESC, saying “Without ESC we would be stuck. We wouldn’t be having a conversation about our next phase without you.”