Community Counseling Services annual meeting was held in Huron. During this meeting each year, CCS recognizes community partners, resources or individuals who have gone above and beyond through our partnerships by naming them Friends of CCS. Though all of our partnerships are important to aid CCS in achieving our mission of “promoting healthy individuals and families in the communities we serve”, CCS feels it is necessary to acknowledge those partners who have moved us through their continuous service.

Amy Fullerton, Huron Housing Authority

This year’s winner from the Huron area was Amy Fullerton from Huron Housing Authority. Amy has shown how her passions for helping people and listening truly can make an impact on so many lives. She sees the joy and experiences the magic of helping someone move into their very first home, sometimes without a bed or any other furniture. Her problem solving skills and ability to help people feel comfortable becoming more independent have left a mark on many of CCS consumers and staff.

For the Madison area, this year’s winner leads his life (and encourages others to lead theirs) with the core values of worship, community and service, Living Hope Wesleyan’s Lead Pastor Bryan Sagmoe. Although he has only been in the Madison area since November of 2014, he has made quite an impression on our consumers and staff in this short time through connecting others and leading them to the appropriate resources to meet their needs.

In addition to the Community Friends of CCS awards, CCS staff has nominated a staff person from each area as Agency Friends of CCS recipients. These unsung heroes exceed their responsibilities by actively pursuing ways to make our agency more stable, civil, and/or enjoyable, meanwhile furthering our mission of promoting healthy individuals and families in the communities we serve. Without an inspiring group of individuals, such as these award winners, CCS would not be able to provide the highest level of excellence for consumers.

Nikki Eining, CSW Huron Outpatient

Huron Main office recipient began working for CCS in late 2007 as a case manager and has grown though her education and experience into a Certified Social Worker, Nikki Eining. She enjoys working with families and individuals, giving support and helping them find their best selves. Nikki excels by mentoring her peers, working fluidly through partnerships she has grown and representing the best of what CCS has to offer.

Maggie Alton, IMPACT Case Manager

Bradfield Leary Center in Huron recipient is a member of the IMPACT team, Maggie Alton.  Her steady, hardworking traits, coupled with her high standards, have earned the respect of her peers, including (but certainly not limited to) the IMPACT team. Since mid-2012, she has grown professionally and personally at CCS, exemplifying a knowledge base and skill set that she freely shares with her colleagues, consumers, NAMI, and many other community partners. It is clear that she was born to help others

Brenda Arntzen, Case Manager Madison Outpatient

CCS Madison award recipient began at CCS in 2010, providing diversion classes in our prevention program, and has since transitioned to a case manager extraordinaire, Brenda Arntzen.  When many young consumers, especially teenagers, are written off or forgotten about, she exceeds as a watchdog, helping these kids find success. CCS is so fortunate to have this hilarious, generous, and strong advocate as our peer and friend.

Awards were also given at the annual meeting to those providers who met or exceeded their services goals for FY15.