The Ecumenical Center: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Ecumenical Center, established in 1967, is a non-profit organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It offers a holistic approach to healing by integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The Center provides counseling, education, and mental health services, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Mission and Vision

The Center's mission is to be an ecumenical, all-inclusive force for hope, dedicated to facilitating healing in an equitable and inclusive manner for all community members. This is achieved by providing affordable counseling, education, and mental health services, eliminating traditional barriers through satellite locations, grants, and a sliding fee scale.

Primary Area of Focus

The Center focuses on delivering comprehensive mental health services, including individual, couple, child, and family counseling, as well as educational programs for professionals and the community. It also offers pastoral education and guidance, integrating theology, psychology, ethics, and social sciences into pastoral practice.

Industry Significance

As a pioneer in integrating faith and mental health, The Ecumenical Center plays a crucial role in San Antonio and South Texas. It serves as a model for holistic healing, addressing the complex needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering community well-being.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Holistic Healing: Provide integrated services that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Community Outreach: Expand access to mental health services across South and Central Texas through satellite locations and partnerships.

Professional Education: Offer training and workshops for mental health professionals, clergy, and community leaders to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Trauma-Informed Care: Implement practices that recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on individuals.

Expressive Therapeutic Arts: Utilize art, music, and movement therapies to facilitate healing and self-expression.

Pastoral Counseling: Integrate spiritual guidance with psychological support to address the unique needs of individuals seeking faith-based counseling.

Key Technologies Utilized

Neurofeedback: Employ neurofeedback techniques to assist individuals with attention and behavioral challenges.

Play Therapy: Use play therapy methods to engage children in the therapeutic process.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Trauma and Grief: Provide support for individuals coping with loss and traumatic experiences.

Mental Health Disorders: Address conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Community Education: Offer programs to enhance mental health awareness and skills among community members.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

The Ecumenical Center operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million and an endowment of $1.5 million.

Total Funds Raised

In 2023, the Center reported total revenues of $5,033,965 and total expenses of $5,216,255.

Notable Investors and Donors

The Center receives support from various sources, including:

State and Federal Grants: Victims of Crime – Sutherland Springs, Health and Human Services – Community Mental Health Grant, Health and Human Services – Texas Veterans and Family Alliance.

Local Grantors: Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Eula Mae Baugh, Valero Energy, US Trust-William Dean Foundation, James Avery, St. Susie, San Antonio Junior Forum, Texas Cavaliers Foundation, Najim Family Foundation, St. Luke’s Foundation, Anonymous, Bank of America-Kohler Foundation, Texas Cavaliers 2020.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support the Center's programs and services, including counseling, education, and community outreach initiatives. Specific allocations are detailed in the Center's annual reports.

Pipeline Development

As a non-profit organization, The Ecumenical Center does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, it continually develops and expands its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Key Programs and Services

Therapeutic Expressive Arts Institute of South Texas: Offers programs such as Open Arts Studio, Therapeutic Rhythm Making, and Poetry Writing sessions.

Camp Wellness: Provides therapeutic camps for children in San Antonio and Sutherland Springs.

Seeds of Hope Garden: Utilizes gardening for therapeutic purposes, including canine therapy.

Target Conditions and Relevant Timelines

The Center's programs are designed to address various mental health conditions, including trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. Timelines for program development and implementation are outlined in the Center's annual reports.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The Center employs neurofeedback techniques to assist individuals with attention and behavioral challenges.

Significant Scientific Methods

Play Therapy: Utilized to engage children in the therapeutic process.

Expressive Therapeutic Arts: Incorporates art, music, and movement therapies to facilitate healing and self-expression.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Mary Beth Fisk – CEO/Executive Director: With over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Fisk has been leading The Ecumenical Center since 2013. She previously served as president and chief operating officer of the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.

Lt. Col. Frank Emmett, Ph.D. (USAF Retired) – Clinical Director: Emmett serves as the Clinical Director, contributing to the Center's mission with his expertise.

John Weber Jr. – Board Chairman: Weber serves as the Board Chairman, providing leadership and strategic direction to the Center.

Key Contributions or Roles Within the Company

The leadership team is instrumental in guiding the Center's strategic initiatives, program development, and community outreach efforts.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mental health services market in San Antonio and South Texas is characterized by a growing demand for integrated care that addresses both psychological and spiritual needs. The Ecumenical Center's unique approach positions it as a leader in this niche market.

Competitor Analysis

While there are other mental health service providers in the region, The Ecumenical Center's holistic and faith-based approach differentiates it from competitors. Its extensive network of satellite locations and community partnerships further strengthens its market position.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

Trauma-Informed Care Certification: The Center serves as the certifying entity for the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium, recognizing organizations that implement trauma-informed practices.

Community Partnerships: Collaborates with various community organizations to provide counseling and mental health services in an equitable and inclusive manner across South and Central Texas.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

The Ecumenical Center's extensive network of satellite locations and partnerships with local organizations enhance its ability to deliver services effectively across a wide geographic area. Its commitment to trauma-informed care and holistic healing approaches provides a distinct competitive advantage in the mental health services market.