CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Community Counseling Center (CCC) celebrated the completion of the new John A. Hudak Treatment Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently. Located at 1987 Rusmar Street, the facility will begin accepting clients as early as next week. The center is named in honor of former CCC Executive Director John A. Hudak, (pictured above) who led the organization for 23 years.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by representatives from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. Community Counseling Center CEO Wendy Ice had the honor of cutting the ribbons.
Over 30 guests attended the event, including Missouri State Representative Barry Hovis and representatives from the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Tracy Rion and Jennifer Street. The late John A. Hudak’s sons, Jonathan and Jason Hudak, and their families were also present for the dedication.
The late John A Hudak’s sons Jason Hudak and Jonathan Hudak and their families were present for the dedication ceremony.
In her remarks, CCC CEO Wendy Ice highlighted the role in providing intensive residential treatment. The facility will offer short-term diversion beds for up to 90 days, helping individuals with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions transition back into the community or prevent placement in more restrictive settings. The project was made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Ice also recognized the State of Missouri, the Department of Mental Health, and the Missouri Behavioral Health Council for their commitment to supporting behavioral health infrastructure.
Missouri State Representative Barry Hovis, Community Counseling Center CEO Wendy Ice, and representatives from the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Tracy Rion and Jennifer Street.
Ice noted that the idea for the facility began during Hudak’s tenure. “John saw the need for this type of facility clearly,” Ice said. “It’s a privilege to dedicate this building in memory of someone who made such a lasting impact on all of us—John A. Hudak.” She described Hudak as the “heart of this organization” and emphasized his belief that “healing begins with connection,” adding that naming the center after him is a promise to continue the work he cared so deeply about.
John A. Hudak Treatment Center will begin accepting clients as early as next week. The facility will offer short-term diversion beds for up to 90 days, helping individuals with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions transition back into the community or prevent placement in more restrictive settings.
Jonathan Hudak offered remarks on behalf of his family, speaking about his father’s legacy and the significance of the building being named in his honor. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was then conducted by representatives from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, after which attendees were welcomed inside for tours and refreshments.
About Community Counseling Center
The Community Counseling Center (CCC) is a private, charitable, not-for-profit behavioral health organization serving Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry, and Ste. Genevieve counties in Missouri since 1974. With a staff of over 400 employees and 40 programs, CCC provides a full range of comprehensive behavioral health services. The center’s mission is to promote and support personal growth, wellness, and improved quality of life for individuals and families. The organization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International and certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).