Renewed Hope Counseling

03/28/2026

We’re excited to share that our new website is officially live! 🎉

Along with a fresh new look, we’ve also updated our content to better reflect who we are and the services we provide.

👉You can now find us at: www.renewedhopedecatur.org

Our new site makes it easier to learn about our services, meet our clinicians, and access helpful resources—all in one place.

If you’ve visited our old site before, be sure to update your bookmarks!

As always, we’re here to support you and your family. 💙

06/19/2025

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing journey toward justice. On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom.

Juneteenth is not just a historical moment—it’s a celebration of Black strength, culture, and contributions, and a call to continue the work of equality and healing.

At Renewed Hope Counseling, we stand in solidarity with our Black community members and honor their stories, struggles, and joy. Mental health is deeply connected to historical and generational experiences, and we are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing, growth, and empowerment.

Let today be a time for reflection, education, and celebration.

Freedom is not just a moment—it’s a movement.

05/17/2025

🧠💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚🧠

At Renewed Hope Counseling, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health.

Mental Health Awareness Month is about shining a light on the importance of taking care of our minds, reducing stigma, and reminding everyone: it’s okay to ask for help.

Whether you’re managing anxiety, healing from trauma, navigating life transitions, or simply trying to cope — you are not alone.

Let’s keep the conversation going — not just in May, but every day.

03/11/2025

March is National Social Work month.

Social workers are employed and serve in many different roles in our society: healthcare, child welfare, mental health, advocacy, governmental roles, schools, corrections, geriatrics and hospice, academia and research, non-profits, and many other areas.

The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics states the Social Work profession's primary mission is "to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty."

We strive to honor and uphold the Social Work mission and values at Renewed Hope Counseling. Happy Social Work month!

11/28/2024

11/27/2024

October 2024 marked the beginning of our fifth year at Renewed Hope Counseling. We are so grateful to be here doing this work, and we are excited for what lies ahead.

Nichele Hawbaker, Nicole Ekiss, and Jaymie McCammon look forward to serving the mental health needs of Decatur and surrounding area. Thank you for trusting us with your care.

07/14/2022

Starting this Saturday, July 16!

06/03/2022

One way to stop the stigma regarding mental health conditions is to share your story with someone else. Nicole Ekiss, LCSW shares a part of her story and encourages us all to do the same. 1 in 5 individuals will experience a mental health condition THIS YEAR. At RHC, we SUPPORT the 1-in-5; we ARE the 1-in-5.

https://www.renewedhopedecatur.com/blog/tlyc507lw4xwocqn6x33snxmcdal7i

How many times have you thought about saying those words to someone, but held back out of fear of offending or upsetting them?  Maybe you’ve said the words out loud only to be met with defensiveness or anger.  Why is it that those words are so hard to hear?  What is it abo

06/02/2022

"I am the one-in-five and recovery is possible. I will never say I am recovered because recovery is an ongoing process…I am recovering. I have shared my story and I encourage you to do the same. The only way to normalize mental health and reduce stigma is to share our stories and keep the conversation going."
- Nicole Ekiss, LCSW

How many times have you thought about saying those words to someone, but held back out of fear of offending or upsetting them?  Maybe you’ve said the words out loud only to be met with defensiveness or anger.  Why is it that those words are so hard to hear?  What is it abo

05/28/2022

https://www.renewedhopedecatur.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-shooting-in-texas?fbclid=IwAR26ob0UzGmEry4-Afi0LREiQA3pmkNuB2fCusGoIoQrxNv_bWS1CCX7fFQ

As a therapist to young children and families, I wish I did not have to write articles like this one. However following the recent school shooting in Texas , I received countless texts, messages on social media platforms, and was even asked to sit down with the local news to explain how to talk to

05/26/2022

In light of the recent shooting in Texas that killed 19 children and two teachers, Heather Kaloupek, LCSW sat down with WAND TV News correspondent, Oliviana Calmes, to discuss exactly HOW to talk to kids about mass shootings. You can find the full video of their interview on WAND's website. The following article is a brief summary of their conversation:

DECATUR, Ill (WAND) -Mass shootings are hard for adults to digest, and can be difficult for children to understand.