When did Stillpoint begin, and what was the inspiration?
Stillpoint Family Resources was founded in 1998. Dr. Ross Porter, the founder and executive director writes: "I knew in graduate school that I wanted to establish an organization that served the under served through counseling, but the inspiration for Stillpoint was the life of our first child John Michael. He was born with Down syndrome, and two major heart malformations. My wife and I were surrounded by loving support, and grew profoundly through the experience. We understood like never before the significance of family, and in gratitude committed ourselves to doing whatever we could to help other individuals and families survive and grow through crises...whatever the crises might be."

Where does the name Stillpoint come from?
The name Stillpoint comes from T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, where he describes a place of healing, hope, and restoration as the "still point of the turning world." Stillpoint Family Resources is just such a place for almost two hundred individuals, couples and families every week in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County.

How do I contact Stillpoint Family Resources?
You can call our clinic phone number (818-704-1327) or our development office (818-704-9117). You can also email us at Pointsite@aol.com

Why are you a 501(C)3 non-profit organization?
Stillpoint Family Resources is committed to offering healing and hope to families and individuals in crisis, and we don't want money to be the deciding factor in who we work with. So, for clients who cannot afford full-fee rates we offer a sliding scale. In fact, 70% of our counseling work is offered at a reduced rate. To cover our expenses, we gratefully accept tax deductible contributions.

How can I make a tax-deductible contribution to support your counseling work with the under served?
You can make a credit card donation through our website (see our Contribution link). You can also send a check to our mailing address:
Stillpoint Family Resources
P.O. Box 5103
West Hills, CA 91308
You may also want to contact our Development office, and speak to our Director of Development Jennifer Porter about your intentions.

What kind of issues do the counselors at Stillpoint Family Resources work with?
We have eleven excellent counselors who are very well prepared to address a variety of issues. that place stress on individuals and families including mood disorders, addiction issues, special needs children, medical crises, spiritual issues, abuse, and marital discord.

Do you only work with families?
No, we also work with individuals and couples...not just families. Our name does reflect our deep respect for family life as the foundation of society, and our basic philosophy that no one is born in isolation, injured in isolation or healed in isolation. Wherever we go, we are embraced by family and must learn to interact with family in increasingly healthy ways if we want to experience deep peace and joy. This is true whether it be our family-of-origin, a family formed by marriage, a family formed by friendships in community, or a combination of all three.

Does Stillpoint Family Resources do anything else besides counsel?
Stillpoint has an educational outreach as well. We give several seminars and workshop each month all over Southern California on such topics as Healthy Communicating in the Family, Rearing Healthy Children, Developing a Strong Marriage, Growing through Loss, and Overcoming Depression. We understand that not everyone is going to find their way into counseling, so we're ready to bring the message of healing and hope to people where they are most likely to receive it. To learn more about our speakers bureau, please contact Dr. Ross Porter at 818-704-1327.