From Hometown Roots to Community Healing
How Life Balance Counseling & Wellness Turned a Shared Vision into a Thriving Mental Health Hub—with the Help of SBA 504 Financing.
When Jessica Dergance and Danielle Stoddard talk about Life Balance, it’s clear this business was never just about opening a private practice—it was about coming home.
Jessica, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker originally from Spring Valley, and Danielle, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor raised in Putnam County, both left the Illinois Valley to pursue their education—Jessica at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Danielle at Eastern Illinois University. But after college, each felt the same pull: return home, near family, and serve the community that shaped them.
The two met while working at a local community mental health center and quickly became lifelong friends and colleagues. Years later, that shared passion—and a leap of faith—led them to open Life Balance in 2018 with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a safe and welcoming place where people of all ages could seek support for their mental health.
Growing with Purpose
What began as a small practice has grown into a vital community resource. Today, Life Balance employs:
- 10 licensed mental health therapists
- 2 psychiatric nurse practitioners
- 1 psychiatric nurse
- 2 dedicated office staff
Serving clients ages 5 and up, Life Balance provides therapy and psychiatric services for individuals, couples, and families—meeting people where they are and helping them navigate life’s challenges with compassion and care.
A Defining Moment: Owning Their Space
In 2024, Life Balance faced a major turning point. Their practice needed a new location, and instead of simply relocating, Jessica and Danielle dared to dream bigger: What if we owned our own building?
That dream came with real hurdles—especially financing. With guidance from their banker at Midland Bank, they learned about SBA 504 financing and were introduced to Growth Corp. The 504 Loan proved to be the game-changer.
The SBA 504 Loan provided the flexible, long-term financing they needed to purchase a previously vacant building and fully renovate it, transforming it into the warm, functional space they had always envisioned.
“When we found out we were approved, the feeling was pure relief,” they shared.
“It meant we could purchase the building and complete the renovations on the timeline we dreamed of.”
A True Partnership
Throughout the process, the team at Midland Bank and Growth Corp worked closely with Jessica and Danielle—answering questions, navigating renovations, and ensuring a smooth journey at every step.
“It truly felt like Growth Corp was on our side and wanted us to succeed.”
Impact That Goes Beyond the Walls
As renovations progressed, neighbors regularly stopped by to ask what was coming to the long-vacant space—offering encouragement and excitement as the building came to life.
The larger facility has allowed Life Balance to:
- Expand in-person psychiatric services
- Offer group therapy and workshops
- Host continuing education for clinicians
- Plan for future services tailored to community needs
Most importantly, the practice continues to strengthen mental health access across the Illinois Valley—one client, one family, one referral at a time.
The Greatest Reward
For Jessica and Danielle, success isn’t measured only in growth—it’s measured in trust.
“When a client refers a friend or family member, that’s the highest compliment we can receive. They’re entrusting a loved one to our care.”
Words of Wisdom
Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly simple—and hard-earned:
“Just do it. Don’t wait—take the leap.”
They know firsthand that fear can delay great ideas, but courage—and the right partners—can turn a vision into something truly transformative.
Life Balance is proof that when passion meets purpose—and the right financing—communities thrive.
Website: https://lifebalancecounselingandwellness.com/
Facebook: Life Balance Counseling & Wellness
Instagram: lifebalance2428
