News & Notes

Jim Ruane had spent most of his life living in Wichita. When he moved to Lawrence a few years ago, everything changed. For the better. He credits his relocation to Lawrence and coming to the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center for services with putting him on a different path. “It was just kind of meant to be,” he said. “It absolutely saved my life.” Jim had been a successful lawyer in Wichita. In part, he said, because he’s Irish and he’s stubborn. But he went through a

Tiffany Jones has a tattoo on her left forearm that says My Brother’s Keeper. “To me, it represents my need to give back to those who are struggling with mental health or addiction, because I can relate," Tiffany said. About 10 years ago, Tiffany was a Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center client, struggling with her own mental health. Today, she is a Peer Behavioral Health Specialist with the Bert Nash Center Supportive Housing team. The road to how she got to where she i

The Bert Nash Center is pleased to recognize Shannon Oury, Executive Director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, as this year’s Pioneer Award recipient. The presentation was made during the Bert Nash Center’s annual Pioneer Celebration, held virtually April 20th. “The collaboration with the Bert Nash and the Behavioral Health Coalition is one of the most rewarding of my career," Shannon said. "We have built The Cottages to provide safe and stable homes for comm

The Bert Nash Center has a new addition to the staff that spreads love and joy everywhere she goes. Her name is Oakley. And she’s a recently certified therapy dog. Oakley belongs to Riley Wohlrab, a Bert Nash Center behavioral health specialist, and her boyfriend, Austin. Oakley is a Labrador and Australian Shepherd mix. “Oakley loves literally everyone she meets,” Riley said. “She is the most cuddly dog you can meet. She loves to play. But when she’s in a situation where she

When Heartland RADAC was looking for a new home, it didn’t have to go far. Across the street, literally. A Heartland RADAC team used to be housed at LMH Health. But when the pandemic happened the space was needed for COVID-related services and Heartland RADAC began looking for a place. The Bert Nash Center seemed like a natural fit, and it had the available space. “We can be housed anywhere, but Bert Nash is actually the perfect place,” said Stacey Cooper, Heartland RADAC Dir

DeCorey Pittman’s grandmother, Nancy Dixon, wasn’t around to celebrate when he started working at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center late last year. But he feels like she was with him. “She’s in here, always,” DeCorey said, putting his hand on his chest. DeCorey is a Community Based Services case manager for the Bert Nash Center. His grandmother, Nancy, who passed away last fall, used to work at the Center. “I feel like she is watching over me all the time,” DeCorey

Before, Billy didn’t know where he would be sleeping or what he would be sleeping on. But he knew it wouldn’t be on a bed. Billy is one of the residents of the Woody Park campsite. Woody Park is a temporary, supported campground that provides shelter for up to 20 people who are experiencing homelessness. Funded by federal CARES Act money awarded to the city of Lawrence by Douglas County, the camp is managed by Lawrence Parks and Recreation and the Bert Nash Center Homeless O

They told me I came from a land of kings and queens. A place rich in the finest of Earth’s natural resources. With a heritage of beauty and an abundance of raw and complex talent, skills and abilities inscribed with purpose. Yet, I have found myself standing far from whence I came. In a system that tells me I am less than. I struggle to keep my identity. There is a war brewing, a battle in my mind. On one side, there is the vision of who I am and on the other, who I was made

Dear Friends, I am extremely pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Farley as Director of Community Engagement. Emily has been part of the Bert Nash Center team since September 2014. The new Community Engagement team is made up of what was formerly the Development and Communications teams. Besides Emily as Director, the Community Engagement team will include Jeff Burkhead, Communications Manager, and a Community Engagement Coordinator. Emily is responsible for overseeing

The newly developed well-being branch of Douglas County’s pandemic response team has launched its first project: a hashtag campaign meant to help residents stay positive. Margaret Weisbrod Morris, chief executive officer of the Lawrence Arts Center, is one of the leaders of the well-being branch. She said it was established to pay more heed to the community’s mental health, “because it’s been such a long slog, the pandemic.” The team’s first project is an effort to spread smi

Dear Colleagues, In partnership with local agencies and community based Mental Health Clinicians, Bert Nash formed a COVID19 Mental Health Response Team in April 2020 to support healthcare workers who were on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response effort. As our # DGKS community moves forward with hope for a better future, we are reaching out again with efforts to make a difference for Douglas County healthcare providers who, among others, are at the frontline helping meet t

When Christel hit her breaking point last summer, she knew she needed to find help but did not know where to turn, until a close friend told her about the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. “My best friend from college told me about Bert Nash. She said, ‘Here’s their number, please go talk to them,’” said Christel, a 2016 University of Kansas graduate and local Lawrence resident. “I’m very glad that she did.” Christel was having issues within her friendships, family li