Why is the Bert Nash Center important to you? – Shanda & Joe Hurla

How did your involvement with the Bert Nash Center begin?

My involvement started by being invited to a Discover Bert Nash Tour. The tour was so well done, and I realized the essential services that Bert Nash is playing in our county. I can still remember the impactful stories that they shared on the tour about the work that Bert Nash does with community training of Mental Health First Aid to public schools having WRAP workers. A simple invitation to discover more about Bert Nash was all it took.

Why is it important to you to support the Center financially?

Joe and I strongly believe that our community is only as strong as the resources and services it has available to its residents. Communities thrive when their residents are thriving. It was more than 20 years ago that we moved to Eudora — prior to having our four sons. We wanted a community that works hard to support each other. We have found that Eudora plays an integral part of Douglas County, therefore we need to do our part in supporting countywide services, including mental health services. We have experienced firsthand the importance of WRAP workers in our schools, access to therapy, and the importance of understanding mental health holistically. We want Bert Nash to thrive, we want our community to have access and take advantage of their services. We can play a small part in that success by giving financially.

What would you say to others about why they should support the Bert Nash Center, especially during a pandemic?

Lately, we have been talking about the intensity of stress that the pandemic has placed on all individuals. We have seen it particularly with our own family, with our involvement with Eudora Schools, and the greater community as a whole. It is evident that every individual needs mental health support at some level during this unprecedented time, whether it is taking a walk with your family or shutting off Zoom or making an appointment with a counselor. These activities and resources play an essential role in each of us handling the intensity of our situations right now. I think it is easy to make the connection that if I am feeling stress by daily life in 2020, then others are as well. So, I believe at this time, more than ever, supporting the resources that are available like Bert Nash is worth It.