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“There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.”— Fred Rogers

 

As the Mental Health Director at SENT, I am excited to share with you some of the impactful work we’ve been doing in the mental and behavioral health spaces, and through our commitment to community wellness. SENT cares deeply about mental health and community wellness because we understand that they are foundational pillars of individual and collective well-being. Mental health impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships and work to their physical health and overall quality of life. Community Wellness is foundational because physical health affects everything in our lives. By prioritizing mental health and community wellness, we empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Mental Health Matters

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, in 2021, 36.5% of adults in Kansas reported experiencing anxiety or depression, yet 21.7% were unable to access the counseling services they needed. These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health support. One of our clients recently shared their experience with mental health therapy, “It has been an amazing journey for my daughter and me. Over the past year, she has consistently attended weekly therapy appointments. The consistency and comfort have worked wonders.”

Making Sense of Your Worth Groups

“This class has profoundly influenced my life.” Our “Making Sense of Your Worth” groups have been making a significant impact. Participants completed self-report assessments during the first and last week of our last session, and the results are remarkable:

• 100% of participants reported an increase in self-worth, happiness and authenticity
• 100% reported a decrease in anger, loneliness, and wishing they were different

Upcoming Groups

We are thrilled to announce upcoming “Making Sense of Your Worth” groups:

• Women’s Group: Starting Tuesday, April 2nd, led by Sharri Black, LSCSW. We partnered with Sharri after she received specialized training, ensuring a high-quality experience for our participants.
• Men’s Group: Also starting Tuesday, April 2nd, led by Greg Lombard Rea, an Adoption Coach and TBRI trainer. This marks our first-ever men’s group, and we’re excited to expand our reach.
• High School Initiative: We are partnering with Avondale Academy this year to offer the group to high school students. Our goal is to empower young minds with essential mental health tools.
• Community Outreach: We are actively working to bring these groups to Eisenhower Middle School and exploring partnerships with other schools for this Fall.

Behavioral Health Growth

In our commitment to holistic care, we’re expanding our behavioral health services. Tricia McCourt, our dedicated addiction specialist, will soon undergo additional training to enhance our support for clients through HALO Project and Making Sense of Your Worth. We are thrilled to announce that our location is in the final stages of acceptance on insurance panels as a Licensed Treatment Facility. This milestone will allow us to serve even more individuals seeking addiction treatment. Our goal is expand access and remove barriers to substance use treatment.

Vision for the Southside Filling Station

In Fall 2024, SENT is launching the Southside Filling Station as part of our Community Wellness initiative. Our goal is to establish a neighborhood pantry, fueling our neighbors’ next journey by providing essential items and support. Collaborating with organizations like Harvesters, Fellowship Hi-Crest, Shawnee County SNAP-Ed, the Breaking Bread Program, and local businesses, we aim to address food insecurity and lack of access to nutritious food in the Hi-Crest neighborhood. Ranked 4 out of 5 in food insecurity, this area faces challenges, but together, we’re making strides towards positive change. Watch the video below from our Executive Director and Board Chairman, Johnathan Sublet as he shares more about this exciting initiative.

 

Kansas Housing and Resource Corporation Community Service Block Grant

We are grateful for the $26,650 KHRC CSBG Grant, which is providing crucial funds to support our wrap-around services (individual and group therapy and case management services) and the launch of the Southside Filling Station. Additionally, our involvement in the Kansas Health Foundation’s Building Power and Equity Partnership and “Strengthening Our Section: Stronger Nonprofits for a Healthier Kansas Grant” by the Sunflower Foundation will allow us to expand our team, adding more mental health and case management professionals.

Investing in the Helping Profession

This spring, we are offering A Professional’s Toolbox Training: A Systemic Approach to Managing Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Secondary Trauma to equip and support professionals in the helping field, ultimately strengthening mental health support for the community.

Additionally, we’re considering collaborations with specialized professionals in our community, potentially enhancing the range of services available to our clients.

As we continue our journey of healing and transformation, I invite you to join us in creating a brighter, more resilient community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Warm Regards,

Tricia Sublet, LSCSW

Mental Health Director

tricia@senttopeka.com

785-783-2535 Ext 300