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I am thrilled to share some exciting news that marks a pivotal moment for our community. SENT, Inc. has been selected as one of 32 organizations to receive a grant totaling approximately $250,000 from the Kansas Fights Addiction (KFA) Board. This funding, made possible through opioid legal settlements recovered by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, will support our mission to address Substance Use Disorder (SUD) through treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and connection to care. This $250,000 will be combined with another $250,000 from various grants and sources that will all be put towards Substance Use Disorder services in 2025.
Substance Use Disorder is a profound challenge that affects millions of lives. In 2021, approximately 49 million Americans aged 12 and older experienced SUD, yet only a fraction received the treatment they needed. Here in Kansas, we rank 24th in prevalence of SUD but 44th in access to treatment—a gap we are determined to bridge.
In January 2025, SENT will launch a year-long campaign to raise awareness about SUD and highlight the critical services available through our SUD Department. This initiative aims to:
- Foster community understanding
- Reduce stigma
- Encourage individuals and families to seek support
Kicking Off with Dry January
We’re starting strong with “Dry January,” a month-long challenge promoting healthier choices and raising awareness. Here’s how you can get involved:
🍹 #DryJanuaryTopeka Social Media Challenge
Follow our hashtag as we share educational content, personal stories, and encouragement. Join the conversation by sharing your own experiences! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
💬 The Road to Recovery: Empowering Each Other
Participate in our Facebook Support Group, offering a safe space for connection, shared experiences, and daily encouragement.
🎉 Mocktail Mingle Celebration
Mark your calendar for January 31st! Join us at the Avondale East Building, Room 107, from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Enjoy delicious alcohol-free beverages, and giveaways, and learn about our ongoing services.
Monthly Themes to Deepen Awareness
Each month, we will focus on a unique aspect of SUD, including:
- February (Family Impact of Addiction)
- March (Emerging Drug Trends)
- April (Stress Management & SUD / National Stress Awareness Month)
- May (Mental Health & Recovery / National Mental Health Month)
- June (Recovery Support Groups)
- July (Managing Cravings & Developing Coping Skills)
- August (Youth & Teen Substance Use)
- September (National Recovery Month)
- October (Opioid Awareness and Prevention / National Substance Use Prevention Month)
- November (Building Healthy Relationships)
- December (Navigating Holiday Stress)
Stay connected with us for resources, events, and actionable insights.
Why This Matters
At SENT, we take a holistic approach to care, recognizing the complexities of addiction and its connection to trauma and mental health. Our licensed counselors provide evidence-based treatments, including Person-Centered Case Management and Morita Therapy. We aim to empower individuals and families on their journey to recovery through personalized plans, relapse prevention strategies, and lifelong support networks.
This campaign is more than an initiative; it’s a call to action. Together, we can create a supportive, informed, and proactive community where no one faces addiction alone.
How You Can Help
Join us in this critical mission. Participate in our events, share our content, and connect those in need with our services. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Southeast Topeka.
For more information, visit the campaign’s page on our website or contact us at (785) 783-2535 ext. 301.
With hope and gratitude,
Johnathan Sublet
Founder, Executive Director
johnathan@senttopeka.com
Introducing Nathan Kessler: Sharing SENT’s Economic Impact
We’re excited to welcome Nathan Kessler to the SENT team! Nathan, a volunteer and Tax Policy Advisor with a background in economics from Emporia State University, will be sharing stories about SENT’s economic impact in the Hi-Crest community. Inspired by SENT’s mission, Nathan envisions Hi-Crest as a thriving neighborhood supported by public and private investment.
In his first article, The Next Step: Why Topeka Should Strive for Economic Integration of All Neighborhoods, Nathan explores the importance of economic integration and its potential to transform communities like Hi-Crest.
We’re thrilled to have Nathan’s expertise and passion on board and look forward to sharing his insights each month!