VIDEO GALLERY
Below is a curated collection of stories, highlights, and insights that bring our mission to life. These videos showcase the impact of our work, the voices of our community, and the bold vision that drives us forward.
Our Mission, Vision & Approach
Life doesn’t come at us one problem at a time.
Bills pile up. Housing feels unstable. Kids struggle at school. Health, stress, work, and mental wellness all collide at once.
In this video, Executive Director Johnathan Sublet and the SENT team unpack how our holistic, wraparound model is built to match the real-life complexity our neighbors face every day.
What you’ll see in this video:
➡️ Person-Centered, Wraparound Support
Johnathan shares why SENT is designed as a holistic nonprofit with a wraparound model — one that walks with people instead of doing things for them. Our goal is to shorten the time between “What do I do?” and “I’m taking my next step,” so neighbors can spend more time living and enjoying their next phase of life.
➡️ Neighbor Advocacy (Not “Case Management”)
Our Neighbor Advocacy team explains why we don’t call people “cases.” Instead, we sit down for a personal assessment, look beyond the immediate need (like food or paperwork), and uncover the deeper barriers — job loss, education gaps, family stress, or missing supports. We don’t manage people; we walk alongside them as they set goals and gain tools to become more independent.
➡️ Housing as a Foundation for Stability
Our housing team shares SENT’s vision to transform 15% of neighborhood housing in Shawnee County. Housing isn’t just a roof — it’s a stable base that makes mental health care, employment, and family goals possible. When someone finally has a safe place to sleep, they can start planning for the future instead of just surviving the night.
➡️ Mental Health & Behavioral Health as Everyday Support
The mental health team explains that many of the people who end up in counseling didn’t start there — they started in the pantry line or with a neighbor advocate. From everyday stress and parenting challenges to deeper mental health needs and substance use disorder, SENT offers layered supports that help people feel heard, seen, and less alone.
➡️ Workforce Development with Built-In Support
Our workforce team talks about partnering with people reentering from incarceration, young adults (18–24), and senior adults. Training isn’t offered in isolation — participants get access to mental health hours, SUD counseling, the clinic, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. The goal: help people stabilize so they can sustain a living-wage job and reduce their chances of cycling back into crisis.
➡️ Campus Connections for Students & Families
Through Campus Connections, SENT meets students where they are — in schools and on Thursday nights. Programs like mental health concerts, art, and yoga help reduce stigma and gently connect students and families to deeper supports like therapy, pantry access, and health services. You’ll hear a story of a mom and son who found new ways to communicate, resolve conflict, and stay connected through this program.
➡️ Southside Wellness Clinic: Whole-Person Health
At the Southside Wellness Clinic, care goes beyond checkups. Providers listen for what’s happening physically, emotionally, and socially — and then connect patients to mental health, neighbor advocacy, and other supports in the building. Health, relationships, and stability are all intertwined, and the clinic is designed to reflect that.
➡️ Partnerships: The “Secret Sauce”
Johnathan closes by reminding us: no one can do this work alone. SENT’s wraparound model depends on strong partnerships with other organizations, providers, and community leaders. We share space, amplify each other’s work, and make sure services are not just available but accessible and affordable for our neighbors.
At SENT, we believe communities are made up of diverse people with diverse needs and goals.
No one should have to face life’s hurdles alone.
A healthy, holistic, wraparound model has a place for everyone.
If you or someone you know is facing hurdles in housing, mental health, food, workforce, or family stability, reach out. There’s no guarantee we can meet every need — but we will do everything we can to help connect you to the right resources and walk with you on the journey.
Learn more by exploring our website (senttopeka.com).
Let’s go win — together.
A Word from our Founder - Johnathan Sublet is our founder and chairman of the board. He is passionate about our neighborhood and impacting its people through the mission at SENT Topeka. We encourage you to watch the video (linked below) and hear a bit of his heart around SENT's mission and linking arms with us in a volunteer capacity.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SENT Topeka. When you volunteer with us, it really is about the mission. Our mission is our north star. We want to continue walking with our neighbors through loving relationships and strategic development. Through your volunteer service, we hope you have an opportunity to develop loving relationships in our community.
Dive into the heart of SENT Topeka and discover the transformative power of community development. SENT is a non-religious nonprofit committed to responding to the felt needs of our community in four crucial ways. First, there's charity—swift responses to relief situations like house fires or significant tragedies.
Next, individual development takes center stage with apprenticeship programs, budgeting classes, and initiatives like Bridge Builders. Justice work follows, breaking down barriers and providing access to opportunities for skill advancement. Yet, there are times when the impact goes deeper, reaching communities historically under-resourced and redlined, such as the Hi-Crest neighborhood where SENT is rooted. This is where community development steps in.
In community development, we aren't imposing our dreams; we're using our resources, relationships, and platforms to empower our friends and neighbors to achieve their aspirations. We're not inviting them to sit at our table; we're helping them plant their orchard to build their tables in the future.
SENT stands on three pillars. Cradle to career education ensures every child has the chance for a quality education, challenging the sad statistics that say a child who can't read by first grade might never catch up. Our early childhood education program, SENT Prep Academy, fills a critical gap, providing opportunities for a brighter future.
Community health and wellness focus on both reactive and proactive health, offering mental health support, addiction services, case management, and a community farmer's market. Lastly, business development sees us launch entrepreneurs and create dignified housing in our community. We're rewriting the narrative, transforming the overlooked Hi-Crest neighborhood, and empowering residents to create novels of their family legacies.
“By developing businesses that bring jobs and financial stability, we create the conditions for better schools, safer neighborhoods, and more opportunities for everyone. At SENT, we are proud to walk beside our neighbors, empowering them to build a future grounded in economic security and self-sufficiency.”
– Johnathan Sublet, Founder & Executive Director, SENT Inc.
Program Impact Videos
"it is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart." ― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
In Topeka, where 30% of residents are burdened by the cost of housing, having a safe and affordable place to call home is not just a necessity—it's a right. SENT is deeply committed to revitalizing and redeveloping Southeast Topeka through comprehensive housing development strategies aimed at reducing this burden and enhancing community well-being.
OUR VISION
SENT’s ambitious goal is to purchase, renovate, and either sell or rent 15% of all SE Topeka properties by 2045. This initiative not only provides affordable housing but also drives community development and offers employment opportunities to local residents. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
KEY INITIATIVES
Fremont Hill Development:
THE NEW SOUTH: Changing the Narrative in SE Topeka. This project at Fremont Hill, straddling east and west of Avondale East, embodies our vision for mixed-use residential spaces and community resources. The acquisition of this land, through generous donations and strategic purchases, marks a critical step towards creating a thriving, inclusive community. LEARN MORE
New Home Builds:
SENT actively purchases lots for constructing affordable homes, incorporating modern, sustainable designs like net-zero energy models. Notably, we constructed Topeka’s first net-zero energy house in 2023 and the first new home in Hi-Crest in over 60 years in 2019.
Rehab and Renovations:
We breathe new life into dilapidated homes, renovating them to modern standards and making them available at affordable rates. This effort not only restores homes, but also revitalizes neighborhoods.
Curb Appeal Project:
Enhancing the visual appeal of neighborhoods, this initiative supports homeowners in upgrading their property exteriors and landscaping, thereby fostering pride and collective responsibility within the community. With our help, homeowners can enhance the overall value of their homes. We provide labor and funds to support this project, while homeowners contribute to the community in other ways.
Affordable Renting and Selling:
While we don't manage our home rentals directly, we partner with reputable management companies to ensure our rehabbed homes are well-maintained and accessible. The rent covers the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes, allowing us to maintain healthy operations while keeping costs low for our tenants. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Beat the Heat Initiative:
Each summer, we address the lack of air conditioning in older homes by enabling families to purchase A/C units at reduced costs, ensuring everyone can stay cool and safe during the hotter months. LEARN MORE
"it is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart." ― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
In Topeka, where 30% of residents are burdened by the cost of housing, having a safe and affordable place to call home is not just a necessity—it's a right. SENT is deeply committed to revitalizing and redeveloping Southeast Topeka through comprehensive housing development strategies aimed at reducing this burden and enhancing community well-being.
OUR VISION
SENT’s ambitious goal is to purchase, renovate, and either sell or rent 15% of all SE Topeka properties by 2045. This initiative not only provides affordable housing but also drives community development and offers employment opportunities to local residents. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
KEY INITIATIVES
Fremont Hill Development:
THE NEW SOUTH: Changing the Narrative in SE Topeka. This project at Fremont Hill, straddling east and west of Avondale East, embodies our vision for mixed-use residential spaces and community resources. The acquisition of this land, through generous donations and strategic purchases, marks a critical step towards creating a thriving, inclusive community. LEARN MORE
New Home Builds:
SENT actively purchases lots for constructing affordable homes, incorporating modern, sustainable designs like net-zero energy models. Notably, we constructed Topeka’s first net-zero energy house in 2023 and the first new home in Hi-Crest in over 60 years in 2019.
Rehab and Renovations:
We breathe new life into dilapidated homes, renovating them to modern standards and making them available at affordable rates. This effort not only restores homes, but also revitalizes neighborhoods.
Curb Appeal Project:
Enhancing the visual appeal of neighborhoods, this initiative supports homeowners in upgrading their property exteriors and landscaping, thereby fostering pride and collective responsibility within the community. With our help, homeowners can enhance the overall value of their homes. We provide labor and funds to support this project, while homeowners contribute to the community in other ways.
Affordable Renting and Selling:
While we don't manage our home rentals directly, we partner with reputable management companies to ensure our rehabbed homes are well-maintained and accessible. The rent covers the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes, allowing us to maintain healthy operations while keeping costs low for our tenants. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Beat the Heat Initiative:
Each summer, we address the lack of air conditioning in older homes by enabling families to purchase A/C units at reduced costs, ensuring everyone can stay cool and safe during the hotter months. LEARN MORE
In this video, SENT's Southside Wellness Clinic team shares the mission and services behind the clinic’s launch in January. Created to address critical gaps in healthcare access—especially for the uninsured and underinsured—the Southside Wellness Clinic is a community-based solution aimed at making quality healthcare both accessible and affordable in East Topeka.
Located in a part of the city known for multiple “deserts,” including healthcare, the clinic was intentionally placed within the neighborhood to eliminate barriers to care. The clinic offers express care services for common illnesses like coughs, sore throats, UTIs, and ear/eye infections—helping reduce unnecessary trips to the emergency room. It also provides comprehensive well-woman care, including annual exams, pap smears, birth control prescriptions, and referrals for mammograms and IUDs.
Beyond traditional clinical services, the Southside Wellness Clinic partners with trusted providers to offer expanded wellness options:
- Dr. Dan Tang-Pricha (The Center for Manual Medicine) provides chiropractic care on select days.
- Randy White, a licensed massage therapist, offers therapeutic and prenatal massage services on select days.
- Pediatric Connections offers trauma-informed pediatric occupational therapy for children on select days.
As a lab collection site, the clinic also enables residents to complete lab work in a familiar and comfortable environment—without the need to travel far.
Whether you're looking for a new primary care provider, need lab work done, or just have questions about your health, the Southside Wellness Clinic is here to help. Walk-ins are welcome on select days, and all services are delivered in a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit senttopeka.com or call 785-783-2535.
This is your community. This is your care. You are welcome here.
In 2020, SENT leadership recognized that holistic neighborhood transformation can't ignore mental health. Thus, our Mental Health Department was born. Our goal? Everyone gets the support they want and deserve.
When you call our office, we treat you with the utmost respect. We spend time understanding your needs, offering hope from that first phone call. We'll match you with the right resources and the right person to help you take those next steps.
Research shows our mental health impacts all areas of wellness, from sleep to physical health. Addressing mental health is crucial for overall wellness.
We offer mental health services for all ages—play therapy, teen support, adult counseling, family therapy, and even couples counseling. If we're not the right fit, we'll find you the right support in the community.
Behavioral health conditions affect nearly 1 in 4 individuals each year. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or severe mental illness, SENT Topeka can provide the support you need. Our compassionate Mental Health Therapists will help you navigate life's challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan. Call us at (785) 783-2535 or email behavioralhealth@senttopeka.com to begin your journey to better mental health.
Self-worth is the foundation of who we are as human beings and in today’s world is highly sought after. It plays a role in every decision we make and in every relationship we have. This eight-week program is designed for men, women, and teens who desire the freedom that comes with positive self-worth and secure attachment. Participants will go through a series of sessions in a group format designed to help them understand how the events in their lives have contributed to low self-worth. The classes focus on developing an understanding of the “lies” an individual believes about themselves, such as “I am not good enough,” or “I am not smart enough,” or “I have no patience” and how to replace these lies with truth. In addition, once a participant is released from the beliefs associated with the past, the sessions focus on rebuilding a new life based on positive self-worth as well as how to maintain these gains.
The group was designed by Cindy R. Lee, LCSW, in collaboration with HALO Project International.
The program is comprised of 8 sessions lasting 2 hours in duration. Class size is generally no larger than 12 participants.
Join us for a glimpse inside the Southside Filling Station, a major part of the SENT Family Resource Center inside the Avondale East Care Center. The Southside Filling Station is a new client choice pantry. Discover how SENT is collaborating with local organizations to address food insecurity, provide essential healthcare services, and offer vital support to families. From discounted massages and lab services to trauma-informed occupational therapy, this video showcases the comprehensive approach to improving lives in the community. Witness the power of partnership as we work together to create a brighter future for all.
The SENT Family Resource Center at the Avondale East Care Center
At SENT Inc., we believe that food security is more than a social concern—it’s a justice issue. It’s a matter of dignity. In this video, we introduce the heart and mission behind the Southside Filling Station, a low-barrier, client-choice food pantry located in East Topeka.
In one of the most resource-rich nations in the world, no one should go to bed hungry. Yet for many families in our community, food insecurity is a daily reality—and one of the first things lost when resources run low is the power of choice. That’s why our pantry is intentionally designed to reflect a grocery store experience, where neighbors can select what they need with respect and autonomy. We serve over 600 families each month, representing 38 zip codes across Shawnee County.
The Filling Station isn’t just about food—it’s about building a foundation for long-term transformation. Hunger must be addressed before individuals can focus on mental health, addiction recovery, medical care, or stable housing. By prioritizing food access, SENT opens the door to deeper, more holistic support.
That’s why we coordinate our services—such as mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, chiropractic and massage therapy, occupational therapy, and housing support—around our pantry hours. It allows neighbors to access multiple resources in a single visit, maximizing their time and creating a seamless support experience.
Our goal is to walk alongside every neighbor with care and dignity—meeting immediate needs while building pathways to greater stability and mobility. We invite you to visit the Southside Filling Station if you or someone you know needs food support. And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to make a difference, we invite you to partner with us in this work.
Because food is more than nourishment—it’s the beginning of hope.
"In the heart of SENT's mission to transform neighborhoods, mental health plays a vital role. Everyone deserves the support to navigate life’s challenges, big and small. By fostering resilience and well-being, we strengthen individuals and, in turn, the entire community. Together, we’re creating a foundation where hope, healing, and transformation can truly thrive."
— Tricia Sublet, Mental Health Director
Program News, Events, & Updates
We're thrilled to share some incredible moments from the recent ribbon-cutting event at Topeka's FIRST Net-Zero Energy Home! This remarkable achievement is a testament to our commitment to sustainable living, and we're excited to announce that this exceptional home is now listed for sale with Del-Metrius Herron of KW One Legacy Partners, LLC.
The event was graced by multiple distinguished guests, including Topeka City Council members Councilwoman Hiller, Councilwoman Ortiz (representing the district where the house is located), and Councilman Spencer Duncan. Councilman Emerson wasn't able to attend the ribbon-cutting but toured the house earlier in the week. Their presence commemorated this historic milestone in Topeka's sustainability journey.
We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carrie Higgins from the Topeka Housing Department, Shinnova: Home Renovation & Solar Company Kansas City, and our generous sponsors Frito Lay and McDonald's for their invaluable support. Your contributions made this event a resounding success.
Special thanks to the Pop n' Squeeze food truck for offering our guests delicious popcorn at a discounted rate!
In January of 2020, SENT closed on the 29 acres of land on Fremont Hill. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the dream became a goal. We have a plan and are pursuing the needed resources to begin the development.
SENT is partnering with The Acquisition Group -TAG (www.theacqgroup.com) to develop the West side of Fremont Hill. The Fremont Hill Development will include a new 30-home mixed-income subdivision, 36 mixed-income condos, a food co-op, sports fields, retail space, outdoor performance space, a dog park, a skate park, an Early Childhood Education Center, a Community Center, and more.
We are still looking for community partners in the public and private sectors to help us move this 'doing' to 'done!'
If you are interested in partnering, contact johnathan@senttopeka.com.
FREMONT HILL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The property is divided into two sides, 15 acres of Fremont Hill East, and 14 acres of Fremont Hill West. The East side of Fremont would be dedicated to Community Development, Community Resources, and Mixed-Use Residential. The West side of Fremont would be a mixture of mixed-income single-family homes. Housing would target first-time homeowners or families looking for quality, affordable living opportunities.
Join us as we break ground on New Heights at Fremont Hill, a transformative housing development in Southeast Topeka. This project is more than just building homes; it's about revitalizing a community, honoring a legacy, and making the American dream a reality for hardworking individuals and families.
We'll explore the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) phenomenon and how it impacts our community, including teachers and government workers. Learn about the inspiring story of Dr. Burrow New, whose legacy of service and advocacy is being honored through this development. We'll also introduce you to our innovative partners at Bravo Riz Developments, who are revolutionizing affordable housing with beautiful, high-quality homes.
Discover how SENT Inc. and its partners are working to overcome challenges, build community, and create a "New South" in Topeka. See the plans for three and four-bedroom homes with two-car garages, available at affordable prices without tax credits, making homeownership accessible to everyone. This is a story of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to building a brighter future for Topeka.
Join us as we break ground on New Heights at Fremont Hill, a transformative housing development in Southeast Topeka. This project is more than just building homes; it's about revitalizing a community, honoring a legacy, and making the American dream a reality for hardworking individuals and families.
We'll explore the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) phenomenon and how it impacts our community, including teachers and government workers. Learn about the inspiring story of Dr. Burrow New, whose legacy of service and advocacy is being honored through this development. We'll also introduce you to our innovative partners at Bravo Riz Developments, who are revolutionizing affordable housing with beautiful, high-quality homes.
Discover how SENT Inc. and its partners are working to overcome challenges, build community, and create a "New South" in Topeka. See the plans for three and four-bedroom homes with two-car garages, available at affordable prices without tax credits, making homeownership accessible to everyone. This is a story of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to building a brighter future for Topeka.
“Neighbor advocacy is the heartbeat of transformation. By walking alongside our neighbors with compassion and intentionality, we empower them to access the resources they need to thrive. Through Neighbor Advocacy, we not only support individuals in their immediate struggles, but we also help pave the way for long-term, holistic change—building a stronger, healthier community for all.”
– Tricia McCourt, Addiction Specialist and Neighbor Advocate
Personal Impact Stories
Hear from Tre'Jor Hopkins, our dedicated Board Member and owner of Flavor Wagon Food Truck, as he shares his journey with SENT and the Hi-Crest community! Thank you, Tre'Jor, for your heartfelt story and unwavering commitment to our community! Together, we are making Hi-Crest a better place for everyone.
"My experience growing up in Hi-Crest, for the most part, has been really nice. As a kid, it was a good neighborhood to grow up in. A lot of my friends and family live all over Hi-Crest, whether that's East, West, up and down Virginia or Kentucky. I would say it was a good neighborhood growing up. As I got more into my teenage years, I would say it became a little rougher. Now we are trying to promote positivity. We have so much activity for the kids.
While living in Hi-Crest, for me personally, besides churches, I haven't experienced any other organizations that have come and done anything quite like SENT. My first experience with SENT, I believe they reached out to us for the food truck to come to the Fireworks Extravaganza in 2021. After that, I wanted to meet Johnathan. That was our first interaction. I just was asking him a bunch of questions and he was busy, so he was walking away as I'm asking him questions, but I'm following him. I think after that, that formed our relationship, and he could see I wanted to grow more in knowing more about what they could do for the community and how I could be a part of that.
So growing up in the neighborhood and living in the neighborhood still and being a part of the board, I take a lot of pride in that. I do what I can just to promote SENT wherever I go, whether that's a networking event or a business meeting. I try to make sure that everyone in the city knows what SENT is and what SENT is doing in the community. As far as me coming home from being incarcerated, SENT welcomed me with open arms, and they took me in, and they let me flourish. That instilled a bunch of pride in me, knowing that people see me as a human being still. Not as a criminal, not as less than. That meant a lot. So that, to me, propelled me to just want to do more for the community. I thank God for being here and everything that we're able to do for the community. Thank God that I'm able to be a part of it."
Introducing Kristin Miller: A Heartfelt Advocate for Hi-Crest! In this powerful video, our board member Kristin Miller shares her journey growing up in Hi-Crest, where she has dedicated her life to uplifting her community. Kristin’s passion for SENT and the positive impact it has on families is evident as she recounts her personal experience with the organization.
From her childhood home to raising her five children in the same neighborhood, Kristin’s love for Hi-Crest runs deep. She highlights the Curb of Fuel project, which transformed her rotting front porch into a beautiful space, showing how SENT is committed to improving the homes and lives of residents.
Kristin also emphasizes the significance of the Beat the Heat program, providing affordable air conditioning units to those in need. With SENT, it’s not just about handing out resources; it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting families in the community.
As a voice for her neighborhood on the SENT Board, Kristin is dedicated to sharing the stories and insights of those who call Hi-Crest home. She believes in SENT's commitment to long-term growth and empowerment, making a real difference in the lives of residents.
Join us in celebrating Kristin's dedication to Hi-Crest and her unwavering support for SENT's mission! Together, we can continue to foster a thriving, connected community.
Meet Layden, a determined young man whose life shifted when someone believed in his future. This is the story of what happens when real support meets real potential.
Through a powerful new partnership between SENT Inc. and True to Life Ministries (TTLM), the Level Up Program is coming to Topeka to walk alongside young adults like Layden—those navigating poverty, instability, and limited opportunity—with a clear path forward.
Level Up is a transformative, evidence-based mentoring program designed to support disconnected youth ages 16–24—especially those not in school or steady employment. Through this program, participants are paired with professional success coaches who provide intensive one-on-one guidance, helping them overcome barriers like lack of documentation, unstable housing, mental health challenges, and limited access to resources.
The Level Up Program is launching in Spring 2026 at Avondale Academy, serving youth who feed into the Hi-Crest neighborhood and beyond.
This is more than mentorship—it’s wraparound support that empowers life change. Layden’s journey is just the beginning.
LEARN MORE about the program and partnership:
“Substance use disorder treatment is a lifeline that not only saves lives but also restores dignity. Within SENT's mission of holistic transformation, it’s about more than reducing substance use—it's about making neighbors feel seen, heard, and valued. By connecting individuals to recovery-supportive services, offering reduced fee schedules, and breaking the stigma, we’re walking intentionally beside people toward healing and hope.”
— Tricia McCourt, LAC, SENT Case Manager & Substance Use Disorder Specialist
Real Stories Behind Substance Use, Recovery, and Hope
Jeni VanBuskirk's journey is one of heartbreak, resilience, and redemption. Born into a life shaped by addiction, Jeni faced unimaginable challenges that led her down a similar path. Her story, alongside the heartfelt reflections of her daughters, Zoe, Bella, and Sophie, reveals the profound impact of addiction on a family.
Through their raw and powerful testimonies, Jeni and her daughters share their struggles, the pain of separation, and the strength it took to rebuild trust and love. This is a story of finding hope in the darkest moments, the courage to face the past, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Together, they remind us that while addiction can shatter lives, healing and forgiveness can mend even the deepest wounds.
In this eye-opening discussion, Lynn Smith, Community Prevention Consultant with PARS (Prevention and Resiliency Services), and Amber Saale-Burger, Co-Founder of Kaylee’s Dad is Mad, share crucial insights into the current substance use trends among youth in Shawnee County and the deadly impact of fentanyl.
Watch the full video to learn how we can take action, protect our youth, and fight back against substance use in our community.
Ashliegh Borders’ story is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. After years of battling addiction, losing custody of her daughter, and facing intense family challenges, Ashliegh found her way back through recovery.
Her journey took her from jail to Valeo Behavioral Recovery Center, where she completed treatment and outpatient care. But the real battle came after—navigating the reintegration process and working to rebuild her relationship with her daughter while staying sober despite immense pressure.
"If you’re going through anything similar—losing custody, navigating DCF, or fighting to stay sober—just hang on. Reach out to everyone in recovery that you know, and don't let go of hope."
Ashliegh’s story is proof that recovery is possible and that it’s never too late to reclaim your life.
Watch Ashliegh’s powerful story and find hope in her journey.
In this powerful and deeply honest video, Pati Wilson shares her journey through nearly two decades of alcohol use, the turning point that brought her to recovery, and the vital role mental health counseling played in her sobriety.
After a life-altering divorce in her 50s, Pati went from a bustling home to living alone—an emotional shift that led her into a long period of heavy drinking. It wasn’t until a critical moment in the emergency room that she realized something had to change.
Through intensive outpatient therapy and counseling, Pati began to confront not just her alcohol use but the deeper childhood trauma and fears fueling it. Today, she’s nearly four years sober and is passionate about encouraging others to embrace both mental health support and recovery.
“You can’t cure alcoholism or mental illness, but you can treat it—and once you do, you get stronger.”
This is a story of courage, healing, and the belief that change is possible at any stage of life.
In this powerful and personal story, Bonnie Logan shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and the transformative power of connection. Growing up in a large family of 10 with both parents struggling with alcoholism, Bonnie began drinking at age 13 in an effort to cope and fit in. What started as a way to escape quickly became a lifelong battle with substance use, escalating from weekends to daily drinking and eventually drug involvement.
After a pivotal choice between prison or treatment, Bonnie chose recovery—and everything changed. In this video, she reflects on how support groups became her anchor, showing her she wasn't alone and that healing was possible. She went on to create her own women’s recovery group, Sisters in Sobriety, to offer the same hope and support that once saved her.
Bonnie’s message to anyone in active addiction is clear: keep coming back. Even when you’re unsure, the community, courage, and connection you need are waiting.
This is what real recovery looks like.
Names, voices, and lives like Bonnie’s are why we do the work we do at SENT.
- Learn more about our Substance Use Disorder Services: senttopeka.com/substance-use-disorder-services
- Support groups and healing spaces are available—because no one should walk the road to recovery alone.
Find Your People:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)
- Narcotics Anonymous (na.org)
- Celebrate Recovery (celebraterecovery.com)
- SMART Recovery (smartrecovery.org)
- Moderation Management (moderation.org)
In this powerful testimony, Jack Ryan shares his raw and honest journey from addiction to recovery. After years of struggling with methamphetamine use, time in jail, and the risk of losing everything, a final chance from his probation officer sparked a turning point.
Through treatment, support from an Oxford House, and the structure of 12-step meetings, he began rebuilding his life—learning to manage cravings, avoid triggers, and create new routines centered on family, faith, and purpose.
“You're like a baby again in early recovery… but you don't have to do it alone.”
Whether you're walking through recovery or supporting someone who is, this story is a reminder that healing is possible—and help is closer than you think.
If you're struggling, reach out. Go to a meeting. Talk to someone. You are not alone.
- Substance Use Disorder Services: senttopeka.com/substance-use-disorder-services
- Oxford House: oxfordhousekansas.org
At just 13 years old, Zoe took her first hit of marijuana, not knowing how quickly one choice would spiral into years of substance use manipulation, and pain. By her late teens, she was using multiple substances daily - chasing a rush that only led to deeper isolation.
In this raw and powerful story, Zoe shares her journey from early exposure and trauma to finding sobriety at age 20. Through honesty and vulnerability, she reveals the emotional physical toll of addition, the long road to recovery, and the freedom that comes with finally choosing healing.
Zoe's story reminds us that breaking generational cycles takes courage, perseverance, and the right community. Her message to teens and young adults is clear: recovery is hard, but it's worth every step.
"You're not going to break the cycle by continuing the cycle. Someone has to do it."
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.
Reach out for support through SENT's Substance Use Disorder Services or visit senttopeka.com or connect with a case manager today.
Filmed as part of SENT's Substance Use Disorder Awareness series, highlighting real stories of resilience and hope from Southeast Topeka.
Nathan Voss’s story is one of struggle, resilience, and transformation.
Diagnosed with ADHD at age five, Nathan’s childhood quickly became marked by medications, alcohol, and the lure of substances. By middle school, he had discovered the demand for his prescriptions. By high school, music, drinking, and drugs had intertwined with his daily life. What began as experimentation spiraled into full-blown addiction—eventually leading to years of IV drug use, fractured relationships, toxic cycles, overdoses, and even prison time.
But Nathan’s story doesn’t end there.
After two near-fatal overdoses, he came face-to-face with a turning point: he wanted to live differently—for himself and for his kids. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, when isolation drove many deeper into addiction, Nathan chose sobriety. He found mentorship, community, and the strength to start over.
Today, Nathan is not only sober—he is thriving. He is a social work student at Washburn University, a Parent Engagement Coordinator with the Kansas Children’s Service League, and an advocate who uses his lived experience to empower parents and families facing the same struggles he once endured. He helps run support groups, leads parenting programs, and speaks hope into the lives of others navigating addiction and recovery.
This is more than one man’s story—it is a reminder that change is possible, healing is real, and the right time to begin is now.
If you are struggling with addiction, Nathan’s words are for you:
“There’s no better time than right now to start working at a better life. Today’s the day that we can make progress. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday—we have to be looking toward a better future.”
At SENT, we believe in walking beside our neighbors through loving relationships and strategic development to create holistic transformation in Topeka’s neighborhoods. Stories like Nathan’s show the power of second chances and the importance of community support.
For much of his youth, Robert Hohmann's story was marked by constant change - new towns, lost friendships, and a growing sense of isolation. By middle school, alcohol and drugs became a way to fit in, and by his twenties, the party lifestyle had taken over. Years of substance use, arrests, and broken relationships followed, until one pivotal moment changed everything.
After his third DUI, Robert found himself under house arrest, alone , and searching for purpose. The friends who once filled his life with chaos were gone, and for the first time, he was forced to sit in the silence. When an unexpected invitation to church came, it sparked a new journey - one marked by vulnerability, community, and the courage to start again.
Today, Robert credits his recovery to faith, honesty, and the power of real connection. He encourages others to find people who will walk beside them through their change, not away from it.
"You need people that you can be vulnerable with, that you can share everything without judgement. Finding those people is life changing."
Robert's story reminds us that sobriety is not just about giving something up - it's about gaining the relationships, purpose, and peace that make life worth living.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.
Reach out for support through SENT's Substance Use Disorder Services or visit senttopeka.com to connect today.
Part of SENT's Substance Use Disorder Awareness Series, sharing real stories of redemption, recovery, and hope from Southeast Topeka.
At just 14 years old, Milo tried meth for the first time. By 17, he was caught in a devastating cycle of psychosis, jail time, and IV drug use. But when his life hit its lowest point - abandoned, isolated, and spiraling - one decision changed everything.
This powerful story follows his ray and real journey from addiction to recovery. With nothing but a backpack and a thread of hope, he entered treatment, faced the grief of lost friends, and began to rebuild from the ground up. Through community, accountability, and sheer determination, he found healing in the unlikeliest places - from Oxford House to the hard lessons of relapse and resilience.
Hear how he went from living in a condemned camper to experiencing the everyday gifts of fresh air, clean showers, stable work, and restored relationships. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward - and that recovery is possible when you fight for yourself.
"It's definitely harder to do good things than bad things - but it is so worth it."
If you or someone you love is facing addiction, we hope this story offers encouragement, hope, and a reminder that you are not alone.
Learn more about Substance Use Disorder Services at SENT Inc.: senttopeka.com/substance-use-disorder-services
When Sharon first picked up a drink, it wasn't at a party or during a celebration. It was after years of heartbreak, loss, and exhaustion. A painful divorce had left her raising three children alone, and the loneliness became unbearable. One night, while searching through a cupboard, she found an old bottle of bourbon - and that single drink quickly became a nightly escape.
But her story did not end there. A co-worker in recovery invited Sharon to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and that one act of kindness set her on a path toward freedom. When she stood and said, "My name is Sharon, and I'm an alcoholic," she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in years.
Today, Sharon celebrates 30 years of sobriety and a life filled with gratitude, moderation, and community. She continues to share what she's learned with others who face addiction, stress, and the pressures of life - especially during the holidays. Her story is one of courage, humility, and transformation through connection.
"When I said, 'My name is Sharon, and I'm an alcoholic,' I felt so relieved. I knew I was home."
Sharon reminds us that healing begins when we stop trying to do it alone and allow others to walk beside us.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or the stress that fuels it, support is available.
Reach out through SENT's Substance Use Disorder Services or visit senttopeka.com to connect with us today.
This video is part of SENT's Substance Use Disorder Awareness Series, featuring real stories of recovery, resilience, and hope from Southeast Topeka.