NEWS & NOTES

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