NEWS & NOTES

Paul Williams likes being behind the scenes. But not nearly as much as he likes helping people. Williams, the Bert Nash Mental Health Center IT manager, is the epitome of a problem-solver. And he’s an all-around good guy besides. Described in a nomination letter as “Someone who is liked and respected by everyone at Bert Nash,” Williams was the recipient of the 2016 Sandra Shaw Spirit Award, named for the longtime Bert Nash CEO, who died in 2010. The award is the highest honor

As the leader of anxiety therapy groups at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Jason Khomsi knows what he’s talking about. Because he’s lived it. He is just one of many who have lived through it and have come out of the other side. For people who are suffering from anxiety, they may never think that they will achieve a breakthrough, but with the right services and treatment, you will be successful Going to mental health centers or deciding to research alternative me

Walk into Angie Boster’s apartment these days and the window blinds will be open. That never used to happen. “I didn’t want the outside world seeing me,” she said. Now she’s not afraid to let the light – or the outside world – in. 2015 was a big year for Boster, 45, and it all started with a decision on New Year’s Day. “I usually don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but I did last year,” she said. “I told myself this year was going to be different.” It was. “It’s like she turned

The Center lost a dear friend last week. Bob Nash was so proud of the staff and the outstanding work of the Center and would frequently say he knew his father would be touched that his name and legacy have continued on for so many years. We will sincerely miss Bob’s presence at our events and hold Barbara and his family in our hearts and thoughts.

For as long as anyone can remember, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and law enforcement have had a working relationship. Since the early 2000s, that relationship has changed. For the better. “I see it as a partnership,” said Amber Rhoden of the Lawrence Police Department. “We want to understand what they do, and they want to understand what we do and why we do it. Everybody is like let’s break down the walls and move forward.” Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern has