photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Douglas County commissioners meet on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Behavioral health leaders are exploring the idea of a “clubhouse” that would provide adults with serious mental illness a non-clinical space to build skills, connections and independence.

A key objective in the behavioral health focus area of the county’s Community Health Improvement Plan – a five-year road map for health and well-being in a community – is to establish a “Clubhouse Model” by 2028 to support community members living with mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders and offer non-clinical opportunities.

This effort is a part of a larger initiative to increase the peer workforce in the behavioral health system of Douglas County. The daily running of a clubhouse oftentimes relies heavily on the input and leadership of people with lived experience.

An example of a nearby clubhouse is Lotus House in Topeka, Bob Tryanski, director of behavioral health projects, said. At Lotus, participants receive guidance on finding affordable housing and job searches while being given opportunities to socialize with peers and a supportive environment for their recovery journey.

The clubhouse isn’t like a clinical treatment program. A factor of the program is a structured “work-ordered day,” where staff and participants work together to operate the clubhouse through activities such as food service, clerical work, outreach and housing support.

“During this time, members and staff work side by side as colleagues, contributing to the essential tasks that keep our community vibrant and thriving,” the Lotus House website said.

“A cornerstone of The Lotus House is relationship building. We all collaborate in every aspect of the club. We offer four dynamic work units for members to get involved in,” the website said. “After completing an orientation, members can choose the unit that best fits their interests and goals.”

Douglas County and community partners are proposing a “Clubhouse Model” known as Anchor Pointe Clubhouse. It is an effort that was started in 2025 when Douglas County partnered with the Kansas Clubhouse Coalition and Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services to develop an implementation plan for Anchor Pointe. The goal of the program is for participants to build confidence, develop life and employment skills, strengthen social connections and achieve greater independence.

Requirements from the state of Kansas emphasize that the program should obtain operational certification through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to receive public funding, and strict adherence to specific Clubhouse International standards. Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services is the sponsoring organization while planning continues for Anchor Pointe.

In the future, the county is potentially looking to purchase and renovate a building that could house both Anchor Pointe Clubhouse and ALIVE Inc., the county’s consumer-run behavioral health organization.

Commissioner Shannon Reid said she appreciates the peer workforce, and is interested in learning more about what a clubhouse could look like in Douglas County.

“I think there’s just no amount of education and technical training that can match what somebody’s lived experience was,” Reid said. ” … I’m super excited about the potential clubhouse coming here, and I understand that we’re in the infancy stages, but I really welcome any feedback and ideas along the way.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS, COMMISSIONERS:

• Received an update on the county’s Flexible Housing Pool program – which is funded to help chronically homeless households transition into more stable housing. From March 2024 to May 2026, 24 individuals have served so far over the course of the program. There are 18 individuals currently housed and enrolled in the program, as the Journal-World reported.

A county analysis of the Flexible Housing Pool program analysis provided a conservative estimate of approximately $107,960 in savings for public services based on data from the 18 individuals being served.

• Authorized staff to accept the fiscal year 2027 Permanent Families Fund Grant Award to go towards operations of the Citizen Review Board – a volunteer program of Douglas County District Court – in the amount of $58,844. The grant can go toward staff salaries, volunteer support, mileage reimbursement, case review activities, training, and data reporting required by the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration.