Nearly 70 years of care, built together.
MHASCK has connected people to compassionate care since 1957, building one connected system of mental health care for children, adults, families and older adults across South Central Kansas. We are a local nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) and an affiliate of Mental Health America, and everything we do is grounded in trauma-informed care and the belief that everyone deserves support, regardless of ability to pay.
Who we are
Your support system, under one roof.
We are your neighbors, and we have been part of this community for generations. We are one of more than 140 affiliates in the Mental Health America network.
From our President/CEO
A message from Mary.
Welcome to MHA of South Central Kansas. I’m glad you’re here.
Over the years, I’ve seen how much can change when someone feels heard, finds the right support, and realizes they don’t have to navigate life alone. Sometimes that begins with a conversation. Sometimes it begins with a safe place to live, support for a family, or a connection that brings hope back within reach.
That is what brings our work together. Our services may look different, but behind each one is a person with their own story, strengths, and hopes for the future. We want to understand what matters to them and help them take their next step.
I’m proud of the people who make this work possible: our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the individuals and families who trust us to be part of their lives. Together, they make MHA a place where care extends beyond an appointment and into our community.
Whether you’re looking for support, exploring our work, or finding a way to get involved, I hope you’ll find a connection here.
Mary Jones
President/Chief Executive Officer
History, mission and vision.
Founded in 1957, MHASCK has spent nearly 70 years adapting to meet the community’s changing needs. What began as a small information center in downtown Wichita has grown into one connected system of care serving thousands of people every year. Through changing times, our commitment has stayed the same: meet people with dignity, reduce barriers to care, and never give up on anyone.
Nearly seven decades of service.
Our mission is to empower and assist youth, families, and adults in our community to achieve optimal mental health and wellness through education, advocacy, and service.
In plain terms, that means helping everyone in our community find a place to start and a path forward.
We work toward a just, humane, and healthy society where all people are treated with respect and dignity and have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from stigma and prejudice.
It is a community where anyone can find mental health support without barriers, and no one has to face a hard time alone.
Our values.
- Consumer and family-driven services with timely access to care.
- Evidence-based practices and professional excellence in everything we deliver.
- Preventing emotional and mental health concerns before they grow more serious.
- Serving people across the entire lifespan, from childhood through older adulthood.
- Embracing cultural diversity and treating every person with respect and dignity.
- Community collaboration, insurance parity, and administrative accountability.
- Valuing the employees and volunteers who make our work possible.
Leadership and board.
Care at MHASCK is delivered by people who live here and know this community. We are led by a President and CEO and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Leadership Team
Mary Jones, LCMFT, LCAC
President/Chief Executive Officer
Steven Schmidt
Chief Financial Officer
Bethany Anderson
Chief Program Officer
Danielle Basile
Director of Human Resources
Tim Schweitzer
Director of Information Technology
Kashia Burnett
Senior Director of Prevention Services
Therese Veberg
Senior Director of Housing and Facilities
Trivea Nolan
Senior Director of Homeless Services
Chris McKinney
Senior Director of Adult and Children Services
Board of Directors
Michael Hughes
Board Chair
Charles McClellan
Secretary
Brock Nelson
Treasurer; Finance Committee Chair
Lavonta Williams
Community/Development Committee Chair
Bobby Berry
Nominating Committee Chair
Jason Beckmann
Capital Campaign Co-Chair
Jared Simpson
Erik Hatten
Jared Jamis
Jessica Beal
Mandy Trainer
Ex Officio
Mary Jones, LCMFT, LCAC
President/Chief Executive Officer
Our volunteer Board of Directors represents a cross-section of the South Central Kansas community and provides governance, guidance, and accountability. Looking for a specific team member? Contact us and we will point you to the right person.
Accreditation
Trust we work to earn.
MHASCK has been accredited by CARF International since 1999, an independent mark of excellence in health and human services. Accreditation means you receive services that meet or exceed the highest agency standards, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and to the satisfaction of the people we serve.
Our CARF accreditation covers services across the organization, including medication management, outpatient services, case management for adults and children, peer support, supported employment, crisis housing, and group homes. To keep it, we hold ourselves to CARF’s rigorous quality standards, complete periodic on-site reviews, and confirm our accreditation each year. We also gather feedback through annual client satisfaction surveys and welcome input from the people we serve throughout the year. You can review our finances anytime on our Financial Transparency and Annual Reports pages.
How long has MHASCK served this community?
MHASCK was founded in 1957 and has served South Central Kansas for nearly 70 years. Over that time we have grown into one connected system of mental health care, adapting to meet the community’s changing needs while keeping our commitment to compassionate, accessible care.
Is MHASCK part of a national organization?
Yes. MHASCK is a local nonprofit and an affiliate of Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based mental health organization, and one of more than 140 affiliates nationwide. We share that national framework and commitment while remaining locally run and focused on the specific needs of South Central Kansas.
Is MHASCK the same as the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas?
Yes, people sometimes search for us as the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas. Our official name is Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, an affiliate of Mental Health America. However you found us, you are in the right place for local mental health care.
Is MHASCK accredited?
Yes. MHASCK has been accredited by CARF International since 1999. CARF is an independent accreditor that reviews health and human services organizations against rigorous standards for quality and accountability. Our accreditation covers programs such as outpatient services, medication management, case management, peer support, supported employment, and housing, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, effective, person-centered care.
Where can I see your financial information?
We believe in transparency. You can review our financial information on our Financial Transparency page and see our yearly results on our Annual Reports page. As a nonprofit, we are accountable to the community we serve, and we are glad to show how resources are used.
See how we can help.
Whether you need care or want to support it, there is a place for you here. Explore our services, or support our mission with a gift. Every step helps someone in our community find hope.
