FSGC, Valeo mark new chapter

Family Service & Guidance Center and Valeo Behavioral Health Care marked a historic day September 15 at the Sunflower Foundation’s Nonprofit Center.

In anticipation of their January 1 merger, the two Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics announced that the new unified organization would be called Astra Mental Health & Recovery. The agency’s new logo and tagline – “Healing within reach” – were also shared publicly for the first time. Nearly 100 elected officials, community leaders and mental health advocates were in attendance.

Kathy Mosher, FSGC CEO, said, “For weeks, I’d be asked, multiple times a day, ‘What’s the new name?’ Everyone from my colleagues around the state to community leaders, friends and government officials wanted to know. It was good to finally share the news and to see such interest and excitement within the community. I love Topeka!”

Mosher and Valeo’s Interim Chief Executive Officer Christine Wills signed the merger agreement as part of the announcement. Then, a 30-second reveal video (https://youtu.be/P32clgNcqjQ) was shown, drawing excited applause and cheers. The spot will be shown on local TV stations starting early next year.

“The response to the new name, logo and tagline has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Pam Evans, FSGC Director of Marketing & Development. “The connection between the name and our state motto, ‘Ad astra per aspera,’ has really resonated with people. The idea of helping people persevere through challenges and thrive is what we set out to do every day at Astra Mental Health & Recovery.”

A Mental Health Town Hall, convened by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, followed the reveal. Data was shared showing the many improved outcomes that have resulted from the State of Kansas’ increased investment in mental health. Effective, innovative programs like FSGC’s school-based Mental Health Intervention Team were highlighted, as well.

Mosher said she hoped that the message everyone took from the town hall was one of getting individuals and families the help they need, when they need it.

“The modernization of our mental health system means shorter wait times and better access to services that get results,” she said.

For more information on the FSGC-Valeo merger, please contact Pam Evans, FSGC Director of Marketing & Development, at pevans@fsgctopeka.com or 785.232.7902.

Topeka’s most delicious fundraiser is back!

We have the perfect reason to gather up your family, friends or your work crew for a fun meal!

Tickets for FSGC’s 11th annual Meals for Mental Health at Texas Roadhouse are on sale now at FSGCtopeka.com/meals! They’re $22 (plus tax), and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Proceeds from the event will benefit individuals and families struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.

Tickets can be used anytime during regular Texas Roadhouse business hours for the entire month of October. Take your pick of four meals from a special menu:

• A savory 6-oz. sirloin, green beans and a baked potato.
• A juicy grilled pork chop, green beans and a baked potato.
• A tangy grilled BBQ chicken breast, green beans and a baked potato.
• A fresh grilled chicken salad.

Your meal also comes with a soft drink and those amazing Texas Roadhouse rolls!

In addition to being a fun way to get family and friends together, Works of Heart tickets can be a unique “thank you” gift for your employees, customers or clients.

Tickets are limited, so don’t delay. Get all the details and purchase yours at FSGCtopeka.com/meals!

Real life, real people, real impact: Peter’s success story

When you make a gift to Family Service & Guidance Center, you’re not just donating money. You’re not just paying for programs or services. Your generosity offers individuals and families the promise of a brighter future.

We’d like you to meet Peter. His real-life story shows how your support can be the light that guides someone out of their darkest moments. Donors and supporters like you made it possible for him to get the services he needed to heal and live a full, happy life. Click here to see and hear Peter’s moving story.

Please note: Peter speaks very openly about his struggles, which included suicide attempts. His story is impactful, but it can also be upsetting.

Healing starts here: Designate FSGC in your United Way pledge

Did you know that if your workplace holds an annual United Way campaign, you can earmark some or all of your gift to benefit the people FSGC serves? Your kindness can be a lifeline for individuals and families who need healing and support.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Find the “Give to a UWKV Partner” on page two of your pledge form, fill in “Family Service & Guidance Center,” the code 115 and the amount of your gift.
2. Submit your pledge form.

That’s it! Our friends at United Way will take care of the rest.

If you have questions about designating FSGC, check in with your campaign’s Workplace Ambassador. They can help.

Your United Way pledge to FSGC – be it $10, $100 or $10,000 – would make a big impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Please consider making a gift to FSGC!

Topeka, you did it again!

We hate to sound like a broken record… but we have broken another record!

Thanks to the 260 generous guests in attendance and dozens of Online Auction bidders, the 19th annual Works of Heart gala raised over $174,000 – a new event record! The event was held Saturday, August 16, at the Townsite Avenue Ballroom.

In addition, a single piece of artwork created by a group of young Featured Artists was sold during the live auction for a record $5,200.

“I can’t thank our generous donors and friends enough,” said Pam Evans, FSGC Director of Marketing & Development. They changed thousands of peoples’ lives for the better that night.”

Proceeds from Works of Heart help ensure that people in northeast Kansas can get the outstanding mental health and substance use treatment services they need, when they need them.

Evans said, “I hope everyone who attended or placed an online bid realizes they have given the people we serve support and strength for a lasting recovery and a happy future. All of us at Family Service & Guidance Center are so grateful for their kindness.”