There have been a lot of memorable days in Family Service & Guidance Center’s 121-year history. This past Monday was one of the biggest.
In anticipation of their January 1, 2026, merger, FSGC and sister center Valeo Behavioral Health Care announced that the new 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. The announcement took place at the Sunflower Foundation Nonprofit Center with about 100 elected officials, community leaders and mental health advocates in attendance.
Valeo’s Interim Chief Executive Officer Christine Wills and FSGC CEO Kathy Mosher signed a ceremonial merger agreement as part of the announcement. FSGC Board Vice-Chair Mike Cross and Valeo Foundation Board Chair Ashley Gilfillan witnessed the signing.
Following the announcement and signing, a Mental Health Town Hall was convened by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. Data was shared showing the increased access and improved outcomes that have come with the State of Kansas’ increased investment in mental health and support of the CCBHC model.
Association Executive Director Kyle Kessler expressed tremendous excitement about the upcoming unification of FSGC and Valeo.
“The merger illustrates the modernization of the behavioral health system in our state: making one organization that is efficient and avoids redundancy,” he said. “Astra is going to be a leader at the state, regional and national level in a matter of years.”
The merger was approved by the FSGC and Valeo Boards of Directors in February 2025. The merger will create a single Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Topeka that provides programs and services to people across the lifespan without duplication.
Valeo Behavioral Health Care was founded in 1967 and employs 360 individuals. Family Service & Guidance Center was established in 1904 and currently has 360 employees. The combined organizations provided mental health and substance use treatment to over 11,600 individuals in 2024.