HeadQuarters Kansas, the organization responsible for staffing the state’s suicide prevention crisis line, announced it is entering a phase of stabilization and growth following a challenging year. Leaders shared updates at their recent Breakfast of Hope event, highlighting improvements in operations and financial oversight.
Key Takeaways
- The nonprofit has implemented new hiring procedures to increase staff capacity.
- Enhanced financial controls and personnel procedures are in place to prevent past issues.
- HeadQuarters Kansas received a significant grant from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
Navigating a Tumultuous Year
Last year, HeadQuarters Kansas experienced significant upheaval when approximately 80% of its staff called for the resignation of the board and interim executive director due to concerns over potential misuse of grant funds. This led to the resignation of the entire board and interim executive director in July 2024.
Despite the turmoil, the organization maintained its critical service of answering calls for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Walter Way, former interim director, reported that HeadQuarters Kansas answered around 10,000 calls from Douglas County residents and approximately 20,000 calls from across Kansas in the past year.
Expanding Capacity and Ensuring Accountability
In response to an increase in calls, HeadQuarters Kansas is working to expand its capacity to handle at least 90% of the state’s call volume. Ashley Servis, the nonprofit’s business specialist, noted that changes in hiring procedures have successfully brought on more trained staff to manage calls and texts.
Financially, the organization has made significant strides. After repaying nearly $300,000 in misspent grant funding, HeadQuarters Kansas secured a $3.25 million grant from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. To bolster financial integrity, the nonprofit has revised its personnel procedures, introduced stricter financial "checks and balances," and hired a dedicated staff accountant and a human resources manager.
Recognizing 988 Day and Suicide Prevention Month
The Breakfast of Hope event also served to highlight "988 Day," an initiative to raise awareness about the availability of the suicide hotline. September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, emphasizing the vital role of services like HeadQuarters Kansas in supporting individuals in crisis and those needing mental health assistance.
Sources
- HeadQuarters Kansas leaders say nonprofit is stabilizing and growing after tumultuous year | News, Sports,
Jobs, Lawrence Journal-World.
