UCS Releases New Fact Sheet on Human Service Safety Net
The 2025 Johnson County Human Service Safety Net fact sheet highlights the essential role of local, state, and federal programs in supporting community well-being. In 2024, thousands of Johnson County residents accessed services such as housing assistance, food support, early childhood education, behavioral health, and senior care. These safety net programs ensure vulnerable residents can meet basic needs, pursue opportunities, and contribute to a thriving community. See the full fact sheet here.
Turning Awareness Into Sustained Action
Guest Editorial
Tim DeWeese,
Director, Johnson County Mental Health Center
Each year, one in five people experience a mental health condition. But the truth is, every single one of us has a mind to care for and a community to support. Mental health is not just a personal issue—it's a collective one.
As we recognize Mental Health Month this May, the call to action is clear—it's time to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps toward better mental health for ourselves and those around us. This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” couldn’t be more timely or more vital.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, our world has faced a cascade of challenges—financial strain, violence, racism, antisemitism, climate change, and more. These stressors, especially when experienced chronically or simultaneously, can significantly increase the risk of mental health conditions. While our bodies are built to handle short bursts of stress, such as traffic on I-35 in the morning or an impending deadline at work, ongoing stress from discrimination, poverty, or student loan debt can keep us in a near-constant state of high alert. The result? Elevated cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, that impact mood, sleep, physical health, and overall well-being.
Too often, individuals who are struggling don’t know where to turn or feel ashamed to ask for help. Receiving the care they need may also be hindered by high costs, limited insurance coverage, transportation challenges, language barriers, and cultural dissonance.
At Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC), we are committed to making it easier to get the right help at the right time. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we offer integrated care for mental health and substance use, along with support for physical health, housing, and other essential needs—because care should reflect the whole person.
In times of crisis, help is available 24/7. Our trained mental health professionals on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and JCMHC’s local Crisis Line (913-268-0156) are there to listen, support, and guide callers to the next step. You don’t need to be in crisis to call. You can reach out at any time, for any reason.
Improving access to behavioral health care and reducing stigma will not happen overnight, but progress starts with each of us taking action. Practicing self-care, regulating our emotions, demonstrating kindness, and choosing empathy over judgment can have a profound impact—not only on our own well-being but on the well-being of those around us. Every thoughtful response, every shared resource, and every small act of compassion matters.
Let’s not limit our commitment to mental health to a single month. Together, let’s turn awareness into sustained action by investing in care, connection, and one another. Because when we prioritize mental health, we’re building healthier, more resilient communities for everyone.
Fountain of Life: Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, UCS is proud to spotlight the work of Fountain of Life Senior Community Center, serving KC-metro families impacted by limited English proficiency. Founder & Executive Director Jennifer Tung Alexander shared, “Fountain of Life offers a safe and warm community for seniors to build friendships and access health resources, aging services and mental health supports." Since opening in 2022, they have served over 250 Asian seniors and families, with services available in Burmese, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Vietnamese, and more.
With support from the Human Service Fund, Fountain of Life runs the Healthy GenerAsians program, which offers culturally and linguistically tailored mental health supports for Limited English Proficient (LEP) seniors and families from Johnson County's AAPI community. HSF funds also allow Fountain of Life to offer sliding scale, trauma-focused and evidence-based therapy services to the AAPI population.
Speaking to the impact, Jennifer said, “Statistics reveal that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the least likely to seek mental health support when compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. HSF funds contribute to breaking the stigma and lifting barriers by encouraging candid conversations — improving personal health and wellness, contributing to individual resiliency, and strengthening families."
The 2026 HSF grant cycle is open now!
For more information, contact Erika García Reyes at erikag@ucsjoco.org.
Last Chance to Register for the 2025 Human Service Summit!
