Nearly four years after announcing plans to consolidate most of its local facilities and months after moving in, CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness celebrated its ongoing work at its new administrative office.
CrossWinds had a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony at the former Chi Omega building, 1519 Merchant. CEO Amanda Cunningham says the goal of consolidating into three main facilities — Chi Omega, the former Earl Center two blocks away and Centro Hispano de CrossWinds downtown — was to expand services and reach more people needing them. Mission accomplished, according to Cunningham, with more work ahead.
CrossWinds successfully generated consolidation funding through the multi-million-dollar Breaking Stigma, Breaking Ground capital campaign. 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber was among the dignitaries on hand. He says lawmakers realize the value of mental health agencies like CrossWinds.
CrossWinds had several underlying points for the consolidation, including a federal change from existing funding models to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. CrossWinds was also nearing the end of a lengthy lease agreement with Newman Regional Health for the prior administrative office at 1000 Lincoln. Cunningham says the consolidation effort has made sense from the start.
From Schreiber’s viewpoint, consolidation was the right step.
Now with work largely done in Emporia, Cunningham says CrossWinds is looking to bolster its help for residents in outlying counties. CrossWinds recently had an open house for its Morris County facility. Work is ahead in Coffey and Osage counties as well.
Residents wanting information or needing help can go online to crosswindsks.org, find CrossWinds on social media or call 620-343-2211. Residents needing immediate help with potential suicide can call or text 988.
