Stay Connected: Mental Health Support Program Open Despite Paperwork Glitch

High Plains Independence is a crucial organization in Hays that provides free support to individuals struggling with severe mental illnesses. However, it recently hit a snag after losing its nonprofit status due to a paperwork error. This loss led to a halt in funding from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Ginna Anderson, the executive director, is actively working to reinstate the organization’s nonprofit status. She’s collaborating with a new accountant to ensure all necessary IRS paperwork is filed correctly. Unfortunately, it could take three to six months for the paperwork to process fully.

Despite these challenges, the organization managed to make payroll for August and received around $5,000 in donations to stay afloat. Anderson expressed gratitude for this support, but she knows the road ahead won’t be easy, saying, “Now we have to start over in September.”

This situation underscores a broader concern in the mental health sector. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, illustrating the need for services like those offered by High Plains Independence.

Community support is vital now. Local organizations and individuals can play a key role in ensuring mental health services remain available. As Anderson put it, “I refuse to give up. God did not bring us this far to drop us in the muck.”

For more information on how you can help, you can find resources and donation details on their website or contact them directly.



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