NAMI Kansas is an organization of individuals, families, partners, caregivers, and friends whose lives have been affected by mental health conditions. Together, we advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness. The organization provides programs of education, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illness, their families and friends.

• they advocate for improved community-based care for people with mental illness, such as improved access to medication, housing, and supported employment.
• they work to improve institutions and organizations in Kansas that serve people with mental illness.
• they help show the importance of funding research on mental illness.
• they  provide free education programs to the community regarding mental illness and its treatment.
• they advocate to eliminate discrimination and stigma against people with mental illness.
• NAMI activities are free of charge.

You do not need to be a member to participate, but your membership and contributions will make NAMI stronger and better able to accomplish our important mission.

Dr. Sherrie Vaughn, Ed.D.
Executive Director

The foundation of Interim HealthCare of Topeka is built on a commitment to optimal outcomes and a holistic approach to health and wellness. Recognized for its attentive, comprehensive care, the facility boasts a team of healthcare professionals who are not only proficient in their fields but also genuinely invested in the well-being of their patients.

Operating with a patient-centric philosophy, Interim HealthCare stands out for its ability to deliver care that is both effective and empathetic. For those seeking reliable and high-quality healthcare services, Interim HealthCare of Topeka is a trusted partner in the journey towards health and recovery.

The Medical Loan Closet is here to support our community by offering medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds to individuals who need temporary assistance but may not have the means to purchase these items outright.

Owner: Jill Harrison

The inviting atmosphere of Bliss Salon is matched only by its commitment to customer satisfaction. With a focus on creating a serene and welcoming environment, clients can unwind and enjoy a moment of bliss while the salon’s professionals work their magic. From the latest trends in nail art to classic hair styling techniques, Bliss Salon is equipped to bring your beauty vision to life.

Owner: Leslie Barlow

Co-Owner: Ashten Zander

For those in Topeka seeking a touch of elegance and a top-notch beauty experience, Bliss Salon is your go-to destination.

Phelica Glass, LSCSW, GCCA-C, SCOTP, is a certified and experienced grief counselor, dedicated to helping families transition through the difficult situations they experience when handling a traumatic time in their lives. Phelica helps to meet the needs of clients by empowering their voice, and strengthening their individuality while joining them in their personal journey.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is poured!
Meal replacement shakes, protein drinks, herbal teas, quenchers

As we are getting busier in the mornings which is awesome, we want to remind you we do have an app that allows you to order online and select your pickup time…

– Visit Website To Learn More & To Place Orders –

Herbalife Distributor: Vicky Glenn 

Owner: Raquel Turrubiartes

Lighthouse Therapeutic Community Outreach Foundation (Lighthouse TCO) is the spirit manifestation of its CEO Tara D. Wallace who believes every individual should have the opportunity to experience mental and emotional wellness.

Since opening my private practice I have served the Topeka community as:

As an educator, public speaker and writer, I provide training on the following topics:

Ethics

Trauma and grief

Cultural awareness

Racial and ethnic disparities

Social/economic justice

Community health

Healthy relationships.

• President of the Kansas African American Foster Care/Adoption Coalition (KAAFCAC);
• Board member for the Community Resources Council, Kansas Action for Children and the Shawnee County Suicide Prevention Coalition;
• Member of the Shawnee County Social Service Advisory Committee;
• Participant in the Kansas Diligent Recruitment Planning Group;
• Member of the Governor’s Child Welfare System Task Force Protective Services and Family Preservation Working Group and Kansas Citizen Review Custody to Transition Panel.

Years of working with individuals, especially those connected to the child welfare system revealed an extreme lack of education and understanding of the unique belief systems and practices held by Kansas families.  This lack of cultural appreciation has resulted in a significant number of children being removed from their homes and placed into adoptive or foster care situations.  These experiences often lead to a vicious and unnecessary cycle of childhood trauma that damages children and their families for generations.

Serving as a broker, facilitator, mediator, researcher and community change agent allows me to be a voice for those who have yet to discover their own.

Tara D. Wallace, MSW, LSCSW
Educator; Trauma Therapist; Speaker

The Gil Carter Initiative, a non-profit organization, was formed to commemorate the accomplishments of Mr Gil Carter, a native of Topeka, Kansas, a successful baseball player in the Baseball Negro League and to continue his work in the community. It’s purpose is to continue his efforts to the youth of the community and to give Mr. Carter the recognition that he deserves.

As a member of the New Mexico team, Carter is credited with hitting the longest home run in baseball history at 733 feet.

After baseball, Carter lived in Wichita and then eventually moved to Topeka where he helped children through a variety of activities.

The idea for this commemoration was born during the last year of his life. Through many conversations with him and with several of his friends and acquaintances, his history as an accomplished baseball player and his dedication to community activities in support of the youth of Topeka was uncovered.

Gil Carter was born on November 11, 1931 and died at his home in Topeka on May 31, 2015

The mission of the Gil Carter Initiative Inc. is to enhance the development, dignity and quality of the lives of, but not limited to members of the community; through specialized education in diverse areas, focusing on socioeconomically challenged children and young adults regardless of their race or religion.

Erma Forbes, President