Douglas County Commission Summary
Week of June 4, 2026
Douglas County peer workforce sees massive growth since 2017
County outlines funding and success rate for Peer Fellows Program
Peer specialists highlight impact of lived experience on client trust
County eyes establishing 'clubhouse model' for mental health support by 2028
Local organization ALIVE Inc. begins search for new headquarters
Douglas County peer workforce sees massive growth since 2017
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Bob Tryanski, director of behavioral health projects for Douglas County, reported a massive expansion of the county's peer support workforce during an informational presentation. In 2017, the county had only five part-time peer specialists working in outpatient services. Today, there are more than 35 peers deployed across various community organizations, representing a 600 percent workforce increase. Tryanski credited the growth to successful partnerships with local agencies and a willingness to integrate individuals with lived experience into crisis response settings.
County outlines funding and success rate for Peer Fellows Program
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County Peer Fellows Program has demonstrated significant success in transitioning participants to permanent employment, according to county behavioral health staff. The county provides a $15,000 base stipend to partner agencies to fund half-time positions for peer specialists, who also receive robust training and state certification. Since its launch in May 2019, 46 participants have entered the program, and 86 percent have completed at least a year of service and transitioned into permanent employment within the community.
Peer specialists highlight impact of lived experience on client trust
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — A panel of local peer specialists and recovery coaches addressed the commission to explain how their lived experience helps vulnerable populations navigate the behavioral health system. Representatives from organizations like Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center and the Homeless Response Team shared that their personal histories with substance use, mental illness or domestic violence allow them to build immediate trust with system-resistant clients. The specialists emphasized that demonstrating genuine understanding, rather than dictating textbook solutions, is key to helping clients transition into stable housing and long-term treatment.
County eyes establishing 'clubhouse model' for mental health support by 2028
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Douglas County is actively exploring the creation of an accredited "clubhouse model," Anchor Pointe Clubhouse, by 2028 to support community members living with severe mental illness. The evidence-based model provides a daily space for individuals to engage in meaningful work units, such as culinary or administrative tasks, alongside supported employment opportunities. Bob Tryanski noted that while funding could be leveraged from a 25 percent allocation of state lottery funds dedicated to clubhouses, the county must first build a coalition of community champions and secure an appropriate facility.
Local organization ALIVE Inc. begins search for new headquarters
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — ALIVE Inc., a consumer-run organization in Douglas County, is seeking a new headquarters that could potentially co-locate with the proposed mental health clubhouse. Bob Tryanski reported that the organization has secured some funding from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to rent a space and has begun touring local properties. The search aims to establish a central community hub where peers can provide post-crisis response, maintain community tenure and expand supported employment initiatives for residents facing chronic challenges.
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