Commissioners approve $125,000 for Crosswinds counseling center renovation, split from mental‑wellness and community funds

The Coffey County Board of Commissioners voted to provide $125,000 to Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness to renovate a Newsharon facility intended to expand behavioral‑health services in the county.

Crosswinds representatives said the renovation would allow the agency to add therapist offices, patient navigation and telehealth capability, and to expand same‑day access and mobile clinic services. The agency described renovation estimates of roughly $500,000–$600,000 and said it had secured about $160,000 in Kansas tax credits and other local fundraising. Lucas Moody, introduced by the presenter as Crosswinds’ Development and Logistics Director, outlined service expansions including a jail liaison program and a mobile crisis team operating roughly 20 hours per day to respond countywide.

Commissioners discussed matching sources and recommended a 50/50 split between county Mental Wellness funds and the Community Improvement Reserve. Chair moved to grant a total of $125,000 with half ($62,500) from Mental Wellness Fund (Fund 098) and half ($62,500) from the Community Improvement Reserve; Barker seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried. Crosswinds representatives said the funds would remain at the facility and be used for the renovation as described.

The board’s approval was described as a one‑time allocation and Crosswinds told the board that the Mental Wellness Board had recommended the request for presentation to the county board for final approval. Staff and Crosswinds agreed to finalize bids and local contracting details with a goal of keeping work local where feasible.