On October 28th, following a brief meeting, Mirror hosted an appreciation luncheon at Prairy’s Mezzanine on Wednesday to recognize the combined 328 years of service from their current board members. Fifteen community members make up the Mirror Board of Directors, with 8 members having served for over 20 years, the most tenured having served for 46.
Many in our community are unaware that the headquarters of Mirror, the largest provider of substance use treatment in our state, are located here in Newton. With the mission of strengthening people and communities by helping individuals cultivate hope and redefine their lives, Mirror serves thousands of Kansans through prevention, recovery, and reentry services. As Des Martens reminded people at the luncheon,
Mirror’s story is an incredible example of the power of local people coming together to create significant change. Over 50 years ago, a group of Newton people came together, concerned for the people in their town, who were caught in the cycle of addiction. They decided to throw them a lifeline by providing treatment services, and Mirror was established. At first, it was a small outpatient office. Who would have guessed that this small office would grow to save and change the lives of thousands of Kansans each year?
And grow, it did! Now the state’s largest provider of addiction treatment services, Mirror plays a central role in Kansas’ treatment safety net, serving uninsured, underinsured, justice-involved, and Medicaid-enrolled Kansas. For many, the services provided by 250 dedicated employees at Mirror are their last and best hope. In its last fiscal year, Mirror provided treatment to 5,463 individuals. Mirror also partners with the Kansas Highway Patrol and County Jails to reduce barriers and help individuals enter treatment and recovery. Mirror provides 160 residential treatment beds across Kansas along with detox and outpatient services.
The theme of local people finding solutions is still a core value of the company today, shown in grassroots prevention work locally. Board members have made sure to invest in the valuable, upstream work of Mirror’s STAND model, which works with over 200 youth in the region to create a generation free from substance use.
Mirror also holds contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Topeka and Wichita to assist those nearing release from incarceration through their Reentry Centers, providing a safe, structured environment where they can find employment counseling, job placement, and other services. With two Reentry Centers, Mirror provides 117 beds to Kansas inmates.
Many of the board members recognized by Wednesday’s event have served since the humble beginnings of the company, sharing stories about working to find money to cover services and even payroll. Crediting the dedication and creative solutions of the employees, many of the board members shared that the reason that they have served for decades is because of the meaning that they find in being a small piece of the important work of Mirror. John Robb, the longest-tenured board member, having served for 46 years, shares,
Mirror has grown from 4 to over 200 employees. From serving 19 clients to serving thousands. Impressive to say the least! My proudest moment, from a board member perspective, has been to watch the staff simply get it done. They show up every day and meet every challenge. Special people make it happen.
Board Members and Years of Service:
John Robb - 46 Years
Vince Collier - 40 Years
John Graber - 40 Years
Frank Stucky - 39 Years
Mark Frazier - 33 Years
George Rogers - 30 Years
Marianne Eichelberger - 25 Years
Ada Schmidt-Tieszen - 23 Years
Matt Schmidt - 10 Years
Debb Hamm - 8 Years
Ron Lang - 8 Years
Chad Gay - 8 Years
Erin McDaniel - 5 Years
Sheryl Wilson - 2 Years
Chris Conrade - 1 Year