Every time we share a housing win, we hear the question:

“What about women?”

And we appreciate those who ask. Advocating for women in our community is a great thing, and we care deeply about women too.

Our original housing vision included both men and women. But the more we learned, the more we realized that housing men and women in close proximity often creates more complications than solutions. So we made the intentional decision to begin with housing for men.

That was never because women don’t matter to us.

Women are a vital part of Be Able every day. We have 4 strong women on staff, many fantastic women volunteers, and more than 35% of those we serve are women. Women come to Be Able for help with employment, recovery, housing navigation, mental health support, ID recovery, and more.

We also have plans to launch a women’s home in the next year, and last week we submitted a local grant to help make that possible.

This is where we started. It is not where our vision ends!

Our friends from First Christian Church (DOC) – Manhattan, KS were back again, firing up the grill and serving up a fan favorite: chili dogs with all the fixings!

They keep showing up, and it means a lot. Not just the food (which is amazing), but the consistency, the smiles, and the genuine care they bring every time.

We’re blessed to have them as part of the Be Able family. And yes… they’re some of the coolest people around!

This month we celebrated Hank’s 4-year sobriety anniversary… and what a four years it’s been.

Hank hasn’t just committed himself to daily recovery… he’s become a trusted guide for others trying to take those same difficult steps.

In just a few short years, Hank:

• Graduated from Riley County Recovery Court

• Began volunteering daily at Be Able

• Joined our staff as a Recovery Case Manager

• And now oversees the two NA groups that meet at Be Able each week.

If someone is looking for a community that will walk with them through recovery, Hank is one of the first people we’d want them to meet. He’s able to connect with people in a deeply authentic way because he’s walked the road himself.

Scott put it this way:

“Hank is on the ground floor with people in active adversity and addiction. He has built-in trust and credibility that can’t be obtained without his unique experience.”

And it’s true. Hank’s influence in the recovery community is real, and our city is better because of him.

We’re proud of you, Hank. Four years is a huge deal.

Each week, our team walks into the Riley County Jail to meet with individuals nearing release… sitting down, listening, and helping build a plan for what comes next.

Housing. Employment. Recovery. A real path forward.

These conversations matter. Many of the men and women we meet are genuinely ready for something different… and they look forward to these moments.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to step into that space and walk alongside people at a critical turning point in their lives.

A special thank you to Major French and RileyCountyPD Corrections for the partnership and trust. It makes this work possible.

Find your next mission and true connection at the Veteran Support Network Breakfast on the first Saturday of each month.

 

Join us at Be Able (431 S 5th St, Manhattan) from 8:00–10:00 A.M. to share, mentor, and rebuild belonging with fellow veterans, we’ll save you a seat.

 

Mark your calendar and join us!

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