PITTSBURG, Kan. – Crawford County Mental Health Center (CCMHC) has added new playground equipment, sensory tools, expanded parking and a bus drop-off area at the Sunshine Center. Grant funding supported the improvements and helped strengthen the continued growth of autism services on CCMHC’s North Michigan campus.
Funding support came from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK), Tower Mental Health Foundation of Kansas, and the Bicknell Legacy Foundation. Together, these additions help create a more accessible, supportive and engaging environment for children receiving services through the Sunshine Center.
Expanding Autism Services in Pittsburg, Kansas
During the 2025-2026 school year, in partnership with Southeast Kansas (SEK) Interlocal, CCMHC began offering autism services at the Sunshine Center. The dedicated autism services center is located on CCMHC’s North Michigan campus. It features specialized classrooms and tailored programs designed to support children with autism and their families in a comprehensive, welcoming environment.
CCMHC developed the Sunshine Center and Sunshine Suites to address the whole person by integrating mental health and autism services in one coordinated setting. The space includes a large group classroom, sensory room and motor play area. Together, these spaces accommodate each child’s unique needs while supporting skill development, communication, regulation and social interaction.
A Coordinated Model for Children and Families
Through the partnership, SEK Interlocal operates three specialized classrooms and delivers IEP-based instruction. At the same time, CCMHC provides intensive Applied Behavior Analysis therapy in a clinical environment. This coordinated approach helps reduce fragmentation in care, support skill development and create a more seamless system of support for children and families.
Together, CCMHC and SEK Interlocal provide a unique model in Kansas. The program combines academic instruction, behavioral health services and autism treatment within one coordinated program.
Grant Funding Supports New Playground and Sensory Equipment
This spring, CCMHC had the opportunity to expand the Sunshine Center’s outdoor and access areas. The project added a new playground, additional parking and a dedicated bus drop-off area. CCMHC and FACT, Inc. received $92,500 in grant funding to support these improvements.
In addition, funding from the General Funds – Youth Activities grant through CFSEK helped purchase sensory toys and equipment for the Sunshine Center’s sensory room. Funding from the Tower Mental Health Foundation of Kansas and the Bicknell Legacy Foundation supported the playground, bus lane and additional parking.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and investment our partners have shown in helping us provide quality mental health services for children and families in our area,” said Bill Howell, Director of Children’s Services at Crawford County Mental Health Center. “Our passion is to meet the needs of the whole child and make resources more accessible for the families we serve.”
Because of this support, CCMHC can continue strengthening child-centered mental health and autism services in Southeast Kansas. Crawford County Mental Health Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, Tower Mental Health Foundation of Kansas and the Bicknell Legacy Foundation for their commitment to children, families and mental health services in the region.
Investing in Children Across Southeast Kansas
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas manages charitable funds established by donors who are passionate about giving back. These grants provide critical resources for individuals and families throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. For more information about the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas and how they support local initiatives, please visit their website at southeastkansas.org or call 620-231-8897.
The Bicknell Legacy Foundation is driven by a powerful vision: breaking cycles by supporting individuals’ capacity for change, leading to a better quality of life and a more meaningful future.
The Tower Mental Health Foundation of Kansas offers support to organizations that provide mental health services to Kansas. The Attorney General is the sole member of the Foundation, which is staffed by the Office of the Attorney General. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of nine Kansans with a keen interest in mental health issues.