A new facility in Owensboro is offering a lifeline to adults living with severe mental illness through structured group therapy, life skills training, and a sense of community.
LEAP Services officially opened its doors on Jan. 29, offering what’s known as a Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program (TRP) — one of only a few such programs in Kentucky, according to co-owner and CEO Missie Hayden. She said the center is designed to help clients living with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, major depressive disorder and others.
“This is a service that’s desperately needed in our region,” Hayden said. “There are very few TRP programs in the state, and only one other in this immediate area. Once we realized how many people in Daviess County and the surrounding counties could benefit, we decided to try to build something ourselves.”
LEAP Services was born from Hayden’s work in real estate, where she became familiar withpersonal care homes and the unique needs of their residents. She and her partners developed a business plan, found a property, and transformed the former blood and plasma donation center at 1858 Triplett Street into a 7,000-square-foot therapeutic space.
LEAP clients attend either a morning or afternoon session, each lasting about three hours.
During that time, they participate in group therapy, practice social and life skills, enjoy games and movies, and engage in activities designed to foster independence and emotional well-being.
“It’s a mix of work and fun,” Hayden said. “The idea is to help people build coping skills and confidence so they can reintegrate into the community — maybe even live independently or gain employment.”
The facility employs a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Social Worker (CSW), a Registered Nurse (RN), and several Adult Peer Support Specialists who guide the sessions and offer direct support. Medicaid and private insurance plans cover services, though Medicare does not.
Teresa Thomas, Director of Community Engagement, was recently brought on to help spread the word and expand outreach efforts.
“We want to reach not only those in personal care homes but also people living at home with family or receiving care through other providers.” Thomas said.
LEAP is also seeking to expand its impact following a recent fire at Davco Personal Care Home, which displaced over 80 residents to a facility in Bowling Green. Hayden said Leap plans to support those residents with visits and donated supplies and eventually hopes to extend services to them during their time away from Owensboro. While LEAP currently operates onsite only, leaders hope to eventually incorporate community outings and transportation services. Clients now arrive via private transportation or the GRITS system.
Hayden emphasized that the program is distinct from care for individuals with intellectual orphysical disabilities.
“This is for adults with severe mental illness who can benefit from structure and therapeuticsupport,” she said.
LEAP Services will be hosting a grand opening open house on Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be tours of the facility, live music and refreshments, with the Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 12:15.
LEAP is now accepting donations of new or gently used clothing and shoes for displaced Davco residents. The facility is located at 1858 Triplett Street, and more information is available at leap-services.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times