By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A small coffee shop in western Kansas is quietly becoming a space where it's OK to ask for help.
Jerod Brown, a founder of The Well-Center for Hope, said it is not simply a coffee shop, but a nonprofit operating within one that connects people in WaKeeney with licensed professionals.
"We're a referral network of counselors and therapists, life coaches and pastors to help those who are struggling mentally and emotionally," Jerod said.
A central part of the model is a private meeting room for on-site counseling sessions and confidential conversations, while the coffee shop itself remains a welcoming space for connection.
The Well was founded by Jerod and LeAnn Brown and opened on Nov. 8, 2022. Jerod said the idea stemmed from LeAnn’s vision and her sensitivity to mental health needs in western Kansas, shaped by her own experiences.
In a concept paper written by Jerod, LeAnn shares a personal story about having suicidal thoughts in 2015.
"My wife was the one who was more sensitive to the need and struggle going on. [The Wells-Center for Hope] is really her baby. It's her dream, and it wouldn't be here if it weren't for her," Jerod said.
Another catalyst for The Well’s founding was seeing a young woman struggle to consistently access care before ultimately attempting suicide. Jerod said the experience showed how difficult the system can be to navigate.
Jerod emphasizes the focus of The Well is not just crisis or suicide prevention, but on making it easier to seek help, reducing stigma and offering hope before someone reaches a breaking point.
This includes knocking down financial barriers.
"We can almost take care of a full counseling session if they're in a really bad place financially, because our main thing is we want you to get this help," Jerod said.
Financial assistance is structured to protect client privacy. The Well can typically cover part of the cost, while larger requests may require board approval.
One member of the counseling network is Patrick McGinnis, owner of Breathe Coffee House in Hays. He works with young adults, couples, marriages and families using a range of behavioral therapy approaches.
"He's amazing and full of confidence," Jerod said. "That's how I feel about all of our therapists. I fully trust all of them that they're not just gonna help you. They're gonna truly care about you."
Other counselors in the network have experience working with children and adults on issues including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Therapists connected to The Well are based in the Hays area and are mostly available by appointment. Some are on-site weekly, depending on availability, but as their caseload increases, clients often meet with them in Hays instead.
The Well serves freshly roasted coffee from Hideout Coffeehouse in Osborne, and its chai is made fresh at Breathe Coffee House.
The menu features drinks such as caramel macchiatos, chai lattes, iced mochas, Italian cream sodas and a variety of fruit smoothies.
Food is not offered due to limited space and a commitment to keeping the mission from being overshadowed by business operations.
The Well offers two monthly giving programs to help sustain its mission, primarily funding counseling services and keeping coffee prices affordable. You can make a one-time donation and learn more about the program benefits here.
Jerod gives thanks to the monthly donors, volunteers, the WaKeeney community and LeAnn.
"The Well wouldn't be here if it were not for her," he said. "I'm glad she stayed on it. She's a busy woman, but she stays involved. She's awesome."
Jerod and LeAnn both grew up in WaKeeney and have been married for 23 years. Jerod is a pastor at the WaKeeney Church of God, and LeAnn teaches remotely for a college in Oklahoma City.
Beginning March 4, The Well will host a Christian support group for individuals facing substance use disorders at noon every Wednesday at the Church of God, 1300 Easter Ave. It will be led by one of its therapists.
The Well is open from 6:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. You can follow the shop on Facebook.