The Bert Nash Center was founded in honor of Professor Bert Nash, whose advocacy for mental health—especially for children—left a lasting impact. From the beginning, ensuring access to mental health care for all has been at the heart of the Center’s mission.
Over the past 75 years, the Center has grown from a staff of 3 in 1951 to a team of more than 400 dedicated professionals providing a wide range of services, including outpatient therapy, housing support, and crisis care.
This unwavering commitment to our community continues to build on Professor Nash’s legacy. As we look to the future and expand our network of care in Douglas County, we celebrate the strong foundation that has supported us for the past seven and a half decades.
Emily Farley, Chief Advancement Officer
Celebrating 75 Years
New Bert Nash portrait celebrates 75 years
We’re so grateful to Landmark National Bank for their generosity in sponsoring a commissioned portrait of Dr. Bert Nash by artist John Sebelius celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Bert Nash Center. This new portrait is displayed at our 200 Maine St. facility.
At the unveiling, Landmark National Bank’s Brennan Clark, of the Bert Nash Center Endowment Board, shared his team’s excitement about the project. Sebelius, who has led an art program for Bert Nash Center clients since 2018 added that it “felt like a perfect fit.”
“I was thankful to be asked to do something that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Nash and celebrates this great Center. My goal for painting Dr. Nash’s portrait was to honor a person who championed community-based services and impacted Lawrence so greatly. I hope the artwork evokes a sense of calm, hope, and healing — offering a moment of visual rest and reflection for those navigating their mental health journey.”
Limited edition signed prints are available for purchase. Proceeds support both John's art and Bert Nash Center programs. If you'd like to purchase a print, contact Development Director Sarah Hoadley at shoadley@bertnash.org.
History
