Room: Paradise Ballroom

2026 Spring Training Institute Outstanding Performer Awards 

 

The Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, is recognizing two categories of Outstanding Performers this year: Recovery Support Services and Supported Employment.  These awards go to agencies that exemplify the DMH Mission of serving, empowering and supporting Missourians to live their best lives. 

 

The 2026 Outstanding Performer Award for Recovery Support Services is Amethyst Place. 

Outstanding Performer for Recovery Support Services is awarded to an organization whose work is transforming lives not just for today, but for generations to come. 

Amethyst Place is a long-term supportive housing program in Kansas City that provides safe, fully furnished homes across 69 apartments for mothers in recovery and their children, offering stability without a time limit so families can heal at their own pace. With an on-site pantry, childcare, and teen-centered programming, the organization creates a supportive environment where families can truly rebuild. Grounded in a two-generation, family-centered model, Amethyst Place recognizes that substance use, poverty, and trauma impact both mothers and their children, and addresses these challenges together through on-site therapy, parenting and life-skills education, and career development support—because they believe it costs more to do nothing, and they have chosen to change that. 

For 25 years, Amethyst Place has been a national leader in long-term, transformational care—allowing families to stay as long as needed, with an average length of stay of 28 months. Its outcomes are powerful: 90% of graduates since 2020 remain stably housed, 95% of children in out-of-home placement are reunified with their mothers—far exceeding the national average—and 88% of women are employed, in school, or both, up from just 40% at intake. Through this comprehensive and compassionate approach, Amethyst Place is not only helping families recover, but empowering them to build resilient, stable, and independent futures. 

Please join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary impact of Amethyst Place and their unwavering commitment to strengthening families and communities. 

 

The 2026 Outstanding Performer Awardee for Supported Employment is Ozark Center. 

Ozark Center has demonstrated strong adherence to the evidence-based practice of supported employment known as Individual Placement and Support (IPS). At their most recent IPS fidelity review, Ozark Center scored in the exemplary range of fidelity. While commitment to the fidelity model is essential, Ozark Center also has some of the highest employment outcomes in the state.  They overcame staffing challenges to continue to provide excellent supported employment services. They understand the profound impact employment has on an individual’s recovery.  They exhibit innovative practices, such as having their IPS employment program located near their Clubhouse program, which enhances integration within their agency and increases referrals and offer employment to those who may not have considered it previously. 

A successful employment program must have strong collaboration among a diverse group of partners including the Division of Behavioral Health, Vocational Rehabilitation, and community employers. Along with recognizing Ozark Center, we want to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of their Vocational Rehabilitation partners including Kierstan Shamhart. Their steadfast support of IPS is a major factor contributing to Ozark Center’s prosperity. The Vocational Rehabilitation partners had this to say about Ozark Center: “Ozark Center continues to push forward and develop strategies and processes to ensure that the supported employment services are being provided to the clients they serve through IPS. Ozark Center’s team aspect is one that is inviting, encouraging, and supportive. Their work in creative employment placements, supports through the process of gaining and maintaining employment, and the integrated efforts of employment throughout Ozark Center as a whole makes the program effective and successful. I am very proud to be a part of the team and to have had the opportunity to work with them over the last 11 years.”