Keya House

Keya House

The word “Keya” means “turtle” in Lakota, a Native American language. Keya is believed to be a symbol of good health and long life. Keya demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes and new surroundings by living in and out of water—a trait symbolizing the power of individuals to adapt to healthier activities and a new lifestyle.

Keya is also accepting and uncomplaining, and it moves with a slow and steady pace forward— another trait symbolizing an individual’s realization that health improvements don’t happen quickly and it takes a steady pace of growth and change in order to recover and attain a state of wellness. 

  Download Keya House Brochure

Keya House has positive impact in its 1st month

The Keya House has now been open for a month and has already had an impact on Lincoln's emergency psychiatric care system.  During the first 4 weeks, 10 guests stayed at the house, each for 5 days, with one guest returning for a second 5 day stay. All together, this is equal to 55 hospital "bed days."  Each of the guests stated that it was either the Keya House or the hospital, and all had very favorable comments on their stay, including "I can't believe no one followed me around or asked questions if I wanted to go out," and "I really like being able to cook and eat what I want."  During their stay, each guest developed activity goals they worked on each day including learning how to talk to their doctor, and working on their Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). 

Very Favorable Comments on Keya House

Two comments have been posted in response to Nancy Hick's article (LJS 12/29/09) and the TV news cast available on KOLN/KGIN TV website. 

In the Lincoln Journal Star, John writes: 

"Wonderful service. Not only does it seem to be a more appropriate setting for those in need, but I would think it being more of a preventative service would save money in the long run by making more intensive and costly services unneeded."  

On KOLN/KGIN, from England Graham writes:  

"Just touring around the Internet and came across the article featuring the opening of your new establishment. I had a friend who suffered from depression, and we, his many friends, always watched over him, and whilst everything turned out alright in the end, I would imagine that sufferers of Mental Health conditions could often be extremely isolated. Therefore, your new venture should prove invaluable, as are the staff who run it, often selflessly and without the credit that's due to them. It's unfortunate that many people are ignorant of Mental Health conditions, some even choose to be, but maybe this feature will enlighten a few. We can always live in hope! Congratulations, good luck, and very best wishes to your staff and users now and always. Oh, and Happy New Year too. Graham, England U.K."

Lincoln's Keya House a refuge for guests

Lincoln Journal Star’s Nancy Hicks writes a nice introduction for the Keya House (LJS 12/29/09), describing the program as “a refuge, not a clinic.” MHA-NE's Keya House, 2817 S. 14th St., is a peer-run program for adults at least 19 years old with behavioral health diagnoses, who are not in severe crisis and who live in Southeast Nebraska. Click here to read her article.

Program Information

Who Qualifies?

Keya House is for adults with a behavioral health diagnosis and who live in the Region V Systems service area. You must have transportation to and from the house.

What We Offer

Peers helping peers with crisis aversion as well as diverting from psychiatric distress that may lead to hospitalization. A comfortable, clean, and furnished four-bedroom house in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Self help and proactive recovery tools to regain and maintain wellness. Trained peer companions who are compassionate, understanding, and empowering.

Why Peers?

Peers have all experienced what it is like to be on the verge of crisis, if not surrounded by it. We  understand the need for support in these difficult times, which is why we offer strength, hope, and knowledge about recovery to those individuals who need a supportive and healing environment.

How It’s Done

This program is strictly voluntary and free of charge. You can self- refer or be referred by a health professional or a family member. There is a registration process to ensure the appropriateness of the program for each individual as well as for the comfort of other guests.

• We offer a free stay of up to five days.
• Peer companions staff the house twenty four hours a day.
• Staff can maintain contact and support at your request after you finish your stay. 

Guidelines

• You must be 19 years or older.
• You must not be in crisis or severe emotional distress.
• You must not have any known physical illness (fever, flu symptoms, intestinal distress, etc.)
• You must be able to maintain acceptable personal hygiene.
• You must be responsible for preparing your meals and cleaning up after yourself.
• You must understand and sign a safety and responsibility contract.
• You must have permanent housing after your stay.
• You must follow the house rules which are explained when you enter the house.

Download Keya House Brochure

Who We Are

The Mental Health Association of Nebraska, (MHA-NE) is a consumer-run, voluntary, non-profit, statewide association with chapters located in communities throughout Nebraska.MHA-NE brings together service recipients, families, professionals, advocates, and concerned citizens to address all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

We are dedicated to ensuring that public mental health policy is just, fair, and promotes equality and opportunity. MHA-NE supports freedom for individuals with mental illness. Freedom to take advantage of life’s opportunities. Freedom to decide where one lives, works, the important things they will do with their lives, the relationships they establish, how they choose to contribute to the community, and what services they will use.