Caritas Care Solutions

01/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Strategic Partnership Expands Access to Healing and Recovery Services Across KentuckyCaritas Care Solutions Joins Forces with Fresh Start Frankfort to Strengthen Community-Based Behavioral Wellness Network

Frankfort, KY – January 16, 2026 — Caritas Care Solutions is proud to announce a transformative strategic partnership with Fresh Start Frankfort. This collaboration represents a continued commitment to expanding access to comprehensive behavioral wellness and recovery services for Kentucky's most vulnerable populations through purposeful, community-driven partnerships.

Caritas Care Solutions delivers innovative behavioral wellness solutions—including psychiatry and medication management, therapy and counseling, therapeutic rehabilitation programs, targeted casemanagement, peer and community supports, and mental health and substance use programs—crafted to meet the needs of individuals throughout Kentucky. Through direct support and strategic partnerships with community organizations, Caritas serves as the critical conduit to essential programs and services for those who need it most, especially individuals with the most complex needs.

Fresh Start Frankfort—formerly the Franklin County Women & Family Shelter—has evolved into a bold, healing-centered program serving women and families across the region. Established in 2004, Fresh Start has become a trauma-informed, recovery-focused community supporting those rebuilding after addiction, homelessness, incarceration, or personal crisis. Since its founding, Fresh Start has supported hundreds of women and families through individualized case planning, life skills support, anda structured three-phase program designed to foster stability and long-term success."Fresh Start's mission aligns seamlessly with our vision of meeting individuals where they are and providing the comprehensive support they need to thrive," said Kyle May, LPCC-S, CFT, TF-CBTCertified, Chief Clinical Officer of Caritas Care Solutions. "This strategic partnership strengthens our ability toserve single women in recovery or reentry, families navigating housing insecurity, and fathers withchildren seeking a new beginning—all with dignity, accountability, and hope."

Navigating Change Through Strategic Collaboration
In an era of unprecedented shifts in healthcare reimbursement, payment reform, and grant funding, strategic partnerships among nonprofits have become essential to sustainability and growth. The evolving landscape—shaped by CMS reforms, Medicaid restructuring, and changing commercial insurer models—demands innovation, agility, and shared resources. By uniting their strengths, Caritas Care Solutions and its partner organizations are not only positioning themselves to navigate these challenges successfully but are also ensuring uninterrupted access to critical services for the communities theyserve. This collaborative approach allows each organization to focus on its mission while collectively building the resilience and infrastructure necessary to thrive amid uncertainty.

A Growing Network of Community Strength
This partnership expands Caritas Care Solutions' robust network of community collaborations, which includes Hope Hill Youth Services—a historic pillar of hope in Kentucky that has cared for childrensince 1960, grounded in a legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication inspired by Ruby Kitchen. Hope Hill provides therapeutic foster care and independent living services, and has recently received approval for an 18-bed residential center on the Hope Hill Campus.

The network also includes Open Doors Counseling Center, based in Lexington, which offers comprehensive outpatient services that foster healing and growth. Notably, Open Doors and Caritas are among the only programs in Kentucky that provide certified financial therapy, addressing the critical intersection of mental health and financialwellness.

The network further includes Spill the Tea Counseling in Lexington, an organization focused on granting access to wraparound behavioral health services to the BIPOC community.

Together, these partnerships reflect a shared philosophy: that true community strength lies in collaboration, not consolidation. By joining forces with organizations deeply rooted in their communities, Caritas is building a comprehensive network of care that addresses the diverse and complex needs of Kentucky's residents.

Where Healing Begins and Futures Are Rebuilt
Fresh Start Frankfort's mission is to provide safe recovery housing and supportive services as residents gain skills to build positive relationships, stability, self-efficacy, and self-sufficiency. Their vision is to expand residential capacity, support services, and financial resources to meet the needs of a growing clientele who desire the opportunity to jump-start a new life of hope and opportunity in a safe, caring,and inspiring environment."In this moment, more than ever, our community recognizes that healing and recovery are collective responsibilities," added May. "Through strategic partnerships like this one, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Kentuckian—regardless of their circumstances—has access to compassionate, holistic care that honors their dignity and supports their journey toward wellness."

This partnership positions Caritas Care Solutions and Fresh Start Frankfort to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape together, responding with innovation and resilience to the changing needs of thecommunities they serve.

About Caritas Care Solutions
Caritas Care Solutions delivers innovative behavioral wellness solutions—including psychiatry and medication management, therapy and counseling, therapeutic rehabilitation programs, targeted case management, peer and community supports, and mental health and substance use programs—crafted to meet the needs of individuals throughout Kentucky. Through direct support and strategic partnerships with community organizations, Caritas serves as the critical conduit to essential programs and services for those who need it most, especially individuals with the most complex needs.

About Fresh Start Frankfort
Established in 2004, Fresh Start Frankfort is a trauma-informed, recovery-focused program servingwomen and families rebuilding after addiction, homelessness, incarceration, or personal crisis. Through safe recovery housing and comprehensive supportive services, Fresh Start empowers residents to build positive relationships, stability, self-efficacy, and self-sufficiency.

About Hope Hill Youth Services
A historic and enduring pillar of hope in Kentucky, Hope Hill has cared for children since 1960, grounded in a legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication inspired by Ruby Kitchen. Hope Hill provides therapeutic foster care and independent living services and has recently received approval foran 18-bed residential center on the Hope Hill Campus.

About Open Doors Counseling Center
Dedicated to healing and growth, Open Doors Counseling Center offers comprehensive outpatient mental health services designed to meet individuals' needs holistically. Open Doors and Caritas areamong the only programs in Kentucky that provide certified financial therapy, addressing the critical intersection of mental health and financial wellness.

About Spill the Tea Counseling
Based in Lexington, Spill the Tea Counseling focuses on granting access to wraparound behavioral health services to the BIPOC community, providing culturally responsive care and support.

For More Information and Media Inquiries:
Kyle May, LPCC-S, CFT, TF-CBT Certified
Chief Clinical Officer
Caritas Care Solutions
Kyle.May@caritascares.org

12/02/2025

Lexington's housing crisis has left our 10 shelters struggling to meet basic needs—we urgently need beds and furniture to provide safe refuge for our neighbors without homes. Your donation to Caritas Care Solutions directly provides essential furnishings that transform emergency shelter space into places of dignity and rest for Kentucky families and individuals in crisis. Starting tomorrow, every contribution helps us fill critical gaps and offer hope to those who need it most.

I’m ready to support Caritas Care Solutions on December 2, 2025 during Bluegrass Gives. Learn more about Caritas Care Solutions and all the other organizations participating in Bluegrass Gives.

11/29/2025

The holidays can amplify grief and mental health struggles for many—if you're not okay right now, that's a completely valid human experience. Reaching out isn't weakness; it's courage, and sharing what you're carrying with a trusted friend or professional can be the lifeline you need. Your pain deserves acknowledgment and support, not silence.

11/27/2025

Here we grow again! Join our open-access, inclusive team where your skills as a licensed therapist/counselor, peer support specialist, or targeted case manager become a lifeline for youth and adults navigating mental health challenges and substance use during their most critical transition. This isn't just a job—it's a calling to walk alongside individuals who need someone to believe in their potential for transformation and recovery. If you're passionate about purpose over paychecks and ready to make a tangible difference in lives that desperately need hope, we want you on our team. Send your resume’ to careers@caritascares.org

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we're honored to continue serving those entrusted to our care, because compassion knows no holidays. We're deeply grateful for our dedicated healthcare workers who answer the call today, spending time away from their own families to ensure your loved ones receive the excellent care they deserve. It's a privilege we don't take lightly—caring for your family is our calling, and we're thankful to be here when you need us most.

11/27/2025

YOU have the power to change a young adult's life this holiday season. Your gift provides more than just food and shelter—it offers hope, stability, and a fresh start to someone who needs it most. One gift, one life transformed—that's the difference YOU make. Support our 18-24 shelter today!

I’m ready to support Caritas Care Solutions on December 2, 2025 during Bluegrass Gives. Learn more about Caritas Care Solutions and all the other organizations participating in Bluegrass Gives.

11/11/2025

10/18/2025

Need a little extra support right now? You're not alone, and asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. Our intake department is open and ready to connect you with the behavioral health resources you deserve. We're here to serve—reach out today: Referral@caritascares.org | 606-776-3185

10/18/2025

We're proud to celebrate our Caritas House team for achieving a deficiency-free annual survey—a testament to their dedication and excellence in care!

10/07/2025

Here's to one year and many more! Another growth announcement coming soon!

09/13/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Salvation Army and Caritas Care Solutions Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Transform Lives of Kentucky's Most Vulnerable

Strategic alliance delivers comprehensive wrap-around services, creating sustainable pathway from homelessness to independence

LEXINGTON, KY – The Salvation Army in Lexington has announced a transformative partnership with Caritas Care Solutions, a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization, to provide comprehensive onsite behavioral health services and transitional programming for shelter residents. This innovative collaboration represents a new model for addressing homelessness while supporting individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders on their journey toward independence.

The partnership establishes Caritas Care Solutions as the primary provider of wrap-around services at The Salvation Army shelter, offering daily programming and clinical services including psychiatry, therapy, targeted case management, therapeutic rehabilitation programs, peer support, and community support services. The comprehensive approach extends beyond emergency shelter to include transitional community housing, creating a complete continuum of care.

"This partnership exemplifies what's possible when community organizations unite with a shared vision," said Sherri Baptiste - Director of Case Management. "Together, we're not just providing shelter – we're creating sustainable pathways to independence for the area's most vulnerable and marginalized populations."

The collaboration addresses critical gaps in services for individuals experiencing homelessness while managing complex behavioral health needs. By integrating clinical services directly into shelter operations, residents receive immediate access to evidence-based treatments and support services that are often difficult to access in traditional shelter models.

"Our partnership with The Salvation Army demonstrates the power of community collaboration in addressing complex social challenges," said Jason Barrett - Board Chairman. "By bringing our comprehensive behavioral health services directly to where people are, we eliminate barriers and create opportunities for real, lasting change."

Caritas Care Solutions brings extensive expertise to the partnership, operating behavioral health programs across five Kentucky locations including Lexington, Morehead, Mt. Sterling, Hazard, and Pikeville. Their evidence-based approach to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment aligns perfectly with The Salvation Army's mission of serving those most in need.

The partnership also represents a strategic response to the evolving nonprofit landscape, where organizations face increasing challenges with payment reimbursements and complex Medicaid and commercial insurance requirements. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations strengthen their ability to serve vulnerable populations while navigating these financial complexities.

This collaboration shows how nonprofits can not only survive but thrive in today's challenging environment. When organizations come together strategically, they become stronger and more effective at serving those who need it most.

The program officially launches in the coming weeks and will serve residents immediately upon implementation. The partnership is designed to be scalable and could serve as a model for similar collaborations across Kentucky and beyond.

About The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization and that provides comprehensive social services to people in need. Founded in 1865, it operates as one of the world's largest charitable organizations.

About Caritas Care Solutions Caritas Care Solutions is a nonprofit behavioral health organization dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services across Kentucky. With locations in Lexington, Morehead, Mt. Sterling, Hazard, and Pikeville, Caritas delivers evidence-based treatment and support services to individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth.

For More Information contact
Stephanie Spires, Vice President, Mission Integration
Stephanie.Spires@caritascares.org
859-312-1044

09/01/2025

Thanks to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky's generous $10,000 Platinum sponsorship, we are excited to expand and strengthen our 18-24 mental health and substance use programs, making a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults. Together, we're creating brighter futures!