11/20/2025
Yesterday, NKHS held an open house for the newly renovated Front Porch Urgent Mental Health Care Center. Staff, supporters, community partners, state officials, and local legislators toured the completed crisis bed section of the building and viewed the almost-complete treatment rooms and children's wing. Kesley Stavseth, NKHS Executive Director; mental health and Front Porch advocate, Betty Barrett; and Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes spoke about the program's history, its importance in the crisis continuum, and what it means for Vermonters to find support in their communities, close to home.
Designed to be a calming, healing, home-like environment, the Front Porch is a space open to everyone, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The completion of this project is a first of its kind in the State of Vermont, offering mental health care to individuals for up to a 10-day stay.
Currently, the Front Porch is operating from its temporary location on the property and will move into this new space mid-December. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!