The Community Partner for Ryan’s Pub, Trivia Night at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is JAK’s Place. A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on September 24th will go towards our Community Partner. JAK’s Place will have a table in the lobby with more information and a place for donations during the run of Ryan’s Pub, Trivia Night, September 24th through October 12th, 2025.

What is the mission of JAK’s Place?

The mission of JAK’s Place, a program of Lakeshore CAP, is to empower adults with diagnosed mental illnesses or anyone with a mental health concern by building support and providing the resources to move toward recovery. We are a mental health resource center providing structured and social resources to those affected by mental illness in our community and their families. Our doors are open Monday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please feel free to join us!

What are some of the main programs or services offered by JAK’s Place?

Some of the main services and programs offered by JAK’s Place are professionally and peer-led mental health and wellness groups and counseling, such as coping skills, symptom recognition, and management. JAK’s also offers activity groups such as, art, knitting, poetry and writing, and games and bingo groups. JAK’s also offers free dinners on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. served by our in-house chef and to-go lunches on Thursdays. All our services and programing are free to the public.

How does JAK’s Place provide resources for those struggling with mental illness?

A regular client of JAK’s Place began to have worsening psychiatric symptoms about two months ago. They came to JAK’s to help find out what to do and try to get some answers as to what was happening. While talking with me one day they shared the difficulties they were experiencing. They were visibly distressed at the time, hyperverbal and scattered. This story is not uncommon among those suffering with chronic mental illness.

They had been having increasingly frequent outbursts and verbally assaultive behaviors at home and at work. As a result, they had been terminated from their job. Another time the police had been called to their home. They were also having difficulties being admitted to an inpatient hospitalization or IOP program because as they described it, “insurance coverage reasons.” Either of these services would mean going to Green Bay and attending an IOP program would force them to travel there every day. This scenario would be difficult for anyone but for those suffering from mental illness with common setbacks and failure to cope with life’s everyday tasks, this burden can be insurmountable.

Fortunately, they had an established relationship with JAK’s Place and their peers here. They felt safe enough to share their troubles with us and depend on JAK’s in order to find some much needed help.

I stressed the importance of seeing their psychiatrist, as well as their therapist, as soon as possible. I encouraged them to continue to share their situation with me and everyone that could help them while utilizing JAK’s Place as a resource to aid them in their struggle. They were receptive and increased their time spent here as well as attendance at therapeutic groups and peer relations offered by JAK’s.

Eventually they were able to see their psychiatrist and therapist and did find relief through a medication change. We talked at JAK’s the other day and they were in a much calmer, stable and pleasant manner than they had been in the past couple months.

This success story clearly demonstrates the efficacy of the services JAK’s Place offers to our clients and the community in Door County.

What are some of the challenges JAK’s Place faces in carrying out its mission, and how are they addressed?

One challenge to our mission is sustainability. JAK’s Place operates solely by funding supplied by donations, grants and fundraising. We address this by filing for grants, appeals for donations, and having fundraising events such as our annual dinner, silent auction and raffle. As well as Brat Fry’s and cookouts.

We also strive to overcome biases and stigmas regarding afflictions of mental illness and blocks to seeking help for mental health concerns. We spread awareness by advertising JAK’s Place, highlighting what we do by distributing quarterly newsletters, calendars, and brochures, share our information on Facebook, and participate in events like this partnership with Third Avenue PlayWorks. We also host display booths and information at the YMCA Wellness Fair, Little Eddie Big Cup Golf Outing, and more.

Looking ahead, what are some of the goals and priorities of JAK’s Place?

To expand on opportunities as above a well as increased programming through new groups related to recovery and arts are some of JAK’s Places goals and priorities.

What is the best way for the community to support JAK’s Place?

One of the best ways for the community to support JAK’s Place is through giving financial donations. We are also in need of donations of services and household goods such as, paper towels, toilet paper, kitchen tools, office supplies, and art supplies.

Attending our events is also a great way of supporting JAK’s Place.

Learn more about becoming a community partner of Third Avenue PlayWorks.