A Story from JAK’s Place —

We’ve lost the battle. We’ve lost one of our own. Now what?

Jonah Andrew Klapatch ended his life in June of 2005 after a long battle with mental illness. He left friends and family and a community with so much grief and with so many unanswered questions. How did things get so bad?

Although it affects barely 1% of the population, schizophrenia is one of the most disabling diseases affecting humankind. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe neurological brain disorder estimated in 2014 to affect 1.1 percent of the population or approximately 2.6 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older.

Symptoms of schizophrenia range from odd or strange to debilitating and life threatening. Jonah was “high functioning” in all respects but he still suffered. He was able to maintain employment and socialize like anyone else but he was also tormented, suffering from reoccurring delusions and feelings that didn’t make sense in reality. He believed something was living in his head. He thought that suicide was the only way out.

Suicide is the worst possible outcome of mental illness. When someone has lost the will to live altogether the illness has won. Family and friends are left heartbroken, asking for answers that don’t exist, blaming themselves and others. It’s a terrible thing all around. The difference with Jonah’s suicide was how our community responded. People came together, supported each other, lifted each other up and created something positive. JAK’s Place opened in September of 2006, it became a beacon in the community that created it.

At JAK’s —

We serve people who suffer from Mental Illness and also their friends and family. We have a wonderful facility, positive and capable staff, and a willingness to help people. We currently have 10 different support groups that meet regularly: everything from Art Group to Tai Chi. One of our newest accomplishments is housing a group specifically designed for teenagers. Our groups are led by our staff of highly qualified professionals who donate their time.

JAK’s Place Survives on Grants and Donations —

Fundraising and networking with other local agencies and organizations are a constant. We don’t charge for our groups or our weekly meal or to use our computers during regular hours. Everything we have in our building has been donated: furniture, art supplies, kitchen wares, everything. We continue to provide services and support to everyone who walks in our doors at no charge. Your contributions go to keep our doors open, our building safe and efficient, and our clients well served.

Donate items (like above) or donate funding (see below) — and call JAK’s Place (920-818-0525) to be entered into our Weekly Drawing!

Please help JAK’s Place with our May 2021 Fundraiser Campaign!

To easily make your DONATION, go to:

give.classy.org/JAKSPLACE2021

See news article on our JAK’s Place Fundraiser at: https://lakeshorecap.org/jaks-place-fundraiser/