During the 1960s and 1970s new laws and court actions forced the state to discharge all persons who requested to leave mental hospitals, unless the state could legally prove that they were dangerous to themselves or society. Hundreds of persons with mental illness were prematurely returned to their home communities after years of hospitalization. While new medications were effective in treating psychosis, Dallas lacked the community support programs necessary for these vulnerable people to succeed outside the hospital setting. Tragically, many of them ended up living on the streets, in shelters or in sub-standard housing. Some committed crimes and ended up in the criminal justice system.

In response to the need for community mental health services, LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare was founded and incorporated in 1977 in Dallas, Texas, as a 501(c)(3) corporation under the name Hideaway House, later changed to Phoenix House. The name was changed to LifeNet in 1998 and today continues to assist men and women transitioning from hospitals and homelessness to gainful employment and self-sufficiency. LifeNet goals are: residential stability, increased skill level and income, greater self-determination and resourcefulness through mental stability.

LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare is considered a leader in the provision of comprehensive mental health services, and in the diagnosis and treatment of severe mental illness and chemical dependency disorders.

We are proud to report recent major accomplishments by LifeNet.

• Hundreds are no longer homeless on the streets of north Texas, thanks to LifeNet.
• New LifeNet clients receive immediate access to services (no 6 –12 month wait for mental health services or housing like many metroplex agencies)
• State-of-the-Art Adult, Child and Adolescent Services and Programs that provide immediate help for any and all family members.
• Exemplary Substance Abuse Programs with one of the highest success rates in Texas.
• Over $400,000 was implemented for Katrina and other disaster relief victims.
• Hundreds of blankets and coats are distributed for the metroplex homeless.
• Hundreds of household “starter kits” are distributed to enrollees in supportive housing program
• LifeNet Supported Employees receive valuable continuing education.
• Pharmaceutical suppliers present frequent up to date seminars and meetings to applicable employees and review results of promising ongoing clinical trials.
• Friendly, family atmosphere created in lobby waiting area with the addition of table lamps, rugs and a TV/DVD player playing popular family oriented material.

The LifeNet family is truly thankful and has much to celebrate! Thousands are blessed as their lives are rebuilt and enhanced when they receive professional mental health treatment, housing for the homeless and employment for those able to work.

Error: We have encountered an error, which we will investigate immediately. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Chair:Tim Cathey
Chair Elect: Elizabeth Parks Thrash
Treasurer: Mark Nelson
Secretary:Sarah Estill

Allison Barton    
Jonni McCuin
Allan Edwards   
David Klingler (Past Chair)
Iain Michie (Past Chair)
Carleton Nooner
Mildred Pope  
Leah Shafer
Deborah  K. Wright

The following was written by incoming 2008 LifeNet Board Chair Tim Cathey to LifeNet Employees shortly after his first meeting as Chair.  We liked it so much, we wanted to share it with all!

"Pulling the Strings"             I suppose that people of all ages have a fascination with puppets.  From the backyard cardboard puppet stage to the technical black light productions of Broadway, puppets have entertained crowds for generations - giving life to the strangest of creatures and telling amazing stories about far-away places.  Often times, the puppets teach us great lessons about life itself.  Regardless of how old you are, a puppet show will always get your attention.

But the real magic of puppets is the people behind the curtain.  No matter if the puppet is a wooden doll suspended by strings or an old sock pulled over someone's hand, the puppeteer is the one who brings it to life.  The puppeteer choreographs the dance, sings the song, and tells the story.  Without the puppeteer, you don't have much more than a rag doll or pieces of wood tangled together in a ball of string.

Broken people are a lot like puppets without a puppeteer.  They have no life.  No song to sing.  Just rag dolls and tangled pieces of wood.

At LifeNet, we're given the opportunity to partner with people wanting to tell their story; hoping to sing a new song; eager to learn a new dance.  They are people that have lessons to share.  They are people that can teach from their experiences.  They are people that need someone to give them a voice, a purpose, and a role on the stage.

One of the most famous puppets of all times is Pinocchio.  All he wanted in life was to become a "real boy".  All it took was one wish.  In the words of Jiminy Cricket, when you wish upon a star, "Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you thru".  For many of our clients, LifeNet is that bolt out of the blue.

At LifeNet, we are all puppeteers.  We are people who want to lend hope, offer a new beginning, and give empowerment for a new life.  We are partners with our clients.

Our mission is pretty simple - Rebuilding and Enhancing Lives.  As part of the LifeNet family, you are as integral to succeeding our mission as the puppeteer is to bringing life to a wooden doll.  Sadly though, your role is often played out behind a curtain without much fanfare.

There are many success stories about LifeNet clients.  We like to share those and can feel proud about our accomplishments.  However, we can not forget about the many people behind the scenes that make the magic happen.  From the receptionist to the executive office, you are all a vital part of our future.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks (to LifeNet staff) for your tireless efforts, your true dedication, and your unfailing commitment to our mission.

Ebby Halliday Acers
Ken Altshuler, M. D.
Adele Caruth
Mike Faenza
Gary Lacefield, Ph.D.
The Honorable Veletta Forsythe Lill
The Honorable D. Michael Lynn
Ellen Miller
Keith Scott

Come help with the rewarding work that we do here at LifeNet!

Download an application.

position	requirements	contact
QMHP-CS	Must be able to meet the state requirements for a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) - Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling or Human Services - Positions are providing services to adults. Experience preferred	jhunt@lifenettexas.org
ACT Team QMHP-CS	Must be able to meet the state requirements for a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) - Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Counseling or other human services. Experience preferred. Position is on the ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) team, providing intensive case management services.	jhunt@lifenettexas.org