Finn’s Story — A Path to Stability and Healing
A journey of confidence, independence and self-discovery through employment support and personalized mental health care.
"I never thought I'd have a job, let alone one I enjoy. But now I do, and I'm proving to myself that I can do it." — Finn Corbin
Empowering potential: The community impact of personalized mental health support
Cheyenne “Finn” Corbin never imagined they would be where they are today. A year ago, they were still living with their parents in Frankfort, Kansas, overwhelmed by mental health struggles and feeling uncertain about their future. While they knew they wanted more — a sense of purpose, a job, a place of their own — they didn’t know where to turn. That’s when they found Pawnee Mental Health and the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program, and everything began to change.
Finn’s journey began when they met Allison Schuler, an Individual Placement Specialist (IPS) with Pawnee. At first, Finn was hesitant. But Allison listened, understood and patiently worked with Finn to help them find the support they needed.
The IPS program is designed to help individuals with mental health diagnoses find and keep competitive employment, and it’s an approach that’s proven to work. Finn wasn’t just handed a job; they were guided through the process of discovering their strengths, building confidence and exploring career options that aligned with their skills and interests. Through IPS, Finn was able to get real-world experience and see for themselves that they had more potential than they ever realized.
“I never thought I’d have a job, let alone one I enjoy,” Finn says. “But now, I work at Dollar Tree, and I love it. I’m learning so much and proving to myself that I can do it.”
Pawnee’s IPS program doesn’t just focus on employment; it also helps individuals find ways to pursue their bigger goals. For Finn, that meant setting their sights on higher education. With Allison’s encouragement and guidance, Finn began the process of applying to the education program at Kansas State University. They had always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by the teachers who had supported them in high school.
Pawnee’s support didn’t stop with job placement — it was a holistic approach that addressed Finn’s broader needs. Through Pawnee, Finn was able to get an official diagnosis. This was a turning point for Finn, as it gave them a clearer understanding of their challenges and the tools to manage them. With this knowledge, they now know how to advocate for themselves in both the workplace and in school, ensuring they have the supports needed to succeed.
Allison, their IPS specialist, has been there through every step of the journey. “Finn is incredibly special,” she says. “They’ve always had the ability to excel. Pawnee just helped them see that and gave them the support to grow.”
Finn’s transformation is just one example of the many lives changed through Pawnee’s Individual Placement and Support program. By focusing on employment as a tool for recovery and personal growth, the IPS program helps individuals not only find a job but also discover their own potential, build a sense of community and take control of their future. For Finn, Pawnee didn’t just help them find a job — they helped them find hope.