Who We Are

Karuna Inc. was founded by a dedicated group of individuals with decades of combined experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health crises, and struggling with substance use. Our Staff and Board Members have accomplished backgrounds in Peer Support, Recovery Coaching, Community Health Work, Case Management, Independent Living Skills Training, Religious Ministry, Medicine, Nursing, Business Management, and the Law. We have come together to create radically re-visioned supportive housing opportunities that not only meet the basic needs of the people we serve but truly provide them with a foundation on which they can build a life worth living.

Our Board

Kara Burgos

Board President

Attorney

Moen Sheehan Meyer

" We have all been given a gift – and with that we must be stewards of the gift. We are the stewards of COMMUNITY for today and tomorrow. IN THAT WORD IS THE SMALLER WORD BUT NO LESS POWERFUL – UNITY. Unity is the call to safeguard something that we have received and yet something always to be fulfilled – THOSE values of Justice, Peace, Joy and life itself is at the heart of Karuna’s mission and I consider myself fortunate to be a part of the work it does.”

Elisabeth Rask

Board Treasurer

Director, CDFI Funding

Cinnaire

Kahya Fox

Board Vice President

Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity, La Crosse

"The Karuna Pilot project is an investment in a solution that we believe should be a part of the La Crosse community’s strategic plan."

Stacey Kalas

Board Member

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Franciscan Spirituality Center

"I'm a firm believer that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I love that Karuna Inc. not only helps people find housing but also helps build a resilient and supportive community."

Sister Karen Neuser

Board Secretary

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

"To defend the cause of the poor and needy... is this not what it means to know God?"

Marla J. Kaufmann

Board Member

Retired Community Member