UWHMC

It’s My Pleasure to Introduce…

Melissa Bogunovich, Community Impact Manager

Question: Where did you grow up and what was your family life like?

Answer: I was born and raised in Newton and I am a first generation from Chinese immigrants. My family started a restaurant in Newton. So, in ways, the family business was my childhood, growing up and surrounding myself with the Newton community and patrons.

Question: Who have been your strongest influences in life?

Answer: My parents, for their endless work ethic. My mother, Mary Wong, is a business owner/operator herself in Halstead. She works her tail off and has always encouraged me to never give up. My father, Yuon Wong, passed in 2017. He influenced me by keeping life simple while being a dedicated business owner and operator of his family’s restaurant.

Beth Penner and Abby Tyner for always showing compassion, encouraging growth, and grace. The two really shaped how I saw things and went about things not only in my previous employment but how I approached life and people. I will always remember a line that Beth applied to difficult times. “Never cross a line in the sand, because someone you know, or love, will cross it”. That has always stuck with me, as I try to apply that to situations that need empathy.

Kelly, my husband, who’s my best friend and who pushes me to be a better person and mom every day. My close group of pals for always being so supportive, always thinking outside the box, funny, and for being the most serious unserious people I have in my corner.

Question: What led you to your career?

Answer: I spent the last 13 years working in a local, long-term care facility as a Life Enrichment Director. I loved working and advocating for people with difficult thinking and memory loss. Most importantly, I enjoy people and making meaningful connections of all ages, helping where I can improve lives.

Having young kids has been both rewarding and hectic all at the same time. I recently decided to take a bit a time off, with a career change. I was able to spend my time off with my kids during spring break and summer, which was nice. But I missed connections and people, feeling like I can give more of myself to a larger community.

Question: How would friends and acquaintances describe you?

Answer: I hope they would describe me as someone who is fierce, loyal, funny, kind, and supportive.

I am married to Kelly, with a full house of three daughters all under the age of 10! We have two dogs and one giant cat.

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music of all genres, movies/ tv show and am a sports buff. We love supporting musical artists and sports events, whether that be in the stands or on TV. We enjoy playing tennis, but I consider shopping as my real cardio. My husband enjoys golf and I’m the golf cart enthusiast!

My family and I love to go to on road trips and traveling, love seeing new sights all around. Our favorite so far has been Zion National Park, Northern California, New Mexico, and the Florida coastline but only for the white sands and the beach!

CASA: a voice for children and families

by Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

In a world where 600,000 children find themselves in US foster care and family court systems, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) aids in finding these children a safe, loving and permanent home – whether that be with their parents, other caretakers or through adoption placement.

According to CASA Executive Director Leslie Guinn, advocates are everyday citizens who are appointed by judges to speak up for the best interest of a child in court. In many cases, these children come from unstable home situations and need an unbiased advocate to look out for their best interests.

A CASA is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case.

The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts and documents pertaining to the case.

The CASA is then expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing. They continue to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family.

“The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the court and for the child in reaching their goals for permanency,” Leslie said.

Leslie and co-worker Asthon Hittle are the only paid staff so volunteers are an integral part of the process.

“We couldn’t do our job if we didn’t have our volunteers. Right now, in Harvey County, we have 25 volunteers which is the most we’ve had in years,” Leslie stated. “Volunteers set their own schedules to do what needs to be done.”

Being a CASA isn’t for the faint of heart.

“It’s heavy work and a lot of people are just not built for it,” Leslie said. “After intensive training and confirmation with the court, we let our volunteers choose what cases they want to work on.”

A large part of any case is helping the parents develop and achieve a case plan if they are interested in having the children return home.

“Ultimately, one of our goals is to have the children return to the home if satisfactory changes can be made,” Leslie said. “Or they are able to go into permanent placement elsewhere.”

Unfortunately returning to the home is not always the best-case scenario.

“It’s a lot of work to get the children back,” Leslie explained. “Sometimes parents, for whatever reason, aren’t able to be good parents.”

The process of reintegration or adoption doesn’t happen quickly. Some parents get so overwhelmed, they feel like it’s a never-ending fight to get their children back. If drugs and/or alcohol are factors, even more hurdles must be overcome.

Getting a decision on placement can take up to two years to finalize.

“Parents have 15 months to work through their plan. If parents aren’t able to do what the court demands, the court begins looking for other permanency which could be adoption or, if they are old enough, go to independent living,” Leslie said.

Surprisingly, COVID did not increase the CASA’s case load. Leslie thinks it’s because reporting declined with children being out of school and not going to doctors’ appointments.

“There was a pretty significant increase in 2022 of new cases which is probably the most we’ve had in years,” Leslie said. “Last year had 27-30 cases which does not include those already in process.”

Usually, children don’t go to court since it’s not a perfect place for them.

“Children under 12-13 years of age usually don’t attend court since it’s traumatic for them,” Leslie stated. “If they do go to court, most judges will ask the child if there is anything he or she should know about.”

Parents don’t have a say in court. They tell their attorneys what to convey but sometimes they don’t tell everything they want to. Because of this, the program offers CRB (Citizens Review Board) services.

The CRB is a board of six volunteers who hear cases at a standstill or difficulty or people don’t know what to do. A roundtable discussion is called with everybody involved with the case for issues like how things are going, what are barriers, what can they do to help?

CRB results become court orders upon judges’ approval unless they are objected to by their attorneys within 14 days of submittance.

“The CASA is a middle ground and non-biased party to be able to effectively advocate for the family,” Leslie explained. “The main goal is to advocate for the children and provide support for the family because ultimately, we want the children back in their homes. If parents don’t feel supported, it’s hard for them to achieve it.”

Program offers prescription help to those in need

by Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

No one should have to choose between basic needs and paying for their medications. Carin Health of Wichita recognizes these challenges and has expanded into Harvey County to offer their prescription assistance program.

“Cairn Health has been around 88 years and mostly served Sedgwick County residents,” said Amber Beck, executive director. “Over the last year, we have started moving to different counties to provide prescription assistance. Harvey County is one of the new sites we now serve.”

Cairn Health’s mission is to improve the health of individuals throughout Kansas with supportive service without facing financial barriers.

“We are starting to see Harvey County residents at Wichita hospitals,” Amber said. “So, we recognize the need for those people.”

Currently there are two pharmacies in Newton participating in the program – Dillons south and Dillons north – so participants don’t have to drive into Wichita which can be prohibitive for people.

“With premiums going up next year, especially for Medicare Part D, it will cause more problems for people to get their medications,” Amber explained. “The need is going to grow, especially for seniors.”

“The process to get assistance is to call our office and talk with a community health worker and we will text or email the application,” Amber stated. “We ask the client for identification, proof of income and residency to ensure we are serving the right population.”

If the application is submitted with all the necessary information and approved, the turnaround time to get medications moved and filled usually can be done in one day.

“We will pay $30 per person to help with medications per calendar year,” Amber said. “We’re not here to pay for medications all the time, but when most needed. Funds are limited here as we get started so we will help as many people as possible.”

Vouchers are sent directly to the pharmacy, so clients don’t have to worry about having money to pick up the medication. Participating pharmacies bill the agency at the end of the month so no money changes hands.

Cairn Health’s telephone number is 316-683-7559 for more information or to request an application.

It’s time for spring cleanup – donate those old vehicles

by Sheila G. Kelley

Spring has finally sprung and people are outside getting lawns ready, prepping gardens and flowerbeds, touching up peeling paint and cleaning debris from yards and driveways.

Branches and leaves are easily disposed of but what do you do if you have a vehicle you don’t want or need anymore? Donate it to Harvey County United Way.

By donating your car, truck, motorcycle, RV, boat or tractor to Harvey County United Way, you make it possible for us to create lasting change for those who need it most in the areas of education, health and income stability.

All vehicles are considered – running or not – and pick-up is free.

“Donating your vehicle, boat, or even an airplane, is a real win-win,” said executive director Dalton Black.

Your donation is turned into cash which is reinvested in our community. You’ll be making space in your garage or driveway while also providing support for local initiatives.

Vehicle donations are tax-deductible and must have a current and clear title. It must be in one piece and towable, have an engine and be tow truck accessible. To donate your vehicle, please call us at 316-283-7101 or visit our website at harveyunitedway.org under the Support tab.

Consistency is the key to building trust and resilience

By Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

Music, visual arts, theater … fine arts are usually far from the mind of a young person in foster care or juvenile detention.

Executive Director of Juniper Arts Academy, Lisa Paine, completed a community needs assessment as part of her masters program at Tabor University in Hillsboro. Her study found that the lack of fine arts knowledge and participation was a large gap in services for these children.

Out of that assessment and her personal passions working with nonprofits and art education, Juniper Arts Academy was formed.

“These kids are experiencing a very traumatic moment being removed from their home and are trying to adjust to what is happening in their lives,” Lisa said. “Some of their behaviors might just be a reaction to a hurt and understanding the realities of that.”

*A Juniper Arts music club member celebrating her successes with her piano teacher.*

Seeing the need, Lisa decided to launch her own program which began two years ago in Wichita and has recently expanded to the Newton EmberHope facility, a residential program for young women that encourages mental, physical and creative growth through trauma-informed interventions focused on resilience and recovery.

“We have worked with the EmberHope girls with our program in Wichita for quite a while,” Lisa said. “We wanted to bring the programming to them, so we expanded to the Newton site where we typically meet every Tuesday and Thursday.”

Lisa and her volunteers started the Juniper Music club at EmberHope as part of the fine arts programming. The club has served 32 students since the summer of 2022.

“The music club is an instrumental music education program held at the Newton facility,” stated Lisa. “We’re very fortunate to partner with the Damn Music Center in Wichita. They sell us instruments at cost which is a huge gift as it makes our dollars go farther.”

In the music club, girls choose which instrument they would like to learn – piano, guitar or ukulele. Each receives individual lessons on their chosen instrument by Cyndi Kuemmerle, a Wichita resident who drives to Newton for instruction.

Participant numbers are fluid, according to Lisa. Classes are designed so that if a student is only there for a week, they still learn something.

“If we’ve had them for a year, oh, my gosh, look at that growth,” Lisa said.

EmberHope provides the program with a classroom for learning, a calming corner to gather their thoughts and a rec room to use when they are finished with lessons.

“We have a hallway outside the classroom called the calming corner,” Lisa explained. “It’s a space where the girls who’ve had a very hard day or are feeling overwhelmed can come to decompress either before or after their 20-to-25-minute individual lessons.”

Lisa emphasizes that consistency and a safe environment to learn, even if there is failure, is imperative for the girls to learn coping skills and build trust.

*Learning to play the ukulele is one activity in the Juniper Arts Academy music club featured at Newton’s Ember Hope.*

“The ownership, responsibility and personal investment creates an opportunity for the kids to steer their creativity and their passion into a really healthy environment,” she said. “So many of these kids have no control at all about what’s going on in their lives right now so that’s why consistency is so important in our program.”

After a participant completes her lesson, she may choose to hang out at the calming corner or play in the rec room. However, Lisa is seeing more of the girls practicing outside lesson time.

“We’ve added an incentive wish list for the girls to encourage practice. They get a punch card and a punch for every 10 minutes of practice time,” Lisa explained. “When their card is full, they can choose from a number of music-related prizes such as tote bags, practice notebooks, things that enhance their learning experience.”

The big question she is asked is ‘where does music and art make any difference in their lives while they’re trying to adapt in the world they are in by no choice of their own’?

Most available programs are looking forward – like how to get a job after graduation; where to find housing, etc.

But what about the “now” child? What about the child who is 12 years old and doesn’t know when they’re going to see their mom next and is really frustrated and alone.

“With Juniper, we’re making sure these kids are experiencing a childhood still,” Lisa said. “Many are having to grow up so quickly.”

Music and art are naturally connected with interpersonal and emotional regulation. They may never touch a piano again after leaving her classroom. That’s not a mark of success for her.

“The mark of success for me is that they know how to talk to their teacher. Do they know how to say they are frustrated? Do they know how to fail and try again?” Lisa said.

Lisa shared that it’s such a gift to work with the kids this way and be able to watch them thrive. The name “Juniper Arts” was chosen because the symbolism of a Juniper tree is so powerful.

“The Juniper tree is one of the most resilient trees and will grow in places where you wouldn’t think a plant would grow,” Lisa said with a smile.

Celebrate diversity this month

by Dalton Black, executive director

Harvey County United Way serves a diverse population within our community. Things like poverty, hunger, and mental health concerns know no race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation. We help folks in our community because they have a need.

June is the month where we celebrate what makes us different. We raise a flag to show our support of LGBTQ+ community members. We observe Juneteenth in recognition of the emancipation of African American slaves in the U.S.

Our nation’s first Pride celebration was a riot. The Stonewall Riots began on June 28, 1969 as New York City police raided a gay club, the Stonewall Inn. The raid sparked a riot and consisted of six days of protest. Trans women stood at the forefront of the protest. The Stonewall Riots served as the catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States. Because of the brave individuals at Stonewall, LGBTQ+ folks have more rights today than they did just 50 years ago.

Today we celebrate Pride as a way of commemorating these past struggles and a recognition of the continued fight for equality.

Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that Major General Gordon Granger issued the order, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.This date became known as Juneteenth and became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

Enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation relied upon the advance of Union troops. As Texas was one of the most remote states of the former Confederacy, enforcement had been slow and inconsistent due to lack of Union troops after the American Civil War. Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Texas were finally free following Granger’s order.

We celebrate these things because there are individuals in our community that fit within these groups. They are our neighbors, our friends and our family. It’s important that we recognize our past and the struggles of these individuals so we can build a stronger community for us all.

To understand one another is to help one another.

Mental health just as important as physical health

by Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

Since 1949, May has been Mental Health Awareness month. It’s a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, families and society at large.

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. There is no single cause for mental illness as a number of factors have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control. Two common mental health issues in the United States are suicidal thoughts and depression. The CDC reports that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US and has increased by more than 30% since 1999.

A 2020 community health needs assessment for Harvey County showed adolescents aged 12-17 who have had a depressive episode (2015-16) being at 13% in Kansas, which is the same number in the U.S.

Those in the Medicare population have seen a growth in being diagnosed with depression each year since 2013 and percentages for Kansas are slightly higher than the U.S. numbers.

High school students who reported they seriously considered attempting suicide show very close numbers between the U.S. and Kansas youth. Kansas females (20%) in both cases far outnumber their male counterparts (11%).

So how does one go about finding resources for mental health concerns? One course of action would be to utilize the United Way 211 referral service.

United Way 211 is a free, confidential service that can connect you to a wide range of resources and services across Kansas (not just United Way funded partners). You won’t just be “patched through” to agencies. Staff dig deep to understand what’s happening and connect you with the resources that best meet those needs, not just the one that prompted your call or text.

The 211 service can be accessed through telephone, text, online and live chat from their website.

So a person is diagnosed with a mental illness and the medical professional has prescribed medications and medications can be quite expensive. It can be daunting to have a diagnosis but not able to afford the medications.

Harvey County United Way has partnered with SingleCare to offer a free coupon card to help people get up to 80% off their prescriptions – all medicines, not just those for mental health.

The free card is not insurance but can be used for savings at most pharmacies for all family members for all medications.. Access to the card includes a download, text or email from their website as well as being able to pick one up at our office at 500 N. Main St., Ste. 206 in Newton.

Mental health challenges can make a person feel helpless and alone. But with a strong support system, professional referrals and access to discounted medication, Harvey County residents have a better chance at managing their mental state and overcoming the stigma of mental illness.

Moments of respite provide much-needed support for caregivers

By Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

Sometimes a parent or guardian of a special needs child just needs a little time to themselves – to renew, regenerate and relax – and Trinity Heights Respite Care (THRC) enables them to have that much-needed time.

“We provide respite care for families that have all different kinds of levels of disability,” said Connie Rickard, executive director. “Mom may want to go to the grocery store without the child, a doctors’ appointment, just to take a break, paint a room – our scope is all types of disabilities.”

The program, which turns 30 this year, started in 1991 as a babysitting co-op with three to four families that had children with special needs.

In 1993, Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton, began providing office space and facilities for their Parents Day Out program.

“We also provide care for siblings of the special needs child,” Connie said. “But only if the special needs child is also involved.”

THRC is not a licensed daycare facility as many people believe. Staff members are able to take the child and/or siblings out of the home to the park, YMCA, bowling alley, the library and other activities.

A special needs child is covered by the program from birth to age 16. Connie said they match the family with two to three caregivers so at least one of them could attend to the family.

Her staff of 12-15 are paid employees – part-time of about 10 hours a week – and must go through background checks; shadowing qualified, experienced staff; CPR training and additional resources that THRC provides.

“There is no set schedule, so staff are on-call,” Connie explained. “The family must let our scheduler know 24 hours in advance and we sometimes have to tell parents we might not always be able to fill their request.”

Usually on the third Saturday of the month, THRC facilitates a “Parents Day Out” at the church when available. Participants bring their lunch to the event that is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day together with other families helps them become friends and gives the children a chance to make friends with those who have special needs and those that don’t.

“A number of families have really connected through their children,” Connie said. “Parents Day Out helps participants develop a community of friends who will have their back, especially when the children get to middle school.”

This program is exclusive to Harvey and Marion Counties. They receive referrals from teachers, Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability organization, doctors, Parents as Teachers, Cooper Early Education Center and word of mouth.

For their 30-year anniversary, they are hosting a fundraising dinner and program on April 29. Following the dinner, Emily Meador from Hillsboro, who is a therapist from Four Branches Therapy & Wellness, will share her journey with autism.

Because of her long-time support of the program, Bev Gering will be honored at the dinner.

Carry-out meals will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. and then dinner and program start at 6 p.m. Cost of the meal is by donation and includes pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, dinner roll and chocolate sheet cake.

Connie said, “My job is really cool. I get to do hiring, see families to set up their account, fundraising, grant writing, public relations and representing THRC on numerous community boards dealing with children and families.”

Volunteerism is an essential part of community

By Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

Helping others in their time of need is a wonderful way to connect with our communities. Volunteering impacts everyone involved and is a rewarding endeavor with numerous benefits!

Volunteering is good for you both physically and mentally. It helps reduce stress and makes you feel healthier by strengthening the immune system.

Volunteering saves resources. Many charities and non-profit organizations may solely depend upon volunteers to provide their programs and services. In 2021, the estimated value of a volunteer’s time in Kansas is $26.87 per hour.

People who volunteer gain professional experience which can help make decisions on career paths to follow or not.

As a volunteer, you help unite people with diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal; building camaraderie and teamwork.

Volunteering strengthens your communities by supporting families (daycare and eldercare); improving schools (tutoring, literacy); supporting youth (mentoring and after-school programs); and beautifying the community (park cleanups.)

By stepping up to the needs of the community, volunteers learn a lot about themselves and their communities. It gives you a chance to give back, supporting needed community resources. Giving of your time and efforts also encourages civic responsibility. The practice is an investment in communities and the people who call it home.

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Harvey County, please give us a call and we can connect you with opportunities that interest you and match your skills.

Thank you to our board of directors who work on a volunteer basis. We couldn’t do what we do without your guidance.

Tax preparation doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive

By Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

It’s tax season and, for much of us, preparing a tax return is outside our scope of knowledge. According to a survey by NerdWallet and Harris Poll, Americans are failing at basic tax knowledge, and a significant number of taxpayers could be needlessly paying for tax software and services that they might be able to get for free. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated in 2021 that about 70% of Americans — or about 100 million people — qualify to file their taxes for free.

The IRS has three tax assistance programs that offer tax help for taxpayers who qualify.

IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return.

Free File itself has two options for taxpayers. The first is guided tax preparation which provides free tax preparation and filing at an IRS partner site. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return.

The second, Free File Fillable Forms, is an electronic federal program of tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. It also provides a free option to taxpayers whose income is greater than $73,000.

Another tax program offered by the IRS for free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals are the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. Trained site volunteers offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

In Harvey County, the VITA site is located at the Newton Public Library, 720 Oak. Those wishing to utilize this service should contact the library directly. Additional sites in the area are available in Marion and Sedgwick County. If unable to get services in Newton, just dial 2-1-1 to be connected to another site.

Don’t let expensive software or lack of tax knowledge turn into a costly mistake. Utilize the free services available and make the most of your tax return. With a solid, maximized tax return, you can implement financial strategies to reach more stability.

Remember, Tax Day is Tuesday, April 18, 2023!