It’s My Pleasure to Introduce…

Luretta Turk, Marion County Advisory Council Member

My name is Luretta (aka Lu) Turk. I’ve been the Marion County Director of the Department of Aging since May 2023.

I was born in Wichita on McConnell Air Force Base as my dad was in the Air Force. We traveled all around the country and even lived in Madrid, Spain for a short stint. I am one of four children. My family is from West Virginia, and I claim WV as “home,” but I have lived in Kansas since 1977.

I am a widow; I lost my guy in Oct. 2022. We were married for 23 years. With our marriage came four great kids, three sons and a daughter, and seven grandkids.

I have lived in Marion since 2000, which is the longest I have ever been in one place. My passion in life is helping people, especially older people.

My first official job was as a certified nurse’s aide in Wellington, KS. I loved my job, and I wanted to do more. So, with that I became a social service director in the facility for over nine years. I started working on my Social Workers degree in 1985. I stayed at the long-term care (LTC) unit until 1997 when I decided to make a change into a different field – aviation.

As I worked, I felt something was missing in my life. I struggled with the huge pay difference between someone making or working with aircraft parts than someone assisting a person with everyday life tasks. It saddened me that people were paid more to make/work on sheet metal than someone assisting another person from day-to-day.

I missed “helping people.” I needed human interaction regarding everyday life. I decided to leave the aviation field and go back into LTC but that was short lived because my husband became extremely ill, my mom passed away and a resident I looked up to passed away and my heart could not handle the pain.

I felt God was telling me, “not yet kid.”  With that I went to work at ACGO in Hesston until September 2020 when God led me to a job closer to home, Hillsboro Industries. That job allowed me to work while I helped my husband in his final two years of life.

When my guy passed away, God did not leave me lingering for long. He led me to a job in Marion County at the courthouse, which led me to where I am today! I feel my life has come full circle and I could not be more pleased.

I am a SHICK counselor (a program to help answer questions regarding Medicaid) and provide FREE assistance to anyone getting ready to retire or already enrolled in Medicare, Medicare supplemental plans and prescription drug plans.

My other duties include helping individuals sign up for Social Security and distributing governmental commodities every other month at numerous locations in Marion County. I will be assisting people through the VITA program for the 2025 tax season. In my leisure time I read, I love doing diamond art projects, watching TV with my cat (Eeyor) and dog (Ms. Penny). I am happiest when I am around people.

It was an easy decision to join United Way because of my job. I do a lot of referrals to organizations dealing with the elderly of Marion County so it made sense to continue to advocate for others, especially the elderly.

Making progress on childcare in Harvey County with continued partnership

by Dalton Black, executive director, and Melissa Bogunovich, community impact manager

In the fall of 2023, the Harvey County Childcare Task Force began working to address childcare challenges in our communities after the closing of one of the community’s largest childcare facilities. At that time, the Task Force met for one purpose, to ensure the building was purchased and remained a childcare facility. Once this goal was accomplished, the Task Force started to discuss other ways in which they could make the most impact in childcare for Harvey County. While there were many ideas, the Task Force faced significant challenges due to lack of any one organization’s ability to spearhead this initiative.

United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties (UWHMC) and the Task Force sought out ways they may hire staff to make progress on their ideas and goals to address childcare concerns in Harvey County. The Kansas Department of Commerce – Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Champion program was the opportunity that stood out due to its focus on rural communities and its past support of childcare initiatives. UWHMC applied for the grant opportunity and was awarded the dollars to hire a Rural Champion. Melissa Bogunovich was hired as UWHMC’s Community Impact Manager, and our Rural Champion. Through this program, she will work alongside the Task Force to carry out the goals and initiatives set forth by the group.

Melissa Bogunovich speaking with a group of Harvey County stakeholders.

The first step to understanding the needs of the community was to understand the perspective of the childcare provider. The Task Force developed and sent surveys to area childcare providers asking basic questions regarding capacity, wages, rates, challenges and more. The most identified challenge involved employee retention, recruitment, and wages. In addition to survey results, data from the statewide United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) and our local CHIP (community health improvement plan) to gather insight.  

Over half of the respondents cited that their challenges are staffing, food costs, and salaries. It was recognized that we needed to find sustainable ways to increase childcare provider salaries without increasing the cost of care. If the cost of care increased, many families would no longer be able to afford childcare which would cause even more devastating effects. This would cause more families to stay home with children to save money on childcare expenses, which would cause many businesses to lose employees, and would also cause childcare centers to lose potential children and families who could use their services, effectively putting the childcare provider out of a job.

We recognized that we must first stabilize our current providers so we aren’t at risk of losing any of our valuable providers, then work to add new providers to the community so that we can address the current shortages.  By working to help bridge the wage gap, we are investing in our existing childcare facilities and providers, we aim to create viability in a career path for childcare professionals that benefits both early childhood educators and families- ensuring providers can earn a sustainable income without increasing the financial burden on families.

The Task Force has begun to make plans on how we will raise the funds to grant to our providers in this way. In the meantime, we recognize that there are other ways we can assist our providers until this “big idea” comes together. In late November, UWHMC received a grant through Child Care Aware to promote Community-Led Coalitions (CCCPG) focusing on Child Care community partnerships by advancing childcare capacity in one’s community. These funds will be used to host an area Childcare Providers Summit.  The summit will invite and engage both current childcare providers/early educators as well as those who may be considering opening a childcare facility. The Summit will offer informational speakers, Q&A panels, KDHE-approved Continued EducationUnits (CEUs), giveaways and a free lunch.

The Task Force and UWHMC expect this to be a huge opportunity for all groups to network, learn, ask questions, and get answers, strengthening all corners of their business. By mobilizing this project, our community can create increased childcare openings, retain staffing, and encourage career paths with Harvey County childcare.

This is just the beginning.

It’s My Pleasure to Introduce …

Mark Rogers, Marion County Advisory Council Member

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

Answer: I grew up in Ethiopia, the child of missionaries. Every fifth year we would live in Henderson, Nebraska, my mom’s hometown. Following high school graduation in Nigeria, I attended Bible College in Nebraska where I met a beautiful young lady from Kansas. She agreed to marry me and move to West Africa to raise our family.

In 2001, we moved back to Kansas to support our aging parents and children transitioning to adult life. We added to our family by adopting two kids out of the Kansas Foster Care system. Nancy is a special education teacher in USD 373 and I have worked supporting special needs kids through Prairie View and also families through Bridges Out of Poverty programs.

Question: Who have been your strongest influences in life?

Answer: Knowing Jesus and seeking to understand His Word have been the strongest influences in my life. Parents, church leaders, Bible Camp leaders and others have also coached and discipled me towards Spirit led living. Recognizing the gifts I have been charged with, I seek to serve others by putting them first and making them look good.

Question: What led you to your career?

Answer: A desire to serve God and others.

Question: How would friends and acquaintances describe you?

Answer: Busy, a little crazy, should be a little more careful with his mouth, loves people, a server.

Question: With so many volunteer opportunities in the community, why did you choose to be involved with United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties?

Answer: Because Sheila asked me to. I am busy with a non-profit serving the poor and I rely on United Way and other agencies for funding, so I decided to support their fundraising efforts.

Question: What’s the one thing you want people to know about UWHMC?

Answer: I gave money to United Way through my bi-weekly paycheck for years. I think that is a simple, efficient way for most everyone to be involved in helping others. Altogether a little bit goes a long way.

The Table shares more than just food

by Sheila G. Kelley, development coordinator

When a family sits down together, it helps them handle the stresses of daily life, the hassles of day-to-day existence and gives them a sense of belonging.

“There’s something magical about sitting around the dinner table,” said Tami Lakey, Strategic Initiatives Director for So Shine. “We get to see a sweet community begin to form at The Table.” 

Kitchen staff and volunteers prepare weekly meals for over 250 people each week.

The So Shine Foundation exists to increase the health and vitality of the neighborhoods they serve.

Every Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. The Table, a program within So Shine, is a free weekly community dinner at the Porch at 7th and Main streets in Newton. Participants enjoy a homecooked meal and fellowship with other attendees.

“Usually we serve approximately 250 people – with the largest group of over 300 just a month ago,” Tami said. “We have a lot of people from Newton, North Newton, Hesston and those living right outside of town.”

Although the meal program was initially proposed to get families around the dinner table, Tami has seen many senior citizens attending. 

“It was unexpected that we have a lot of seniors in the community attend,” Tami added. “They are beginning to break off into little groups and building their own community with each other.”

The Table meal is directed by Carrie Holler who has a degree in nutritional science from Kansas State University (KSU). Carrie is the only paid employee so the Table depends heavily on volunteers. 

“We partner with a bunch of organizations in the community to fill volunteer needs for the meal,” Tami explained. “Some church groups volunteer regularly. During the school year, the Newton High National Honor Society members use their time to fulfill their required volunteer hours. We’ve also had some Boy Scouts help out.”

Tami Lakey (left) and Carrie Holler (right) accept a grant for The Table.

Grants awarded by United Way help cover overhead costs, mostly the food expenses. 

“Our budget is pretty tight, we don’t have a lot of extras, so we appreciate the funds we get from [United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties],” Tami said. “Every week, it takes about $500 for the food for our large group.”

Tami explained that they don’t do any formal publicity. She lists the menu each week on their website. However, the majority of people attending are there due to word of mouth.

“My favorite stories are from word-of-mouth recommendations,” Tami said with a smile. “That’s where we see the community coming together. 

“Lots of people moving into Newton find out about The Table from neighbors. I think people who come are a picture of community,” Tami said. “Some people come for the free meal but we have people who come that could pay for the entire group meal. The need is so much larger than just the food need.”

They are always looking for ways to build value for the space which is in the middle of the community and easily accessible to the public. So Shine collaborated with Peace Connections to offer cooking classes for people in their poverty class and Wednesday meals. 

Tami explained that their hope was to build some unity and community around The Table. She quickly found that when people sit around the table, they look for what they have in common with one another – not what separates them.

The Table community meal on Wednesday nights at The Porch.

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.