We talk with Rachel Fontenau from Sunflower Children’s Collective about how their Child Advocacy Center and CASA program support kids and caregivers through investigations, court, and recovery. We also share how the community can fund free services through Champions for Hope and how volunteers can train to become a CASA. • serving about 315 children across programs each fiscal year and seeing steady growth over time • why Child Advocacy Center referrals increase as MDT partnership...

We sit down with Tyler Dupey, the new Executive Director of Kanza United Way, to hear how he plans to lead with strategy, strong volunteers, and smarter use of data. We also dig into how local giving becomes local grants, plus the volunteer tools and literacy programs that help families across Manhattan and Riley County. • Tyler’s path from western Kansas to Manhattan and into nonprofit leadership • Board governance, strategy, and stretching limited nonprofit resources • How...

We talk with Dane Malone about how Switch Wicked Studios grows from a screen printing shop into a nonprofit community art space in downtown Manhattan. We dig into the events, the low-friction ways artists can participate, and the big goal of making creativity feel accessible for all ages. • expanding from design and screen printing into a retail space plus community studios • running weekly meetups like Independent Craft Night and Film Club • hosting a First Saturday Art Mar...

We talk with Carla Johnson from Disabled American Veterans about how trained service officers help veterans and families access VA benefits, file claims, and avoid getting lost in paperwork. We also dig into a Kansas policy win and the everyday ways a local DAV chapter steps in when someone needs help fast. • the DAV mission and who it serves, including spouses and dependents • how chapter and national service officers support VA disability claims • annual recertification a...

We talk with Daphne McNally from Adabus about how local public transportation connects people across Manhattan and the surrounding counties with fixed routes, curb-to-curb rides, and regional service. We also share practical tips for first-time riders plus what’s changing next, from better stops to new software and possible microtransit. • ATA bus services across Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary counties • Fixed route buses plus curb-to-curb scheduled rides • K-18 Connect reg...

We talk with Virginia Rodriguez of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team about what it really takes to help refugees build stable lives in Manhattan and the surrounding area. We also dig into how fast changing policies and public narratives are shaping fear, opportunity, and day to day reality for the families MART serves. • MART’s role as a refugee resettlement agency serving a 50 mile radius around Manhattan • How a volunteer led Afghan resettlement effort grew into a staffed organization • ...

We talk with Dr. Sarah Barrett about the YES! Fund and how a community-funded grant model builds safe, engaging after-school programs for youth across Manhattan. We trace the fund’s roots back to the 1993 flood, the moment local leaders listened to young people, and how that choice has led to more than $6.3 million in support over 30 years. • what the Yes Fund is and what “YES” stands for • why youth engagement matters outside school hours • how the 1993 flood recovery shaped youth priorities...

We talk with Elizabeth Nelson about how USD 383 Early Learning keeps working through the summer and why now is the time to apply for preschool. We break down the July 16 in-person application day, what “kindergarten readiness” really looks like, and how one central application connects families to inclusive support. • Summer learning and year-round enrollment work in USD 383 • July 16 application day details and what families should bring • How the program supports ages thr...

We talk with Tom Roberts about how the Engineers Foundation of Kansas turns donations into hands-on STEM opportunities for students across the state. We dig into robotics, MathCounts, Future City, and why AI makes critical thinking more important, not less. • what the Engineers Foundation of Kansas is and why it exists • how statewide support strengthens the engineering pipeline in Kansas • using grants for Lego Mindstorms kits and MathCounts memberships • why robotics...

We catch up with Jack Lindquist on how the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program recruits and trains leaders who understand the whole region, not just one town. We talk through who qualifies, how the program is funded, and why class projects turn networking into real community change. • recruiting for the 2026-27 class and why the program looks for motivated, growth-minded leaders • eligibility across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Morris and Fort Riley, including people...