Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy Newsletter | | |
April definitely snuck up on us! Things have been quite busy in the KYEA world, but we're excited to share this newsletter issue with you. Valentine's Day in February got us thinking about relationships. We know that this is a topic that many youth think about, so, this month, we decided to do a full newsletter on relationships! Yes, we know we've covered this topic before, but you can never learn too much about how to be successful in all kinds of relationships.
So, read on to learn about romantic relationships and more! Enjoy Spring!
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KYEA News
New things are happening everyday in the KYEA world! Every staff member is busy with various projects... from Empower Me! workshops to the KSYLF, from an exciting job fair to a new staff member. Oh yeah, and we moved offices! Check out all of this below...
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KYEA Has Moved Offices!
New Office Brings More Space and New Opportunities
KYEA officially has a new home! At the end of January, the KYEA office was moved to a new location in Topeka. This new office provides more space and more individual offices. Our new office is located at 150 SW 30th St. We are behind Aldi's and across from the Dodge dealership. Come out and visit us sometime! Check out more photos of our new space below.
| | Welcome to KYEA... the front entrance as you come in the door! | | A hallway with offices and decorations on the wall. | | Our break room- where all of the food magic happens! | | |
Empower Me! Workshops in "GO" Mode for Past Few Months
KYEA staff have been on the road and logging onto Zoom a lot lately! Our Empower Me! workshops have brought us to many different cities, meeting many different youth across the state. Keep reading to learn all about our latest workshops...
Our Virtual 14–15-year-old workshop on January 28 proves it’s never too early to start learning skills to level up your employment game. Though small in numbers, these 7 youth rocked the day with one highlight being how much thought and persistence they’ve already put into customizing their employment future.
| Screenshot of a Zoom meeting shows 12 squares; KYEA staff, Kirstianna and Liam; Pre-ETS Staff, Mike and Tracie; and 6 youth with faces ranging from smiling and neutral to surprised. | Employment is for everyone, so we love how we can tailor our presentation to each group of youth we meet! On February 11, in Wichita, we got to experience Empower Me played by a group who were collectively thoughtful, respectful, and shy. So, we switched it up in how we asked for responses and got to see how they each rocked the day in their own way. | A group photo in a conference room in front of the Time Blocks game screen. A group of 8 youth, 1 Pre-ETS staff member, and KYEA staff, Kirstianna, Jen, and Liam, are posing and smiling in their own way. | A small but mighty group in Independence on February 25 racked up high scores in teamwork, dedication, and using the knowledge they were learning. The “best person for the job” game became the highlight of the day as they put their critical thinking skills to the test by processing a job interview from the employer's perspective. | A group of 6 youth gather close with 1 Pre-ETS staff and KYEA staff, Kirstianna, Nikki, and Jen, as they all smile big and 2 youth hold up their certificates of completion. | With our Virtual Workshop for the West Region on March 4, we have officially completed all 3 virtual levels of our 2024-2025 Empower Me Season. The interview simulations were the hit of the day as these youth raced to reach the door to opportunities and find the path best for them. | A screenshot on Zoom shows 15 boxes- 9 are youth, 3 are Pre-ETS staff with their cameras off, and KYEA staff, Kirstianna, Nikki, and Josulyn. Everyone is posing in their own way, some have their hands in the air, some are giving a classic smile, and others stare into the distance. | | |
Kansas Youth Leadership Forum Seeking Volunteers!
The 2025 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is going to be here before we know it! So, we need quality, enthusiastic volunteers to help out for the week! Do you like working with high school students with disabilities? Do you have the skills and passion to facilitate groups and motivate young adults with disabilities? Then we need you!
We seek committed, enthusiastic people who are willing to devote a week to this great program. Yes, we realize that a week is a big commitment, but you will not regret it, we promise! Just ask any of our past volunteers who have been changed by this program.
The 2025 KSYLF will be held on July 14-19 at Washburn University in Topeka. Volunteers can be KSYLF alumni, past volunteers, or anyone in our state who is over age 18. Our volunteer application deadline is APRIL 25. Apply to serve as a volunteer today!
Print a volunteer application
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KYEA Partnering with Loving Hearts to Host Disability Job Fair in Topeka
Did you know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was twice that of people without a disability in 2024.
Hoping to meet the leaders who are making a difference in your community? Talk to managers who are actively hiring people with disabilities!
The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy and Loving Hearts Training Center are excited to present the Hillcrest Disability Job Fair! Join us on April 30th at the Hillcrest Community Center on 1800 SE 21st Street between 3:30 and 4:30 pm! People of all ages and with all types of disabilities are welcome to attend!
As always, we commend the willing and charitable organizations across Topeka who make this initiative possible!
| | Meet Our Newest Staff Member! | |
Josulyn Salsbury
Employment Specialist
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Why did you want to work for KYEA?
I wanted to work for KYEA because I've always had a passion for helping people with disabilities understand what services are available to them, advocate for themselves, know their rights, and overall help empower them!
When I discovered there was an open position at KYEA, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew I could achieve all these goals through this role!
What are your disabilities?
I have a disability called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition affects how my brain and body communicate, causing my brain to send and receive signals incorrectly.
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
Inquisitive, Kindhearted, and Cheerful
What has been your favorite thing about your job so far?
My favorite thing about working at KYEA so far has been learning about all the incredible things KYEA does for the community we serve, and also building meaningful relationships within our community!
What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
My favorite thing to do is curl up in bed with my two cats, Pickle and Prince, and my dog, Stitch!
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Did You Know?
KYEA Offers Presentations on a Variety of Empowering Topics
Promoting awareness, acceptance, and empowerment through community presentations...
Does your group need some education regarding disability or empowerment? KYEA travels the entire state working to educate Kansans of all ages through a variety of presentations and workshops. Our staff has the experience, knowledge, and passion to speak on a variety of topics related to disability awareness and empowerment!
Presentations are adapted to impact YOUR audience! We speak to groups of ALL ages, abilities, and areas of the state. These presentations are perfect for:
- Staff trainings
- Business and civic group meetings
- School classrooms
- In-service days
- Conferences
- and Much More!
Our presentation topics include disability awareness and etiquette, disability history, advocacy, self-esteem, goal setting, employment soft skills, and more. Have a topic you would like for us to cover? Just ask, and we will see if we are the best fit for your group!
To schedule a presentation, contact Carrie at 785-380-8163 or carrieg@kyea.org.
View our presentation flyer
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Spotlight On: Compromise and Communication in a Relationship
Shane Lewis and Elizabeth Varelman, Lawrence
An interview with Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
Who says that young adults can't have mature, healthy relationships based on compromise and communication? Shane Lewis and Elizabeth Varelman have learned how to do just that... and they are succeeding at it! Shane, a KSYLF and Faces of Change alumni, met Elizabeth a few years ago, they instantly clicked, and now they are in a committed relationship. Both have disabilities and they have learned that their disabilities compliment each other. Shane and Elizabeth have so many insightful things to say about their relationship, how to make a relationship work, and about how to have confidence in yourself and your worth. This is an interview that you don't want to miss! Check out Shane and Elizabeth's story and tips by clicking the video link above.
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What Does That Mean?
There are so many different types of relationships and so many words used in those relationships. We wanted to pick out some that you might frequently hear and explain what each word means. Here is your starting point for a relationship dictionary.
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Dating relationship- one that forms between two people who go on dates and spend time getting to know each other. Dating helps them decide whether they are compatible and want to move forward in a romantic relationship.
Romantic relationship- someone with whom you share mutual attraction and affection, whether romantic, sexual, or both. These relationships oftentimes involve emotional intimacy, physical connection, and commitment.
Friendship- the relationships we choose that are built on trust and shared experiences, offering companionship and emotional support. These may or may not turn into a romantic relationship over time.
Partner- someone you’re in a relationship with or have loving, emotional, romantic, or sexual feelings towards.
Flirting- involves verbal and nonverbal behaviors that show interest or attraction toward another person.
Marriage- a formal commitment between people that joins their lives and gives them specific rights and privileges.
Boundaries- likes and dislikes that are defined by you. Boundaries help you to decide what you are comfortable with and how you would like to be treated by others.
Straight- when you are attracted to the opposite sex, whether it’s in a sexual or romantic way.
LGBTQIA+- stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. View definitions of all of these terms
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Relationship = Connection
The Many Ways to Connect with People to Form Relationships
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by Kirstianna Guerrero, KYEA Program Coordinator
I believe there is something to learn from every person I meet. I get excited every time there is an opportunity to experience a consistent connection with someone… all the ways that it will enrich my life.
There are many different ways to meet and get to know people. Having different types of relationships strengthens you in different ways. Through it all, you grow in your perspective, empathy, and understanding of yourself, others, and the world around us. Building relationships is the first step in creating a support system. Finding the people who love you unconditionally and are always there for you.
There are relationships we build based on seeing someone regularly in a shared space. Like when you meet people at work, at church, on the bus, or at the coffee shop. One of the coolest factors of building relationships in this way is that you often meet people who have different interests, experiences, and challenges than you do… people that you otherwise may have never met or connected with. By interacting with them, and beginning to catch up and chat over time, you will discover perspectives you may have never heard, all while feeling more comfortable and connected in the spaces you share.
Becoming acquaintances is the first step, where you learn their name and often chat about related things when you see each other, like what they’re up to or where they’re going. Becoming friends means they start to play a bigger role in your life, even if it is still only in those places.
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You've Got Questions... Kelsey's Got Answers!
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions in Relationships and Dating
by Kelsey Shinnick-Goddard, University of Kansas
Why would I want to be in a romantic relationship and date people?
Romantic relationships can be really special. They give you a chance to connect deeply with someone, share experiences, feel loved, and support each other. But dating isn’t the only way to find connection—friendships and family relationships can also bring a lot of meaning. If you want to date, it’s about finding someone who sees and values you for who you are.
Click Read More below to get answers to these questions and more:
What if I don’t want to date or be in a relationship? Is that okay?
How do I talk with my partner about my disability?
How do I gain confidence in myself?
I want to talk with someone about my sexuality. Who would you suggest?
What tips do you have about being successful in a relationship?
| Kelsey is married and has been in a relationship for 15 years. She and her partner were together for 7 years before getting married, taking their time before deciding to get married. She has a 23-year-old stepdaughter and a 2-year-old son. Kelsey has a type of muscular dystrophy that makes her muscles weak, and she uses a wheelchair when she’s out in the community. She works as a disability researcher at the University of Kansas. | | |
Finding Your Person and Yourself: An Interview with Parker and Ericka Glick
Interview by Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
When you talk with Parker and Ericka Glick, you might think of the phrase "happily ever after." On the surface, that is what their love story seems like. But, Parker and Ericka would tell you that life isn't perfect and neither is a marriage. Their marriage is one that started unexpectedly, grew over time, has faced many challenges, and has made both people better.
While Parker and Ericka do not live in Kansas, they are no strangers to our state, AND they are fierce advocates in our disability community. So, we wanted to share their story and show our readers that your own version of "happily ever after" really is possible! Click the video link below to learn all about how Parker and Ericka navigate life and love.
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Good question! And there is not an easy answer, but there are lots of ideas that you can explore. The article below helps you get creative and think outside of the box when it comes to meeting new people!
"How To Meet Someone In Real Life If You Want A Relationship"
*obtained from Bustle.com
| It’s no secret that dating is different in the post-lockdown era. Whether you and your quarantine boo didn’t make it or you’ve been single for the long haul, making social or romantic connections in person is a bit more difficult than it used to be. Beyond the effects of isolation — like unexpected social anxiety brought on by the extended time you spent alone baking banana bread or learning a ridiculous amount of TikTok dances — figuring out how to meet someone to date IRL has essentially become a collective struggle for many singles. | | | |
The Confidence Effect
How Self-Love Draws Others In
by Nikki Richardson, KYEA Fundraising Coordinator
The key to being the kind of person that catches everyone’s eye is confidence. It’s true— people naturally recognize and respond to confidence. Regardless of what you’re wearing or how you look, confidence can draw others toward you. It acts as an invisible spark that catches attention and makes people want to know more about you. That’s why confidence is a powerful tool for opening doors and building relationships with new people.
So, how can you become a confident person?
Confidence may seem easier said than done. It’s starts with not worrying about what others think—something that can be challenging in a world full of opinions. But at its core, confidence is about how you see yourself.
It may sound cliché, but true confidence comes from within. You don’t need to change anything about yourself to be confident. Instead, it’s about making a daily effort to accept, love, and appreciate who you truly are—the unique color you add to the world.
If you are happy with yourself, it won’t matter whether others approve or not. And that’s real confidence.
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Relationship Bill of Rights
by Jen Van Dalsem, KYEA Program Coordinator
We have a right to many things in life, including in relationships. These are things that are not up for debate... we deserve, and should have, every single one of them.
1. You have the right to want relationships: friends, partners, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Healthy relationships are important for people with disabilities.
2. You have the right to choose who you spend time with. You also have the right to change your mind who you want to spend time with.
3. You have the right to decide who can touch your body (like a handshake, a hug, a shoulder rub, etc). You ALWAYS have the right to say “No.” You should also respect others’ choice on touching their body.
4. You have the right to feel and be safe. Relationships should always be without violence and force.
5. You have the right to be honest and to be spoken to with honesty.
6. You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
7. You have the right to have boundaries. Healthy relationships have boundaries.
8. You have the right to ask for help with any relationship. There are trusted people who want to help.
9. You have the right to be alone, to be left alone.
10. You have the right to enjoy your relationships. Healthy relationships make you healthier, stronger and makes life better!
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What is the best part about dating or being in a romantic relationship?
"One of the best parts about being in a relationship is having that communication and love for one another and your other half accepting all of you meaning your disability and the way you look on the inside instead of just wanting you for your looks and the way your body is. With my current relationship, I had to unlearn being a good enough partner and trusting my other half to want all of me, not just the way I look or for my disability. I'm beyond blessed to be able to have my other half want me the way I am fully!"
- Aubrey Peirce, KSYLF Alumna '21
"Going at a slow pace so you can get to know each other better and see where it goes. 3 requirements: Faith, honesty, respect."
- Kyle Christine, KSYLF Alumni '11
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Community Power!
Highlighting helpful resources throughout the state
K-Loan
by Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
Are you needing to purchase an assistive technology item, but you're not sure if you can afford it? K-Loan is a great option for you!
Assistive technology can be SO helpful, but it also can be so expensive. Sometimes, we really need something, but we don't have the money right away to purchase it. What do you do? Get a loan!
K-Loan gives low interest loans to help people with disabilities and chronic health conditions get a variety of equipment all while building their credit.
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The Ms. Wheelchair Kansas organization has three new titleholders! Ms. Wheelchair Kansas recently celebrated it's 20th Anniversary and crowned a new Ms., Junior Miss, and Little Miss. Our very own, Carrie Greenwood, has led this organization for the past 20 years and says that this is her other passion next to KYEA. Learn more
Do you remember us mentioning the really cool documentary "The Ride Ahead" is our last newsletter? Well, the Kansas University Center on Disabilities is bringing co-directors Dan and Samuel Habib to Lawrence for a FREE screening of this award-winning documentary! Join them on Monday, April 28 from 4:00-6:30 pm at KU's Liberty Hall. This event includes multiple accessibility features. Learn more
Families Together is looking for youth to attend their CHASE FEST! CHASE FEST is a FREE event for Kansas youth and young adults and their parents. The event will be on April 26 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Plexpod Lenexa. The event will be interactive and exciting with a keynote from LeDerick Horne and multiple hands-on sessions including yoga/body movement, songwriting, and podcasting. There are multiple sessions for parents as well. Learn more
Families Together is also hosting another of their SHIFT: Transition to Adulthood workshops. Kansas parents and youth with disabilities (ages 14-21), are invited to join them for a free training that encourages youth to take the lead in planning for life after high school. This event is Saturday, May 3 at 9:00 am in Manhattan. Learn more
A new group is opening the doors of opportunity for transition aged youth in Shawnee County. KEY (Kansas Employing Youth): Shawnee County is a group that meets on a monthly basis to discuss and plan how to increase outcomes for transition aged youth in Shawnee County so that they have more opportunities for competitive, integrated employment and live as independently as possible in the community. They recently created a Facebook page and a Community Resource Guide website with all kinds of local resources. We encourage you to check them out!
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Opportunities on a National Level
Are you a student who is deaf? Would you like to participate in a summer program in Washington, DC? Gallaudet University Summer Camps let middle and high school students experience stimulating learning and activities in an ASL/English environment minutes from the U.S. Capitol. Learn more
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look for our next full issue in August!
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