Executive Director's Column | | |
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Sarah Elsen
Executive Director
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. Since our establishment in 1977, your generosity has played a vital role in positively impacting the lives of Kansas children and families.
I am thrilled to share the success of our recent end-of-year annual campaign, where, thanks to your longstanding commitment, we raised a remarkable $22,591.56! This achievement not only reflects your financial support but also underscores our shared belief in the importance of fostering the healthy development of young children. Together, we are making strides in improving access to high-quality child care options and educational resources for families and early childhood professionals alike.
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Agency Highlights & Happenings | |
Welcome to the Newest Board Members | |
Nicole Lange, Human Resources Business Partner at Security Benefit | |  |
Lisa Walker, Retail Manager at Azura Credit Union | | |
Lisa Walker, Program Consultant at Kansas Department of Health & Environment | | |
Christina Schmitt, Chief Operations Officer at Envista Federal Credit Union | | |
Registration is now open for the Dink & Volley for Child Care Pickleball Tournament organized by Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas! This exciting event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your pickleball skills while supporting a great cause. Click the link below to find more information about the tournament, and sign up today to secure your spot! Don't miss out on this chance to have fun, compete, and make a positive impact on child care in Eastern Kansas. Join us and be part of this incredible event! | |
What Our Mission Looks Like in Action | |
Jane Redger, Successful Connections Parent Resource Specialist/Team Leader, holding up a soft block set provided by Kansas Gas Services | |
Since October, Successful Connections has been collaborating with the Topeka Rescue Mission to support families with young children. Throughout these interactions, the team with Successful Connections has observed that many of these young children lack toys for entertainment and educational purposes. Recognizing this need, Jane Redger, the team lead of Successful Connections, reached out to community leaders for assistance. Fortunately, Kansas Gas Services stepped forward and generously offered to provide 50 sets of soft blocks as gifts for these families. The agency is immensely grateful for this kind gesture from Kansas Gas Services, and the feedback received from the families thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. The addition of these toys has brought immense joy and enrichment to the lives of these young children. | |
Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities | |
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Volunteer Opportunity
Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas offers a wide range of year-round opportunities for individuals and groups who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children. We believe in the power of community involvement and strive to match your interests with the needs of the children we serve. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or would like to contribute in a different capacity, we have options for everyone.
To get involved and help shape the future of our community's children, please contact the agency at 785-357-5171 or 877-678-2548, email info@east.ks.childcareaware.org. Your support will have a lasting impact on the lives of our children and their families.
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Dawn Bicknell-Reiser, President
Erin Lewis, President-Elect
Cherie Sage, Secretary
Catherine Deters, Treasurer
Christina Schmitt, Treasurer-Elect
Cherie Sage, Immediate Past President
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Amy Bauer
Joe Beasley
Deb Crowl
Natalie Gordon
Jordan McKnight
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Catherine Shafer
Kelly Trussell
Lisa Walker
Lisa Walker
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Sarah Elsen, Executive Director;
Diana Ingram-Cantrell, Accountant;
Julie Scott, Marketing & Communications
Coordinator;
Earlina Faurot, Administrative Assistant;
Melissa Mosher, Projects Coordinator;
Rhianna Nelson, Community Outreach & Engagement Manager;
Nancy Rohr, Family Services Manager;
Lori Boos (Team Leader), Tosha Lawson, Heidy Sanchez Arreola, Resource Specialists;
Michelle Gilbert, Talia Juiliano, Renee Wohletz,
Provider Services Managers;
Karin Juarez, Project Manager, Topeka Child Care Access Project;
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Holly Wehner, Data Specialist;
Kristina Griffee, Autumn Ryser, Regional Community Consultants;
Dawn Brown, Kari Cronister, Mary Murphy, Professional Development Specialists;
Grace Cott, Susan Drewelow, Olivia Falk, Debbie Hildebrandt, Deana Turner, Early Care & Education Specialists;
Regina Blaske, Regina Blaske, Deb Danielson, Tia Wright, Child Care Health Consultants;
Jane Redger (Team Leader), Jennie Heim, Ashley Buss, Successful Connections Parent Resource Specialists;
Stephanie Prue, Library Resource Specialist
Marie Treichel, Special Projects & Initiatives Coordinator.
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ERC Resource & Referral, Inc., d/b/a Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas supports the healthy development of young children by improving access to high-quality child care options and educational resources for families and early childhood professionals.
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