The Center of Hope Ministry serves Manhattan's homeless population as a warming shelter, providing dignity and safety during the harshest winter months. This volunteer-run organization now offers nightly cots, meals, and life-changing support to up to 30 guests. • 100% volunteer-operated with working board members covering overnight shifts • Recently moved from Vineyard Church to First Congregational Church downtown for better accessibility • Remained open 24/7 during a severe winter storm despi...
Apr 28, 2025•16 min
Be Able Community Center provides life-changing support to Manhattan residents facing adversity, offering essential services and a compassionate community. The center is celebrating its fifth year of operation while preparing to launch a crucial supportive housing program to bridge a significant gap in local resources. • Located at 431 South Fifth Street, Be Able functions as a daytime community resource center open 8 am-4 pm daily • Services include coffee, computer access, laundry facilities, ...
Apr 22, 2025•19 min
Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice hosts their 19th annual Promenade on Points fundraiser this Thursday, allowing participants to visit nine downtown Manhattan businesses for food and beverage tastings while supporting end-of-life care for those regardless of ability to pay. • Two and a half hour event features nine participating businesses offering food and drink samples • New check-in location at Union Hall, where guests receive a tasting glass, plate, and event map • Participating locations ...
Apr 22, 2025•13 min
Emily Wagner, Executive Director of Manhattan Emergency Shelter, discusses their fundraising initiatives and the challenges of securing consistent funding for homeless services in Kansas. • Manhattan Emergency Shelter collaborated with the Center of Hope Ministries to provide a warming shelter during the difficult winter • The 21st Annual Bids for Bags Benefit takes place May 2nd at St. Thomas More Church with Derby chic attire • Event features silent auction of 100-125 new designer bags, live a...
Apr 15, 2025•12 min
Lori Feldkamp reflects on her 30-year career at Big Lakes Developmental Center as she prepares to retire, while introducing her successor, Liz Hawley, who brings 18 years of experience with the organization. · Big Lakes has grown from 100 to over 200 employees during Lori's tenure · The organization faces a statewide waiting list of 4,500 people needing developmental disability services · Around 100 people are waiting for services in their four-county service area · Funding challenges require pi...
Apr 15, 2025•17 min
The Manhattan Free Clinic has been providing free primary care for 20 years to uninsured residents living within 200% of the poverty level in Riley County, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Kansas. They're celebrating this milestone while expanding services to the new Community Accelerator facility on Kimball Avenue, which will improve accessibility for patients on Manhattan's west side. • All services, including medications, are completely free through partnerships with the Kansas D...
Apr 08, 2025•12 min
Kansas climbs 29 ranks in mental health ratings, while Pawnee Mental Health provides innovative solutions for community needs despite ongoing challenges from the lack of Medicaid expansion. CEO Mike Rezkalla discusses the organization's progress, rural outreach programs, and upcoming initiatives to improve access to critical mental health services. · Kansas jumped from 51st to 22nd place in Mental Health America's state rankings, ranking 5th in youth services · Despite progress, the lack of Medi...
Apr 07, 2025•16 min
The Flint Hills Breadbasket is transforming food assistance in Manhattan with its upcoming move to a spacious new facility on Skyview Drive, which will open in early May. Executive Director Karla Hagemeister shares how this expansion will create a dignified shopping experience while nearly doubling its weekly service hours. • New location will feature a grocery store-like environment with polished concrete floors and tall ceilings • Moving from cramped quarters to a space designed for dignity, c...
Apr 01, 2025•14 min
The Flint Hills Volunteer Center coordinates over 925 volunteers serving in 85 different opportunities across Riley County. It helps seniors age with dignity in their homes while creating meaningful service roles for community members. • Operates the medical transportation program with volunteers driving 57 clients to medical appointments in Manhattan • Facilitates the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, providing leaf removal, snow clearing, and other home maintenance services • Coordinates 69 volunt...
Apr 01, 2025•14 min
Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone. • Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone who works there has lived experience with mental illness • Doncha struggled with delusions for years, including symptoms of anosognosia—the inability to...
Mar 26, 2025•15 min
The Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan prepares for its 26th annual Casino Night fundraiser on April 4th at the K-State Alumni Center, featuring a prom theme and introducing their first-ever dance floor to the event. • Now operating in 13 locations across Ogden, Manhattan, and Wamego • Early Learning Center serves over 80 infants and toddlers with room to grow • New dedicated Teen Center fulfills 30-year dream, serving over 30 teens daily • Casino Night fundraiser proceeds ensure program access fo...
Mar 26, 2025•15 min
Jim Gordon sits down to discuss his 26 years of community impact through the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Awards, which honor those who give their time, talent, and treasure. • Jim Gordon, co-founder of GMCF and title sponsor of the CFAs, shares how the awards began • The CFAs focus on celebrating volunteers who contribute time and talent alongside those who give financially • Starting with four title sponsors (Kansas State Bank, Steel, and Pipe Supply, Trust Company of Manh...
Mar 18, 2025•15 min
Leslie White, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, shares her passion for supporting the Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, educational programs, and community events while making learning accessible to everyone in the region. • The annual Friend of the Flint Hills award will honor Carl and Mary Ice on April 11th for their contributions to protecting the Flint Hills ecosystem • This year marks the final Symphony in the Flint Hills event on June 14th, which Whi...
Mar 18, 2025•15 min
Greater Manhattan Community Foundation founder Mark Knackendoffel shares how recognizing philanthropy drives more charitable giving and strengthens the community. The GMCF has exceeded all expectations in its 25-year journey, providing structure, discipline, and support to local organizations while avoiding direct competition in fundraising. • Community Foundation Awards bring visibility to worthy causes and inspire others to contribute • GMCF was created to provide structure and discipline to p...
Mar 11, 2025•16 min
The Kansas Honor Flight pairs area veterans with high school students for life-changing journeys to Washington D.C. memorials, creating powerful connections between generations and providing long-overdue recognition for those who served. • Created in 2012 as one of five national hubs pairing veterans with student guardians • 309 veterans have participated across 13 completed flights at no cost to them • Student guardians are selected through the National Honor Society and essay applications • Pr...
Mar 11, 2025•16 min
We explore the dynamic partnership between MATC and GMCF, focusing on workforce development and community engagement. Jim Jeanette shares insights into how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that lifts everyone. • Conversations around the role of philanthropy in education • The impact of MATC and GMCF collaboration in workforce training • Stories of individuals benefiting from local scholarships and support • Emphasis on giving, regardless of the size of contributions Your support matter...
Mar 04, 2025•11 min
Heather Peterson, Jim Franke, and Greg McCune from the Manhattan Optimist Club share their initiatives to uplift the community's youth through various fundraisers and programs. Driven by a shared mission, the club highlights its upcoming events and its vital role in fostering a positive atmosphere. • Discussing the Optimist Club's efforts to engage the community • Highlights of their annual fundraising events, including the spaghetti dinner • Emphasis on empowering local youth through various pr...
Mar 04, 2025•18 min
This segment of the Community Hour delves into GMCF's strategic planning process and its implications for the community. Board Chair Matt Crocker and Chair Elect Beth Smoller, discuss the importance of clarity, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful abandonment in shaping GMCF's future efforts. • The transition of GMCF from a funding conduit to a community leader • Engaging with stakeholders for collaborative planning and input • The role of nimbleness in addressing emerging challenges • Measuri...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
On this episode of the Community Hour Show we highlight the transformative work of the Armed Forces Community Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of military families through community support. Kevin West shares insights on fundraising successes and future initiatives. • Overview of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation's role • The mission and achievements of the Armed Forces Community Foundation • Importance of community events like Stand-To-Match Day and their impact GMCF CFAs...
Feb 25, 2025•16 min
On the GMCF Community Hour, Michelle Haub, the Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark Talks about the Memory Program Art Mingle, which celebrates the connection between art, memory, and community support while highlighting the importance of creativity for cognitive health. Michelle also discusses upcoming events, and the invaluable resources available for caregivers and individuals facing cognitive challenges. Introduction to the Art Mingle event and its impact Importance of creativity on memory ...
Feb 20, 2025•15 min
This episode highlights the role of the Manhattan Public Library in promoting community engagement and literacy through diverse programming and events, including an upcoming book sale. Eric Norris, the library director, discusses membership benefits, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of community support in maintaining accessible library resources. • Eric Norris shares his experiences as the library director • Overview of engaging library events and discussions • Opportunities for comm...
Feb 20, 2025•16 min
Discover the vital role that the Friends of the Fort Riley Museums play in preserving military history and fostering community engagement. This segment of the radio show explores exciting events, restoration efforts, and opportunities for the public to connect with their heritage through local initiatives. • Exploration of the Fort Riley Museums and their significance • Overview of the First Infantry Division Museum and its historical importance • Insights into community events like Apple Days a...
Feb 11, 2025•15 min
The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program offers a comprehensive approach to developing regional leaders through hands-on learning, community engagement, and servant leadership principles. By emphasizing collaboration and diversity, the program prepares participants to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities. • Overview of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program • History and evolution since 1992 • Curriculum centered on regional community needs • Emphasis on s...
Feb 11, 2025•16 min
Join us as we celebrate Jimmy Carter's legacy and explore Habitat for Humanity's impactful work in the Northern Flint Hills. Our conversation takes us through local community initiatives, upcoming events, and pioneering projects that aim to provide dignified housing for families in need. • Discussion of Jimmy Carter's influence on community service • Details about the Home is When the Heart Is Valentine's Gala • Insights on the deconstruction of the former Commerce Bank building • Overview of th...
Feb 05, 2025•17 min
This episode of the GMCF Community Hour Radio Show highlights the ongoing developments of the Child Care Business Initiative, emphasizing its collaborative approach to enhancing childcare services in the community. Listeners learn about the construction progress, recruitment of childcare providers, the support offered to entrepreneurs, and the broader impact on families seeking reliable care options. • Updates on construction progress and plans • Recruitment efforts for childcare providers • Imp...
Feb 05, 2025•14 min
Today we chatted with Rachelle Wertenberger & Kent Saylor about how a beloved classmate's legacy inspires and transforms lives even after tragedy strikes. Join us as we honor Tara Ploeger through a heartfelt conversation with Kent and Rachel, who share their deeply personal connections with Tara and the scholarship created in her memory. You'll hear how an unexpected tragedy led to overwhelming community support, ultimately transitioning the Tara Ploeger Scholarship into an endowed fund. Thr...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min
Today we chatted with Morree Floersch Chairperson of the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation and Bill Oetinger President of the Clay County Education Endowment Association (CCEEA). Listen as Bill retells the remarkable journey of the CCEEA, whose humble beginnings over two decades ago have transformed into a powerhouse for local scholarships, bolstered by the incredible $2.6 million McDaniel family donation. But the story doesn't end there. Mitzi discusses with Morree and Bill the ambit...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min
Today we talked with Claudia Jones and Nicole Kucherov about The American Association of University Women (AAUW) scholarships and its role in empowering women since the 1920s. Claudia, an AAUW board member, shares the AAUW's incredible history and community contributions such as traveling libraries and Depression-era daycare support. Listen to Nicole's heartfelt experience as a non-traditional student and mother who found new hope through targeted scholarships. Discover how her teaching English ...
Oct 01, 2024•19 min
In this episode, Dave Lewis sat down with Penny Wika, who, alongside her late husband Norris, has devoted her life to enriching education and fostering philanthropy in Wamego. Penny's inspiring transition from a career in journalism to becoming a beloved teacher at Manhattan High School, the story behind the creation of the Norris and Penny Wika Scholarship, a $1,000 renewable annual award initiated in 2015 that helps students throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, they chatted ab...
Sep 24, 2024•20 min
Today we talked with Linda Fincham, Vice President of the Frankfort Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Haley Stevens, a former scholarship recipient. Linda provides a heartfelt account of her parents' memorial funds and their dedication to supporting local students pursuing medical careers. Peek into the lives of those who juggle work, school, and family, and learn how a strong support system can make all the difference. Haley shares her inspiring journey emphasizing how the scholarshi...
Sep 17, 2024•19 min
