Community Grants Report

Ellis County Grants | Page 1
Rooks County Grants | Page 8
Trego County Grants | Page 12
Multi-County Grants | Page 14

Community Grants Report
November 2019

Ellis County

Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc.,
Young AmeriTowne of Kansas - ELLIS

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$4,440, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Lessons in free enterprise and economics
truly come to life in Young AmeriTowne of Kansas as students
see the direct impact their actions and decisions have on
themselves, their business and the overall community.

Use of Funds: The funds were used for the classroom
curriculum and workbooks as well as the Day in Towne
activities.

Impact & Results: We are excited that the 5th gr. classes from
Roosevelt and Wilson Elementary will be participating in the
program during the Spring of 2020!

The growth and development of the students that
participated in the curriculum at school really come full
circle when they were able to apply what they learned in the classroom during their Day in Towne. As the mayor
welcomed the citizens of AmeriTowne with a speech and a ribbon cutting, the students raced back to their shops
and dawned their uniforms for the day. Working on birdhouses, creating a newspaper and television commercials
and helping “sick” patients in the medical center kept students busy during the day. The DJs in the radio station
played music as the graphic designers created signs. The technicians swapped out old light bulbs for new LED
ones in shops, as cookies were being baked and sold before they cooled in the Snack Shop. The mayor handed out
business licenses, while the police officers handed out citations and the judge determined their guilt. The Bank
tellers and staff were busy cashing paychecks and making deposits for the citizens and the businesses. While all
of this was happening in the shops, workers were on break buying items in town and stimulating the economy.
Learning about supply and demand came in handy as prices were adjusted on items throughout the day in almost
every shop.

We are amazed at the growth and attainment of knowledge in the students. Not only can we see it by their eyes
lighting up, but by the way they carried out tasks and completed projects while in Towne. It was proven to us when
we received the pre-test and post-test scores on the curriculum we received from the teachers after their Day in
Towne. The jump in scores after attending Towne were huge - nearly an 70% swing in knowledge attainment and
understanding...from 20% to 90%!

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Ellis County

Thomas More Prep- Marian / Biology Club ,
TMP-M Biology Club Research Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,

$400, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Our newly founded club is in need of
funds in order to engage and complete a research project
covering water quality and the life inside of it, notably
keystone invertebrates. This would be done over multiple
counties to compare water quality.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase water
testing kits, lab supplies, materials such as nets and
containers, and travel expenses to sites and conferences.

Impact & Results: The immediate goal is for the students
to compile a scholarly, organized research project in the
form of a research paper that is worthy of publication. In
this immediate scope, the goal is for publication, which
may seem outlandish for high schoolers to do, but in
all reality, it is an obtainable feat. Failure would be the
research project not being finished in both a scholarly
and organized manner. The things that can not be
measured, but must be gained from this project for it to be successful, are the indelible marks it will leave
on the students, marks of credibility, integrity, perseverance, and dedication. In the long-range scope of the
project, the goal is for the data collected to reach a higher percentage of people in the community than we project,
and draw them to take action upon this. In terms of Biology Club, of which this project is a part of, success can be
defined by the interest of the club members in science and the scientific literacy that they take with them even after
they graduate high school.

Ellis County

Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Strategic Doing in Downtown Hays

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,000, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) realizes the value of strategic doing in
our community and in our organization. This grant will allow us to create a strategic plan that will define our
organization’s goals for the next five years.

Use of Funds: All grant funds were spent paying the Fort Hays State University Management Development Center
(MDC) for their services.

Impact & Results: The creation of a new Strategic Plan for Downtown Hays Development Corporation is vital to
our success in future years. The data that was collected by MDC is fascinating to our organization and gave us a
renewed sense of purpose, but also the confidence in ourselves that we are making a difference in our community.
A community-wide survey told us 83.9% of those surveyed believe DHDC is doing a commendable job of marketing
and promoting Downtown Hays. That same survey showed 80.6% of people believe DHDC is an indispensable entity
for Downtown Hays.

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Ellis County

Learning Cross Preschool, The Magical
Musical Miracle of Celebrating Life’s Memories

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$4,000, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Learning Cross Students will deliver emotionally
charged musical playlists to their grandfriends, helping to unlock
magical memories and give the children the opportunity to share in
the life experiences, wisdom, and love through music.

Use of Funds: We purchased the subscription to the Music and
Memory up to 50 users. Next was 20 sandisk MP3 players, 20 sets of
Sanyo Headphones, and 8 sets of Alive Inside All in One Headsets. We
have also purchased 340 songs from I-Tunes to load onto the devices.

Impact & Results: The Music and Memory program has been a great
addition to the Learning Cross and to Ascension Health Via Christi
Village. One individual in particular has been a memorable story. One
of the residents of Via Christi Assisted Living was sitting in the dining
hall and the kids had been listening to “grandfriend music”. One of
the students walked up to this grandfriend and asked her what kind
of music she liked to listen to. The grandfriend told her “anything
that you kids sing is my favorite music.” The little girl told her that
she didn’t have any of her singing music on the computer yet but when she is a princess she would be able to get
her songs on her moms phone and computer. This response slightly confused the grandfriend, and she suggested
instead to just share some Greek music with her. We worked on finding as much Greek music as we could to load
on to the MP3 player. A couple days later, we delivered the music to our grandfriend and instantly her face lit up
and she began dancing in her chair. I hadn’t expected this significant of a reaction, so needless to say, the rest of the
residents in the dining hall were very confused as to why there was someone dancing in the dining hall randomly.
After a little explanation to the other residents, we were able to get a few more residents interested in starting the
Music and Memory program too.

Through this process of getting Music and Memory into the hands of our residents, we have had some great
successes and some set backs. The residents who have been getting the music, and getting the music updated,
have seen a decrease in negative moods and behaviors. Family members have been active in assisting with song
selections and some even with maintaining the MP3 players. We did however, have a set back with the staffing of
Via Christi activities. One of the staff that had been very excited and eager to help, moved to a different facility and
with her departure, the Music and Memory program usage drastically decreased. We have since then began working
with the new activity staff to get her up to speed and are excited to see the usage continue to grow. We learned that
sometimes the songs that family members think their parents want to listen to, are not always the most effective.
We had several polka and gospel song requests, but didn’t see the results that we were expecting. So, by using some
of the tools through the Music and Memory program, we were able to identify some music from the resident’s era
and were truly able to see the amazing affects of the music.

The Learning Cross Inc. develops opportunities for inter-generational interactions by engaging the wisdom of our
grandparents, acknowledging the power of a child’s heart and mind, and giving praise to the God who makes it all
possible. Each student will be assigned or will select one or two residents at Via Christi and will be responsible for
delivering their music program. We will also encourage and coach the student’s family to participate in this project
on weekends or long vacations.

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Ellis County

Thomas More Prep-Marian High, Inc.,
TMP-M Biology Club Ecological Field Study

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,

$400, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: Our club, in our inaugural year, has
developed a research project based upon field study of
animals and plants in an area of wilderness outisde of
our school. In order to complete this, we must purchase
multiple tools and traps to collect data.

Use of Funds: Funds were used to purchase water testing
supplies and materials to take various samples from Big
Creek. The water was tested for phosphates and other
chemical levels to determine the creek’s water quality.
Students presented results at a conference.

Impact & Results: Approximately 6 students participated
in various stages of the experiment. The participating
students were able to experience professional level
science by going through the experiment design, grant
process, field work, data collection, and analyzing and
presenting results. Without the funding, the students
would have been limited to “cookie cutter” experiments
with a much shallower depth of learning.

The experiment showed where Big Creek has some
water quality issues due to various factors. Three field sites
were established along Big Creek, and water samples
were taken to determine phosphate, nitrate, pH, and
other concentrations of the water. Researchers also took
samples of aquatic organisms to examine in the lab.

While it was not achieved, another goal of the project was to publish results in a scientific journal. Even though
this didn’t happen, students learned a lot in the process. Like many experiments it led to further questions.
However, even that realization was part of the learning experience for the Biology Club students. The attitude and
participation levels of all students increased immensely.

The grant made possible the entire project because doing one-time experiments is not usually part of a year-to-
year curriculum, where the intent is to give students repeatable experiences. However, when allowing students to
collaborate, identify need and creatively act to meet it, the school must be able to capitalize on those opportunities.

4

Ellis County

O’Loughlin Elementary PTA,
O’Loughlin Elementary Playground

Heartland Healthy Living Fund, Kansas Health Foundation Fund,
Ellis County Legacy Fund, Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$10,000, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: The O’Loughlin PTA has been working diligently to
raise funds for a new playground through annual fundraising over the
past 4 years. Our end goal is to make our school’s playground more safe
and engaging for our students.

Use of Funds: The grant money awarded was used to purchase new playground equipment for O’Loughlin
Elementary. The O’loughlin PTA was able to purchase the new equipment for $62,265.81. The grant funds along with
their fundraising efforts made this possible.

Impact & Results: The lives of the students at O’Loughlin Elementary have been forever changed with the addition
of the new playground equipment. Their time spent on the playground is now more enriched due to the updated
play structure. The equipment chosen provides lessons for the Physical Education Instructor to help supplement
learnings and activities. The play structure helps to engage more children and keep them active during their
play time. The safety of the students and community who choose to use the facility has increased with the new
equipment replacing old and damaged play equipment. The equipment chosen meets all ADA requirements and
can be used for sensory needs as well as play. The new addition has made students and families excited to return
to school and be apart of our school community. The O’Loughlin PTA had spent over three years raising funds to
towards this project, with the help of the Heartland Foundation’s grant they were able to complete the project prior
to school starting this year. They would have spent at least another year raising funds to reach their goal. We as the
PTA can not thank you enough for helping to make this change possible. The community will be enjoying a play
structure that encompasses multiple children of all needs. We feel we have reached not only the 300+ students and
families of O’Loughlin but the entire Hays Community as well. It has given us a reason to come together and build
a better community. Thank you again for choosing to support us.

Ellis County

Thomas More Prep-Marian High, Inc.,
TMP Security Upgrades

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$5,080, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: This project will update digital infrastructure to
improve security for students, staff and visitors at Thomas More-Prep
Marian school.

Use of Funds: The funds were spent to purchase Catagory 6 cabling
and to install security cameras in new areas. Installing Catagory
6 cable will enable the school to add additional security features
(remotely controlled doors, etc) and control them in a centralized
way.

Impact & Results: These Category 6 cables will allow Thomas More
Prep-Marian (TMP-M) to install a wider variety of plug-and-play
devices such as wireless security cameras, remote door control, and
door intercoms. TMP-M welcomes 325 students, teachers, and staff

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daily, not even including visitors. On our campus, stakeholders have to switch between buildings throughout the day
to get to their classes or offices, much like at a college. This creates difficulties in securing the buildings while still
allowing freedom of access for our students, teachers, and visitors. Our families, students and teachers will feel safer
knowing that the buildings can be secured during the day. This will also allow us to grow into future renovations
intended to improve the physical access to the buildings. Beyond the security improvements, Category 6 cabling
will allow us to fully utilize the fiber optic cable we have directly with our data service provider. Our students and
teachers will have access to some of the fastest data rates available.

Thank you so much for the support in making our institution a safer place for all our stakeholders and the
numerous northwestern Kansas community members who visit our school throughout the year for academic,
athletic or performing arts purposes. May God bless the work of your hands!

Ellis County

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center,
Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Supplies

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,

$2,555, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: Purchasing large amounts of body wash, sensory
items, coloring books, card games, backpacks, etc. for the children who
go through the care of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

Use of Funds: The funds purchased items for children who are
forensically interviewed at the WKCAC. Items included 312 fun-colored
backpacks, 171 sensory items, 72 pillow cases, 50 relaxing coloring
books, and 28 pillows. These items aren’t typically donated.

Impact & Results: Children’s lives were changed as a result of the
funds received from the Heartland Community Foundation. When
children come to the WKCAC for a forensic interview, there are
concerns that something traumatic has happened either to them or
to someone they love. Giving the children something of their own,
makes a huge, positive impact on their experience. Over 300 kids will
receive new backpacks containing items specifically picked for that
child. When children see their advocate bring out their bags, their eyes
immediately light up. Advocates often hear excited phrases like, “Is that
all for me?!” “I love the purple backpack—purple is my favorite color!”
“I’m going to use this for school now!” “Wow, I needed a new bag!”
In addition to the bags, the sensory items are important for children
who’ve experienced trauma.

Sensory items include stress balls, tinkering toys, rubber animals, fidget
cubes, Slinkies, coloring books, and more. These items help calm
children. Many times, by keeping their hands busy, children can clear their minds or distract negative thoughts. One
kid took a squishy ball into her forensic interview, and that was the first time she had ever kept calm while talking
about her abuse. She took the ball with her, and used it whenever she needed to relax, including times she had to
go to court. In sum, without this funding, fewer children would be able to receive new items. The WKCAC was able
to purchase specific items that were the most needed for kids.

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Ellis County

USD 489, Gross Motor Climbing Wall

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$4,158, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: This grant will provide funds to purchase four climbing walls for students in the USD 489 Early
Childhood Connections preschool program. The equipment will be used by Connections students to increase gross
motor skills.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase climbing walls for students in the USD 489 Early Childhood
Connections Preschool program.

Impact & Results: This one-time expenditure will have long-term benefits. Currently, 8% of Early Childhood
Connections students were identified as “at-risk” for delays in gross motor development. Those students have been
referred for physical therapy services, that will include time spent on the rock climbing wall and the sensory room
(located adjacent to the rock climbing area). In addition, all Connections students will utilize the rock climbing wall
on days when inclement weather keeps them from going outside for gross-motor stimulating play.

The installation of the climbing wall was delayed due to the renovation process at the Early Childhood Connections
building. The wall was installed, teachers trained on its safe use and available for use on October 24th. By the end of
the 2019-2020 school year, all 196 Connections students will have had multiple opportunities to play on the wall. By
the end of the 2019-2020 school year, 15 students will have had individualized physical therapy services to improve
gross-motor skills. Without funding from the Heartland Community Foundation, this project would not exist.
100% of the project was funded by the Heartland Community Foundation.

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Rooks County

Plainville Community Foundation,
Rooks County 3/50 Project Retail retention
to save the quality of our rural way of life.

DaneG. Hansen Community Grant Fund,

$5,000, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: Funding will be used to market programs to educate
“Shopping Local” to citizens of Rooks County. These programs will include
ads, flyers, community meetings, social media and building curriculum for
youth in the local school and library systems.

Use of Funds: Newspaper ads in Plainville Time and Stockton Sentinel for 12 months local newspapers in Rooks
County, vinyl signs for local businesses and handouts for Shop Local Plainville Times. The remaining fund will be
used to offset cost of the production and distribution of the commercial we are working on. When the commercial
has been completed and presented and the remainder of the Shop Local flyer will be direct mailed to every
household in Rooks County. The cost will be approximately $1,400, using the additional funding from the grant plus
a donation from a local business to complete the project.

Impact & Results: We have had a slower start than expected, however with school in session we hope to complete
the student help portion of the project. The project was well received by the local businesses and the local
Chamber of Commerces in both Stockton & Plainville. In working with local business owners we feel they are so
very appreciative to have help gathering support for their local businesses. The local newspaper ads, articles and
Letters to Editor have been a positive help in understanding the vital need to Shop Local. The local libraries have also
rallied to help get the word out. We have supplied local businesses, schools, libraries, local government and citizens
flyers explaining the project and local businesses have new poster and vinyl signs on their front doors or windows
that were designed and made by local businesses. The signs say “Open Because You Shop Here”. The local school
system is in the process of making a commercial and info bites that will be shared with students, local organizations,
churches and libraries. This commercial will help people understand the reason to engage citizens of all ages, ways
to strengthen local economy, provide better quality of life and build local assets. The information bites will be used at
all sporting and school functions that are announced during the school year.

Rooks County

Plainville Recreation Commission, Plainville
Recreation Commission Fitness Center Improvement

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: The Plainville Recreation Commission works under USD #270 and
provides recreational and wellness programs for the community. Items that need
addressed are sealing up our roof and windows on the west side to prevent drafts of
air and water leaks.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were spent to seal in the windows of the back storage
room of the PRC Fitness Center and repair the bathrooms and concession stand at
the ballpark.

Impact & Results: As a result of our project, the PRC Fitness Center received a major upgrade in sealing our
building. With the recent rains we have received, inside of the fitness area and storage room have been dry! Also,
our concession stand is now secure with a solid ceiling in place. Without the funding, we would still have issues with
both water leaks and extreme temperatures in our storage room of the fitness center. With this project, we have
kept the fitness center members free of working out in water puddles, helped with winds/extreme temperatures
entering our building through the windows, and made each place more secure.

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Rooks County

USD #270, USD 270 Safe Schools Plan

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$15,000, Awarded 12/5/2018
Project Summary: The purpose of this grant request is to obtain funding so our school district may install a state of
the art Electronic Access Control system to address the security needs in our buildings.
Use of Funds: USD 270 installed an electronic control access system in our elementary, junior high/high school, and
Cardinal gymnasium buildings.
Impact & Results: As we are preparing for the upcoming school year, we are very excited to utilize our new
electronic control access system. This allows us to have all of the outside entry doors locked at all times. All guests
must gain access through a centralized location. This provides for a safer environment for all students and staff.

Rooks County

Plainville Recreation Commission, Plainville Recreation Ballpark Renovation

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,000, Awarded 6/5/2019
Project Summary: The Plainville Recreation Commission (PRC) would like to purchase 2 new scoreboards to replace
the old models at Max Malin Memorial Ballpark.
Use of Funds: The grant funds were used to purchase a new scoreboard for one of our baseball fields.
Impact & Results: As a result of our project, the Max Malin Memorial Ballpark received an upgrade to its appearance
and usability. The scoreboard will now be wireless, meaning the scorekeeper will have an easier time inputting
scores, rather than messing with a wired outlet. This grant helped the PRC by continuing its goal to remodel all of
the scoreboards at the ballpark. We are now 50% complete with that goal.

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Rooks County

USD 270, Cardinal Gymnasium Scoreboards

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$2,500, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: USD 270 is requesting a grant from the Heartland
Community Foundation in support of new scoreboard for the Cardinal
Gymnasium. This will allow us to have functional scoreboards in both facilities.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used to puchase new scoreboards for the
Cardinal Gymnasium. This allowed us to move the old scoreboard into our high
school gymnasium where we did not have functioning scoreboards.

Impact & Results: The new scoreboards in the Cardinal Gymnasium have
impacted not only USD 270 but also the Plainville community as a whole.
Our gymnasium is utilized by many organizations outside of the school
district including the Recreation Commission, Special Olympics, and many others. The scoreboards allow us to use
modern technology so we are able to run multiple scoring systems at one time. In addition, we are able to use them
for a variety of athletic activities. In the limited time we have had them, we have received multiple compliments
regarding the capabilities of the system. We are able to type in team names or mascots in place of the “Home”
and “Guest” feature. This allows spectators to follow their team’s scores more efficiently. We were unable to offer
this function with our old scoreboards. USD 270 Plainville is extremely thankful for the generosity of the Heartland
Community Foundation. We appreciate the financial support. Along with the donation we were able to secure
funding from other sources, which allowed us to reach a goal of the district and obtain new scoreboards.

Rooks County

Rooks County, Rooks County
Golf Course “Mastering the Greens”

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$6,000, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: The Rooks County Municipal Golf Course would like
to purchase a greens mower. A specialized mower can provide quality
putting greens. Rooks County has 9-hole golf course with buffalo grass
fairways and bent grass greens.

Use of Funds: The RoCo Golf Course has a board of five very dedicated
people volunteering their time and efforts to help keep the golf course
on track and running smoothly.

Impact & Results: The volunteer members have been helping mow
and take care of the greens. This mower will be appreciated by the
volunteers by helping them to mow more easily and more efficiently. A
charity golf tournament was held just this past weekend. The golf course
was full and vibrant with activity, and the community benefited greatly with the charitable funds going to our local
recreation center for youth uniforms, referee help, equipment, etc. Golfers came from several surrounding counties.
I personally heard comments saying how everyone is glad the course is being utilized and taken care of once again.
Another charity golf tournament is planned for early September to raise funds for our county hospital foundation.
Without a nice mower to keep the greens “up to snuff”, the golfers would not enjoy attending these charity events.
So very many people will benefit, physically, from playing golf, and the funds raised to help these charities is
priceless.

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Rooks County

City of Damar, Damar fire department bunker gear

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$3,150, Awarded 6/5/2019
Project Summary: The Damar fire department is in need of more bunker
gear and personal protective equipment for our volunteer fire fighters.

Use of Funds: The money was used to purchase another set of bunker gear
and 4 scba bottles for our air packs which provide air to our fire fighters
while fighting a fire.

Impact & Results: This grant we received from the Heartland Foundation
was used to purchase bunker gear and scba bottles for our fire fighters.
The grant money allowed the department to expand the need for more
volunteer firefighters, providing them with updated gear and equipment.
With the new gear and equipment the firefighters can provide the
community with better service and safety in protecting the community.

Rooks County

Stockton Assermbly of God, Community Sound and Lights project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $1,000, Awarded 6/5/2019
Project Summary: We are requesting funds to replace older sound equipment and lights. We would like to
purchase speakers, portable lights, and a newer light board. We are also in need of a portable sound board, along
with a snake and trusses.

Use of Funds: Due to your generous grant we were able to purchase several items.
(2) JBL EON 615 Speakers $519.98
(1) American DJ My DMX 3.0 Light Control $319.99
(10) XLR 10 foot Microphone Cables $29.99

Impact & Results: Due to the purchase of the new equipment we are able to provide an exciting experience for
all due to the quality of sound and the various lighting scenes we can create for our events. It provides greater
engagement and excitement for those attending our events. Without the funding we would have been very limited
in what we could have done and the quality of the events we provide. We were able to make great strides in the
replacement of the broken down and heavily used equipment. Thank you so much again for the grant!

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Trego County

WaKeeney Public Library, BrainHQ

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$800, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: BrainHQ is an online brain-training system developed from 30 years of research in neurological
science and related medicine. It consists of 29 online exercises that work out attention, brain speed, memory, people
skills, navigation and intelligence.

Use of Funds: To purchase five BrainHQ subscriptions the first year, and six the second year. The remaining funds
were spent on color copies for flyers, brochures, and informational sheets printed for patrons. (Advertising was
essentially free as the library gave BrainHQ space in their weekly advertisement in the Western Kansas World.)

Impact & Results: The initial plan was to purchase an $800 license from Demco valid for one year with unlimited
patron access. However, due to some internal issues at Demco, restructuring/moving to a new location, many delays
and roadblocks were encountered with attempting to establish this purchase and start the process of enrollment.
Therefore, we elected to purchase individual subscriptions through Posit Science, the owner of BrainHQ. This was our
first difficulty encountered.

Even though the purchase was structured a little differently, library patrons were still able to essentially check out
a subscription like they check out a book. Patrons then worked the BrainHQ exercises at home on their personal
laptops, phones, desktops or tablets.

Lessons learned:
1) Library staff needed to be “on board” and take some personal interest in this program to effectively promote the
program to the public. Most all the publicity was handled by this author/library board member.
2) Expectations for public use of this program were overestimated. The most probable reason was the same reason
it’s difficult to get the average person to engage in other healthy behaviors; such as healthy eating, increasing
physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco/alcohol. It takes effort and motivation, and
sometimes even the fear of an unwanted consequence, before a person changes “unhealthy” behaviors/habits. We
did not have as many patrons enroll in BrainHQ as we hoped.

Successes:
1) Through the ads, people were exposed to information about how they actually are able to influence their brain
health. It’s hoped that results may be seen down the road from a seed planted during this promotion. Several books
were displayed at the library about brain health, and were checked out, as part of the promotion.
2) All of the subscriptions were checked out, none remained “vacant” or unused.
3) Those who did utilize BrainHQ viewed it favorably and promoted it to others in the community.
4) Patrons consistently made progress in their scores as they used the program.
5) We will actually have BrainHQ available for two years, rather than just one.

This story is from one of the patrons who used BrainHQ this past year:
“At first, I wasn’t too sure about signing up for BrainHQ, but a friend had encouraged me to try it out. I figured it
would be ‘good for my brain’ because of the research information the library provided, but it took me a while to
motivate myself to sign up for the program. After I started using it, I found that some exercises were a little more
difficult than others, and some were a little more ‘fun’ than others. I liked that the program keeps track of my
progress and it constantly ups the challenges. Overall, I felt very positively about ‘exercising my brain’. The ‘fun’ part
was just a bonus. I signed up for regular reminders to do the training, which helped motivate me as well. I want to
do everything I can to keep my brain as healthy as possible, which will impact my overall health and wellness in a
positive way. Thank you for the opportunity to use this program.”

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Trego County

Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc.,
Young AmeriTowne of Kansas - TREGO

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$1,980, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Lessons in free enterprise and economics truly come to life in Young AmeriTowne of Kansas
as students see the direct impact their actions and decisions have on themselves, their business and the overall
community.

Use of Funds: The funds will be used for the curriculum and workbooks as well as the Day in Towne activities.

Impact & Results: We are excited that WaKeeney/Trego 5th grade students will be participating in the program
during the spring of 2021! The growth and development of the students that participated in the curriculum at
school really came full circle when they were able to apply what they learned in the classroom during their Day
in Towne. As the mayor welcomed the citizens of AmeriTowne with a speech and a ribbon cutting, the students
raced back to their shops and dawned their uniforms for the day. Working on birdhouses, creating a newspaper
and television commercials and helping “sick” patients in the medical center kept students busy during the day.
The DJs in the radio station played music as the graphic designers created signs. The technicians swapped out
old light bulbs for new LED ones in shops as cookies were being baked and sold before they cooled in the Snack
Shop. The mayor handed out business licenses, while the police officers handed out citations and the judge
determined their guilt. The Bank tellers and staff were busy cashing paychecks and making deposit for the citizens
and the businesses. While all of this was happening in the shops, workers were on break buying items in town and
stimulating the economy. Learning about supply and demand came in handy as prices were adjusted on items
throughout the day in almost every shop.

All of the students and teachers learned a lot of lessons while teaching the curriculum and while participating
in their Day at Towne. After experiencing the Day, teachers learned what lessons in the classroom were more
important than others, so they will most likely be adjusting how they teach the lessons next year.

We are amazed at the growth and attainment of knowledge in the students. Not only can we see it by their eyes
lighting up, but by the way they carried out tasks and completed projects while in Towne. It was proven to us when
we received the pre-test and post-test scores on the curriculum we received from the teachers after their Day in
Towne. The jump in scores after attending Towne were huge - nearly an 70% swing in knowledge attainment and
understanding, from 20% to 90%!

Trego County

USD 208, TCHS Media

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$6,000, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: The Trego Community High School Digital
Media Department is requesting capacity building funds in order to
acquire computers and monitors for the computer lab.

Use of Funds: USD 208 purchased eight Dell XPC 8920 computers
and six Acer 27” widescreen monitors for the TCHS Media lab.

Impact & Results: The equipment purchased through this grant
has been a huge asset for our school. We now have nine computers
with graphic capability for our students to produce our website,

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monthly Eagle Eye news letter, articles for the Talon in the Western Kansas
World newspaper and yearbook. Our students are now meeting extended
curriculum, improving skills and able to make more creative projects. Without
the updated equipment, we would have still been at least four years behind
in our technology, which is difficult to expand knowledge in an ever-changing
society of technological advances.
The students are currently up-to-date in meeting the S.M.A.R.T. goals set in the
application request, and we project that all goals will be met at the end of the
2020 school year. The grant money has been used and the lab is complete for
the needs of our students at this time.
Please check out some of our students’ work at the links listed below.
USD 208 website: www.tregoeagles.com
TCHS newsletter: http://www.tregoeagles.com/250923_2
TCHS news features: http://www.tregoeagles.com/238981_2

Multi-County

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Basement Bathroom & Shower for Child Victims

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 12/5/2018
Project Summary: The one last need in our Hays facility is a restroom and shower for sexual assault victims to clean
up after an SANE exam, and for clean up of neglected children.
Use of Funds: The funds were used to pay for part of the construction of the basement bathroom at the Hays Child
Advocacy Center. Walt’s Construction, LLC performed the work, the grant award went towards labor and supplies.
Impact & Results: With this award the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center in Hays has the ability to
accommodate children that need more than a regular bathroom. Now with the full shower in the basement
bathroom, children who need a shower will be able to clean up and start the tasks ahead of them clean. The horror
stories that we could present about some of the abuse our children have experienced is not what it is really about,
the real story is what we do for these children in just a few hours. First is to make sure they are comfortable, now that
includes taking a shower if needed, although hard to believe, that is the first step that is needed to help these kids
feel good about themselves. We take so much for granted that having running water to clean up is not even thought
of. Now thanks to this award, every child will be able to start their healing journey with self respect for themselves.

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Multi-County

St John’s Lutheran Church of Ellis, St. John’s Heating & Air
Conditioning Unit Replacement & Installation

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,

$8,687, Awarded 6/5/2019

Project Summary: St. John’s current HVAC system was installed in 1994.
Over the years, we have repaired and maintained the unit to the best of our
congregation’s ability. Due to the extreme summer and winter temperatures,
it is now necessary to replace the unit.

Use of Funds: The funds were spent in their entirety to prepare and install
a high-efficiency heating and air conditioning unit at St. John’s Lutheran
Church. The previous unit was disassembled, wiring brought up to code, and
new unit installed and functioning.

Impact & Results: Upon completion of the project, St. John’s Lutheran
Church now utilizes two heating and air conditioning units that properly
circulate the air throughout the church, addition, and basement. Through the
grant, transfer of funds from St. John’s maintenance budget and in-kind labor,
the new unit now adequately cools the church during the summer and will
effectively heat the church during the winter. Additionally, the second unit is
no longer being overworked and stressed due to overuse. Our congregation’s
spirits have been lifted immensely due to the completion of the project!

The replacement of the high-efficiency heating and air conditioning unit would not have been possible without the
grant awarded. Our budget would not have allowed for the replacement without detrimental consequences. The
timeline for replacing the unit would have spanned over multiple years while potentially hindering our community
presence with our public gatherings and family friendly events due to inefficient cooling and heating.

The old unit was completely replaced with a brand new heating and air conditioning unit, as well as up to code
wiring. This summer alone, the church enjoyed hosting multiple activities open to the public including a car show
and BBQ, bible studies, yoga, bible school, Bikers Across Kansas, and potlucks. St. John’s was also the home of
multiple weddings, funerals, and baptisms. Attendees are from Ellis, Rooks, Trego, Graham Counties and beyond!

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