Community Grants Report

Ellis County Grants | Page 1
Rooks County Grants | Page 9
Trego County Grants | Page 16
Multi-County Grants | Page 23

Community Grants Report
April 2019

Ellis County

Ellis United Methodist Church, Fifth Quarter Games

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $363, Awarded 11/9/2017
Project Summary: Fifth Quarter is a safe, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs free
place for Ellis High School students to have fun. Food and games are part of the
activities. This request is for funds to update and replace game equipment.

Use of Funds: The foundation’s grant funds were used to purchase an ESPN
Official Size Table Tennis Table with Table Cover; three XB360 Wireless Controllers
with one 8 pack AA batteries; one XB360 Forza 4 (2 CD) racing video game and
one bonus racing video game XB360 F1 Race Stars.

Impact & Results: How exciting it was to see four Ellis High School boys rush
through the doorway on January 26 into Fifth Quarter at the Ellis United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas! They
were wanting to be the first to play ping pong on the new ESPN Official Size Table Tennis Table that had been
publicized that week. They were pleased with the table and were proud to be the first! The ping pong table was
busy all evening as the teens took turns playing the game. Thank you, Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund of
the Heartland Community Foundation for the new game equipment. Fifth Quarter, sponsored by the Ellis United
Methodist Church, is a safe, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs free place for Ellis High School students to have fun.
Fifth Quarter is held in the church basement following Friday night high school home ball games. Each event begins
when the game is over and lasts until 11:45 p.m. All EHS students are invited to attend and to enjoy free food, pop
and bottled water. They play cards, board games, ping pong, air hockey and video games. Activities are unstructured
and do not include religious lessons. Door prizes are awarded throughout the evening.

Ellis County

Hays Sunrise Rotary Club, Advance Ekey Community Park

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $7,500, Awarded 11/9/2017
Project Summary: Hays Sunrise Rotary Club is requesting a matching grant to add to our $10,000 donation to
improve Ekey Park with a restroom facility to improve accessibility for families, children, senior citizens, community
groups, and members with disabilities.

Use of Funds: WIth the grant from Heartland Community Foundation of $7,500 and additional funds from Sunrise
Rotary Club fundraisers, a check for $20,000 was presented to the City of Hays to complete this project.

Impact & Results: The story is still in the making but we are very thankful for what is about to happen.

1

Ellis County

Ellis County Ham Operators, Digital Radio System Upgrade

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,578, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: Funds from this grant would be used to purchase
equipment required to complete a digital radio repeater system. This system
is used by licensed amateur radio operators for local communication and
assisting Ellis County Emergency Services as needed.

Use of Funds: Additional contributions to the project included a $500
donation and $287 from ECHO club funds. Total funds used for the project
were $3,365.77. Expenditures: $3,141.66 from Talley; $184.11 from Show Me Cables; $40 from DSMarket

Impact & Results: No specific stories yet, but this system will serve the Ellis County area for many years and will be
able to be upgraded as needed in the future. This is the first operational digital amateur radio system in the county
and will serve any amateur radio operators traveling through the area or for local operators in time of emergency.

So far, the system has met our expectations with reliable two-way communications between Hays and Plainville or
approximately 28 miles. The objective to have radio coverage to all of Ellis county has been met. The ability to use
hand held VHF radios within the city of Hays, Victoria and Ellis to the repeater site has been confirmed and has
exceeded our operational expectations.

Ellis County

City of Victoria, Minitor VI Pagers

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Heartland Area Action Fund, $6,270, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: Replacement pagers for the Volunteer Fire Department.

Use of Funds: The city was able to purchase 17 new Minitor Pagers. This updated the older pagers that were
currently in use. The cost was $6,426.00 of which the city provided the remaining money to complete the project.

Impact & Results: The fire department was able to update their old pagers. The new ones are more efficient and
can be repaired without concern for outdated parts. The new pagers provide a quicker notice to members of the fire
department. They are also used to notify of additional help needed from the county and surrounding communities.

Ellis County

Damar Elementary School, iLearn Through iPads

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,538, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: Damar Elementary School is requesting funds to purchase 12 new iPads to be used in the
classroom.

Use of Funds: The $3,538.00 was used to purchase 12 new iPads.

Impact & Results: We purchased 12 new iPads and distributed them in December. The iPads were distributed for
use by grades 3, 4, and 5. Students were able to continue successfully with programs previously used on our older
iPads. New programs and apps have been accessed and used as well. Our students have started making short
videos to broadcast school news.

66% of our 5th grade students have completed the Lexia program at this time. The others are on track to finish
by the end of the school year. Students were able to take state and local assessments on iPads without technical
interruptions. Student’s completed photography projects, video projects and research projects using the iPads.

2

Ellis County

The Salvation Army, Paper Pantry

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $5,447, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The Salvation Army would like to house a Paper Pantry for the residents of Ellis County. The
pantry would consist of toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, dish soap, feminine products, any many of the other
products that client cannot afford.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase the supplies for the pantry. This includes laundry soap, shampoo,
conditioner, deodorant, tooth brushes, tooth paste, body wash, toilet paper, feminine products, paper towels,
Kleenex, cleaning supplies (bleach, glass cleaner, dish soap, comet, trash bags, disinfecting wipes). It was also used to
purchase the 2 shelves and covers that we use to store and close the pantry.

Impact & Results: I have 2 stories that I would like to share and I feel that both are amazing in their own way!

The first story that I was to share is one of a single woman that came to the office seeking assistance with a utility bill
that she was not able to pay. She was in the office and seen all the products for the Paper Pantry sitting there. So
she asked what it was and how it works. We explained how it works and qualification to her. She qualified! She was
sitting at the desk in tears because she was no longer going to have steal paper towels from work and cut them up
to have toilet paper at home because she could not afford it. She was so taken back by this small token she left in
tears and said that we have “no idea how much this means to her.”

The second story that I want to share is that a of a single mom with two children. This client was in the office
specifically to get some assistance in another area and also qualified for the Paper Pantry so the client went
shopping with her Paper Pantry Currency (She was given 30 PPC to shop with). This client took all of what she
needed off the shelf and when it was totaled up she had 48 PPC that was needed for her order. She broke down in
tears and just cried. Once she was able to talk she said that she just had an “eye opening” moment as she has never
had to budget and just always bought what they “needed.” I think this is a lesson that she will never forget.

Ellis County

USD 489, PREPaRE Crisis Training - Training the Trainers

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $5,269, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: PREPaRE training equips schools to handle psychological trauma, reaffirm physical health and
perceptions of security and safety, evaluate psychological trauma risk, provide interventions, respond to psychological
needs, and examine crisis prevention.

Use of Funds: We are a 501(c)(3) organization and education entity. We have attached the receipts for your reference.

Impact & Results: The Hays Schools Crisis Committee is truly thankful to the Heartland Community
Foundation and its support of all local schools. Because of this grant, two Hays schools staff members are now
able to offer PREPaRE Workshop 1 and Workshop 2 training to people all across the nation. Locally, 77 people have
already received training in Workshop 1. USD 489, TMP-Marian, and Holy Family Elementary will continue to train
staff in the PREPaRE curriculum as funding allows. Hays Schools does anticipate offering the Workshop 2 training to
administrators, counselors, and school psychologists in the future, which will continue to enhance all of our schools’
abilities to be more effective in any type of crisis situation.

We live in a wonderful community that is very supportive of all of its schools. Although Hays is a safe community,
crisis knows no boundaries. We are thankful to the Heartland Community Foundation for their support of the
PREPaRE training of trainers grant and the grant to purchase Workshop 1 training books for our staff and area first
responders. There may never be a high-level crisis situation in Hays, but staff are now better equipped to handle
those types of situations if they ever do arise.

3

Ellis County

Learning Cross Preschool,
Hand in Hand: Learning to Grow Up,
Grow Down, and Grow Together

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $6,350,
Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: Learning Cross is focused on teaching the
importance of community. Together, students and grand-
friends are able to grow together through meaningful activities
designed to teach, entertain, and provide each generation a
purposeful responsibility.

Use of Funds: We purchased the Activepanel and stand, a
classroom set of actiVotes, a laptop to run the software for the
lessons and the shipping for the equipment.

Impact & Results: We had a particular resident that is always
one of the class’ favorite grand-friends because he gives them
dumdum pops whenever he sees them. He was attending
on of our small group lessons and had been to 5 or 6 lessons
before. He was always so shocked that 4- and 5-year-old
children could manipulate such a large device. The class
always tried to get him to try it and he always declined. One
day though, he finally gave in and tried to just draw a simple
picture on the screen with his finger. He was so excited and
had the biggest smile as he began drawing a smiley face. He
drew for about a minute. He has never drawn or used the
panel since, but almost every time we see him, he mentions
something about that “giant screen.”

Ellis County

CASA of the High Plains, Inc, National CASA Conference

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,200, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: This grant will provide funding for the Executive Director of CASA to attend National CASA
Conference in Boston, MA from March 10-13, 2018.

Use of Funds: Funding was used to cover the cost of hotel, meals, National CASA registration, and travel

Impact & Results: Thanks to the foundation, this was the first year our agency was able to attend the National
CASA conference. This experience allowed us to meet National CASA staff, network with agencies all around the
United States, and ensure our agency is offering the most up-to-date best practices. This was an amazing experience,
and the director was able to bring back the information she had learned and implement it in our agency. Children
in our community deserve the best, and this conference helps to ensure that we are providing the best advocacy
services that we can to them.

4

Ellis County

Thomas More Prep-Marian High, Inc., Discover Drones

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,995, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: Students at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and Junior High will experience hands-
on drone technology. The drones will be part of the Technology Applications II curriculum and be utilized in the
Science, Agriculture and Math classrooms.

Use of Funds: The funds have been used to purchase two DJI Mavic Pro Drones. Also purchased were hard
cases, batteries, SD cards, sunshades, and educational materials for the lead drone teacher. Spare parts and costs
associated with credentialing the lead teacher were also included. The FAA has numerous requirements for drone
pilots and for submitting flight plans.

Impact & Results: Thomas More Prep-Marian took the integration of drones seriously when planning for this
technology that the grant allowed us to adopt. We learned a lot from a previous grant that allowed us to purchase
another technological tool - 3D printing. After the 3D printing adoption, we realized that the biggest barrier to
adopting a new technology would be the teacher education piece. For the drones, we established a committee
made up of one post-secondary (FHSU), two industry, and two faculty representatives to ensure proper integration
of the technology. Drones, like the 3D printer or even a laptop, cannot be solely an entertainment device. A TMP-
Marian lesson is engaging because students explore and solve real-life problems, not because of a novelty. The
novelty will wear off, but the excitement found in discovering solutions to real-world issues is eternal! The Discover
Drones integration will allow any student, no matter their career interests, to know how drone technology could be
beneficial in their field.

This committee helped purchase the drones and ancillary equipment, will advise the drone lead teacher on
staff (who is also a licensed airline pilot), and will continue to be a resource as the program matures and new
technologies emerge. We did not conduct a lesson with the drones in 2017-18 but have laid the foundation to
smoothly integrate drones in multiple content areas, the most likely of which are Physics, Agriculture and Marketing
to start. Our drone lead teacher will take the required drone pilot and instructor courses this summer. She will be
able to assist teachers in effectively integrating drones into their curricula. We are excited because we know the
technology will be used in a way that stimulates in-depth and higher order thinking. We are not just going to hand
a teacher a drone and say, “use this.” In the beginning, the teachers will learn as much as the students and that is
when the collaborative problem solving (fun) begins!

The principal will observe the first few lessons with drones and follow up with the drone lead teacher upon
completion of the lessons. So that we can evaluate the effectiveness of our instruction, it will be important to
include students and other teachers in the discussions. After working with all of these stakeholders we will produce
a narrative for publication. It will be important for us to promote the unique attributes the drones bring to our
curriculum and include the Heartland Community Foundation as the granter responsible for making it happen.

Ellis County

Hays Community Theatre, Hays Community Theatre Expansion

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2760, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: August 1, 2018, Hays Community Theatre purchased a building on 121 East 8th St Hays, KS.
Because the building was an old Eagle’s Lodge we had to go in and clean it up and remodeled it. Currently we are
working to install compliant bathrooms.

Use of Funds: Construction of bathrooms

Impact & Results: This was the last project on our theatre renovation and were are able to offer the venue to the
public for rent and allowed HCT to do performances.

5

Ellis County

Hays Symphony Orchestra Guild,
Hays Symphony Orchestra Children’s Halloween Concert

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: The Hays Symphony Orchestra and the Hays
Symphony Orchestra Guild will present a Children’s Halloween Concert
featuring an original musical drama and pre-concert educational
activities.

Use of Funds: Playwright commission/consultant: $900; Director: $1,000;
Choreographer: $500; Costume designer: $500; Stage manager: $200;
Extra musicians: $250; Costume supplies: $353.94; Radio & Facebook
advertising & printed publicity materials: $801; Trick-or-treat bag
supplies: $403.59; Pre-concert activities supplies: $91.47

Impact & Results: On October 28, 2018, the Hays Symphony presented
The Firebird, a specially commissioned children’s Halloween musical
play, written by Catherine Trieschmann, directed by Erin Renard,
conducted by Shah Sadikov, choreographed by Alyssa Dechant,
costumed by Sasha Hildebrand and produced by Cathy Drabkin. The
performance featured 15 actors (2 adults; 13 children), 50 musicians,
original costumes, lighting and choreography, and numerous backstage
volunteers. The concert was attended by over 800 children and their
parents at FHSU. In addition, symphony volunteers collaborated with the FHSU student chapter of the National
Association for Music Educators to present pre-concert activities (an instrument petting zoo, an arts and crafts
station, a story time, a drumming circle, and a costume parade). Over 300 children participated in the pre-concert
activities. Audience response was very positive.

Ellis County

NCK Tech Hays Campus, Mental Health First AID - NCK Tech

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,600, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Mental Health First Aid helps people know that mental illnesses and addictions are real,
common and treatable and that it’s OK to seek help. The purpose of this training is to improve awareness of mental
health issues and services at NCK Tech.

Use of Funds: $2,600 was received.

High Plains Mental Health Center facilitated the MHFA training and their cost including the trainer fees and MHFA
book was $1,500. The Press provided a breakfast buffet, Mexican lunch buffet and a dessert buffet for the 32
participants, 4 trainers and 2 reporters: $1,099.34. All of the grant funds were utilized.

Impact & Results: This training has provided valuable mental health first aid training for the Hays Campus of NCK
Tech. Two weeks after the training, one of our program students started to have a panic attack. The two instructors
were able to identify what was going on with the individual and get him appropriate treatment quickly. It really
scared the student as he was experiencing the event. He appreciated that his two instructors knew what was
happening, displayed understanding and compassion with him.

6

Ellis County

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas,
Opening Doors to Opportunity: Accessible Public Entrance

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,200, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is requesting $3,920 to replace the front door
and sidelight, install an electronic handicap button and install Keyless entry lock system to improve accessibility of
Employment Connections Facility.

Use of Funds: We purchased the new door and found out that it was a non standard opening so we had to have
the door manufactured. We also had to replace the trim so we had the trim made up also and put it on around the
door opening.

Impact & Results: Employment Connections is a major operation within Developmental Services of Northwest
Kansas (DSNWK) which helps to employ persons we serve who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
(I/DD). This is a very key component of serving this population across northwest Kansas in that we can connect
many of the people we serve with employers who can you use their capabilities in a real job capacity. Imagine
what this means to an individual who otherwise might not be able to work or to live a life of independence. The
Employment Connections facility located near the Hays airport on Commerce Parkway, is the focal point to much
of the job training and employment connectivity activities. The building is aging and the front door had become
rusty and decrepit over time and had become difficult to open. Repairs were done and painting was applied to help
preserve the door and the main entrance way into the facility, but the door had worn beyond repair and needed
replacement.

Through the great generosity of the Heartland Community Foundation, we have been able to replace the door and
the trim around it and give the main entrance a new look for the public who enters there and, at the same time,
have repaired the door so that there is improved accessibility for people with disabilities who had difficulty opening
the door on their own. The staff, leadership, board, and persons served are immensely grateful to the Heartland
Community Foundation and the grant committee who provided the funds to make this repair. It might seem
like a small repair for such a large 18 county operation organization like DSNWK, but in times of diminishing funding
for projects such as this actually that aren’t in the normal funding stream through state or federal funds, this is a
great type of support from the community we serve so diligently with our programs for those with I/DD. Thank you!

Ellis County

USD 489, WE CARE: Wilson Elementary Cultivates Awareness, Respect and Empathy

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,419, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: Wilson Elementary’s staff wish to purchase and implement a research-based, highly effective
social-emotional learning curriculum (Second Step) to be implemented K-5.

Use of Funds: Wilson Elementary purchased the Second Step K-5 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum, bundled
with the Bullying Prevention Unit. Implementation begins once materials have been received and initial training has
been conducted.

Impact & Results: The impact of our grant is not measurable at this time, as full implementation will need to occur
over the next year. It will impact all 396 students at Wilson Elementary in a meaningful way, as well as provide
intensive intervention for those students for whom bullying has become an issue. Without the financial support of
the Dane G. Hansen’s Heartland Community Foundation grant, Wilson Elementary’s students would remain
without any consistent social emotional learning curriculum. Having a set curriculum provide consistency and
a quality, research-based program. To measure changes in children’s knowledge about empathy, problem solving,
management of strong emotions, and ways to respond to problematic situations with peers, we will use a pre- and
post-test knowledge assessment tool.

7

Ellis County

Grow Hays, BriefSpace Technology Project

Heartland Area Action Fund & Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$10,000, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: The Ellis County Development Corporation is seeking
funds to upgrade our meeting facilities at BriefSpace with high tech video &
telecommunications resources that will allow facility members as well as the
public to have access to these resources.

Use of Funds: Technology for the BriefSpace Meeting Rooms including large
flat panel TV’s, wireless presentation equipment, video camera

Impact & Results: As a result of receiving the funds received from the Heartland Community Foundation, we
have been able to upgrade our presentation equipment considerably. The result has been the ability to host more
events at BriefSpace including the Youth Entreprenuership Challenge, PitchIt events, the Trispective Speaker series
and many other meetings and events. The ability to use these state of the art presentation devices has made the
presentations more effective for both the presenters and the audience. Thank you so much.

Ellis County

First Call for Help of Ellis County, Inc., The Amazing Race

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $533, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: The Amazing Race is First Call for Help of Ellis County’s
Spring fundraising event. Our goal is to raise awareness and money
for community assistance programs throughout the year, as well as
encourage team, business and community involvement.

Use of Funds: $211 Marketing (presentations/flyers, chamber newsletter
insert); $260 Awards for Participants; $62 Supplies (race bibs and various
items for specific challenges)

Impact & Results: The Amazing Race: First Call Community Challenge is
an event organized to build awareness of the services provided by First
Call for Help and to raise needed funds for services we provide. Raising
awareness about our organization helps our community members
understand and become more knowledgeable about the impact of
poverty on individuals and families and how they can help. Our racers,
volunteers, challenge partners (55 total) get to experience some of the
difficulties faced in poverty and have a greater understanding of the
impact of their help now and in the future. Several of our challenges are
designed as awareness builders. For example, a challenge this year was to assist St Joseph’s food pantry pack and
distribute food boxes. The funding from HCF paid for marketing, awards and supply expenses to host the race and
allowed us to use more of the money raised for services in the coming year. Each year that we have done this race,
we have learned something we could do better and also learned how much people didn’t know about what we do.
This year, our learning was that to reach more people and increase more participation we need to reach out more
to build a team (3-4) whose task is to recruit more teams. This would leave the coordinator more time to work on
challenges and other details. We believe the race is a unique idea and can be more successful each year.

8

Rooks County

Stockton Recreation Commission,
New Equipment at New Fitness Center

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Kansas Health Foundation Fund,
$5,000, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: We have moved into a new fitness center and with more space we are
needing more equipment to accommodate our members. Some days all of our treadmills
are being utilized and members have made request for more items to suit their needs.

Use of Funds: We purchased a treadmill, a rowing machine, a calf raise machine, and a
decline bench press.

Impact & Results: Our community was impacted by this grant by allowing them to have a
bigger variety of equipment at the fitness center. The members are all pleased with us trying to better serve them in
all ways possible. They have increased their knowledge to use the equipment and possibly added some strength in
areas they have never had it before. We have allowed more cardio machines which are our most utilized items and
this makes it easier to get more members in here at a time. They have all been super pleased we have received this
funding. New things and staying up with the latest of fitness trends is always something we strive for as the Stockton
Recreation Commission. Helping our community to become healthier and stay active. More active people leads to
less medical costs and just a better way of life.

Rooks County

Stockton Swim Club, Lane Ropes

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,034, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The purchase of six lane ropes for practices and meets. In
addition, we will need to purchase a lane rope reel and cover to store them to keep
them from breaking.

Use of Funds: Lane ropes and storage reel

Impact & Results: The season is just gearing up with practices starting next week and the first meet June 2nd.
However, I have many family members and community members signed up to volunteer at meets. I have 3
lifeguards helping assistant coach.

Rooks County

Rooks County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Replacement Fund

Dane G. Hansen Community Fund, $3,000, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The Rooks County Sheriff’s Office currently has a 6-year-old multi-purpose K9. Anytime from now
to the next couple years, the K9 could possibly retire due to age and/or health. This request is to pay for the next/new
K9 as well as the training.

Use of Funds: On 11/28/2018, the $3,000 was used as a down payment on a new/fully trained dual purpose K9 from
K9 Unlimited & Torchlight K9 Company out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Owner Scott Tarpley understands we do not need
a K9 at this time, but knows that K9 Koda could be retiring in the near future and that also K9’s could become ill or
injured in the line of duty, forcing early retirement. K9 Koda will be 7 years old this June 2019. The typical life span of
a working K9 is around 8 to 10 years.

Impact & Results: At this time, there is no story. Once the new K9 is purchased, the story and several future stories
will be shared!

9

Rooks County

Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, Critical Temperature Monitoring Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $9,007, Awarded 11/9/2017
Project Summary: Assist Rooks County Health Center (RCH) in purchasing an automated temperature monitoring
system. This system will significantly enhance the safety of RCH patients and employees by insuring the safety and
efficacy of medicines, vaccines and food.
Use of Funds: Purchased from Smart Temps: 7 Ethernet ports to connect monitors to wireless gateway, 14
temperature monitors with calibration protocols, 14 glycol probes to measure product temperature (as opposed to
ambient temp), 5 room temp. and humidity monitors.
Impact & Results: The Smart-Temps monitoring system has been a great addition for RCH. All of the departments
with monitors have received notifications through the system since its installation. For example, the pharmacy
director received a notification at about 3am one night that a refrigerator located in the recovery room/outpatient
area had a high temperature. She was able to call the nursing staff on duty and have them check the refrigerator.
The unit temperature quickly went back into an acceptable range and the medications were not damaged. That
particular unit holds very expensive medications and at the time had an inventory in the $30,000-$40,000 range. This
$9,007 grant from Heartland saved RCH nearly $40,000 in just this one incident. Another example of the monitoring
benefits occurred in the dietary department. One of the freezer units has a built in thermometer but there was a
discrepancy between what it was reading and what the Smart-Temps monitoring was reading. We were able to
move another Smart-Temp monitor to the freezer unit to try to verify that, in fact, the freezer unit thermometer
was 8 degrees off in its readings. Even IT was able to use the Smart-Temp system during a recent environmental
control upgrade by placing a monitor in the server room to make sure it didn’t get to warm and result in equipment
damage. Such use of the system was not anticipated, and shows the versatility of the system.
With the installation of this system, RCH is able to have constant monitoring of units that are located in areas
requiring restricted access. For example, pharmacy has a refrigerator unit in the surgery area. Accessing this unit
requires an employee to change into surgical garb in order to simply read the previous monitor. To do this twice
daily was time consuming and took an employee away from other work. Now, the Smart-Temp monitoring system
provides continuous monitoring without having to spend the time or utilize the supplies needed to access the area.
This is a great savings plus it assures medications needed for surgical cases are properly stored.
In a typical month, the Smart-Temp system records over 100,000 temperatures. It would be impossible for that to
be done manually. Even if you alot only 15 seconds for each temperature reading, that is the equivalent of 5 FTEs.
Applying that same calculation to the minimum required number of readings each day still comes to 8 hours per
month spent doing nothing but temperature readings. The Smart-Temp system has freed up personnel to do more
important, patient focused tasks with that time.

10

Rooks County

Plainville Recreation Commission,
Plainville Recreation Building Front Renovation/Water Fountain

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,000, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The PRC Fitness Center Building is in need of renovating the front
awning to increase safety of the structure and improve curb appeal. An old concrete
planter on the front wall is not usable and unsightly in appearance and needs to be
removed.

Use of Funds: Front Awning and concrete removal: $2,647.80; Water Fountain
purchase and installation: $1,352.20; Total: $4,000.00

Impact & Results: My name is Andrew Casey, and I am the new Plainville Recreation
Director. I was informed that the front renovation was needed to prevent accidents
and provide a better appeal to the building. After that project was completed, it
was a huge success for the visibility of our brand and removal of possible accidents
from occurring. For our water fountain installation, this provided an opportunity for
members to fill their own bottles, saving the recreation commission time and money.

Rooks County

USD 271 Stockton High School Family & Consumer Sciences
Department, Leadership Service in Action Through Quilts

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,774, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: USD 271 will utilize grant funds to purchase a quilting machine
for students to complete quilts Leadership Service in Action through Quilts enabling
our youth to identify needs in their community and create quilts to give tactile,
fabric hugs.

Use of Funds: The funds were used specifically as requested in the grant proposal:
Handi Quilter Machine and frame: $5,500 and other accessories for the machine: $274.90

Impact & Results: This story is yet to come—as we make time this year to create student quilts and learn how to use
the handi quilter machine, students will be able to give quilted “fabric hugs” to persons in our community.

Rooks County

City of Stockton dba Solomon Valley Manor, Outdoor Living Experience

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: An outdoor living space enhancement. Handicap accessible tables with shade, a glider/rocker
swing that allows for wheelchairs, portable shade/umbrella, and a raised garden planter.

Use of Funds: We purchased a raised garden bed, 3 ADA compliant picnic tables, 3 table umbrellas, and 2 large
patio shade umbrellas.

Impact & Results: I have 1 resident that loves being outdoors. He even spends most of the winter months outside.
He use to trim trees for a living. He will be outdoors most of the day caring and attending for our birds, bird feeders,
and flowers. With this project he is able to safely do this as the garden bed is moved to were he can access it with his
wheelchair. This summer we had residents that would tend to our garden’s that were not accessible by wheelchair.
Now we are able to incorporate more individuals into this activity, giving them a sense of pride and ownership in
their various projects.

11

Rooks County

Stockton Swim Club, Swim Program Costs

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $1,708, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: Membership dues owed to the swim league for
21 swimmers, 21 team swimsuits, and assistant coach pay for 7 swim
meets.

Use of Funds: 25 members were waived $80 in dues. I uploaded the
coaches pay which was $570.

Impact & Results: The swim program has been very successful. The
parents and community are very supportive and appreciative this first
season. The swimmers did very well and look forward to next year. I
received many thanks and appreciation for providing this opportunity for the community. Many of the kids in the
beginning couldn’t swim all the way across the pool. By the second meet of the season all the swimmers could. I
had one 8-year-old in particular who almost didn’t enter in the first meet because of this but ended up not only able
to swim the length, but got first and second in her events and was 2nd in the league in her age group in her events.
She got 1st and 2nd in her events at the championship meet as well and received high point for her age group. 18
of 23 swimmers made it to championships (they had to qualify) and many placed in the top 8. The league consists
of 39 teams with over 800 swimmers.

Overall, I saw the kids’ self-confidence increase. They showed up to practice every day eager to practice and learn
more. I received many comments that they can’t wait for next year. It has also been a very positive thing including
the lifeguards as they are able to bring extra knowledge to the lessons provided by the City which in turn helps even
more kids learn to swim.

Rooks County

Damar Community Historical Foundation, Damar Volunteer Fire Dept Equipment

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,860, Awarded 6/12/2018

Project Summary: To purchase equipment for the Damar Volunteer Fire Dept. - primarily a commercial power
washer to clean their equipment and uniforms following use.

Use of Funds: Purchase high pressure washer $3,525; purchased communication radios $265.00, Remitted
remainder of $70.00 to department for miscellaneous supplies, gloves, etc.

Impact & Results: The equipment purchased with this grant is in use and will be in use as needed. The Fire
department has not made any calls since the equipment was purchased.

Rooks County

City of Stockton, City Pool Furniture

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,250, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: The City of Stockton is requesting funding for pool furniture for the city pool which was
constructed last year. The furniture in the request would include benches, tables, lounge chairs and dining chairs.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase new benches and furniture for the new swimming pool.

Impact & Results: The furniture was purchased and has been set in place at the pool. The benches are being used
by pool attendees and we have received a number of compliments on the new furniture. The goal of purchasing the
furniture was to have people using the pool facilities use the tables, chairs and benches. Those objectives are being
met with people using the furniture and commenting on how much it fits in with the new pool.

12

Rooks County

Plainville United Methodist Church,
Plainville United Methodist Church Entry Doors Replacement

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,000, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: The Plainville United Methodist Church is seeking a grant
to aid in the purchase and installation of (3) sets of entry doors. The current
doors are outdated and need to be replaced in order to provide adequate
security and safety.

Use of Funds: The Foundation’s grant funds were used to purchase 1 set of
double doors (cost of $1975.00) and a portion of another set. The remaining
doors and installation were purchased with memorial donations from church
members and families. In addition, members of the Methodist Youth Groups
helped to haul off the original doors once they were removed. With the help
from the Heartland Community grant and the money from memorials, we
were able to purchase and replace all exterior doors in our church. This has
been a positive project for our church and even the updated appearance has
been observed by many. We appreciate the foundation’s assistance with this
worthwhile endeavor.

Impact & Results: This is the article we featured in our church newsletter:
Good News! The new exterior doors have been installed. They provide added security by automatically locking when
leaving the building. Children and adults are able to exit the building without having someone unlock the doors.
It’s anticipated the new doors will help with temperature control and hopefully make a difference in utility costs. In
addition, the new doors enhance the appearance of our church building. Thank you to The Heartland Community
Foundation for providing a grant to our church to help complete the project.

Rooks County

Sacred Heart Parish - Plainville Food Pantry, Plainville Food Pantry

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: Funding to provide healthy meals of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, bread, and
grains to low income families and senior citizens to supplement their income.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used to purchase and provide healthy food choices for individuals with low
incomes. (ex. seniors and young families) As in the original application, local businesses were used to a large extent of
these purchases.

Impact & Results: A young lady needed help providing food for her three young children. Pride had kept her away
from asking for help. Finally she called me in distress. She came to our pantry within the next few days. She was so
pleased with her items and the comfortable atmosphere that she gave each of us a big hug with tears!

Another story was from a vet who was having medical bills overwhelm he and his wife due to heart malfunctions.
He also had pride and came to see me at home and asked what he needed to do to receive food. I told him,”Just
show up!” This he did. The next day, he was at the local coffee bar...a place he had not been to for a substantial time
due to needing various personal hygiene items. Without the grant from your foundation, these stories of success plus
many others would not be possible....especially the complete Thanksgiving dinners with turkey and the trimmings,
and Christmas dinners. Thank you for helping our communities and families!

13

Rooks County

USD 271/Stockton Grade School, Learning Studio

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $6,290, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: Stockton Grade School is redesigning our computer
lab space into a Learning Studio. The Learning Studio will be an open
place where students enrolled in Stockton Grade School can explore,
create and learn individually or in small groups.

Use of Funds: Safco dividing screen $683.00; Ten Jam Tiered Seating
$2,610.00; Global Triangual Tables $528.00; Freight $549.00; Design and
Installation $700.00; Birch Laminate Play Cubes $592.11; Elite Projector
Screen $76; Safco Zenergy Chairs $226.10; Safco Zenergy Chairs $214.74; Lego Classic
Bricks $40.77; Indoor TeePee (recording Tents) $55.98

Impact & Results: The old computer lab at Stockton Grade School has been turned into
a multipurpose learning environment for our students. This space allows for small group
direct instruction, small group collaborative work, student presentations and an area for
students to create and learn individually. We have had students help design a table for
the Learning Studio out of a broken Promethian board. We also had student volunteers
help put the furniture together and arrange the space. Students have used this space
to perform a reader’s theater that they created. They have used this space to collaborate
and work with team members on a Project Based Learning activity focussing on the
amount of plastic that is being thrown away in our school. Students have also used
this space as an environment that they can use to help self-regulate and return to an emotional state conducive to
learning. Now that the studio is fully operational, the students are excited about the space and ready to learn!

Rooks County

Rooks County Free Fair, Rooks County Free Fair Sound System

Rooks Legacy Fund & Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/7/2018

Project Summary: The Rooks County Free Fair is seeking financial assistance from the Heartland Community
Foundation to purchase new sound system equipment. Equipment needed is for a complete overhaul of the sound
system on the grounds.

Use of Funds: The grant money was used to purchase a new sound system and pay for a portion of labor that was
not in-kind. The proposed equipment was purchased at the price of the quote. There was no overrun on the budget
for this project. Equipment purchased: four electro-Voice ZLX-15P 15” wireless loudspeakers, Yamaha MGP16X 16
channel mixing board, Alto Professional Stealth Wireless transmitter, wiring and miscellaneous wiring items. Labor
for the project was $3,100.00. Many people volunteered their time to complete this project.

Impact & Results: Goals/Results: 1.) Install a wireless sound system to be used at the Rooks County Free Fairgrounds.
This goal was successfully completed. 2.) Complete installation and have system operable for 2018 fair in August. This
goal was completed since the new sound system was operable at the beginning of August and ready to be used for
the fair. 3.) Offer quality sound during events once system is in place. This goal was a success! RCFF heard nothing
but positive feedback about the quality of sound from the new speakers. The sound was crisp and clear with no
staining to understand what the announcer was saying. We only heard a couple times the speakers were actually
too loud. The microphone that we already owned worked perfect with the sound system. 4.) Train maintenance
committee on how to properly operate equipment. ean Kester and Adam Bryant trained the maintenance
committee and Alan Dix, president of Rooks Co. Free Fair on how to properly operate the equipment. Mr. Kester was
available during the week if an issue would have arisen. 5.) Provide adequate, safe storage space to properly house
sound system to sustain longevity of unit. The building was renovated to provide safe, adequate storage when the
speakers are not in use. Wilkens donated covers for each of the speakers to covered up when in storage.

14

Rooks County

City of Stockton dba Solomon Valley Manor, Outdoor Living Experience

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: An outdoor living space enhancement. Handicap accessible tables with shade, a glider/rocker
swing that allows for wheelchairs, portable shade/umbrella, and a raised garden planter.

Use of Funds: We purchased a raised garden bed, 3 ADA compliant picnic tables, 3 table umbrellas, and 2 large
patio shade umbrellas.

Impact & Results: I have one resident that loves being outdoors. He even spends most of the winter months outside.
He use to trim trees for a living. He will be outdoors most of the day caring and attending for our birds, bird feeders,
and flowers. With this project he is able to safely do this as the garden bed is moved to were he can access it with his
wheelchair. This summer we had residents that would tend to our garden’s that were not accessible by wheelchair.
Now we are able to incorporate more individuals into this activity, giving them a sense of pride and ownership in
their various projects.

Rooks County

USD #270, Crisis Preparation

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,236, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: USD 270 is requesting funding to purchase 42 crisis
kits for the classrooms, gyms, and administrative offices in our district to
increase our preparedness in the case of an emergency.

Use of Funds: USD 270 purchased 42 backpack crisis kits, which were
on sale, so we had $228.64 left over. I spent every penny to purchase
other items we needed in the kits: vinyl tablecloths, mechanical pencils,
and the vinyl to label the safety vests with “270.”

Impact & Results: The teachers and administrators of USD 270,
Plainville, are extremely grateful for the donation of funds to purchase
crisis kits. They unanimously agreed that they all felt better knowing
they had some supplies ready to go in the case of an emergency. It
was also very beneficial for my teaching class students, who helped
with this project, to see the process of applying for a grant and to do
something worthwhile for their teachers.

Without this funding, we would not have been able to complete this
project all at once. This could have been detrimental to the staff when
either they encountered a real crisis or felt like they weren’t important
enough to get one of the first kits if we had to implement this in phases as school funding may only have allowed (if
we would have been able to afford it at all). Being able to hand out 42 backpacks to every teacher in our district was
very gratifying (as you can tell from the smiles on the faces of my students handing them to teachers in the attached
picture), and my teaching students are looking forward to the responsibility of continuing to take care of their
teachers by checking these bags each year for items that may need to be replaced or updated.

My students are now working on writing up the story of this project to send to the Plainville Times newspaper
so that the community will be aware of the great things for which the Heartland Community Foundation is
responsible. Thank you for supporting our schools and teachers!

15

Rooks County

City of Stockton, Fire Turnout Gear Upgrade

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,531, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: This grant would allow us to replace turnout gear (the clothing worn for
firefighting) that has been worn out due to more use during the past two years of an extended
grass fire season.

Use of Funds: The grant was used to purchase turnout gear (clothing worn for firefighting). The
turnout gear has been ordered but has not arrived yet. I have provided a picture to what it will
look like when the gear arrives. Thank you for your support.

Trego County

Trego County Sheriff’s Office,
Impaired Driving Education and Awareness Program

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $10,000, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: To further the education of impaired driving on teens, to offer
hands awareness of impaired and distracted driving, we are requesting a grant
to purchase a Simulated Impaired Driving Experience Cart (SIDNE) from Fatal
Vision.

Use of Funds: After the grant was awarded to us, the SIDNE cart was purchased.
Upon delivery and training on operating the cart we scheduled and provided a
training course here at the local high school. Students were very receptive to the
program. The program gave the students the most realistic comparison to driving
impaired as we can do.

Impact & Results: The purchase of the SIDNE cart will enhance the training and
understanding of driving impaired, with the ability to demonstrate how a person
reacts to operating vehicle while impaired is huge. Offering real experience, not
just instruction gives participants a real world view of how dangerous driving
impaired is. Only through the generous grant provided by the Heartland Community Foundation was this purchase
possible. We here at the Trego County Sheriff’s Office see everyday the effects of people driving impaired. If we
can get one student to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle, if they find themselves in a bad situation, we have
succeeded. We would like to get through to everyone that finds themselves in a bad situation, but hopefully we get
through to as many as possible. One in three accidents involving impaired drivers involves a high school age driver
or passenger. Through this grant purchase, hopefully we are able to impact young drivers to make the decision not
to drive or even get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. I have attached a letter from the Trego Community High
School principal, Shea Rothchild, expressing his appreciation for this program:

Sheriff Hanks,

I wanted to take a brief moment to thank you for allowing the senior class to participate in the SIDNE
demonstration. It was a great opportunity for our students to better understand the dangers of driving
under the influence and driving distracted. I am looking forward to future classes at Trego Community
High School being able to benefit from this demonstration. Also, we sincerely appreciate the partnership
with the Trego County Sheriff’s office, and the work that you do to maintain a great relationship with our
students and staff alike.

Sincerely,

Shea L. Rothchild, Principal, Trego Community High School, USD 208

16

Trego County

Trego County Fairboard, Fence Restoration Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,472, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The Trego County Fair Board would like to repair and
restore the wood and limestone post fencing that lines the entrance and
parking lot of the fairgrounds in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Use of Funds: Eighty wooden split-rails were purchased to replace all
the old rails and update the look from a rounded edge to a squared off
profile. $1,247.56 was spent on the rails. 80 “C” shaped metal brackets
were purchased to attach the rails to the posts at a cost of $845.84.
We purchased 80 sets of bolts, washers, and locking nuts for $245.46,
which were higher in cost than had been budgeted. Metker Restorations
served in a supervisor role for the work as health limitations did not allow
him to assist. Two workers were hired to do the heavy work for $290.00 each and a tractor was rented for $250.00 to
assist with installing the new posts. A few of the stone posts were so deteriorated that they needed to be completely
replaced at a cost of $400 for ten new limestone posts. Although we went a little over budget for the project, we
were able to come up with the subsequent funds and get everything accomplished as planned. The volunteer labor
was a great savings on the project.

Impact & Results: If you visit the Trego County Fairgrounds in the town of WaKeeney, Kansas in the near future you
may notice that the wood rail and limestone fence near the 13th Street entrance has had a much needed facelift
recently, thanks to a grant from the Heartland Community Foundation under the Dane G. Hansen Community
Grant Fund. The Fair Board collaborated on the restoration with the Trego County Historical Society, conservator of
the historic Pleasant Valley School House just south of the fairgrounds entrance where the fence continues.

The fence previously had deteriorating wood rails falling from the crumbling limestone posts, so the Fair Board
decided to undergo the improvement project with plans to have the entrance completed in time for the 108th
annual Free Fair in July. The project has not only made the entrance area more attractive but has promoted safety
for visitors who might be tempted to cross over the fence to get to high school activities across the street.

Volunteers from the Trego County Historical Society and the Trego County Fair Board came together in spring and
early summer to repair the fence. They dismantled the old rails and installed cedar rails with new brackets on all of
the limestone posts. For the posts that were too damaged to be restored, new posts were purchased and installed.
Almost 80 hours were donated by the volunteers of the historical society and fair board to complete the project
saving us a little over $1300 on the project to restore the fence.

The first farmers and ranchers settling the Kansas prairies more than 150 years ago built similar fences from
limestone and wood on many of their homesteads. While the fairgrounds fence is only 25 years old, it perfectly
complements the historic 100-year-old exhibit building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a
source of pride for our community to have this western-style fence preserved and handed down to posterity as a
reminder of our pioneer heritage.

The fence recently created an inviting presence during the annual Trego County Free Fair which has been held every
summer for the last 108 years. The site is also used for craft fairs, car racing events, horse shows, charitable fundraisers,
school reunions, private parties, estate auctions, youth group events, agricultural events, and school activities, so the
restored fence will be seen by a great number of visitors throughout the year.

The historic look of the fence also fits in with the atmosphere of the Trego County Historical Society museum which
includes the one-room Pleasant-Valley School House next door. Both museum buildings are open for tours year-
round. The Fair Board is pleased and proud to have completed the restoration of an important, but easily overlooked
example of our western heritage: the limestone and wood fence at the fairgrounds-a Trego County landmark.

17

Trego County

Prairie Faith Shared Ministry,
Community Wellness Education 2018

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund,
$1,170, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The Prairie Faith Health Ministry
provides a variety of services at no cost to the
community, one of which is providing whole-person
health/wellness community education. This request is for events from December 2017
through April 2018.

Use of Funds: Honorariums; Pianist for Longest Night Service; Healthy Snacks; Copies; Meal
for two speakers to plan the “Strategies for Pain Management” event; Parish Nurse hours to
plan event

Impact & Results: The following are comments from participants:

1. I attended the longest night service as well as played the piano for this event. It was a very
inspiring fulfilling church service. It meets the needs of many people as prayers and hymns
of different types are offered at the service. It also provides for those attending to participate
in the service or to attend in a solitude and prayerful manner. The longest night service is held at a most appropriate
time of the year as there tends to be so much chaos and busyness of the Christmas season in a commercial sense,
that is allows for people to remember and celebrate in a meaningful, joyful, and Christian manner. It is a beautiful
candlelit service with healthy nutritional snacks for fellowship afterwards. Those attending have expressed heartfelt
gratitude for the opportunity to attend such a meaningful service. Thank you. - Bev Armbruster

2. Health is a multifaceted concept which the Parish Nurse Ministry fully embraces in a holistic approach in service
teaching. This again was evidenced in the Longest Night event held in December. Not everyone has a “happy
holiday” season for many reasons; some reasons are life changing, others emerge from a specific life stage or event.
This event is for everyone in the manner that each participant has the opportunity to personalize and accept their
situation while gathered with others with similar emotions and/or thoughts, even if the life event varies. This alone is
healing. But combined with ceremony, healing intent, and purpose, the healing outcome is compounded. I know
this has been the result for me. Additionally, all programs and events sponsored by this Ministry has the intent of
healing, of helping individuals to improve lives. It is an honor to participate with such programs and I encourage
continued financial sponsorship. - Laurita Burbach

3. Thanks to attending the pain management session, I learned some useful info. I found an alternative to surgery for
carpal tunnel syndrome and a provider for that. I would not have tried this alternative if this educational event hadn’t
happened. - Anonymous

4. I have a higher than normal risk for breast cancer due to family history, and I learned about an advanced
mammography technique that is available at HaysMed, but not at my local hospital. I scheduled myself for that test
the next week and will continue to use this in the future. Thank you for this new information! - Anonymous

5. Pain from an injury/prior surgeries is an ongoing issue for me. I have been down the road of prescription narcotic
painkillers, and they were not even helpful, but that is all I was offered at my local clinic. I scheduled appointments
with two of these speakers, and they have provided me an effective plan of treatment when my pain gets to be too
much. I wish more people would try these types of treatments, rather than asking for pain pills. - Anonymous

6. Intern Hayden’s presentation gave me so much to think about! God gave us our bodies, and it is important for
us to take care of them during our lifespan. He gave us our brains, and it’s important to maintain good emotional
health, not only for ourselves, but for our friends, family, neighbors and even strangers. If we take good care of
ourselves, we are able to help others (do God’s work) and we honor God in that way.

18

Trego County

Prairie Faith Shared Ministry, Community Wellness Education 2018

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $1,170, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: The Prairie Faith Health Ministry provides a variety of services at no cost to the community, one of
which is providing whole-person health/wellness community education. This request is for events from December
2017 through April 2018.

Use of Funds: Honorariums; Pianist for Longest Night Service; Healthy Snacks; Copies; Meal for two speakers to plan
the “Strategies for Pain Management” event; Parish Nurse hours to plan event

Impact & Results: The following are comments from participants:

1. I attended the longest night service as well as played the piano for this event. It was a very inspiring fulfilling
church service. It meets the needs of many people as prayers and hymns of different types are offered at the service.
It also provides for those attending to participate in the service or to attend in a solitude and prayerful manner.
The longest night service is held at a most appropriate time of the year as there tends to be so much chaos and
busyness of the Christmas season in a commercial sense, that is allows for people to remember and celebrate in
a meaningful, joyful, and Christian manner. It is a beautiful candlelit service with healthy nutritional snacks for
fellowship afterwards. Those attending have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to attend such a
meaningful service. Thank you. - Bev Armbruster

2. Health is a multifaceted concept which the Parish Nurse Ministry fully embraces in a holistic approach in service
teaching. This again was evidenced in the Longest Night event held in December. Not everyone has a “happy
holiday” season for many reasons; some reasons are life changing, others emerge from a specific life stage or event.
This event is for everyone in the manner that each participant has the opportunity to personalize and accept their
situation while gathered with others with similar emotions and/or thoughts, even if the life event varies. This alone is
healing. But combined with ceremony, healing intent, and purpose, the healing outcome is compounded. I know
this has been the result for me. Additionally, all programs and events sponsored by this Ministry has the intent of
healing, of helping individuals to improve lives. It is an honor to participate with such programs and I encourage
continued financial sponsorship. - Laurita Burbach

3. Thanks to attending the pain management session, I learned some useful info. I found an alternative to surgery for
carpal tunnel syndrome and a provider for that. I would not have tried this alternative if this educational event hadn’t
happened. - Anonymous

4. I have a higher than normal risk for breast cancer due to family history, and I learned about an advanced
mammography technique that is available at HaysMed, but not at my local hospital. I scheduled myself for that test
the next week and will continue to use this in the future. Thank you for this new information! - Anonymous

5. Pain from an injury/prior surgeries is an ongoing issue for me. I have been down the road of prescription narcotic
painkillers, and they were not even helpful, but that is all I was offered at my local clinic. I scheduled appointments
with two of these speakers, and they have provided me an effective plan of treatment when my pain gets to be too
much. I wish more people would try these types of treatments, rather than asking for pain pills. - Anonymous

6. Intern Hayden’s presentation gave me so much to think about! God gave us our bodies, and it is important for
us to take care of them during our lifespan. He gave us our brains, and it’s important to maintain good emotional
health, not only for ourselves, but for our friends, family, neighbors and even strangers. If we take good care of
ourselves, we are able to help others (do God’s work) and we honor God in that way.

19

Trego County

Zion Lutheran Church - Trego Food Pantry, Trego County Food Pantry

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 11/9/2017

Project Summary: On August 10, 2017, Trego County was hit by a devastating hailstorm that caused serious
damage to nearly all homes and vehicles in WaKeeney. Our low income population is trying to cope with the
damage and is in need of supplemental food aid from us.

Use of Funds: The Trego Food Pantry is part of the Trego County Ministerial Alliance. We purchase food from the
Kansas Food Bank out of Wichita, a warehouse that supplies discounted groceries for the entire state, excluding the
Kansas City area. Our purchases there run between $300 and $500 per month.($2500 for 5 month period) We also
purchase food from our local grocer, a Heartland Foods affiliate, (avg. $400 mo. or $2000 for the 5 month period).
Also, a $500 purchase was made from Heartland Foods toward Easter hams.

Impact & Results: One our client families is a household of five, a hardworking family who has been hit hard by
serious health issues as well as the hailstorm last year. The grandmother suffers from kidney failure and is on dialysis.
This means a 30 mile drive three days a week to the dialysis center in Hays. The grandfather is a long haul trucker
who has been frequently off work due to injuries, and the mother who is their primary caretaker, was recently
diagnosed with terminal cancer. She is receiving chemotherapy which drains her energy and makes cooking difficult
or impossible. Her son who recently graduated high school, occasionally works for us at the food pantry, and we help
his family by giving them food that requires little or no preparation, so the family can get needed nutrition without a
lot of effort. When the grandfather is working, he supplies us with discounted food from the retailers he works for. He
wants to pay forward the help he receives.

Another family we have gotten to know well is one with a single mom and an adult daughter with intellectual
disabilities. They help at the food pantry every month, doing whatever tasks need to be done. The daughter is a
delight, a friendly young lady who doesn’t know a stranger. She helps care for the children of clients who come in to
get food. Her mother says that the food pantry is a way for her daughter to make a difference and keep active in the
community.

Trego County

USD 208, USD 208 Security

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $39,857, Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: The goal of this grant is to provide funding to provide our district with a cutting edge IP
Electronic Access Control system to meet the security needs for facilities and grounds.

Use of Funds: The grant fund was used to purchase the equipment and installation of the electronic access control
system. This was a turn-key proposal that allowed for all of the necessary equipment and expense.

Impact & Results: USD 208 has benefited from the generosity of the Heartland Foundation in many ways over the
years. Our playground equipment was made possible through our PTO application. This has been a huge benefit
to the community and encourages safe and healthy exercise for our little ones. We have also benefited with the
purchase of school materials and exercise equipment for students of all ages. Safety of our students and staff was
improved with the purchase of the three AED machines that were purchased for both buildings. We were very
fortunate to have one at the grade school as it became the critical instrument that was used to save the life of a 6
year old. Most recently, USD 208 was awarded a huge grant that was used for an access control system for our grade
school and high school. Living close to I-70, we are always concerned about the traffic that can attempt to enter our
buildings. This system identifies visitors and allows them to communicate their intentions before they are allowed to
enter. On behalf of our faculty, staff, students, parents and local patrons, thank you for assistance in making USD
208 a safe and secure learning environment.

20

Trego County

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, Electric Exam Table

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,315, Awarded 6/6/2018
Project Summary: Requesting 3 electric exam tables for our medical clinic. These exam tables are designed to go
lower than standard stationary exam tables for ease of patient access and safety.

Use of Funds: The funds were used specifically to help purchase a new electric exam table, the total cost ended up
being $6,371.74. TCLMH covered the difference and the purchase of the table would not have been possible without
the funds from the foundation.

Impact & Results: Although not a specific story sticks out, the convenience that the exam table provides for our
facility is of the highest importance. The table is used on a daily basis through routine visits and the increase in
patients we continue to see with our walk-in clinic.

Trego County

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, Trego County Health Fair

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 6/6/2018
Project Summary: We are requesting the grant to help with the cost associated in running a community wide
health fair. All the resources are free and we have several people in the community donate their time in order to
make this event happen.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to cover the cost of the flu shots, lab draws, promotional giveaways, team t-shirts,
and advertising cost.

Impact & Results: We were encouraged with a success story from a local community member. The gentleman,
a farmer who never goes to the doctor came in and had his lab draws done. On the results that he received, his
glucose was elevated. He then followed up with an appointment with his provider where additional lab work was
completed. Upon the follow up appointment his A1C was high and he was diagnosed with diabetes. This is exactly
the type of story we continue to come across as showing our health fair to be very successful, as we continue to see
community members who normally do not have lab draws done.

Trego County

Christ the King Catholic Church,
Purchasing an AED for Our New Parish Center and Training To Use It

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $1,622, Awarded 6/6/2018
Project Summary: To have a defibrillator with cabinet in parish center to help anyone experiencing heart attack or
health issues that would cause unresponsiveness during church and community events--and training to do what is
necessary until Ambulance comes.

Use of Funds: We are a 501(c)(3) organization. We asked for AED defibrillator and for training. The defibrillator has
been mounted, but I am not sure the training has been done.

Impact & Results: The defibrillator has been purchased and mounted in our Parish Center, ready for use.

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Trego County

City of WaKeeney, Downtown Windmill

Trego County Legacy Fund, $3,800, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: The City of WaKeeney is requesting $3,800 to replace a feature
(steel windmill) in our downtown streetscape that was destroyed in the August 2017
hail storm.

Use of Funds: We purchased a 21’ tower with an 8’ Aeromotor head that has now
been installed in our downtown streepscape. The installation occurred in February
2019. All of the grant funds were spent on the windmill and it’s installation.

Impact & Results: The old antique wooden windmill that was there was severely
damaged in the August 2017 hail storm. The new windmill is a more traditional
version of what is used to supply water on many western Kansas livestock pastures,
so it blends well with our region and one of our primary economic engines. We look
forward to it being a visual fixture of our downtown for many years.

Trego County

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, 3D Printer

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,906, Awarded 12/5/2018

Project Summary: Approval of the grant will help Trego County Hospital
purchase a 3D Makerbot Printer with a 3 year warranty, 2 Extruders, and
Filaments.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase a 3D printer, 15 rolls of
filament, 2 additional extruders, 3 year printer warranty, and web training.
Total Price - $4,918.10

Impact & Results: The first thing that was brought up when our 3D
printer arrived was to print new Acute Room Door signs, the attached
pictures are of those signs. Each sign takes about 4 1/2 hours to print,
so we have been trying to print one every day. We have gotten many
complements on these signs from both the staff and the public. If our
door signs assist the visitor’s by providing a uniform style that makes it
easier to get to and find where ever the visitor needs to go – then we
have the potential to reach, serve, and help everyone who enter our
facility. We have also experimented with printing some badge holders
for our employee’s badges. The project wouldn’t have happened without the funding. We are very thankful and
fortunate that the Heartland Foundation selected TCLMH as one of the recipients of the grant. What makes the 3D
printer such a useful tool is the ability to create, design, and print a custom solution to fit the needs of whatever the
situation at hand calls for. I believe we will accomplish a great deal with this equipment, and have only really began
to scratch the surface of what we can do with this. The sky is the limit with what we will be able to create with this
device, and hope to bring great things to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital and the community it serves in
the months and years to come.

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Hays Arts Council, Inc., Theater for Children and Families

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund (Rooks & Ellis), $3,500,
Awarded 6/6/2018

Project Summary: This request supports professional youth theatre
production of “Your Alien” & a residency by the author of the book, Ellis
County native Tammi Sauer. Expenses include production company,
facility rental, author residency fee, marketing, & printing.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase a 3D printer, 15 rolls
of filament, 2 additional extruders, 3 year printer warranty, and web
training. Total Price - $4,918.10

Impact & Results: The project turned out perfect - as planned, BUT with
the additional impact of a Q&A discussion session with high school
actors after the matinee performance. . . great added program benefit!

February 26-28, award-winning children’s book author Tammi Kippes
Sauer visited elementary schools in Hays, Ellis & Victoria. Tammi is the
author of the children’s book “Your Alien” - upon which the production
of “Your Alien” was based. Now living in Oklahoma, she is an Ellis County
native and really connected with the students. During her visits, she
shared some of her other books, bringing them to life for students in
the most exciting and inspiring way. She shared her passion for reading
and writing, encouraging students to recognize the importance of it in
their lives. She talked about a career as an author, answered personal
and professional questions from the students, and inspired a new-found
love of reading. Most of the students were already with some of Tammi’s
books, but her contagious enthusiasm definitely inspired them to read
more!

The HAC presented the ArtsPower Theatre Co. production of “Your
Alien” on Friday, March 1 for an audience of over 800 1st & 2nd grade
students from Hays, Ellis, Victoria, Plainville, and Russell. Study guides
were distributed in advance to all schools & teachers to use as tools to
augment the experience through various learning aspects.

That evening (7pm) the same production had a public performance
attended by approx. 350 children & family members from the area. The
public performance was followed by a “meet & greet” with the company
in the lobby, providing an opportunity for photographs, conversation,
and autographs for young audience members.

This was an amazing project that impacted well over 2,400 young
people and their families. The Hays Arts Council is so very grateful for the
generous support of the Heartland Community Foundation. Without
support like this, these types of projects would not be possible.
And, we sincerely thank you!

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Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, CPR Certification Training Improvements

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund (Rooks & Ellis), $6,068, Awarded 11/10/2017
Project Summary: Requesting support to purchase mannequins and AED’s for our CPR certification training
program. With more than 230 staff in the counties of Ellis and Rooks we certify many community members in CPR,
however our equipment is dated and broken.
Use of Funds: Adult CPR Training Mannequins w/ CPR Monitor (Hays & Stockton); infant CPR Training Mannequins
(Stockton); two AEDs (Hays)
Impact & Results: We’ve completed our goal of having CPR mannequins that meet the new certification
requirements by January 2019. We were needing the mannequins for our training locations in Hays, Stockton,
Russell, Hill City, and Atwood. Through Heartland Community Foundation, Graham County Community Foundation,
and the Second Century Fund of Atwood, we’ve nearly accomplished this goal. DSNWK purchased the sets for
Russell, and an extra set for Hill City. We are still working to meet our goal of having AEDs at all our developmental
centers by 2020. So far Hays and Hill City have AEDs.
There has been positive feedback from long term staff and new staff. They love the new mannequins because they
are able to see right away what they need to adjust (the old ones barley worked or were non-existent). The new
mannequins are also a lot more like a real person versus a foam pad. The nurses just light up when we talk about
continuing to add AEDs in all of our service areas. I [DSNWK Staff Trainer] have yet to teach a class where someone
doesn’t express some type of thankfulness for these new updated training materials. I have had a few staff state that
it is nice we are finally “getting with the times” because our equipment was so outdated. I have also had a lot more
staff want to stay after class to practice than we ever did before and I feel it is because with the new materials and
training they feel more comfortable and are finally able to practice on something that would be similar to a real life
person. Since all our new mannequins have been ordered, we’ve had about 8 CPR trainings.

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