Community Grants Report

(785) 823-1800 · www.gscf.org

P.O. Box 2876 · 119 W. Iron Ave, 8th Floor
Salina, Kansas 67402-2876

Community Grants Report
November 2019

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, Little Experiences

YW Legacy Fund, $2,500, Awarded 4/6/2018

Project Summary: Big Brothers Big Sisters matches kids with mentors. Our
goal is for the kids to have a good example and to learn new things. We
are requesting funding to host quarterly activities and general expenses
involved directly in the programming.

Use of Funds: Here is a list of the quarterly events our agency was able to
offer our matches as well as our waitlist Littles due to the funding from the
YW Legacy grant: January 2018: Craft Party at the Salina Art Center; August
2018: Bounce Bash at Central High School; October 2018: Pumpkin Patch
event at Sunnyside; December 2018: Holiday Party at The City Teen Center

Impact & Results: The consistent quarterly events made possible by
the YW Legacy grant has made it possible for our agency to offer varies
activities and experiences around our community. We hope to continue
this program for many years as it helps further the relationship between
our Bigs and Littles and provides activities that our Little’s would
otherwise not be privy to.

One of our matches were matched a week before our second quarterly
event under the Little Experiences program. They attended the “Bounce Bash” quarterly event in July 2018. The Little
was very shy and did not interact a whole lot at the event. The Little and Big participated in all the activities that day,
but the Little was still very reserved.

In October 2018, our Little Experiences quarterly event was held at Sunnyside Pumpkin Patch. Since the match had
been established a little while the Little and Big knew more about each other and had some visits together where
they were starting to form the friend relationship. This made the Little much more comfortable and confident then
at their first quarterly event attended. At the Sunnyside Pumpkin Patch, they participated in all the activities, picked
out a pumpkin and went through the corn maze. The corn maze helped them work on teamwork, bonding and
communication. The Little had never visited a real pumpkin patch or had she ever heard of a corn maze. She had a
lot of fun this day and her Big loved to see her interact with other Little’s in the program as well.

On their way home, they talked about the importance of wearing a seat belt and being an attentive driver since they
had a little longer drive going back home to Salina from the Assaria area. The Little could not wait to go home and
tell her grandma (her guardian) about the experiences of the day. By the time the Holiday Party came around in
December, this match was really starting to form the trust and friendship that comes from Big Brothers Big Sisters

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mentoring program. The Little was over her shyness and very comfortable talking with her Big. They played games,
frosted sugar cookies and enjoyed their time together. The holiday party took place at The City. Again, this was a
place the Little would not have had the chance to visit without attending the Little Experiences event. The Big really
appreciated our agency offering quarterly events as she believes it helped further their relationship and create an
environment where they can do activities with other matches. The Little in this story LOVED interacting with the
other Littles in our program as well during these quarterly events.

The Salvation Army, Archery Program for Youth 9-17

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund - Science, Technology & Invention & Kansas Health Foundation Fund,
$1,800, Awarded 9/11/2018
Project Summary: NASP Archery is for children age 9-17. The program teaches math skills along with character and
team building. It increases youths confidence as they learn new skill and abilities. The goal is to enhance lives and
equip leaders as we build community.
Use of Funds: Purchase of archery equipment. $900 Purchase of 2nd Archery curtain. $300 Permanent set up of
archery curtain. $100 Purchase of Signage and training materials for Archery field indoors. $200
Impact & Results: This project will impact our youth for many years to come. They are just beginning to learn the
skills of Archery. Self confidence has been raised even in the first class. We work toward better math skills and team
work. It took us awhile to find instructors to train, but now we have 5 and the children are excited to learn.
Kai is our special needs child and he feels like he is learning with “all the other kids”. It’s nice to bring diverse
community together in a team setting.
Without the extra funding from GSCF we would not have been able to take advantage of this great opportunity
to share Archery in Salina. One real advantage is having the field indoors so we can practice Archery all year
around. As we progress we would like to offer an adult class in the new year as well. Thank you for making Archery
available to all children by providing this grant.

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Salina Regional Health Foundation, All In - Let’s Play

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $4,820, Awarded 9/11/2018

Project Summary: The Salina Regional Health Foundation has
committed to building a $1.2 million inclusive playground for
children. By design, the playground will promote and support active
participation of children, with diverse abilities, needs, and interests.

Use of Funds: The GSCF grant funds were used to puchase a
GameTime Merry-Go-All for Olivia’s Playground in Center Street Park.

Impact & Results: The opening celebration for Center Street Park
featuring Olivia’s Playground was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June
7th. The celebration was well attended and the park has received
heavy use, since opening. It is a benefit to the community to have an accessible multi-generational park/playground
located in central Salina, so that people of all ages and abilities can play and exercise together.

USD 306 Southeast of Saline, The Walking Classroom

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $3,325, Awarded 9/11/2018

Project Summary: Funds will be used to purchase a Walking
Classroom kit that combines learning & character development with
health and wellness initiatives through listening to podcasts while
walking and engaging with peers. A Teacher’s Guide also will be
purchased.

Use of Funds: Twenty four Walking Classroom Walk Kits were
purchased for student use. Each walk kit contains over 160 podcasts.
We also purchased The Walking Classroom teacher manual. The
manual includes an overview of each podcast and comprehension
quizzes.

Impact & Results: The Walking Classroom was primarily used with non-band 5th grade students in the 2018-
2019 school year. With this curriculum, students walked 2-3 times a week, both indoors and outdoors, listening
to podcasts that relate to standards-based content. Overall, we noticed an increase in student exercise and a
positive attitude and excitement towards exercise. Another area of growth was in listening comprehension. Each
week, students took a quiz based on one of the podcasts they listened to. For some of these students, listening
comprehension was an area of growth.

During the school year, students learned to fine tune their listening skills and learned to listen for and pull out
main ideas from their listening experiences. Our 5th grade teaching team has been very satisfied with The Walking
Classroom because it gives students an opportunity to retain 5th grade content through another mode of learning.
We are excited to find new ways to incorporate this curriculum with our classes in the upcoming school year.

Without the funding of this project, The Walking Classroom would not have become a reality for our students.
With the use of the generous funds, 5th graders at Southeast of Saline Elementary School were able to walk,
listen, and learn using The Walking Classroom! Thank you!

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Sacred Heart Jr. Sr. High School, Programming and Engineering Robots for Physics

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund - Science, Technology & Invention, $4,000, Awarded 9/11/2018

Project Summary: We are requesting funds to enhance our physics and chemistry curriculum using the EV3 Lego
Mindstorms Robot platform. We will incorporate a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) unit
in Physics.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were specifically used to purchase the following material-7- Mindstorm EV3 Core
Sets, 7 - Lego Mindstorm EV Education Expansion Set, 7 - EV3 Science Packs, 1 - Simple and Powered Machine set,
and program books.

Impact & Results: The physics class was fully immersed in one-to-one robot building and programming
goodness! Their ability to puzzle out and become proficient with unfamiliar technology was a challenge all of
them appreciated. Each student carefully stewarded their robot. They sorted, organized, labelled their parts, and
customized their robot with a unique username. They utilized the proprietary online programming application
and learned new object oriented programming. Students moaned and groaned with complex logistical problems
and programming bugs. The whole class celebrated whenever one student mastered a particular programming
challenge, like making the robot successfully navigate a dangerous cliff, or giggled when one student customized
his robot to emulate an EKG flatlining, and flashing a sick face on the screen after making a rather disappointing
first run around an irregularly shaped track. Everyone in the class was grateful for the project. Some students
less motivated by abstract problems loved working with the technology. Others came to the conclusion that
programming and engineering robots would definitely not be on their list of preferred career goals. In terms of
impact, this grant assisted in graduating another class with an additional level of technical insight and expertise
that will serve them well. The robots were used for the physics, science and junior high math classes while teaching
STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) lessons.

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Saline County Back to School Fair, 2018 Saline County Back to School Fair

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $5,000, Awarded 9/11/2018

Project Summary: We request to assist in the planning/implementing of the 2019 Saline County Back To School
Fair. Funds are needed to supply free backpacks/supplies to area students that qualify via free/reduced lunch
program criteria.

Use of Funds: We were able to provide nearly 1350 backpacks at our event in early August.

Impact & Results: We know that over 1,300 students in Saline County, that maybe otherwise would not have,
attended the first day of school with a new backpack, fresh supply of grade specific school supplies, and hopefully
a smile on their face! We also know that 113 students also took advantage of the opportunity to have a free dental
screening. A handful of those students had “emergency dental needs” identified and were provided help.
All of this goodwill also provides a wonderful backdrop for many of our non-profit, social service, and youth
service programs from within our community to be able to participate in our fair with booths to display their
wares/message. Their participation gets them in front of a very “captive” audience in a fun and non-threatening
environment.It is evident that the GSCF grant allowed us to reach our goal in regards to the number of backpacks
distributed. Even though this was the 18th annual Back To School Fair and Backpack distribution, we continually
find the need for this type of support of school children in our community continues to grow. And as other
organizations and/or groups attempt to have “school supply” events, we are proud of our long-running success
and also the wonderful relationship we have with the three public school districts in our county. USD 305 has, in
particular, been nothing short of amazing with their support of facility assistance and collaboration.

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, Hygiene Supplies
for Health and Wellness

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $2,500, Awarded 9/11/2018

Project Summary: Assemble hygiene/cleaning kits for distribution to
agency clients to help improve the health and wellness of these low
income individuals who lack resources. By improving their cleanliness and
hygiene these individuals also become more employable.

Use of Funds: The purchase of hygiene and cleaning supplies for hygiene
kits which are available to eligible clients on a bi-monthly basis.

Impact & Results: The funds provided through the GSCF grant helped this agency to purchase the supplies needed
for the hygiene which include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, facial tissue, razors, shaving cream,
lotion, dish soap and a multi-purpose cleaner. Additional items available upon request include laundry detergent
and feminine hygiene products. The kit is available to eligible clients on a bi-monthly basis as long as they continue
demonstrate a need as well as continue to meet the income guidelines. During the course of the grant year, CCNKS
dispensed 569 hygiene kits to 325 households to clients seeking this assistance in person at the Salina office. These
325 households consist of 717 individuals, of which 36% were children under the age of 18. CCNKS utilizes the
130% limit set forth in the Federal Poverty Guidelines established for the year in which the clients seeks assistance.
The GSCF award helped this agency to purchase the items needed for 167 hygiene kits, accounting for just over 30%
of the total kits provided.

As a result of the program, children and families had access to hygiene and cleaning products that allow for
and help to maintain a healthy environment. Hygiene is often overlooked as a need, yet it directly impacts self-
confidence and self-worth. It is difficult to gain employment or to have a positive school experience when one’s
hygiene is not well kept. The GSCF grant enabled CCNKS to directly impact the health and well-being of families.

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Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas,
Disability Assistance Fund Supplement

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000,
Awarded 11/13/2018

Project Summary: Catholic Charities Disability Fund aids disabled clients
with uncovered disability-related expenses. A committee reviews and
approves applications presented by the agency’s social worker assigned to
manage this program.

Use of Funds: Funds were used to assist individuals with direct financial
assistance for uncovered expenses associated with or as a result of
documented disabilities.

Impact & Results: The CCNKS Disability Assistance Fund program has
steadily seen an increase in the number of applications processed each
month. Due to this increase, the funding for the program was almost
depleted by October of 2018. However, the lack of funding did not impact
the number of applicants with disabilities needing financial assistance.
Unfortunately, the only option was to temporarily suspend approval of any new applications until the fund
replenishment slated for February of 2019.

The grant received through GSCF ensured a continuation of this much needed assistance from November 2018
through January 2019. During this 3-month period, the grant funds allowed CCNKS to approve 11 applications for
assistance ranging from $200-$500. The funds aided applicants with medical bills, durable medical equipment,
medications, housing and utility needs and so much more.

The gentleman in the attached photo had cataracts which had gotten so bad over time, he was almost legally blind.
Although he had Medicare to assist with necessary cataract removal procedure, the insurance required his portion
to be paid in advance of the surgery. Mr. Hendricks was sure he would just have to accept going blind at only 58
years of age. However, he was referred to CCNKS and was approved for the $300 he desperately needed to pay his
co-payment for the cataract procedure. This client would not have received this life-changing assistance without
GSCF. His first time in afterward he simply said, “Look! I can see”!

USD 306 Southeast of Saline, STEM - Electric Car

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $1,000, Awarded 11/13/2018

Project Summary: Southeast of Saline High School (SESHS) Electric Car Race Team is seeking funding to assist in
the start-up expenses of an ElectroRally team. This team will support STEM education implementation at SES.

Use of Funds: Parts - mirror Mircyclen, Paint, Stencils, Battery Terminals, Isolator Switch, Goodyear HD tube, Bike Tek,
Mypod cushion, Performance Bicycle tires, Tubes, O’Reilly Auto Parts - Fuse. Total $650.75. The rest goes toward a
trailer.

Impact & Results: We have a group of students that do not always connect with sports, but are very interested in
mechanics. Some of these students take vocational-technical training at Salina Tech when they are Juniors and
Seniors. It was very exciting to see students that normally would struggle academically, work very hard to be eligible
so they could attend the racing events this spring. The excitement from the first driver to ever get to drive our new
electric car was contagious as he talked about how wonderful it was to drive the car and how he used a strategy

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during the first racing event, students did research to help
them understand how to maximize energy in a race. We cannot
express our gratitude for what you have done for us here at
Southeast of Saline.

This grant allowed our students to have the funds to add the
appropriate parts needed and fix the car so that it was capable
of competing in this racing season. Thank you GSCF for your
help in making this possible.

We were able to renovate the electric car, and we were able
to get sponsors names on the electric car. We had about 22
students that helped with various aspects of the electric car.
while others worked passionately on the electric car during the
entire season. These students were driven to keep their grades
up so they could be a part of the race team. One student had
over 5 F’s prior to the racing season, but finished by passing all classes. Thank you GSCF for funding this project
for our students.

Salina Public Schools,
Ukuleles for Music Instruction

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $2,000,
Awarded 11/13/2018

Project Summary: Melanie Bergstrom, music teacher at
Oakdale Elementary School, wants to purchase a classroom set
of ukuleles that all Oakdale students (K-5) would use in order
to develop age-appropriate music skills, build confidence, and
encourage their interest.

Use of Funds: Funds were used to purchase ukuleles.

Impact & Results: Initially, ukuleles were for all grade levels but
in order to see how students handled the new instruments,
we tried just grades 3-5 this year. Grades 1-2 will be added
gradually. Kindergartners we determined were probably too young to handle the ukuleles properly. Students did
take care of the ukuleles, cleaning and storing them carefully every day. We reached about 170 children this year
and will increase that number. Our S.M.A.R.T. Goal was for 80% of 5th graders to reach Level 4 (Exemplary) on the
Common Assessment by the end of the school year. That was probably unrealistic, as this was the first year USD 305
used the assessment. We didn’t know what levels of mastery to expect. About 10% of our students did earn Level 4,
and 85% were at Level 3 (average). So we will consider this our baseline year and look at results annually to see if our
Level 4 % increases. We feel it will, as future students will have 2-3 years’ ukulele experience before 5th grade.

The ukuleles were a big hit with students and parents. At the 5th Grade Honor Night on May 16, students showed
off their ukulele skills. Unlike the recorders, which students can take home for practice, ukuleles could not leave
the building. But some students enjoyed the instrument so much that their families actually purchased or rented
their own ukulele for additional practice. That’s dedication! And it’s this early love of making music that motivates
students to practice and improve their skills.

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Salina Initiative for Restorative Justice,
SIRJ Expansion of Services

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000,
Awarded 11/13/2018

Project Summary: The Salina Initiative for Restorative Justice will
provide victim-offender mediation services to improve outcomes for
low-risk, juvenile offenders by keeping these youth in the classroom and
out of the courtroom in Saline County.

Use of Funds: Grant funds were used to pay stipends to mediators
conducting victim-offender mediation services for youth involved in
a criminal offense at school or at a school-related event, along with
administrative costs to facilitate the program.

Impact & Results: On December 14, 2018, a young man was referred to SIRJ for an incident that occurred at
Schilling Elementary School. This young person, who we’ll call John, had been caught damaging property at the
school, along with several other young male acquaintances. From the beginning of the mediation process, John and
his mother were cooperative and interested in the mediation process. After several requests, the mediator decided
to proceed with a Neighborhood Accountability Board, due to the unavailability of a representative of the victim
to participate. A Neighborhood Advisory Board, comprised of three trained community volunteers, represented
the violated party in the joint session attended by John and his mother. Since John expressed an interest in law
enforcement he wanted to visit a prison. He paid a visit to the Ellsworth Correctional Facility for a tour and received a
reference letter from ECF staff denoting his visit and interest in that career path. John also wrote goals to finish high
school and college which included staying out of trouble and to think before he acts. He also wrote goals to prepare
for his future, which included working on time management and to try his best at everything.

This grant allowed SIRJ mediators to assist this young man, as well as others, in being held accountable for their
actions, minimizing contact with the court system, and reintegrating them into their schools and community as
productive members of society.

Therapeutic Recreation Program,
Healthy Lifestyle Initiative II

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $500,
Awarded 11/13/2018

Project Summary: I am seeking grant funds to continue the 2017/18
Healthy Lifestyle Initiative Program which was funded in part last year
by GSCF.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to pay for monthly passes to
Genesis Health Club.

Impact & Results: This grant has allowed up to 15 people with
disabilities to attend Genesis Health Club twice each month.
Specifically, it has been a benefit to the participants who have issues
with walking, allowing them the use of a facility where they can ride a recumbent bike, or use an upper-cycle. It is
also much appreciated to have a climate controlled environment in which to exercise.

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Salina Art Center, Krista Franklin Artist-in-Residence & Exhibition

YW Legacy Fund, $5000, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: Franklin works in poetics, pop culture, & histories of the African Diaspora. Her forms take shape
as she chips away at narratives historically inscribed on women and people of color, & forges imaginative spaces for
radical possibilities and visions.

Use of Funds: Funding from the Greater Salina Community Foundation was used primarily to provide travel and
housing for artist-in-residence Krista Franklin.

Impact & Results: Thanks to grant funding, financial barriers to quality art experiences were eliminated. Community
events were open to the public at no costs including the papermaking workshop. None of these experiences would
have happened without Greater Salina Community Foundation support.

• Open Studio | 24 attendees
• Gallery Talk | 50 attendees
• Papermaking Workshop | 18 attendees
• Summer Soulstice | 35 attendees
• Lunch & Learn | 20 attendees
• 147 Total Attendees.

Comments from events:
“Krista Franklin is an amazing poet. Her work is inspiring and puts in perspective her experience as a black woman
in today’s society.”
“It was so interesting to hear Krista discuss “growing up white”; in primarily white neighborhoods and how she
learned at a young age to “act white” and when it was Ok to “act black”
“I was most inspired by Krista’s remarks on living without fear. Not that fear doesn’t exist, but rather it is an
uncontrollable element that cannot be allowed to be a barrier. Her faith is what keeps fear from controlling her.”
“I sometimes feel marginalized at the Art Center. Almost like I get moved to the back when I attend events. For
Krista seek me out and spend time at events, at my work, and during open studio talking to her about issues that I
know she understands - made me feel I wasn’t being moved into the background.”
“the emotional significance she can attribute to a single piece of paper, book page, or album makes me think
deeply about what I use in my own art practice.”

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Lakewood Discovery Center, Lakewood Sensory Garden

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: The addition of a sensory learning garden will provide an ADA accessible interactive area that will
be designed to invite visitors with all types of abilities to engage nature.

Use of Funds: Use of Funds: Lumber: $1,399.81, Garden/fence hardware $1,067.39, Garden electric and water access
$1,002.99, Garden plants and accessories $486.08, water features $749, Signage $200

Impact & Results: Lakewood sensory garden area has created a place that visitors gravitate towards. We have
noticed that people like to stay longer and sit to experience the wildlife surroundings. The grant was the primary
reason this project was possible, without it we would not have been able to add it. The project has just begun to
reach our target of our visitors, hundreds of visitors have been here to either look or walk to the gardens. Many have
smelled and tasted the edible portions of the plants. As the year continues, the reach will expand to thousands of
visitors and the education of our sensory garden.

St. Mary Queen of the Universe, Reinvigorating St. Mary’s School Garden

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,000, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: Students of St. Mary’s Grade School are helping to construct a greenhouse for the school’s
community garden. Students will be involved in growing plants year-round. The grant request is to fund various
supplies for this greenhouse.

Use of Funds: Grant funds were spent on a variety of supplies to be used for the garden’s greenhouse: solar panels,
heaters, benches to put inside, thermometers, carts to haul items, large and small hand tools, heavy tarp and gravel.
Photos will be emailed.

Impact & Results: We have had a school garden for several years, but have never been able to utilize it year round.
Because of the funding towards the greenhouse, students will now be able to continue their skills in gardening
throughout the entire year. Obviously, winter gardening is entirely different than spring gardening and that increases
the students’ knowledge so much more. Having the grant funding now takes our school garden to a new level
that we have not had before. The garden project now is something that can be continued in the future for
generations to come.

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Salina Public Schools,
South Middle School Sensory Room Project

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $500, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: The South Middle School Sensory Room Project
seeks grant funding to purchase therapeutic resources to help
students dealing with extreme states of anger, frustration, anxiety, or
stress.

Use of Funds: Purchased a flat-screen TV and DVD player as
therapeutic resources for the Sensory Room.

Impact & Results: The television monitor and DVD player were
purchased late in the school year (Feb. 2019) and installed in a new,
additional sensory room. The primary sensory room is now used exclusively for students receiving special education
services, while the new room is for other students who need time to “cool down” before returning to the classroom.
Since this is a population that doesn’t use the sensory room on a regular, scheduled basis, we don’t have numeric
data on “improvement” by student. By the end of the fall 2019 semester, we can get actual numbers of users
and average time spent in the room; this year we didn’t have special education staff available to document that
information, but this will change next fall.

However, the assistant principals (whose offices are next to the room, and help supervise it) have reported that it’s
been remarkably successful in terms of how quickly it can change behavior. Students removed from class because
of angry, violent, or distracting episodes spend 10-15 minutes in the room and emerge much calmer and able
to articulate their feelings with an adult. Just being able to talk about what is stressing them, or what triggered
the eruption, helps them focus on how they can take control of themselves. The room is not punishment. It’s an
intervention to help students work through destructive impulse. It has already helped us de-escalate a lot of
behavior that would otherwise warrant stronger disciplinary action, including suspension.

Salina Public Schools, Task Manager for FLC

YW Legacy Fund, $816, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: April Nelson, special education teacher at
Coronado Elementary School, requests funds to purchase two storage
units for the Functional Learning Center (FLC) room that would help
students work through learning tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Use of Funds: Purchase two storage units

Impact & Results: There was an unexpected delay purchasing the
storage units because our classroom had to re-arrange the “centers”
to accommodate more students. The two mobile 20-cubbies tray
cabinets were purchased April 2019 but even with only a month of
use, they’ve had a significant impact.

The key to success in the Functional Learning Centers is organization. Children need to move quickly from one
task to another. With five different kinds of tasks per student, we didn’t have the organizational space to keep the
materials separate and accessible, so this increased “wait time” between tasks and made students frustrated. We

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served 10 children this year, slightly higher than usual. Enrollment is anticipated to increase. Since we didn’t install
the new storage units until mid-spring, we really haven’t gotten a good measure of growth in terms of comparing
the number of tasks completed for the entire class for spring semester compared to fall. Our data will be better at
the end of fall 2019, when these units are in place all semester.

But the difference is noticeable to staff: our students are moving through their learning tasks at a brisker pace.
They’ve been motivated to complete tasks so they can get to the next color of the rainbow. It’s been a great
success so far, and we expect to see positive quantitative results by December 2019, which we will share with the
Foundation and our own Board of Education, to show just how important classroom organization is in special
education.

Sunrise Presbyterian Church, CASTLE Science Materials 2019

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & YW Legacy Fund, $3,800, Awarded 1/15/2019

Project Summary: In our effort to continue building a science curriculum for The CASTLE Project, we are requesting
additional science materials, plus replacements for materials that have been consumed in past years.

Use of Funds: Purchase electronic snap circuits, solar house, and replacement materials for mousetrap cars
($1375.96). Provide partial salary of science teacher (remainder of grant).

Impact & Results: 2019 was the 15th year for The CASTLE Project. Each child received a special t-shirt and a water
bottle. 99 children (the capacity of our school age drop in program) were enrolled, with an average attendance of 72
children per day. The science curriculum, which has been supported so well by grants through GSCF, has increased
the enrollment of 3rd through 5th graders, and kept them coming through the summer. We are so grateful for the
consistent support through the years. Thank you so much!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development Center,
Classroom and Outside Improvements

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Fund for Early Childhood,
Education & Development, $2,500, Awarded 3/6/2019

Project Summary: The teachers at Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development Center
(MLK) have expressed a need for new equipment and educational toys. This will impact
dozens of children who utilize four different classrooms and two playgrounds at the
childcare center.

Use of Funds: Classroom Improvements

Impact & Results: We received half of the grant money requested and were able
to allow each classroom to spend approximately $625 for a total of $2,556 towards
equipment and educational toys. The infant room chose 21 new items of musical
toys, a variety of blocks, vehicles, a variety manipulative toys for development, and a
sound machine for the nap area. The toddler room chose 18 new items of stacking cups, jungle gymnastics play set
gym with swing, dramatic play toys, costumes, soccer balls, and a canopy tent for the reading center. Preschool 1
room chose 2 small tables to use for center play/learning groups, a cedar wood playhouse for dramatic play, and 10
manipulative toys. Preschool 2 classroom chose 16 new items of a bookshelf, lego table, books, game, science items,
balls, puzzles, blocks, and sensory rings. Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development classrooms are better off with the
results of the project being very positive. The children have more equipment and toys to satisfy their curiosity during
play which is showing in their positive behavior and appreciation of their environment.

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A Work In Progress, Inc, Promoting Mindfulness
and Well-Being in High-Stress Lifestyles

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $500,
Awarded 3/6/2019

Project Summary: AWIP is requesting this grant to provide
a gentle, mindful yoga movement and meditation practice
to individuals who work in high-stress professions (fire, law
enforcement, and military) in the greater Salina area.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used for marketing materials
regarding the classes as well as immersing the community with messages about the classes. The remainder of the
funds were used as a deposit for vinyl decals for the studio windows and door.

Impact & Results: These de-stress yoga classes were originally marketed toward first responders in Salina and
the surrounding communities, but then extended to the medical community and the Salina and surrounding
communities as a whole. Many people of the medical community (i.e. nurses) and even their families, as well as
other community members, came to take part in this de-stress/relaxation yoga class led by Veazey Nevitt. This class is
offered on Tuesday evenings from 6:45-7:45. Some of the same people attend weekly, with new practitioners joining
this practice on a weekly basis as well.

The yin yoga practice that is offered in the de-stress classes is one in which poses are held for longer periods of time:
anywhere from two to six minutes. A few of the benefits of this type of yoga are: calming and relaxing the mind and
body, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving circulation and joint mobility. These benefits alone can improve
and impact the lives of practitioners in a positive way by offering methods to deal with stress; the poses and the
breathing can be beneficial and even transformative when practiced regularly. Participants are given guidance and
knowledge of the yin yoga practice in class that hopefully transcends into their daily lives.

St. Mary Queen of the Universe,
Summer STREAM Learning Academies

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,953,
Awarded 3/6/2019

Project Summary: STREAM (Science, Technology,
Religion,Engineering, Art, Math) Academies will take place at
St. Mary’s School. Students will have an opportunity for hands-
on learning in topics such as history, gardening, cooking, art,
woodworking, 3D printing.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to furnish supplies needed
for the STREAM Academies-Little Sprouts, Fundamentals of Cooking, Woodworking, and Art.

Impact & Results: The students were very excited about the projects accomplished in each of the Academies.
Most of the projects were taken home to share with their families what they had learned. When parents picked up
students, they commented on how their children enjoyed the week and what a great experience it was for them.
This is the first time such as this (summer camps) have been done at St. Mary’s. I believe this is something that we
will continue for years to come. The teachers who provided the lessons and experiments were also pleased to do
things that ordinarily can’t be done throughout the school year because of time and supplies available. One little boy
saw me a month later & the first thing he said was, “My bean plant is really growing at home.” So we know that the
follow through was happening as well. Thank you for the support received.

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Discover Salina Naturally,
Discover Salina Naturally (DSN) 2019

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,500,
Awarded 3/6/2019

Project Summary: Discover Salina Naturally is a free, yearly event,
like no other in the area. Those who will benefit most may be the
least able to afford an entry fee. Those coming to share may have
small budgets. This grant will help keep this festival free.

Use of Funds: $2,500 from the Dane Hanson Foundation fund
paid for tent rental (including setup/teardown) ($2,433.07) and the
rest offset the cost of renting tables & chairs (682.00)

Impact & Results: This grant enabled us to offer a free, quality
festival. About 3,500 people visited Discover Salina Naturally (DSN). New exhibits included: North End Farm, Buffalo
Soldiers Assn. of Wichita, VanCoevern Percherons, Metal Detection Hobbyist, Ell-Saline Future Farmers of America,
ASSE Int’l. Student Exchange, doTERRA Essential Oils, One Salina, Beth’s Garden Herbal Crafting, HempFX by
Youngevity, POW Camp Concordia, & Exploration Place.
Evaluation responses were positive. One noted: “The event felt both festive and informative.” Another wrote, “Very
happy with the number of people and also the amount of kids I heard tell their parents they wanted metal
detectors made me feel very happy!” Introducing young people to activities that don’t require a screen and allow
them to engage with the natural world in a respectful way is a wonderful outcome.

A Salina Media Connection producer made a 23 minute video. On it Senator Randy Hardy says, “Where else would
you want to be on a Sunday afternoon. I love this place.” Many volunteers were school age and engaged with the
vendors and activities. A festivalgoer, Kairi Cox, was enjoying the festival by the children’s activity area. She learned
that organizers needed more help in the face painting area and offered to volunteer on the spot. She was great with
the kids, enjoyed her time, and came away with a new and fulfilling experience. The Salina Journal dedicated 2/3 of
a page to DSN on May 6, 2019, with wonderful color photos.

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Salina Area Technical College,
Salina Tech Summer STEM-Related Day Camp 2019

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,000, Awarded 3/6/2019

Project Summary: SATC Summer Camp is back! In 2019 camp expands
to incorporate two new fields. We hope to host 80, 6th-10th graders over
four days of hands-on activities in the areas Diesel, Electrical, Construction,
Welding, Machine Tool, and Allied Health.

Use of Funds: Salina Tech faculty contracts do not cover summer teaching.
Funds were used to pay faculty daily rates for teaching camp. GSCF dollars
help keeps the registration cost for campers low ($35 this year covered all
materials, t-shirts, and food/drink).

Impact & Results: At the cost of only $35/camper, Salina Tech Summer STEM-Related Day Camp 2019 helped
introduce 70 kids, 5th through 10th grade, to Salina Tech and careers in five different industries present here
in Salina. A letter/story from camp faculty: Good morning; I would like to take a moment a talk about our SATC
summer camp. We offer the camp in many of our programs, expanding each year due to the high demand for
spots. My name is Mike Parker and I am one of the instructors for the diesel and hydraulic camp. In this camp the
boys and girls learn the basic principles of hydraulics and the daily uses, such as your power steering and brakes on
the cars we drive every day. We also spend some time on Pascal’s law. Each one of the campers get to assemble a
hydraulic project each year that is a fully functional model that can take home and show off to family and friends.
We don’t leave out the fun! At camp we take time to demonstrate the uses of hydraulics we the campers running
controls. Some of the highlights include smashing “stuff” with a 50-ton press, always a big hit! We also bring in two
mini excavators that each camper gets to dig with and operate. By doing all of these different activities the campers
see a lot of career paths they can pursue. This camp is a wonderful way for young people to have an opportunity
to experience firsthand some of the great opportunities that await them. Sincerely, Mike Parker, SATC Diesel
Technology Instructor, 3rd year camp faculty

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Salina Art Center, Summer Art 2019

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund, $2,953, Awarded 3/6/2019
Project Summary: Summer Art is the longest running
educational program at the Salina Art Center; classes
run for six weeks and engage hundreds of pre-K
through adult students every season.
Use of Funds: Grant funds were used to pay for 16
teaching artists; 4 were short artist residencies. These
artists spent a full week teaching. Residencies included
Lavinia Roberts, Rachel Epp Buller, Rebecca Spurill, and
Shin He-Chin.
Impact & Results: Michael Freeland lost his mother
to breast cancer. He shared a story to bring joy and
illustrate why art plays an important role in healing.
“My son Dominic (8 yrs / 3rd Grade) took a class at Salina Art Center focusing on making animals. He made a little
brown bird out of fabric, stuffed it and sewed it together himself. He was so proud of that little bird. When Grandma
went in the hospital a few weeks later, Dominic wanted to take this little bird to her while she was there. When my
dad saw this little bird, he initially thought it was a canoe. We all had a good laugh about this, and then the bird’s
name became “Canoe” because of the joy it brought to us.
Mom never let the bird leave her side at the hospital. She showed it to everyone who came to see her, and we told
them the story of a “bird named Canoe.” If the bird went missing from her bed, she adamantly asked for it back!
Canoe was the perfect size for her to hold in her hand, and became a stress ball as the days passed and the hope of
her coming home began to fade. She fidgeted with the button eye if she was nervous, and squeezed Canoe when
she needed comfort. During Dominic’s last visit, she shared that Dominic should make more birds. This is a promise
that we are going to keep. Our family has begun to make Birds Named Canoe, and have plans to donate them for
patients who might need a little comfort during their stay.”
Linda Freeland passed away Aug. 5, 2019. Dominic worked with teaching artist, Shawn Delker.

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