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
FY2018 Grant Reports April 2019

Therapeutic Recreation, Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $3,000, Awarded 9/12/2017

Project Summary: I am seeking grant money for several program designed to help
promote a more healthy lifestyle to adults with disabilities.

Use of Funds: Groceries, transportation and incentives.

Impact & Results: I had a conversation with a Walmart employee while checking
out. Walmart Employee: Cooking for a group? Me: It’s for a cooking class for Special
Needs adults. Employee: Oh? That’s nice! Me: Yeah, they really love it. The GSCF has
given us grant money to help pay for these groceries! It helps us to keep the cost
down for the participants. Employee: Wow! That’s really awesome! Me: Yes! It is!!

Salina Area United Way,
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,000, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: To provide taxpayers free basic income tax return preparation
with electronic filing through the VITA Program. Grant funds will increase program
resources and decrease client wait time, while increasing the amount of Earned
Income Tax Credits.

Use of Funds: 4 laptops, 2 square folding tables, 40 folding chairs, IT Professional to
set up a secure network with cables, router, and access point, stapler, staples, two
center-folding rectangular tables, copy paper

Impact & Results: We first met Tanzia and Morgan at the VITA office. Tanzia is 19 years old. Morgan is 21. They are
the parents of a beautiful baby girl named Sparrow. Tanzia and Morgan shared that without VITA (Volunteer Income
Assistance) and without SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) they wouldn’t have much wiggle room
to pay for food and what their daughter needs. It’s important for them to make sure she can eat and has a safe
place to live. When asked what it would be like without the free services of VITA they both looked at each other and
paused. They shared they didn’t know where they would come up with the $250 or more to pay someone to do
each their taxes. They shared if VITA and SNAP were cut, they would have a lot of problems because they wouldn’t
know what to do for food. “We’d really be struggling.” Morgan works at a food service job at a chain sandwich shop
part-time with hours that fluctuate. Tanzia works part, part-time in childcare as a toddler gymnastics coordinator.
“We’re grateful.”

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My Bike Kansas, Storage & Supplies

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $4,000, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: We are needing a place to store and work on bikes, plus the
parts to repair them into working condition.

Use of Funds: The grant was used for storage unit, purchase of bicycles 2nd
hand. Supplies needed for My Bike Ks. Parts for bike repairs, and accessories like
training wheels, helmets.

Impact & Results: With this grant, My Bike Ks was able to purchase bicycles,
parts and supplies as needed to fulfill our bike request waiting list. More people
on bikes and enjoying our community. 2018 has no bike request rolling over to 2019. Thank you!

Salina Symphony, International Music Festival

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $3,500,
Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: Kansas Wesleyan University, in collaboration
with the Salina Symphony, will present the International Music
Festival March 7-11, 2018, in Salina. The Festival aims to provide both
educational and public performances opportunities.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used to pay guest artist expenses
for Tina Bouey as well as for busing to the outreach concert.

Impact & Results: Comment from a teacher that encompasses the impact of bringing students to the Stiefel to
hear the Symphony: “This was a very organized, well thought-out performance geared to the elementary level. My
students truly enjoyed it and continued to talk about it after leaving. We would love to return next year!”

Salina Community Theatre, Voices for the Future

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $2,500, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: Salina Community Theatre needs to update its wireless microphone system to better serve
its volunteer actors, student performers, and patrons, and to overcome frequency poaching by cellular telephone
companies.

Use of Funds: Three microphones were purchased using the funds from GSCF. The per unit cast was $849.95 for a
total of $2549.85. The units were installed in time to be used in the final performances of the SCT holiday production
of ANNIE.

Impact & Results: The new units work extremely well. They fall within the allowable frequency range with no chance
of outside interference. This acquisition allowed great ease of use and better distribution within the cast of the
production, enhancing the quality of the performance for the adults, children, and seniors at the show.
In ANNIE, prior to the purchase of the new microphones, there is “choreography” of the existing units. So in one
scene, an orphan would have a unit that needed to be passed to an adult, and then back to a different orphan or
ensemble member. When the new mics came on line, one orphan got her own mic throughout the show. She said,
“You mean my microphone is mine and doesn’t have to be adopted by other people later?”

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Catholic Charities, REACH program - Emergency Assistance for the Disabled

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,250, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: The REACH program assists disabled clients with uncovered expenses associated with or because
of their disabilities after being approved by a committee reviewing applications presented by the agency’s social
worker assigned to manage this program.

Use of Funds: The agency received $3250 in grant funding. This funding allowed the agency to assist three clients
with specialized health equipment or supplies for a total of $554. $1000 was used to assist two clients with
prescriptions that were not covered by insurance. The agency assisted one client with $150 in mental health therapy.
Car repairs totaling $708 were paid enabling two clients to transport themselves to and from out of town medical
appointments. Three clients received a combined $838 in assistance to pay medical expenses that were not covered
or paid by insurance.

Impact & Results: Mike proudly describes himself has a life-long welder. By age 14, he was on his own. Because of a
strong work ethic, he perfected his welding skills and was able support himself. That changed four years ago when
Mike suffered his first heart attack at only 44 years old. The doctors determined that he had suffered two strokes
previously, and thus began his medical journey.

Over the past four years, Mike has endured three additional heart attacks, two heart surgeries, two neck surgeries
and two more strokes. “I didn’t know how to do anything but work,” Mike said. “After my first heart attack, I came
to Salina where my daughter lived. I worked at all the local welding places in the area, but my health has made it
difficult.” Years of physical labor have taken a toll on Mike’s body and his most recent surgery was to fuse together
the discs in his neck. With restricted mobility, his doctors have limited his lifting to less than 10 lbs. He ruptured an
artery in his neck from the simple task of lifting himself out of bed. Unable to work, Mike needed help.

“I had no idea what I was going to do, but a friend told me to contact Catholic Charities. I am glad I did.” Through
the agency’s Disability Assistance Fund, Mike received financial assistance and a case manager helped him connect
to other resources. Mike expressed deep gratitude and said, “God’s been with me through this or I would have given
up a long time ago.” The last four years have helped Mike put life in focus. “My goal is to be around to enjoy my five
children and my grandchildren. I am hoping to be well enough to do that soon.”

Salina Symphony, Sleeping Beauty Ballet

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $2,500, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: The Salina Symphony will partner with the Tamara Howe
Dance Studio to present Salina’s first full length production of Tchaikovsky’s
“The Sleeping Beauty” ballet Jan. 27 & 28, 2018 at the Stiefel Theatre.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used to pay for costuming expenses and
rental of backdrops, both of which beautifully enhanced the performance.
We have received a number of positive comments about both of these visual
aspects of the production.

Impact & Results: From Adrienne Allen, executive director: “My dear friend’s 2nd grade daughter was a young
rosebud dancers in “The Sleeping Beauty.” Even with sitting through numerous 3-4 hour rehearsals, she absolutely
loved the experience. She woke her parents up the morning of the first production with “Today’s the day! I’m so
excited!” And after the final performance, she cried the whole way home that it was over. Her mom shared with me
that the experience of combining classical music and dance to tell a story left a distinct impression on her daughter.
She can hear the story it tells, and she can’t wait for another opportunity like it.”

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CAPS, Happy Bear

Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $1,000, Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: Happy Bear teaches sexual abuse prevention through an
interactive play for PK-2nd graders. Happy Bear teaches kids about good touch/bad
touch and gives them the language to practice appropriate response in situations of
physical or sexual abuse.

Use of Funds: Funds were used to print materials shared with each student PK-2nd
grade classroom participating in the program. The GSCF was acknowledged with
logo placement on the materials. Attached is the letter that goes to the parent of
every Saline/Ottawa County child who attended a session. Each student receives a
coloring book, bookmark, parent letter and evaluation form.

Impact & Results: CAPS is often asked how we know if kids learn this material since we are in their classrooms once
a year. Everywhere Happy Bear makes an appearance, she is instantly recognizable. In fact, she is a local celebrity.
Children who enter CAPS see her picture and wonder where she is and if they can see her. Staff quizzes the kids
about what she’s taught them and there hasn’t been one time that they couldn’t report their jobs to 1. Say No; 2.
Walk away, and 3.Tell a trusted adult. When the current Executive Director started in her job three years ago, she
answered the phone. At the other end of the call was a young child’s voice that said, “I got a bad touch and I need
some help.” This is the phrase that Vicki Price teaches through her presentations starting at age 3 in preschools
through age 8 in second grade classrooms. Then in the background she heard an adult say, “Don’t call those people.
They will take you away from me.” Then the phone went silent. Because of caller ID on the phone, CAPS was able to
contact the schools where presentations had recently been completed. By matching the number with the details
of the call, a police report and child abuse report was made. DCF was able to investigate and the school was able to
support the child through the process. CAPS doesn’t always know the end of the story, but empowering a child to
tell theirs is the main goal of the program. It is in telling that the healing can begin.

Salina Central High School, FIRST Robotics Team

L.P. “Pat” Mullen for Science, Technology & Invention, $11,250,
Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: Salina Central High School FIRST (For Inspiration
Recognition of Science Technology) Robotics Team 3172 seeks funding
through the Mullen Science & Technology grant for multi-year support in
ensuring the continued future and success of the program.

Use of Funds: Grant funds were used toward the entry fee for the
Greater Kansas City Regional Competition fee and kit of parts.

Impact & Results: HorsePOWER 3172 attended the 2018 Greater Kansas
City Regional and had a successful competition. After completion of 12 matches, 3172 was the twenty-first seeded
team (out of 43 teams from Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.) When the team returned from regionals, we were able
to finally move back from Salina West to the new STEM room at Central High School. This location creates better
exposure for the team to the student body and public due to the central location within the building. The team was
able to maintain the momentum following competition this year to host a Brainy Bots session, tour Great Plains
Manufacturing, travel to the State Capitol, prep the STEM room for a job fair, contacting grade schools for starting
Lego robotics competition teams in the fall and fundraising at 1A State Forensics. We are excited to have students
graduating this year that first interacted with the robotics team at a science fair eight years ago. Four students on
the team came to the team’s Brainy Bots outreach as grade-schoolers. Seeing these students staying involved with
robotics and STEM helps validate the team’s goals inspiring students and providing them opportunities.

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Southeast of Saline, The Tools to Finish the Lesson!

L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $1,500,
Awarded 11/15/2017

Project Summary: Establish 6 sets of tools & storage boxes that could be used for
STEM, art, math/science projects; in or outdoors. Each box a work bench on wheels/
mobile, to go to anywhere. The box will include a variety of tools, from: rulers to
saws to drills.

Use of Funds: We bought a lot more tools than I originally listed on the grant
application form. This is thanks to the fact that we received the grant money early
enough that we were able to "Christmas" shop and take advantage of the sale
prices through the holidays and then use the extra money to purchase additional
tools that teachers had already asked about and suggested for the carts. The grant
did not buy the wood and paint for the carts, but the funds did purchase key locks and locking wheels for all of
the carts. The school provided the materials for the carts themselves, and several of the high school wood students
assisted me in the construction of the carts/workbenches.

Impact & Results: This project is the result of the past many years of helping the elementary teachers in our building
with hands-on projects to promote the application of skills to math and science and problem solving lessons. I have
put together several versions of the grant request and been turned down by three other sources for grants, and each
time it was rejected due to not really fitting their committees purpose or vision for awarding the money. I even had
an elementary teacher take my list of essentials and attempt an elementary grant site and was turned down. I then
had all but given up when I saw an email that referred to your foundation as a great source for help in the schools
and community, so I read further into your areas of interest and saw that youth with tools would be a good request
from what I read. I was correct and received nothing but positive feedback from your committee, so we now have 6
tool drawers and workbenches ready to be checked out to classrooms in the district for use in finishing the lessons.

Discover Salina Naturally, 2018 Event

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,500, Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Discover Salina Naturally is a one-of-a-kind, free,
yearly event. Those who will benefit the most may be the least able to
afford an entry fee. Those coming to serve and share may have very
small budgets. This grant will help keep the event free.

Use of Funds: Tents; tables and chairs; offset entertainment (roughly ½)

Impact & Results: This year offered some new and exciting area music.
Mattson and Weaver kicked the event off, followed by the KWU Jazz
Ensemble. Then Calibre Pesado followed by the KBA Treblemakers. Randy Baldwin closed out the day. It was
wonderful to see crowds around the music area listening, dancing and singing along. This eclectic festival offered
folks the chance to see and do so many things they normally wouldn’t be exposed to, from meeting animals to
learning about the past, from making a craft to touching a worm – it was a one of a kind event. This year one of our
vendors offered to create an environmental meditation path. Bird seed made the trail from one area to another.
Small signs were put up at different areas, without harming any trees or the area. These signs offered short bits of
information about the positive impact we can have if we make small changes. One of the signs addressed how
many straws are thrown away and how damaging they can be. A little more than a month later I was visiting with
someone in passing and they mentioned that they’ve sworn off using straws of any kind. In another instance a father
was dropping his daughter off so she could volunteer for face painting. He walked her to the area to help her get
settled – then decided it looked like so much fun he’d stay as well and help paint!

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USD 307, Ell-Saline Elementary Preschool Program

Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education & Development,
$5,000, Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Ell-Saline Elementary preschool planning team is
currently researching evidence based preschool curriculums and teacher
resources for the implementation of a 4-year-old preschool program for
the 2018-2019 school year.

Use of Funds: The grant funds were used on the following purchases:
Pearson OWLS Curriculum; finger paint supplies; literacy resources;
Teacher’s Pay Teachers resource kits; Scholastic My Big World subscription;
Registration for ESSDACK Early Learning PLC for 2018-2019.

Impact & Results: Two years ago, Ell-Saline Elementary took a small step
towards providing early learning opportunities and initiated a Preschool
Day Camp with the help of Greater Salina Community Foundation and
then the Earl Bane Foundation the following year. That small step set the
stage for staff members, parents and patrons to observe and understand
the importance of providing high-quality early learning opportunities
within our district boundaries. Now in 2018-2019, with the help of Greater
Salina Community Foundation, our long-term dream will be realized. Ell-
Saline Elementary will add a pre-K program to further enhance every child’s educational experience. All families with
a 4-year-old child in the Ell-Saline district will have access to preschool. There will no longer be limitations placed on
our students’ preschool attendance because of a lack of family resources in the form of time, transportation or the
financial ability to pay.

Telling our story and watching it gain momentum has been a humbling process. The story has called individuals
into action and multiple partnerships have been established to make this dream become a reality. The Strategic
Doing process funded by Dane G. Hansen foundation and hosted by GSCF has been a critical component in the
development of partnerships and awareness of community resources. For example, we were asked to submit
an article for the Kansas Child by Child Care Aware of Kansas because they heard our story at a Strategic Doing
meeting. This article allowed us an opportunity to encourage others to work towards providing early learning
opportunities even if it is a small step in that direction. Taking small, steady steps towards a dream and sharing that
dream with others helps to make it a reality.

Sunrise Presbyterian Church,
The CASTLE Project at Sunrise 2018 Science, Technology and Math

L.P. “Pat” Mullen for Science, Technology & Invention, $2,500, Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: To purchase additional technology and science materials, and add some creative mathematics
materials for The CASTLE Project for the summer of 2018, plus to provide funding for our science/math teacher.

Use of Funds: Epson Projector, Dell Laptop, Science Equipment

Impact & Results: The electronic circuits were a particular hit with the students. They got very excited when they
had created a circuit and a light went on, or a little fan turned on. As I watched, every one of the students in the
classroom were engaged in the process. Amazing! The science teacher used the laptop and projector to provide
teaching and learning information to the class. It was used nearly every day in the science classroom.

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Saline County Health Department/MCH,
Incredible Years-Parents and Babies Program

Fund for Early Childhood Care, Education & Development
& Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $5,000, Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Incredible Years-Parents and Babies Program through a
community collaborative will be offered to new parents in the community. This
interactive class gives parents hands-on safety and developmental education
throughout babies first year of life.

Use of Funds: GSCF funding was used to provide the one time training curriculum/
expenses (5 day training, airfare, housing, per diem) for community facilitators in
Seattle WA. for the Incredible Years program implementation in Saline County.
Grant funds specially were used to provide four facilitator program training registrations, 2 facilitator’s airfare/baggage
check, 3 facilitator’s housing, and per diem to include transportation to and from the training facility and the airport.

Impact & Results: We had a young single mother attend our group these past two weeks. She is breastfeeding her
baby and mentioned to the facilitators that the baby does not engage in additional developmental activities and
spends most of his awake time at the breast. During class last week, one of the facilitators offered to hold the baby
while mom was trying to complete some class forms and after she indicated “I just need a break.” The facilitator
noticed as she walked around the classroom with the baby that he was very focused on some bright objects that
were on the wall. At this time, the facilitator placed the baby on the floor with a baby gym over him. He was very
interested in the gym and as he played, the facilitator worked one on one with the mother to show her how to
engage her baby in developmental activities. This week, the mother reached out to the facilitator and reported
that she found a second hand baby gym and that her son loves it! She was very thankful for the time the facilitator
worked with her and her son. We are very grateful to the opportunity to provide this class to our parents here in
Saline County. This would have not been a possibility without your foundation support. Thank you!!!

USD 306 Southeast of Saline,
Sphero SPRK+ STEM Enrichment Project

L.P. “Pat” Mullen for Science, Technology & Invention, $1,000, Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Our district would like to purchase a classroom set of Sphero
SPRK+ programmable robots as a way to introduce our K-12 students to more
STEM-based activities and projects.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to purchase of a Sphero class pack, a charging
case, and two traction covers.

Impact & Results: This past fall, our 5th-8th grade students had the opportunity
to compete in an online coding competition called the Cyber Robotics Coding Competition (https://crcc.io/). The
competition required that they program a digital robot to complete various challenges. As they progressed through
the competition, the programming challenges became longer and more complex. What I noticed, though, is that
students who had already had the chance to use the Spheros grasped the basic functions of the online competition
much quicker and were more successful. Because of their exposure to coding though the Spheros, they were
more prepared for this new challenge and weren’t completely caught off guard like students who hadn’t used the
Spheros. I believe that a large part of it is that, with the Spheros, students are seeing real-world effects from their
coding. What they do digitally has a direct effect on the actions of the Sphero in the physical world. It was really
great to see the positive outcome using the Spheros had on their success. As a side note, we also had drawings for a
couple of Sphero Minis for students who participated in the online competition. The winners were super excited!

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Salina Community Theatre,
Students Connect with the Broadway Artist

L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $3,500,
Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Salina Community Theatre is producing
"Tuck Everlasting" in April, 2018. Lyricist and native Salinan
Nathan Tysen will come in for opening weekend to do
workshops with drama students from South and Central
High Schools and other selected students.

Use of Funds: The grant from GSCF was used specifically to
fund the royalties for the two school matinee productions of
"Tuck Everlasting", theatre costs (facility usage: lighting, sound,
auditorium), and a portion of the bussing fees.

Impact & Results: Community theatres have a reputation for casting from a set group of people consistently.
This is a bit of a "cheat" because shows are cast from the talent that shows up. SCT is fortunate enough to have a
regional reputation, and "Tuck Everlasting" comes with national credibility. SCT also works hard to have casting be a
meritocracy. So when young McKynlee Stecklein drove all the way from McPherson for her first audition here ever,
it was understandable that she was a little nervous. As the creative staff always says at auditions, "We want you to
knock our socks off. We want you to feel like you gave the best audition you have in you."

"Tuck" was a huge event for SCT. Not only is the lyricist from Salina (with now two Broadway shows to his credit), and
the director, Kate Lindsay, was his mentor and high school teacher, but this was the community theatre premier of
this show. And yet, the creative team held to the notion that "the best in the room gets the role." And McKynlee got
to sing Winnie Foster before the lyricist of the show and sold-out audiences throughout the run of the show.

Salina Education Foundation, 305 LIVE

L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $1,000,
Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: The Salina Education Foundation is asking
for support for 305 LIVE, a collaboration between Joe’s Pet
Project and the students and teachers of USD 305.

Use of Funds: Grant funds from the GSCF were combined with
other foundation and individual support to help pay for artists'
costs, the Stiefel Theatre costs, food, teacher stipends, and
transportation costs.

Impact & Results: This is the fourth time the Salina Education
Foundation has sponsored 305 LIVE. The event occurs every other year, and the kids know when it is coming! I had
several kids who had graduated a couple of weeks earlier come and tell me how meaningful it was to them, and
that they had first participated when they were 8th graders. One young man came up to me and hugged me after
the concert and thanked me for giving him this opportunity. He had been participating since 8th grade, and he said
that it was the best thing he had ever done and that he would always remember 305 LIVE and Joe's Pet Project.

8

St. John's Missionary Baptist Church,
MADD Camp (Music, Arts, Dance, Drama)

L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $2,500,
Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: MADD Camp is a summer youth
camp that focuses on four disciplines: Music, Art, Dance
and Drama. Artists will work with the young people in
Saline county in grades 1-8 to help them discover new
and exciting ways to artistically express themselves.

Use of Funds: Grant funds were used to pay the Camp
director and interns, for performance supplies, t-shirts
and field trips.

Impact & Results: M.A.D.D. Camp 2018 was a complete success! The kids LOVED the music, art, drama, dance
fundamentals and how they were able to express themselves through the activities. The camp put on a successful
program, sharing the music and dance/drama routines they learned during the 10 days of camp, with friends and
family, St. John's church, and Christ's Cathedral, and they were a total hit! Kids showed talent they maybe didn't
know they had, therefore making them much more confident in their abilities.

Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School, CoDrone Pro

L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $4,365,
Awarded 1/17/2018

Project Summary: Sacred Heart's new computer coding class is requesting
6 Robolink CoDrones, the latest cutting edge educational devices
designed specifically for the educational classroom to teach students the
fundamentals of computer programming.

Use of Funds: The grant funding was used as follows: 6 - HP 250 G6-15.6"
- Core 4GB Ram - 500 GB HDD computers- @ 456.95 ea = $2,741.70; 6
- Mulit-charger for CoDrones batteries - @ 29.99 ea = $179.94; 18 - Extra
batteries for CoDrone - @5.48ea = $98.64; 7 - CoDrone Pro drones - @
179.99 ea = 1259.93; Less Educational discount - $153.85; Shipping -
$33.21; The project budget form request was $4364.74. Actual expense as
$4,159.57. Difference - $205.17 will be used on additional batteries and
updated programs.

Impact & Results: Without a doubt, students had to overcome challenges. They learned by trial and error, through
their successes and their failures. Often, a drone would maneuver too close to the wall or ceiling before getting "
sucked " in. The gym was a common testing ground, as it provided ample space. The instructor could not be two
places at once and remained in the classroom as students went to the gym to test their drones. There was an
incident where two girls ran from the gym to the classroom in a bit of a panic because as they ran their test, their
drone launched from the ground and continued to gain elevation. They tried to shut it down, but it rose 30 to 40 ft
in the air and hit the gym ceiling. It survived the fall and made for a good story and even better learning experience.

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Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas,
Connecting Clients to Comprehensive Care using TTS

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $5,000, Awarded 3/7/2018

Project Summary: Improve care offered to clients in poverty by
standardizing processes for screenings, referrals, treatments and data
collection methods using a comprehensive approach based on the
Transitions to Success (TTS) model and through technology upgrades.

Use of Funds: The funds received by the agency were utilized to purchase
and set up four laptop computers and to purchase four docking stations for
these computers.

Impact & Results: Implementing the TTS methodology is a large task. As
we started using the screening questions based upon TTS methodologies,
we have learned that it takes more time than originally thought it would.
Sometimes screening would take 2 hours. With a small staff, that can kind of time hinders our ability to keep
implementing this across all of our programs, so we started trying to think of ways to make us more efficient to keep
working towards improving this concept. Through the help of another capacity building grant, we have contracted
with some technical support and utilizing a computer intern from KWU to develop our own web-based application
to allow clients to take this initial assessment on a tablet. We expect this application to be completed by the end of
the school semester in May so that we can start piloting some tests in the field. Two of the biggest barriers we have
to clients completing assessments like this independently is literacy and language. To address these issues, the app
is being designed so that the user can have each question and multiple choice selections read aloud to them in
English or Spanish. For independent readers, they can answer without having to listen to the audio version. We are
continuing to work through the implementation of this TTS concept throughout the agency.

North Central Regional Planning Commission, Saline County Community Outreach to
support a Regional Food System Assessment

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund & Kansas Health Foundation Fund, $3,088, Awarded 3/7/2018

Project Summary: The North Central Kansas Food Council is completing a Regional Food System Assessment. The
ability to complete comprehensive data collection in Saline County through community surveying and local focus
groups will greatly support this effort.

Use of Funds: The funds were used to cover the overhead of our summer intern to travel to Saline County and meet
with local groups and attend local events. Funding so covered refreshments and space rental for the focus group.
The Hansen dollars also covered consultant fees for NCRPC, Kolia Souza and ARPI to facilitate focus groups and
generate surveys. Fees include survey/focus group development and overhead, data analysis and a comprehensive
data report for Saline County. It is honestly difficult to give a specific breakdown because of the consultant fees being
a lump sum covering 12 counties and the summer intern also covering 12 counties.

Impact & Results: While I do not necessarily have a story to tell, I would like to share a lesson learned. We learned
that problems revolving around food access, growing local foods and using them within the community and healthy
living are extremely complex. While on the surface solutions to these problems seem like they should be more
simple to solve, the issues are deeply rooted in how people are raised and more. Before completing the food system
assessment, we had no idea just how deeply rooted food access problems are in a every community. It is going to be
a major problem to try and tackle but we have to start somewhere!

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Ell-Saline Elementary USD 307,
Ell-Saline Elementary Preschool Playground

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $3,638,
Awarded 3/7/2018

Project Summary: The grant funds will be used to purchase the
fencing materials for a developmentally appropriate and safe
preschool playground area. Ell-Saline Elementary is implementing
a preschool program in the 2018-2019 school year.

Use of Funds: Fence Supplies (72’ x 50’ rectangular area, single
gate, double gate, concrete for posts), Fence Stretcher, SATC Storage Shed, All labor for the fence installation was
provided by volunteers.

Impact & Results: There were several challenges during the installation of the preschool playground. Groundwork
had to be redone because of heavy rains. Arranging for equipment, delivery of materials and volunteers was always
tricky because work was being completed on weekends or in the evening. We were working around a variety
of schedules. The project was not completed by the first day of preschool. The preschool planning team was
disappointed in the delays because providing the space for free play was a cornerstone of the programming goals.
The team continued to work towards finishing the project.

Every challenge or frustration was completely erased on the first day the preschoolers ventured out to the new
playground area! They were overjoyed with the space! Their excitement was evident in their comments and squeals
as they ran across the space to explore all the areas. “A sandbox too!” “Our very own slide.” “This is amazing!”

The preschoolers drew the attention of the other students on the playground. The other students were drawn
over to the preschool area and stood at the fence to watch or visit with the preschool students. Our older students
wanted to be a part of their excitement and joy. It allowed several of us involved in the installation to observe pure
joy as a result of our efforts. That joy has continued while watching our preschool students gain confidence and skills
during the first semester of the school year. We are in the process of adjusting the end of year goals because they
have already surpassed our expectations. Registrations have already started for the 2019-2020 school year. The early
learning opportunities will continue for Ell-Saline students.

Cornerstone Classical School, FIRST Lego League Robotics

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $900,
Awarded 3/7/2018

Project Summary: Cornerstone is starting a Robotics Club through FIRST
Lego League Robotics for students ages nine through fourteen. This grant will
provide starting funds for the purchase of a robot, competition kit, and team
registration.

Use of Funds: The grant funds allowed us to purchase registration in FIRST
League, a robot, and our challenge materials.

Impact & Results: Our students are learning how to work together to
solve problems. Building a robot, its attachments, and programming it are
challenging and this is new to all of us. Our students meet weekly and work together to figure out how to do this. It
is beautiful to see them work together. Some of our students have emailed a NASA scientist to ask some questions
about our problem and solution. We have not heard back yet, but the student initiative and leadership is wonderful.

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St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Camp H.Y.P.E. (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence)

Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, $4,000, Awarded 3/7/2018

Project Summary: Camp H.Y.P.E. pursues excellence in youth through education and healthy lifestyles. By
collaborating with others within Saline County campers achieve increased awareness of opportunities to serve others
and see new possibilities for their lives.

Use of Funds: Grant funds were used to pay the Camp Director, Interns, and Van Drivers for their time and work with
the kids, for Camp HYPE t-shirts, field trips and other supplies necessary to make the camp successful.

Impact & Results: All of the children were very happy and excited to attend Camp H.Y.P.E. 2018. One 8 year old girl,
going into 3rd grade expressed really enjoying all of the hands-on arts and crafts and activities and the educational
field trips she may not have gotten to experience had she not have attended camp. St. John’s is grateful we were
blessed to be a blessing to these young children throughout the summer.

Salina Area Technical College, Salina Tech Summer STEM-Related Day Camp
L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $2,325, Awarded 5/9/2018

Project Summary: SATC Summer Camp is back by demand! Fifty students entering 6th-10th grades will have four
days of hands-on activities about the science, technology, engineering and mathematics behind Electrical, Welding,
Diesel, and Construction Technologies.

Use of Funds: Funds were used specifically to help cover the cost of paying faculty/instructors to staff/teach at camp.
Supplemental contracts are attached in the uploaded PDF. The college covered the remainder of the costs. One of
the six faculty was already on supplemental contract for summer duties and was approved by the Instructional office
to dedicate the necessary hours to participate in camp.

Impact & Results: The story for us with this grant was a story of community collaboration. We got ambitious and
added twenty extra campers and a new area--Construction--to Diesel, Welding, and Electrical. With that came
more expenses. Remembering after camp in 2017 Great Plains reached out to us and wanted to sponsor camp,
we tucked that away and proposed to many companies on our advisory boards, at common events or events on
campus and to our board members--hey, why not sponsor camp to really begin working on your pipeline of future
employees? It is really no longer ‘asking for a donation or money’ it is asking an employer, typically local but also
regional or national, to take a look at the short AND longer term. We said to each one...”Yes, we know you’d like all
of our graduates from the most recent graduating class on your team but with the demand for skilled workforce,
the competition is fierce--especially in Salina and Saline County. What will you do to look towards future needs
starting today?” Asking that question helps make an ‘investment today’ in camp kids ages 11-15 make more sense.
Tomorrow or in two years is to late. Connecting the skills kids are picking up to the technical programming we offer
in high school levels and on the post-secondary level to local industry and employers is crucial.The ‘skills gap’ is not
really to be blamed on robotics or offshoring--we believe it is to be blamed on not consciously teaching kids what is
available in local markets before, during, or after they are in high school or ‘go off to college.’ Recruiting as students
graduate is too late.

The other story we’d like to tell is about the demand for STEM camp. Just like employers want to build pipelines of
employees who want to become skilled in their industry, kids and parents crave the exploratory activities in STEM
areas! We have created a bright spot in early summer for students and parents to look forward to STEM experiences
in an affordable, local, educational setting. For many, we are a best kept secret. For us, the exposure camp provides
to students who will soon make elective decisions about tech-ed is essential. With continued industry interest and
community support, we are determined to continue to expand camp opportunities and explore other year-round
activities to enhance middle and high school student experiences on our campus.

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Salina Family YMCA, Science Based Enrichment Camps

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Science, Technology & Invention, $900,
Awarded 5/9/2018

Project Summary: The grant will be used to purchase start up science based
equipment for two new science based Enrichment Camps: Electronics Camp and
CSI Camp.

Use of Funds: Technology supplies and kits for camp

Impact & Results: After the camps started we recognized that most of the campers
were the same kids coming each week. Our belief that parents were looking for
a new, safe, engaging place for their children to be during the summer proved
true. Electronic’s camp was our first camp we had this summer, and the kids that
participated in that program on their down time chose to bring back the Circuit
Rover. They really loved setting it up and showing the other campers what they had learned and how it was fun.

Salina Public Schools, Schilling Summer Library Reading Program

L.P. “Pat” Mullen Fund for Arts & Humanities, $3,640, Awarded 5/9/2018

Project Summary: This project would open the Schilling Elementary School library for 7 weeks during the summer
and provide guided reading activities and incentives for students. The grant would pay supplemental salaries and
field trip costs (bus service, fees).

Use of Funds: Grant funds were used to pay supplemental salaries of certified and classified personnel working off-
contract during the summer to operate the program as well as instructional supplies to assist lower-level readers.

Impact & Results: Our original plan was to provide two field trips in addition to the Botanical Gardens, both
related to the summer literacy theme of “Making Our Minds Grow.” Due to budget constraints we could not afford
transportation, but we were pleased to be able to bring community people into the program to speak directly to
the children. We brought guest speakers from local 4-H, a Central Kansas Master Gardener, and Caleb Svaty, who
coordinates advertising, sales, and agricultural work for Svaty Produce.

One of the most exciting activities occurred in conjunction with the 4-H presentation on growing vegetables:
Lowe’s donated potting soil and students painted pots and planted vegetables of their own. It was great fun for
the students. Many of them had never done any gardening before, but children are always ready to get their hands
dirty—and this experience helped them connect what we were reading about (life cycle of plants, farming, healthy
diet) to “real world” activity. It also reinforced a lot of the character-building skills we try to teach during the regular
year: patience, effort, respect for the environment, and creativity (when they painted the pots).

Being able to bring guests into the library to speak in-depth about the subjects we were reading about, answer
questions, and talk about their work, made the reading content more meaningful. During the school year, students
read books on a variety of subjects but we rarely have the opportunity to connect the content to experiences outside
the act of reading itself. Occasionally we might be able to take students on a field trip related to what they’re
reading about but this doesn’t happen often enough. And even more rarely do we have knowledgeable people from
the community able to volunteer their time to come into the classroom and share information that expands upon
what the children are reading. Summer is a much better time to get volunteer guest speakers, and that’s actually an
advantage of this kind of program—apart from the need to encourage children to read during the summer anyway.
When the program was over, every student had a pot with vegetables growing that he or she could share with
classmates and family members. It was a fun experience for both the children and the adults, and it definitely made
reading more meaningful for the students.

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