Sunflower Children's Collective operates as an umbrella organization encompassing three vital agencies serving vulnerable children: Sunflower CASA, Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center, and Sunflower Bridge Child Exchange and Visitation Center. CASA volunteers serve as court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children, walking alongside them through their court cases to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met.

• CASA volunteers provide crucial advocacy for children in the court system due to abuse and neglect
• New two-Saturday training format launching in October to make volunteer training more accessible
• Recently acquired a dedicated vehicle (nicknamed "CARSA") for staff to visit children placed throughout Kansas
• Successfully navigating funding challenges after temporary loss of federal expansion grant
• Implementing innovative therapy program for children with problematic sexualized behaviors, with 98% success rate
• Currently seeking gas cards or fuel donations to support their outreach vehicle
• Planning to reapply for federal funding in 2026 to continue expansion into underserved counties

We would love to have support from the community for gas money. We've created a Give Butter link on our website and in our newsletters where you can donate to help fuel our outreach vehicle.

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Meadowlark's Parkinson's Program provides free education, exercise, and support services to anyone affected by Parkinson's disease throughout the Flint Hills region. The program helps combat the depression, anxiety, and apathy often associated with Parkinson's while providing crucial exercise opportunities that are proven to slow disease progression.

• Boxing therapy shows immediate results with participants taking larger steps by mid-class
• Virtual and hybrid formats connect participants from as far as Indiana and Kansas City
• The 17th annual Speedy PD race aims to reach 1,000 participants this year
• Race features a half-mile memorial walk/run, 5K, and 10K events starting at 8:00 am
• Special recognition for VIPDs (Very Important People with Parkinson's Disease)
• Post-race celebration includes food, drinks, and activities - "a party with a purpose"
• K-State's Ireland game has sparked international connections with Dublin Parkinson's organizations
• Coach Kleiman and wife Rhonda support the program through their personal connection to Parkinson's

Register now at runspeedypd.org, in person at Meadowlark, or at the event on Saturday, August 23rd at Tuttle Creek State Park.

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Candice McIntosh and Melissa Colby share their mission at Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, bringing joy and confidence to girls in third through eighth grade across a ten-county region. The program combines physical activity with lessons on confidence, friendship, and community engagement.

• New "Hello Bold Heart" curriculum focuses on helping girls find and use their voices
• Program teaches girls to be good teammates and friends while building individual confidence
• Expanding to new counties with Clay Center joining this season
• Volunteer coaches don't need running experience—just a desire to empower girls
• Male coaches especially welcome as positive role models
• Annual fundraiser "Sneaker Soiree" becoming a luncheon on October 16th at Manhattan Country Club
• Looking for event sponsors and auction item donations

Visit gotrflinthills.org to register a girl, become a coach, or learn more about supporting the organization. Tickets for the Sneaker Soiree Luncheon go live September 1st and typically sell out quickly.

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CFAs