DCF is accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program beginning
Nov. 18, 2024. Click “View PDF” below and locate page 2 to find a local event happening in your area for help filling out your LIEAP application. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025.
Go to www.dcf.ks.gov to learn more or apply online.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the unsung heroes in the lives of individuals with disabilities, playing a crucial role in their daily support and engagement. Though their contributions are significant, great DSPs operate behind the scenes, rarely drawing attention to themselves. Their focus remains on the people they support, helping them participate in everyday activities—like attending church, running errands, or enjoying a high school football game. As Cristy Harris, Director of Program Services at Futures, puts it, “The more invisible the staff is, the better they are at their job!”
That’s why DSP Week, celebrated from September 8-14, 2024, is an important time to recognize and applaud the invaluable work these professionals do.
The positive impact of DSPs on those they support is undeniable, but the benefits are mutual. Working as a DSP equips individuals with lifelong skills and personal growth opportunities. “I learned how to cook during my time as a DSP,” Harris shares with a laugh. “Or more accurately, how NOT to cook.”
Loni Martin, a current DSP, reflects on her experience: “I’ve learned the importance of being aware of my surroundings and staying focused on the task at hand. Most importantly, I’ve learned always to have compassion for all people.”
DSPs not only provide essential support—they also forge meaningful relationships built on trust, dignity, and respect. “I am thankful for this job because I get to love other people. This job fills my spirit and has brought a lot of love to my life,” adds Loni.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in people’s lives, consider becoming a DSP. To learn more, visit www.futures-unlimited.org/careers.
Will your child be 3 years old by August 31, 2024? Half-day, M-F slots are available at Kennedy Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.
HOW?
Go to www.futures-unlimited.org/APPLY1 to complete a short application.
WHO?
Parents can apply if they answer yes to ANY of the following about their preschool-age child:
WHAT?
As Sumner County’s premiere preschool program, Futures Unlimited, Inc. is thrilled to continue its goal of effectively readying Sumner County’s young ones for kindergarten at no cost. At Futures, it’s actually a whole-family effort!
Highlights of Pre-K at Kennedy include:
If your child is not old enough yet for preschool, but you can answer some of the bullet points above, consider applying for Early Head Start services, which come alongside families to strengthen their family unit and offer resources and fun for the whole family. Simply complete the application found at www.futures-unlimited.org/APPLY.
WHEN?
Preschool slots are limited, but enrollment will be open until mid-September.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Cindy Bauer at cindyb@futures-unlimited.org or 316.369.0256 or visit www.futures-unlimited.org/INFO.
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Futures Unlimited, Inc. is Sumner County’s premier early childhood program offering preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start, special education and pre-k services for prenatal families and children up to age 5 who qualify. Research-based curriculum ties all program activities to cognitive outcomes. Full-day and half-day preschool options are available. School readiness checkpoints ensure your child is making progress toward their next educational step. Programs involve and benefit the whole family. Futures helps families thrive!
Northfield Apartments in Caldwell is looking for someone to clean the clubhouse every other week as well as do occasional deep cleaning of apartments as they become available. Give Chris a call for more details: 620.359.2508.
Wellington, KS—After 36 years of service as president/CEO, Tom Kohmetscher will retire effective July 1, 2024.
Reflecting on his time at Futures, Tom emphasizes, “It’s been an immense honor and joy to serve as the president/CEO for these past 36 years. I’ve always been deeply proud of what this organization—and its exceptional, dedicated staff—has achieved despite the inherent challenges in our field. Since its inception, the agency has consistently played a crucial role in the lives of the County’s men, women, and children, who require additional support to thrive and be as independent as possible. This mission entrusted to us has always been a cause for celebration because it truly embodies the power of rural communities uniting to support each other–regardless of their unique needs.”
“Tom’s leadership of, and dedication to, our agency and the people it serves is unmatched,” shares Phil White, Chairman of the Futures Unlimited Board of Directors. “His enthusiasm and work ethic are contagious and benefited not only Futures Unlimited, but the entire community. Our organization is what it is today because of Tom’s vision and ability to draw out the strengths of his entire team.”
White continued, “The Futures Unlimited Board of Directors has been planning for leadership succession for a couple of years now and is excited to announce that Christa Jones, our director of program services, has been named the organization’s new president/CEO. She brings over 33 years of experience in all aspects of our daily operations and actively participates in the agency’s strategic planning and program development. She’s always worked closely with Tom and the board in all aspects of the agency, so the transition should go seamlessly.”
A Notable Career
Kohmetscher became the agency’s third executive director in 1988, following Jack Allen and Bill Brotten. Coming to Futures with previous experience in direct care, special education, governmental regulatory compliance, national disability-related consulting, and community-based program development and operations, he was well qualified to lead the agency forward during a period of expansion and diversification.
During Kohmetscher’s tenure, he guided the organization through several significant initiatives, including the expansion of residential and work programs, the expansion of the agency’s special education preschool and early intervention programs, the establishment of Head Start/Early Head Start services, the expansion of the County’s General Public Transportation services, and the development of the County’s only Section 811 HUD subsidized apartment complex, Northfield Apartments, in Caldwell. Over the years, while advocating for the importance of rural community programs supporting persons with disabilities, he’s also been active on various local, state, and national associations, boards, task forces, and committees.
Kohmetscher leaves the organization in solid financial standing with a leadership and management team that is cohesive, highly skilled, and committed to the organization’s mission. “Leaving an organization that has been so dear to me for so many years is certainly bittersweet. But knowing it’s in such capable hands is of great comfort,” shares Kohmetscher. “While life for me will most certainly change, I will always look back with the fondest memories of the incredible folks who are and have been Futures Unlimited. I look forward to continuing my support and advocacy for rural Kansans with disabilities.”
About Futures Unlimited, Inc. Futures Unlimited, Inc. has been the trusted provider of community-based support for men and women with Developmental Disabilities, Head Start and Early Head Start programs for children and families, and General Public Transportation for 48 years. Futures gives people of every age the help they need with the dignity they deserve. Our mission says it all: “Empowerment, inclusion and opportunity–our passion, our mission.”