Futures Unlimited named finalist in 2024 Best of Sumner County

Futures Unlimited named finalist in 2024 Best of Sumner County

For the second consecutive year, Futures Unlimited, Inc. has been recognized as a finalist in the Wellington Daily News’ 2024 Best of Sumner County Non-Profit Organization/Charity category.

 

“Our roots are deep in this community,” remarks President/CEO Christa Jones. “The trust and confidence placed in us is something we take seriously. Being selected as a finalist is an honor, and it’s a privilege to serve our community in this capacity.”

 

We extend our gratitude to everyone who voted for us and supported our mission. Together, we make a lasting impact in Sumner County.

LIEAP Application: Need Help?

LIEAP Application: Need Help?

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. 

DSP Week: Bringing DSPs to the forefront

DSP Week: Bringing DSPs to the forefront

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.

Pre-K Slots Still Available at Kennedy Elementary School

Pre-K Slots Still Available at Kennedy Elementary School

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:

  • Child qualifies for free meals under the National School Lunch Program
  • A concern with speech or requires speech therapy
  • Single-parent home
  • Concerns with child’s social skills or emotional development
  • Family might be dealing with poverty, DCF referral, has limited English proficiency, teen parent, either parent lacks a high school diploma or GED
  • Lower than expected developmental progress with a child’s cognitive or physical development or adaptive behavior/self-help skills
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • Diagnosed developmental disability
  • Qualifying migrant status
  • Foster children
  • Receiving SNAP
  • TANF or SSI eligible

 

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:

  • Focus on school readiness
  • Excellent curriculum
  • Social/emotional focus
  • Family involvement
  • Daily routines
  • Purposeful math
  • Hands-on science

 

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!

Cleaning Help Wanted at Northfield Apartments

Cleaning Help Wanted at Northfield Apartments

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.