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.”
“We know one thing is for certain, what brings residents to Northfield Apartments is their Caldwell connection,” says Dawn Stevenson, Northfield property manager and site supervisor for Futures Unlimited Inc., the property’s owner and manager. “Ties to this area continue to be our biggest selling point,” Stevenson remarks.
Constructed in 1994 as an income-based HUD project for qualifying individuals, Northfield Apartments offers 20 one-bedroom ground-level apartments situated around a clubhouse at 400 W Avenue E in Caldwell on an inviting 27-acre setting. Individuals experiencing an ongoing physical or other disability and in need of affordable housing are invited to apply.
Stevenson, who has served in her current capacity for the past 15 years, feels Northfield offers a camaraderie among the residents not easily found in more traditional apartment settings in other communities. “Having a clubhouse for folks to gather or pop in gives us all an opportunity to get to know one another better,” says Stevenson, whose office is staffed during most daytime hours, seven days per week. “While we are often here in the capacity of Futures Unlimited’s support service,” Stevenson continues, “this living situation allows us to be accessible to all residents, outside of office hours.”
Dawn is joined by two other staff members and lifelong Caldwell residents, Dana Dick and Kari Dvorak. “I have really enjoyed the relationships I’ve developed working out here,” says Dick. “I’ve made lots of new friends and t’s a positive, welcoming environment here–that’s one of the many reasons I enjoy what I do at Northfield.”
To find more about Northfield Apartments, call (620)845-6595 or email NorthfieldApartments@futures-unlimited.org or visit www.NorthfieldApartmentsCaldwellKS.com. Northfield Apartments is an equal housing opportunity.
Futures has the following exciting career opportunities available:
Check out this job opportunity and apply today!
Futures Unlimited is hiring educational paras/teaching assistants for the 23-24 school year starting at $14.50/hour!
If you LOVE working with kids and want to grow professionally – this might be a great fit for you!
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 children ages prenatal to 5. Research-based curriculum ties all program activities to cognitive outcomes. Full-day and half-day preschool options are available. School readiness checkpoints ensure children are making progress toward their next educational step. Programs involve and benefit the whole family. Futures helps families thrive!
Check out this job opportunity and apply today!
Futures Unlimited, Inc. and USD 353 have partnered again this year to offer up to 60 preschool slots at Kennedy Elementary School this coming 2023-2024 school year. “USD 353 has been fortunate to partner with Futures Unlimited for several years by providing preschool classroom space within our district,” says Adam Hatfield, USD 353 superintendent.
Initially, this preschool was only available to families who met need-based and developmental eligibility criteria. But to ensure over-income families who do not already have a preschool home have the opportunity to attend a local preschool, the district has opened up a limited number of slots to any child ages 3-4 as long as they reside within the Wellington School District.
“Our goal is to support Wellington preschools to ensure parents who desire preschool services for their child will have that option,” Hatfield says.
“While these particular community slots are limited,” says Futures’ enrollment specialist, Cindy Bauer, “we also have Head Start and Pre-K slots to offer those who meet eligibility criteria.
Futures offers a wide variety of ways 3 & 4-year-olds can be eligible for preschool this year. Parents are encouraged to complete a short questionnaire at www.futures-unlimited.org/apply1 or they may call or text Cindy at 316-369-0256 or visit www.futures-unlimited.org/INFO for more information.