Growing with Futures: a strong start with Early Head Start

Growing with Futures: a strong start with Early Head Start

by | Sep 24, 2026 | Early Childhood News, News, Uncategorized

When preschool mom, Lynda, was planning to send her sixth child through Futures preschool, she did something first that she had not done with her other five children.

Before her youngest child, Dawson, was old enough for preschool, she enrolled him in Futures’ Early Head Start program, which serves prenatal moms and infants and toddlers to age 3.

“I just wanted to stay on top of everything,” Lynda said of her reason for enrolling in Early Head Start, which brings a home visitor into the home weekly for an hour and a half of developmental play time and goal setting. “I didn’t notice any, but if he had delays, I wanted them to be caught early and addressed sooner rather than later.”

Surprisingly, making time each week for this 90-minute visit was not a scheduling challenge, despite Lynda being a busy, single, working mom with six children. “The entire family looked forward to the visits and seeing how excited Dawson was to have Miss Deana and later Miss Shirley come with their “bag full of things” made me realize what a good thing this was,” said Lynda.

Lynda says Dawson has loved his Early Head Start visits and that she feels she should have enrolled sooner. He’s learned a lot of his colors and shapes and worked on taking turns and sharing to get him ready for preschool. “I feel like he opened up more with someone coming once a week,” says Lynda. “He had things he was excited to tell her, like what he had eaten and she would reinforce his healthy eating choices.” Lynda also admitted it was nice having another adult to talk to.

The Early Head Start program helped Dawson not only get ready for preschool but to look forward to it. “And, I was more at ease myself taking him,” says Lynda. “I didn’t have as many concerns about leaving him at preschool. I feel more confident as a mom.”

This is just the beginning! Follow along in our future posts as Dawson grows from Early Head Start to preschool!

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Futures Unlimited, Inc. is Sumner County’s premier early childhood program offering preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start preschool, 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 progressing toward their next educational step. Programs involve and benefit the whole family. Futures helps families thrive! To find out more call 316.369.0256, email apply@futures-unlimited.org or visit www.futures-unlimited.org.

 

A memorable celebration for Futures’ 50th anniversary

A memorable celebration for Futures’ 50th anniversary

by | May 26, 2026 | News

The 50th Anniversary Celebration, Ribbon Tying and Open House on May 26th was truly special — a memorable milestone for Futures on Tuesday. We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout of community supporters, including local leaders, longtime partners, families, friends, and others who have supported Futures through the years.

To commemorate the organization’s 50th anniversary, Futures president/CEO Christa delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the agency’s history, growth, and impact over the past five decades. As she shared highlights from each decade, members of the management team lit five commemorative sparklers symbolizing the organization’s journey, growth, adaptations and progress through the years.

Audience members were then presented with ceremonial slices of cake representing the many individuals and groups who have shaped the organization’s success.

Duane Williams received the first slice on behalf of the very first individuals who received disability support services when Futures opened its doors on May 24, 1976. The moment was especially touching, bringing Duane to tears.

Next, April Dugan accepted a slice representing the thousands of individuals who have relied on Futures for transportation services over the years.

To honor the impact of target case management, Jimmy Herrington received a slice on behalf of the many people who have benefited from those supports throughout the agency’s history.

A slice was then presented to Hollie May and her two boys, representing the many families who have trusted Futures with early childhood services designed to help children thrive.

Employees were also recognized during the ceremony with a slice presented to current direct support professional Jennifer Doerge, honoring the countless staff members whose time, expertise, compassion, and dedication have strengthened every program and service throughout the past five decades.

As part of a founder’s tribute, current board member Phil White presented a slice to original board member Jerry Pooler, recognizing the determination and vision of those who worked tirelessly to establish the organization in its earliest years.

Finally, Jeanne Brown and Shelia Schroeder with Sumner Mental Health Center accepted slices representing the invaluable role community partners have played in the agency’s continued success.

Christa concluded the ceremony by sharing, “Together, these individuals represent the relationships, trust, dedication, and community that have defined our first 50 years — and will guide our future as we continue to change and grow for years to come.”

Attendees then gathered for a ribbon tying symbolizing the many ties Futures has built throughout the community during the past 50 years. Susan Doherty then captured a truly special group photo that included nearly every person who attended the reception. Guests were invited to enjoy cake and take tours of the grounds following the ceremony. It was truly a remarkable day. Thank you to each person who joined us for our 50th anniversary celebration.

Join in National Public Health Week

by | Mar 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

flyer details events that are going on Monday thru friday in honor of national public health week.

In honor of National Public Health Week (April 6–10), the Sumner Mental Health Center and local partners are sharing important ways families can keep kids safe and healthy.

Five key topics are highlighted:
• Safe sleep for babies
• Lead testing for children
• Car seat safety
• Senior health resources
• Preventing substance use

Families are encouraged to learn more and take advantage of these free community activities happening throughout the week. Together, we can build a healthier future for Sumner County.

Attn Contractors: Bid Opportunity

Attn Contractors: Bid Opportunity

by | May 9, 2025 | Uncategorized

Project: Transportation Building Renovation

Futures Unlimited, Inc. is seeking bids from qualified contractors for a renovation project. Interested parties can review the full Request for Bid documents at the link below.

Deadline for submissions: June 13, 2025

 

 

 

View Bid Request

Kohmetscher Announces Retirement from Futures

Kohmetscher Announces Retirement from Futures

by | May 24, 2024 | News

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.”