2024 Projects
Women Who Lead (WWL) completed 29 projects in 2023, making an undeniable impact in the community. The many projects were made possible by the generosity of caring sponsors, individuals, and the commitment of all our members. Women Who Lead was made aware of the increasing rise of food insecurity in Ellis County. For children, food insecurity is particularly devastating. Not having enough healthy food can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, also affecting academic achievement in school. Thus, many of our projects in 2024 focus on working to find solutions including partnering with local schools, food banks, churches, and community organizations.
WOMEN WHO FEED PROJECTS
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONNECTIONS WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACKS
USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is a child development, parenting and family services program that serving children and families, including a preschool-aged at-risk program. WWL was made aware that there were children who experienced anxiety about not having enough food on weekends. WWL voted to provide backpacks of food for each child in need for a period of one year, to be re-visited the following year. $5,000 was given in February and another $5,000 for the project was given in September.
WEEKLY SPAGHETTI DINNERS
Women Who Lead contributed to Feeding Hays, an initiative operated by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, that provides the community with a weekly spaghetti dinner each Thursday evening. In support of the project WWL donated $2,500 to help with the cost of the weekly meals. Additionally, WWL members sponsor one meal per quarter by purchasing the groceries, preparing and serving the meal with all the fixings including a “kindness cookie” individually wrapped with WWL logo for dessert. The first WWL sponsored meal was in May members changed it up a little by serving a meal of taco potatoes (with sides and dessert), breaking the “record” of number of meals served in one evening with over 200 people served.
FIRST CALL FOR HELP FOOD PANTRY
The shelves at First Call for Help’s food pantry were empty. In response, the non-profit organized a Battle of the Business Challenge to address the problem to fill the empty shelves during the summer months and before the start of school. Women Who Lead answered the call by donating $500 toward purchasing non-perishable food items AND members brought items to the June monthly membership meeting resulting in 2,482 items donated and WWL taking the trophy! (For comparison, the total number of items donated the previous year by all businesses was 1,937 items.)
MEALS ON WHEELS
With only two Meals on Wheels routes in operation, there was a need to establish a third route so more clients would have access to a hot meal. First Call for Help, in cooperation with HaysMed, coordinates the local program to serve elderly and those who are home-bound. To implement another route, a “hot box” would need to be purchased at a cost of $700 in addition to adding additional volunteers necessary to deliver the meals. Women Who Lead not only purchased the hot box, but membership also committed to having the 10 volunteers necessary each delivery. The new route began in July.
MEAL KITS
Women Who Lead voted to provide 20 ready to prepare meal kits per month for one year (240 kits) to First Call for Help in an effort to relieve the food insecurity many families are facing. Each kit, at an approximate cost of $20 each, will feed 8 people. WWL is also providing two birthday kits (one boy & one girl) monthly which contains everything to put a smile on the face of a child on their birthday. The kit includes a cake mix, frosting, candles, party decorations and favors. Through the generosity of local sponsors, businesses, individuals, the program has the capacity to continue for more than one year.
3-D DYNAMIC DONATION DAMES – FOOD DELIVERY TO SCHOOLS AND NON-PROFITS AGENCIES
Dynamic Donation Dames is a volunteer group that picks up bakery and deli items that are nearing the expiration date from Dillons and distributes the food to schools and local non-profit agencies. WWL members signed up to help the group in making the weekly deliveries and are also exploring other ways to help those experiencing food insecurity.
STOCK THE PANTRY AT FHSU
Women Who Lead partnered with Delta Zeta to fill the food pantry at FHSU prior to the start of the fall semester. Members brought grocery bags, boxes, and even plastic tubs full of non-perishable items to the August meeting to help with food insecurity on campus. Members of the community were encouraged to help with initiative, by dropping off food at Golden Plains Credit Union or FHSU pantry. Another drive is scheduled late fall and early 2025.
STOCK THE PANTRY AT ELLIS
WWL members brought bags of food to help fill the food pantry in Ellis. The pantry was in dire need of replenishing it’s supply for those experiencing food insecurity for those living in Ellis.
MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS PROJECTS
CAMBER KIDS VALENTINE PARTY – February
Camber Children’s Mental Health Hospital offers psychiatric residential treatment and inpatient mental health care for children aged 6 to 18 dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health conditions. WWL made it a special day for the 32 children (and staff members) on Valentines Day at Camber by providing supplies for the group to make friendship bracelets so they could intertwine friendship with one another. The Camber staff received a special surprise with treats for their break room that included friendship donuts, Valentine’s snack mix and grab and go cupcakes.
DREAM CAMP – June
Women Who Lead provided a life-changing experience for 10 children in June with a donation to DREAM, Inc., allowing them to attend summer camp at no cost. DREAM Camp provides a fun, educational and safe environment for children from chemically addicted family members, offering not only counseling, but a chance to have fun and interact with other children in similar situations. At a cost of $300 per child, it is often not affordable and WWL were pleased to help.
CAMBER KIDS SUMMER COOKOUT – August
Women Who Lead provided 60 children and staff at Camber Mental Health Hospital with a fun event to celebrate the end of summer and get ready for the new school year. They were treated to barbeque beef sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans and drinks donated and catered by Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill. To complement the meal, WWL provided colorful snack cups filled with treats for dessert. Following the “picnic” the kids played outdoor games, providing positive social interaction with other kids at the hospital. To carry the fun longer than just one evening, Women Who Lead also donated an inflatable gaga ball pit and dodge balls to be used by Camber for future use and recreation to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.
SPLASH INTO AWARENESS EVENT – August
Women Who Lead was a sponsor of “Splash into Awareness”, a youth event hosted by LINK in an effort to introduce the community to available local services that focus on mental health and substance issues.
In recognizing the need for substance abuse prevention at an early age, the event provided a fun evening of live music, games, and prizes while the youth learned more about the organizations dedicated to promoting positive mental health.
CAMBER KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY – COMING SOON!
A Halloween Party was held for the children at Camber Kids Mental Health Hospital the end of October. Fun activities included rock painting with a Halloween them, in-house Trick or Treating, decorated cupcakes and other snacks plus a movie on a big screen.
STOP BULLYING PROJECT – COMING SOON!!!
Women Who Lead will be hosting a Stop Bullying project in November. Through partnerships with local mental health professionals, schools, athletes, student leaders, FHSU and other key leaders in the community, the project is aimed to reduce bullying, which has been shown to negatively affect a child’s self-esteem, confidence and ability to succeed.
CAMBER KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY– COMING SOON!!!
Women Who Lead will once again provide Christmas gifts for the children being served by Camber Children’s Mental Health Hospital in Hays. In 2023, WWL surprised 37 children with a Christmas party and personalized gifts for each child with many saying it was the “Best Christmas Ever!”
WOMEN WHO LEAD PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
AUNT FLO PROJECT – January
Women Who Lead was contacted last fall by Hays High School Student Council for help in providing feminine product dispensers for the girls’ bathrooms. At the time, there were NO dispensers in the school. The Aunt Flo Project provided the school with three machines (with the WWL logo) and a year’s supply of products. In January of this year, WWL completed the project started in 2023 by adding an additional 3 dispensers so all the girls’ bathrooms now have feminine product dispensers and supplies.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OUTREACH – February
Hays High School Student Council invited Women Who Lead to meet with the group to share their insights on leadership, overcoming challenges and network building. Six WWL board members, with proven success in their areas of expertise, participated, interacting with the student leaders, answering questions, and providing encouragement in their future endeavors. WWL learned of a recent project of Stu-Co to help students, unable to pay, attend school dances. To help with the initiative, WWL donated $500 to the project.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY OUTREACH – March
WWL was invited to speak at a Delta Zeta Women Empowerment event for students and their mothers. Upon learning of the many projects completed by WWL, the group asked how they could get involved, resulting in 13 students and several moms joining WWL. A partnership with Delta Zeta and Women Who Lead has since been formed with collaboration on projects to benefit university students in the works with the possibility of perhaps creating a WWL outreach group on campus.
REALITY U – April
Women Who Lead was once again a sponsor of United Way’s annual Reality U project. Members also volunteered to work the one-day literacy event for high school and middle school students, providing education about the responsibilities, financial obligations educational needs, and skills necessary to be an independent contributing member of their community upon reaching adulthood.
BACKPACKS FOR KIDS – July
Members donated new backpacks and school supplies for the Back Packs for Kids program at First Call for Help. A list was provided to of needed items in addition to backpacks were provided to WWL members. Over 50 members brought numerous items to the July meeting to help children get off to a good start at the beginning of the school year. It is the second year that WWL assisted with the effort.
TOYS FOR TOTS – COMING SOON!!!
WWL will partner with Thirsty’s again to provide toys for area children through the Maine Corp Toys for Tots program. Last year, members donated 97 new toys for the children. WWL also donated $500 to Early Childhood Connections to purchase needed coats and boots for children in their program.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS’ APPRECIATION – May
WWL assisted HaysMed during “Hospital Week” in thanking nurses, doctors and associates for their dedication to our community. Women Who Lead members worked the day-long event and provided over 1,000 cookies with the WWL logo in appreciation of their dedication.
ELLIS COUNTY OUTREACH PROJECT – June
WWL is committed to making a difference for all Ellis County residents. In 2023, WWL completed a “Born Learning Trail” at Creekside Park in Ellis. The trail, a series of 10 colorful interactive signs, describe fun learning activities along the trail for children with their families and caregivers. In June, WWL voted to join other sponsors in building a new shelter house in Creekside Park. The park is still in the planning stages but will be a great addition to the park.
EDUCATION APPRECIATION – August
Women Who Lead joined The Chamber in thanking teachers and educators at their annual Education Appreciation Dinner. The event is an annual celebration to honor those who make invaluable contributions to the development and success of our youth. WWL provided 200 Women Who Lead notepads and pens for the swag bags in addition to a monetary donation of $250 in support of the event.
SELF-DEFENSE COURSE – September
Women Who Lead in partnered with Delta Zeta Sorority is hosting a self-defense course for women in September. The class was designed to provide personal protection training for FSHU women students and women in Ellis County over the age of 14. Participants learned how to remove themselves from dangerous situations and necessary skills to defend against an aggressor. A special thank you to Dave Vilaysing, former Hays Police Sergeant and owner of DXI Training Solutions for donating his time and expertise to the event.
HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS CARNIVAL – November Coming Soon!
WWL was a sponsor the event, hosted by First Call for Help, by providing an inflatable basketball goal (and balls) for participants to try their skills along with other planned games and activities. The proceeds from the carnival will be used to help with housing needs for low-income individuals and families in Ellis County.
SUNRISE PARK PROJECT – (Youth, Community & Mental Health Wellness)
Women Who Lead learned Sunrise Park, (next to Roosevelt Elementary School), built in 1957, did not have a sponsor and was in dire need of an update. With the original sign deteriorating and playground equipment aging, the park is overdue for an update. WWL members voted to “adopt” the park and become the official sponsor of Sunrise Park. The aim is to bring the park back to life, bring the neighborhood children back to play, and bring new opportunities for children to make lasting memories.
The first step is to replace the sign and upgrade landscaping. A new 6-hole disc park is in the works for children to use as a “learning course” to practice their skills as also serve as a playing course in their neighborhood.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held next spring to show the progress of the “new” Sunrise Park. WWL will unveil the next steps which will include new playground equipment, new ball fields, and new improvements necessary to bring the park back to life again. New Sunrise Park sponsors and donors will be recognized and thanked at the ribbon cutting in appreciation of their partnership with Women Who Lead.
CHAMBER WELCOME BASKETS (2020 through 2024)
WWL provides items for the Hays Chamber Welcome Baskets that are given to new residents in Hays. Brochures inform the newcomers of the many projects WWL do to benefit the community and also give the gift of a pink Women Who Lead ink pen and notepad.
ENCORE SERIES FHSU (2022 through 2024)
WWL members have volunteered to serve as ushers for FHSU Encore Series the past few years with members agreeing to continue volunteering their time for another year (2024-2025) as a way to “give back” to our community while providing visibility to the many projects of WWL.
ELDER CARE PROJECTS
BINGO! – February
WWL donated a large variety of bingo prizes to be used for activities at Homestead Assisted Living and the Senior Center. The Elder Care Committee works closely throughout the year with all the senior living facilities including Via Christie, Good Samaritan, Homestead, and Brookdale to help brighten the lives of the residents.
“WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS” – April
Members of the Elder Care Committee hosted a “What Happens in Vegas!” event for the residents of Via Christi Village. The residents spent the afternoon playing bingo, participating in a horse racing game, and playing card games with the WWL committee. Additionally, the Village staff assisted with roulette, blackjack, casino, games, alongside lots of food, fun and beverages. The WWL truly enjoyed spending time with the residents and spreading lots of love and laughter!
SENIOR HEATH FAIR – May
May is “Senior Month” and the Elder Care Committee participated in a Senior Fair at Big Creek Crossing. 100 seniors who attended the event were provided with a reusable cotton shopping tote bag containing flower seeds, Chapstick, candy, bottled water, adult coloring books with colored pencils & sharpener from Define Design & Remodel, free ice cream coupon from McDonald’s, magnetic clip from Bank of Hays, and notepads and pens with WWL logo. It was an opportunity to see the many friends they made through previous elder care projects.
RAISED GARDEN BEDS – May
Women Who Lead built raised garden beds a few years ago for residents of Via Christie and Good Samaritan Senior Care Living. The response was overwhelmingly positive and continued the initiative with WWL volunteers planting a variety of vegetables for a salsa garden and planting a flower garden for the residents’ enjoyment.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING – COMING SOON!!! (Elder Care)
WWL Who Lead members entertained residents of Via Christie with Christmas caroling following a membership meeting. The residents responded by telling WWL how much they enjoyed the songs that brought back such happy memories of themselves caroling when they were younger.
WOMEN WHO LEAD SIGNATURE PROJECTS (ON-GOING)
MATTHEW’S GIFT
Matthew’s Gift provides a tote bag filled with necessary items to families of emergency transport patients being moved from HaysMed to another medical facility. Families often do not have time for preparation and often must leave without a moment’s notice as their loved one is flown to another facility better equipped to offer the necessary medical attention. Matthew’s Gift provides such necessities as a fleece blanket, toiletries, snacks, puzzle books, paper/pen, gas card, and other items and is made possible through individual and business sponsors wishing to bring comfort to families in need.
Matthew’s Gift is named in honor of three-year old Matthew Wellbrock, son of Curtis and Jeanna Wellbrock. In September 2016, Matthew was tragically injured and subsequently transferred from HaysMed to receive critical care at another facility. Matthew’s Gift is made possible through individual and business sponsors wishing to bring comfort to families in need. There are over 100 transfers each year and the project will continue as long as financially viable.
PROJECT SUITCASE
When children require emergency removal from their home and are taken to a foster care home, they often leave with just the clothes on their back and whatever they can quickly find to take with them. Project Suitcase provides the gift of a duffle bag to each child containing a soft blanket, stuffed animal, new pajamas and underwear, toys, toiletries and a McDonalds gift card.
Partnerships with law enforcement and social service agencies allow the bag to be given at the time (or shortly thereafter) to each child. The response from foster parents have been overwhelmingly positive and report the duffle bag provides comfort during a stressful time. There are approximately 150 – 175 children requiring removal each year. The project is made possible through donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and WWL members and volunteers.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GIRLS
Women Who Lead established a scholarship fund in 2022 as an effort to help girls seeking post-secondary education, but unable to afford the costs of continuing their education. To qualify, each awardee must reside in Ellis County and enroll at FHSU, NWKTC, Hays Academy of Hair Design, or other trade school in Ellis County. Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded for 2023-2024 school year. This year there were over 30 applications and WWL was able to award seven scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year. The project is funded by a cash raffle (31 Days of Cash Raffle) and through individuals and businesses who specify their donation be used solely for scholarships.
POWER OF THE PURSE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Power of the Purse is the premier annual fundraiser for Women Who Lead. The event features an elegant venue, enjoyable dinner and inspiring speaker. High-end handbags are donated by local businesses, individuals, and WWL members to be used for a raffle, silent auction, and live auction of the many purses. Proceeds from the event, in addition to the generosity of WWL yearly sponsors and Power of the Purse sponsors enables our organization to provide the many projects for our community.