Bo Co Coalition Minutes of December 3

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

December 3, 2025

 

 

1.  Welcome: Sixteen members representing fourteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board.  Reach out to Nick if you are interested.

 

 

1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

• Theresa Amershek – KVC Safehouse
• Champagne Jones- KVC, Outreach Coordinator – If you are looking for an advocate, contact Champagne.  The annual Bags to Riches fundraiser is coming up.  Safehouse has a virtual Christmas tree on their Facebook page if you would like to donate.
• Tammy Alcanatar – Crawford County Health Dept. – Works with teens and hosts Baby and Me Tobacco Free and hybrid prenatal classes. Tammy is the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative coordinator for southeast Kansas. More information about KPCC will be coming in the new year.
• Jennifer Gum Fowler – FS Public Library – FS Public Library has a Grinch Tree and a Grinch Give Away- to collect canned food for those in need. Individuals can earn prizes by reading or donating.  The library has spaces available for therapy and telehealth.  The children’s room is nearing completion; it will be for ages birth to 5th grade.  The teen room and maker’s space will be next to receive renovations.  December 12th at 2:15, the library is hosting a Candy Land sensory play activity. Check out their new website fortscottpubliclibrary.org.
• Cherri Walrod – Community Health Worker, K-State Extension- Funding for Cherri’s program ends this month, but KDHE and K-State have applied for federal funding.  IF approved, they would be able to hire 100 new health workers in Kansas.  Cherri is hopeful she will be able to continue her work under this new role.  Cherri coordinates a support group for parents of children with special needs.  All of her resources can be found on the K-State Extension Southwind District website.
• Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon provides food for individuals and families twice per month. The Beacon receives produce on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from which clients can shop.  The Beacon helps with gas vouchers, rent, and utilities. In November, the Beacon helped 440 families, 26 of whom were new.  Numbers are up about 25% over last year.  Last month, they helped with over $1,000 dollars of assistance.  All families and kids have been adopted for Christmas.  The Elks program had 146 families apply for baskets this year.
• Jenny Layes- Health Worker, HBCAT – Laundry services are available on Thursdays from 12-6 at 5-Star Laundry. This service is free for all.  Jenny works to connect people to resources.  WorkForceOne in the HBAT office on Tuesdays from 8:00-4:00.  HBCAT is starting a mentorship program that matches startups and entrepreneurs with mentors in the business.
• Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – There will be a maker’s space set up at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Building on December 13th from 10:00-3:00. Check the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page for more information.
• Stephanie Breckenridge Family Resource Center – Stephanie helps connect families with resources.
• Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for ages prenatal-6. Michelle hosts parent/child cafes, community events, and helps parents track their child’s development.  She currently has a couple of open spots in her program.
• Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – PAT now has three educators who serve Bourbon County. Send any referrals you may have to Star, and she’ll connect you with the right person.
• Shelby Moore Families Together FAST – Shelby supports families with special needs children in navigating various systems and processes.
• Cathy Romero – Angels Home Health -Cathy is looking for resource groups who might volunteer to be with homebound senior citizens who don’t have family or funds. She is seeking volunteer companions who would visit seniors who can’t leave home.
• Lauren Klinksick – Account Executive, Angels Home Health – Lauren works with facilities and companies to bring services to the community. Angels Home Health’s focus this month is on diabetes.  Angels Home Health can educate caregivers and patients in the home or an assisted living facility.  Anyone can send referrals to Angels Home Health.

 

 

 

1.  Program: 

 

Stephanie England & Rachel Jones, KVC 2 Gen Prevention

 

2Gen connects families with resources and empowerment.  They are a community-based service program. 2Gen can connect clients with workforce development.  They walk alongside families and individuals and help navigate various systems.  2Gen’s Goal is to keep families together.  They will conduct a needs assessment, then provide the support needed.   2Gen meets families where they are and helps with whatever families may need. Support is offered 1-on-1.  2Gen’s goals are healthy families, healthy communication, and financial literacy.  2Gen receives referrals from DCF and advocates and works with individuals of all ages.

 

 

1.  Open Forum:  Members present discussed the need for a community resource fair to connect individuals with resources and coordinate resources in the community.  A group will begin planning an event for Spring 2026.  If you would like to help plan, email bourboncountycoalition@gmail.com.

 

1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be February 4, 2026.