FortScott.Biz is providing a series featuring each United Way of Bourbon County agency in the coming weeks.
United Way is primarily funded through donations from local businesses when employees agree to donate an amount through payroll deductions.
Gina Shelton, president of United Way of Bourbon County said the cost of a purchased soft drink, one dollar if it was payroll deducted by many people, would help the agency meet its 2018 Campaign goal of $50,000.
Diane Salyers is the contact for Southeast Kansas Respite Services (SEKRS) and she provided the answers in the following interview with fortscott.biz. She can be reached at dsalyers@ku.edu
What service do you provide Bourbon County residents?
“SEKRS was organized to give parents/ family caregivers a rest or break from the constant care that is often required by a child, adult family member, or senior with special needs. It is very difficult to find persons willing to assume the added responsibility of caring for someone with special needs. SEKRS hires individuals to go into the home and stay with the individual with special needs so the family caregiver can get away.”
“Our goal is to strengthen families and keep them together by giving them a break from the constant care and added stress families of individuals with special needs face on a daily basis. Family caregivers need to know their loved ones are being cared for by skilled and competent caregivers. SEKRS provides that care.”
What are your service hours?
“Our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, but our services can be at any time, including nights and weekends.”
What is your local address?
“We are located t 2601 Gabriel, Parsons KS 67357 and we cover the nine counties of Southeast Kansas.”
What percentage of your budget is the United Way grant?
“We requested $500 which is 10 percent of our budget.”
Who are your board members?
SEKRS Board of Directors 2017-2018
Scott Thompson -Chairperson
Director CLASS LTD
PO Box 266
Columbus, KS 66725
Tim Cunningham
Director Tri-Valley Developmental Services
PO Box 518
Chanute, KS 66720
Mike Dixon Acting Superintendent, Parsons State Hospital and Training
PO Box 738
Parsons, KS 67357
Matt Atteberry-Secretary
Director Labette Center for Mental Health Services
PO Box 258
Parsons, KS 67357
Dave Lindeman-Treasurer
Director University of Kansas Life Span at Parsons
PO Box 738
Parsons, KS 67357
Cindy Lane
Director Area Agency on Aging
PO Box J
Chanute, KS 66720