Tag Archives: featured

Ascension Via Christi, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Mercy Donates to Via Christi

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Holding the check facsimile – Former President and CEO of Mercy Reta Baker and  President and CEO of Ascension Via Christi-Pittsburg Randy Cason;  second row-Kayla Stewart, Via Christi-Bryan Holt, Mercy Foundation-Bill Michaud, Foundation; third row-Nicole Brown, Via Christi-Brooke Newell, Via Christi-Barb Dunlap, Via Christi- Holly Ryan, Via Christi; fourth row- Becky Tourtillott, Foundation-Alysia Johnston, Foundation. Submitted photo, dated April 22, 2019.

Mercy Health Foundation Donates $200,000 to Ascension/Via Christi for Continuation of Emergency Services in Fort Scott

Access to numerous health care services has remained intact following the closure of Mercy Hospital in December 2018, due in part to substantial donations from Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott, according to a press release from Mercy Hospital Foundation.

In their continued support of healthcare in the community, the foundation board agreed to donate $200,000 to the Ascension/Via Christi Emergency Department, Ft. Scott to ensure the continuation of essential health care services for residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Natalie Snyder, RN; Kristi Harbit, RN and Cheryl Koppa, RN, all of Fort Scott are members of the Ascension Via Christi staff in Fort Scott. This photo was taken the day of the grand opening of the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, Feb. 28.

Emergency care, lab, and radiology services are currently available at the prior Mercy location, 403 Woodlands Blvd., south of Fort Scott, just off 69 Hwy. and are being provided by Ascension/Via Christi. The funds are intended to facilitate technology and equipment for the emergency services.

Funds donated by Mercy Health Foundation will assist Ascension/Via Christi with costs associated to support a lab interface with the electronic health record and documentation system, a Lucas chest compression system, space lab patient monitors, iStat lab equipment, EKG TC 70 wireless, and a CT power injector, according to the Mercy Foundation press release.

Earlier this year, Mercy Health Foundation donated $300,000 to Community Health Center, who now provides clinical services in the former Mercy Hospital Clinic. That CHC clinic includes a primary care physicians office area, laboratory, x-ray and mammogram services. In addition, it provides convenient care at the location at 1624 S. National Avenue.

Click below for that story:

Mercy Health Foundation Donates $300,000 To Community Health Center

 

Mercy Health Foundation—Fort Scott, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the following are members: Jared Leek, chair; Chris Petty, vice chair; Bryan Holt, treasurer; Becky Tourtillott, secretary; Alysia Johnston, Mark McCoy, Bill Michaud, Jolynne Mitchell, Pat Neff, Colleen Quick and Darcy Smith, according to the website:

http://mercyhealthfoundation.net/communities/fort-scott/fort-scott-staff-board-directors/

Ascension Via Christi leases approximately 16,000 square feet of space from Mercy, according to the Ascension Via Christi website:

https://www.viachristi.org/blog/ascension-via-christi-will-operate-fort-scott-emergency-room#sthash.zJjptOms.S1N5irsx.dpbs

This follows the closure of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott in December 2018.

Under the agreement between Mercy Hospital and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, the latter now manages emergency and outpatient services at the Fort Scott hospital location.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Clean Up Days

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The Bourbon County Commission approved two days when county residents can take their unwanted trash to the county dump for free, including old tires.

If one has, say, old mattresses, unwanted garage sale leftovers, etc. this day will cost nothing but the drive to the dump to rid oneself of the items.

Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 residents may take their trash to the Bourbon Transfer and Recycle Center, 2286 Noble Road, northeast of the city limits.

Normally, the cost of landfill services are $40 a ton for solid waste materials- garbage, County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said.

“For construction and demolition materials it’s $35 a ton,” Oharah said. “It’s all on a graduated scale.”

The free dump day is not for businesses but for residents only, he said.

The landfill can be reached by going north on Hwy. 69 to Native Road, then turning east until 225th, then north to Noble Road, then east to the landfill.

Noxious Weeds Department Moves

The county government also provides noxious weed killer products to clean up weeds on farm properties.

This month the Bourbon County Commission approved the moving of the Noxious Weed Department from Uniontown to the Bourbon County Barn on 215th Street. north of Hwy. 54.

“We’ve increased the hours,” Oharah said.  Hours are Monday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Products to kill noxious weeds can be purchased from county personnel at that time, he said.

“One landowner can purchase for up to 160 acres,” Oharah said.

Josh Lawrence is the noxious weed director and can be reached at 620.215.1569.

Notice on the door of the old Noxious Weed Department in Uniontown.

The old noxious weed building in Uniontown, located just south of the fire department is still being discussed by the commissioners for future use.

Old Bourbon County Noxious Weed Department building in Uniontown.

 

 

Airport, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

KDOT Awards Fort Scott Airport $152,000

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Seth Simpson, Fort Scott City Airport Manager, as of Dec. 2018.

The Kansas Department of Transportation awarded Fort Scott Airport a grant in the amount of $152,000, with notification being given on April 30.

The grant money is for an Airport Geographic Information System and runway expansion, according to the KDOT announcement.

“We don’t have the contract with details,” Seth Simpson, Fort Scott Airport Manager said Tuesday.

“We will use it for any design, such as the layout of runway extension, possible land acquisition, that type of thing,” he said.

The future impact on this local airport is “huge”, Simpson said.

The airport expansion will allow bigger jets to use the Fort Scott Airport and “it will be better to bring more companies in (Bourbon County),” he said.

“Length of the runway and strengthening for weight purposes will be part of the runway expansion,” Simpson said. “We are coming due for a resurfacing, that will cost less money if we can do it all at once.”

Currently, the runway is 4,400 feet and is to be expanded to 5,500 feet.

Fuel sales increases and medical flights will also be positively impacted by the runway expansion, Simpson said.

During the preliminary phases of the expansion, a Native American archeological dig was held on the northwest section of the airport property on Indian Road, southwest of Fort Scott.

“One tribe said they would like to do more archeological digging,” Simpson said. “To find things pertinent to their tribe.”

“This phase is part of the process,” he said. “We have a series of boxes we have to check off.”

“The City of Fort Scott works closely with KDOT Aviation to improve the runway in Fort Scott,” Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt said. “I am encouraged to see continued funding towards our project.  The overall improvement project will take ongoing collaboration at the state and federal levels.  There are still several steps to complete.”
Rachel Pruitt

Upcoming events at the airport:

  • The Fort Scott Airport is the beginning of the Combat Warrior convoy on May 1, with city officials and first responders invited to the airport to welcome the military veterans to town, on their way to the E3 Ranch. The public is invited to welcome the veterans by lining the streets on National Avenue and Wall Streets and waving.
  • The Fort Scott Airport will be hosting the Kansas 2019 Association of Airports Conference on June 25-27.

 

 

 

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Town-Wide Garage Sale Benefits Many

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce organizes a town-wide garage sale annually, this year it is May 10-11.
“It’s to bring people to town and provide a fun event for the community,” Lindsay Madison, executive director said. “When people visit Fort Scott for the sale they typically also eat lunch here, get gas and patronize other businesses. The event allows those who have a sale to make money, then go out and purchase more from local retailers and restaurants.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
 “People are just beginning to sign up.  We hope to have at least 30 sales participating so we encourage people to register!  It is a quick and easy way to clean out your closets, garage or storage shed and make some extra cash.
Maps will be available starting Thursday, May 9th at 10 am at the following locations: Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, 5 Corners, and all Pete’s  Convenience Store locations.
 The $10 registration to list each garage sale contributes to the budget for the Chamber to advertise the sale across the region and to print hundreds of copies of the listing and map for the distribution locations.
  Advertising includes radio, newspaper, and paid social media. 
The more sales that are listed the more budget there is to advertise to make the overall sale more successful. 
The Chamber also sells blocks of advertising to businesses and organizations for $25 each which also funds marketing of the sale. 
Businesses and organizations are invited to place an ad along with a coupon if desired.”
The Spring Town-wide Garage Sale is usually planned in conjunction with the Pioneer Harvest Swap Meet at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds which is typically the second weekend in May.

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet

 is May 10-11 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, west off Hwy. 69 on 23rd St.

Click below for its website:

“The Pioneer Harvest committee mails out several thousand postcards advertising both the swap meet and the town-wide garage sale, so it is a good partnership between the Chamber and that organization,” Madison said.
“The Swap Meet gates will open at 8 a.m. both Friday and Saturday the 10th and 11th and will have something for everyone including antique gas engines, antique auto parts, farm tractors and parts, farm equipment and accessories, and general garage sale items.”
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Female Self Defense: Awareness, Boundary Setting and Combat

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Jill Leiker, Kansas City, center facing the camera, gives combat strategies to females of all ages Saturday at the T.A.K.E. Class at Fort Scott Middle School.
From left: Roger Kemp, initiator of the T.A.K.E. Self Defence Class, Bourbon County Undersheriff Ben Cole, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, and Kim Schwab, administrative assistant at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center show a facsimile of the check that was given to the T.A.K.E. Program before the class began on April 27. The sheriff’s office donated $3,000 to the T.A.K.E. Foundation.

Awareness, boundary setting, and combat strategies were given to  The Ally Kemp Education (T.A.K.E.)class participants on Saturday, April 27 at Fort Scott Middle School.

Ninety-eight females from 12 years old and up participated in the first female self-defense class in Fort Scott by the T.A.K.E. Foundation, Leawood.

Jill Leiker, from Kansas City, was the class instructor,

If someone makes you uncomfortable, “look at them, take a step ahead and look again at their face,” she said.

This is the first step to deter would-be assailants, Leiker said.

Then she showed the class some combat strategies.

The class participants practiced the strategies with a partner.

Leiker said women often have an inner voice that tells of impending danger.

“Don’t ever feel silly about telling Law Enforcement, if you have that gut feeling that something isn’t right,” Leiker said. “Listen to that voice, that gut feeling is most of the time correct.”

“An average predator watches you six to 12 times,” she said.

Before the class, Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin presented T.A.K.E. Foundation Founder Roger Kemp with a check for $3,000.

“A portion of VIN (auto) inspection fees are paid directly to the Sheriff’s office and by statute can be used at the discretion of the sheriff,” said Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin.

“The TAKE program charges a $12 fee for each person who participates,” he said. “Briggs Auto paid the registration fees for anyone stopped by and signed up to attend. Other businesses gave donations to offset any woman having to pay to attend. The amount given to the Kemp  Foundation was $4,787, which included the donation from the sheriff’s office.”

Bourbon County, Business, Exercise, Health Care, Housing, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude

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Expo attendees moved around to the vendor’s tables before the first whole group educational panel discussion on the opioid crisis.

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo filled the gym of Community Christian Church on Friday to hear breakout speakers on the opioid crisis, scams against senior citizens, life with partial sight, veteran’s benefits, gardening, farm families in tough times, and getting beyond superficial conversations.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, Smallville Crossfit owners, facing the camera, lead the group in exercises.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, owners of Smallville Crossfit, Fort Scott, demonstrated exercises that can even be done from a chair.

Patty LaRoche gave an inspirational speech on “What Matters Most.”

There are four components of aging to find contentment, she said, which include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues. She listed humorous and contemplative examples of each component.

Patty LaRoche

And door prizes galore were handed to attendees by vendors, businesses and organizations.

Resource fair vendors were Girard Medical Center, K-State Extension, Hometown Health Care, Moore-Few Care Center, Arrowood Lane Residential Care, Kansas Agricultural Medication Services, Heritage Health Care, Medicalodges Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Library System, Integrity Home Care and Hospice, Presbyterian Village, Resource Center for Independent Living, State Farm Insurance, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Angels Care Home Health, Ascension Via Christi, SKIL Resource Center and Kansas AgrAbility.

A panel session on the opioid crisis was composed of,  from left facing camera: Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Pharmacist Craig Campbell, Community Health Center Peer Mentor Heather Burns, Community Health Center Addiction Treatment Amy Phillips, and Fort Scott Police Department Chief Travis Shelton. Moderator is K-State Extension Agent Joy Miller at right.
Ginger Nance and Becky Kellum, Presbyterian Village personnel, visit with a person at their booth.
State Farm Insurance Agent Kale Nelson visits with an attendee.
Denise Groene, director of Wichita Better Business Bureau, leads the session entitled “Scams Against Seniors.”
LaShawn Noel, a social worker with Integrity Home Care and Hospice, leads a session on “Getting Beyond ‘I’m Fine'”.
“Helping You and Your Family Through a Tough Farm Economy,” was a session led by Char Henton, Forrest Buhler and Gary Kepka from Kansas Agricultural Medication Services.
Veteran Services Representative Ryon Knop leads the session “Veteran’s Benefits for Spouse and Dependents.”
“Living a Full Life with Partial Sight” was a session led by Southeast Kansas Library Special Needs Consultant Melissa Frantz and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Amanda Smith.
K-State Horticulture Agent Krista Harding leads the session “Garden At Any Age.”
Pharmacist Craig Campbell leads an expanded session on the opioid crisis.

Additional support for the expo was provided by Community Christian Church, Dale and Betty Johnson, Cheney Witt Funeral Home.

Helping with introducing the speakers were 15 Fort Scott Community College Ambassadors, with help serving the meal provided by Fort Scott Community College Volleyball Students.

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support this expo event.

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Spruces Up

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Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

Spring cleaning is the time to clean up your yards, attics, garage and closets.

Next weekend, a small town in the area will be renting huge trash hauling bins to helps its citizens to do just that.

Uniontown City Council helps provide the town’s citizens a way to get rid of unwanted, unsightly items.

The city council rents huge trash hauling bins twice a year,  once before Uniontown High School graduation in May and again before Old Settlers Picnic weekend, in August, this year May 3-5 and August 23-25.

The bins are located on city property near the corner of First and Clay Streets.

The city property where the trash bins will be located for the clean up day.

“This assists our residents with the clean up of their property and to keep our town clean and appealing to visitors,” Sally Johnson, Uniontown City Clerk, said.

Absolutely no tires, batteries, or freon are allowed in the city’s trash hauling bins.

The city will recycle metal.

“There will be an area to the side (of the bins) for metal objects that are then taken for recycling,” Johnson said.

 

The town-wide clean up is for Uniontown residents only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Fort Scott’s Women Self Defense Class This Saturday

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Kim Schwab, left, Roger Kemp, and Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin talk with Bourbon County Attorney Jacqui Spradling at the March 29 Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee. Schwab, Kemp, and Martin talked about the upcoming self-defense class initiated by the Sheriff’s Office to coffee attendees.

The Ali Kemp Education Foundation, T.A.K.E.,  will present a class on female self-defense, this Saturday, April 27 at Fort Scott Middle School.

The class is from 10 a.m. to noon.
“The first part of the class is a lecture on safety awareness,” said Kim Schwab, administrative assistant at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center who is handling the registration for the event.  “The second part is combat training, hands-on techniques done with a partner.”
Schwab has taken the class in another town and highly recommends women take personal responsibility for their own safety.
“We are offering the class because we live in dangerous times and every women’s personal safety is her personal responsibility,” Schwab said. “It is a survival skill that women of every age should know.”
A $12 donation is requested, but it is not required, she said.
“It actually costs more than $12 per person to bring the class to town,” Schwab said.
To register, contact Schwab at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center at 620-223-1440, extension 270.
Local sponsors of the event are Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance, Stewart-Tucker Realty, The City of Fort Scott, Briggs Auto Dealership, City State Bank, McDonalds Restuarant, Kenny Felt Photography, Martin Rental Properties (Alisha Martin), Liberty Bank, Iron Star Antiques, Fort Scott Inn and Liberty Theater/Crooner’s.
“Seventy-nine have registered so far and you can register clear up until the class on Saturday,” Schwab said.  “Just show up and you can register then. Women under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.”
“Women should wear comfortable clothes and shoes (sneakers) so they can move easily,” Schwab said.
“Roger Kemp will be coming and speaking at the beginning of the class about his foundation, The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation, and the reason his family is doing this for women all across the country,” Schwab said.
Kemp’s daughter was raped and murdered in Leawood, a suburb of Kansas City. Following the tragedy, the Kemp family initiated the foundation to provide self-defense classes to females.
Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude April 26

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Barbara Stockebrand, Adult Development and Aging, Southwind Extension District, Aging With Attitude Regional Expo, Chairperson.

Inspiration and education are the themes of an event aimed at older adults this Friday.

The Aging With Attitude Expo is a one-day event for aging adults and their family members, according to Barbara Stockebrand, chairperson of the event.

There is a resource fair, breakout sessions, and a keynote speaker with lunch for those who attend.

K-State Research and Extension along with area community partners are bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the venue of Community Christian Church in Fort Scott,  on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The church is located at 1919 S. Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College.

Registration fee is $25.

Current registrations of 134 are nearing  the capacity set for the expo, Stockebrand said.

Registration information can be found on the Facebook page below.

Click below for the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1662924420474738/

Click here to register online:

https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Ltvajv5Wc5qiPz

 

Community partners for the event include the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Medicalodges Inc., Southeast Kansas Library System, Angels Care Home Health, Integrity Home Care + Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Fort Scott Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

The goal of the expo is to empower older adults to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age by sharing information and education throughout the day.

Educational topics promote positive attitudes about aging and educate participants on issues supporting physical, mental, and financial health.

Key note presenter, Patty LaRoche will speak on “What Matters Most – Learning Contentment in Life.”

Patty LaRoche

Participants will also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout session topics that address issues facing older adults.

 

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has provided support for this expo.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Riverfront Park: Lighting Is Coming

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Riverfront Park, North National Avenue past the orange bridge over the Marmaton River.

The east side of the Belltown Walking Trail in Riverfront Park is a shady place to enjoy a walk, but at times it is too dark.

“We’ve had some ladies that said at dusk, it gets pretty dark,” Jerry Witt, president of the Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board, said. “So we purchased 14 poles and downlights and bases.”

The tall deciduous trees give shade to walkers on the Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park.

“The lighting will be installed in the next few weeks on the east side of the walking trail, where it is darker, it’s close to the lookout,” Witt said. “We would like for (the lighting) to go over to the Mercy Hospice Memorial part. We will add more lights later, this is what we can afford now.”

The lights will be LED downlights, he said, “that will shine on the trail.”

An electrician will install them, with the City of Fort Scott providing the concrete bases for the lights.

There was grant money left following the building of the pavilion and the overlook boardwalk which were completed last year, Witt said. This leftover grant money will fund the lighting segment.

2018 Was a Busy Year For Improvements in Riverfront Park

Two projects in the park were completed last year.

The pavilion was built near the park entrance and has electricity, with a parking lot nearby.

For more information, click below:

Riverfront Park Pavilion Nearly Ready For The Public

The wooden overlook boardwalk was built near the confluence of the Marmaton River and Mill Creek and has seating along the perimeter.

For more information, click below:

Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park

The long-range plan is a walking bridge across the river and trails south of the Marmaton River on River Road, he said.

Additionally, signage was installed in the park and other parts throughout Bourbon County. Click below for more information.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

“When we can receive money to do it, we will do it,”  Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority Board meets whenever Witt calls a meeting, “Once a month or every six weeks.” he said.

On the board in addition to Witt are Betty Boyko, Penny Pollack Barnes,  Bob Love, Danny McGee,  Arnold Scholfield, Jeff Sweetser and Allen Warren.

The Belltown Trail is part of the City of Fort Scott walking trail system.

 

 

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Some Changes for Good Ol’ Days 2019

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Good Ol’ Days, the annual Fort Scott town-wide event, begins on Thursday, May 30 and runs through Saturday, June 1, this year.

There have been a few changes in venue for some of the events.

Rhonda Dunn, a member of the Good Ol’ Days Steering Committee, answered the following questions posed to her from fortscott.biz.

Why change of venue for the dances, from outside to inside?

“The committee wanted to move away from the street dance format because they haven’t been well attended in recent years.  We did a survey after last year’s festival and people wanted it to stay downtown so we were looking for a solution.  The cost of a concert quality stage was very expensive so we opted to utilize Memorial Hall so we can  have great concerts without the worry of rain.”

Why the change of venue for the carnival?

“The carnival is a very popular part of the Good Old Days but has been limited by the space we can provide.  By moving them to the parking lot at 3rd and Main, we can give them more space which we hope results in more rides and bigger rides.”

 

Anything else new?

“We are collaborating with Velocity’s Customer Appreciation event and the trolley will shuttle people between the two events making it one great festival.  They are planning a BIG car show and motorcycle show and are even giving away a Harley Davidson motorcycle!

The Friday and Saturday night concerts are a big change for the festival and we hope it becomes a fixture of the festival for years to come.  Friday night’s concert is the 90’s country band, Restless Heart.  Saturday night will be a Beach Party in Memorial Hall with the #1 Beach Boys Tribute Band in the US, Still Surfin.”

The annual baby contest is always well attended.

Who is on the committee?

“The (Good Ol’ Days) Steering Committee is Shawn Obrien, Charlotte Thompson, Janet Braun, Leah Bowman, Carl Brenner, Melissa Wise, Allyson Turvey.  Many other people work with the committee to make all these events happen.  We are looking for volunteers to help not only with this year’s festival but work throughout the year to plan for the next year too.  Volunteers can contact me by text or call at 620-224-1186.

How many vendors are expected? 

“The target of booths is 150.”

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

New SEKCAP CEO: Jess Ervin

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Jess Ervin is the new CEO of the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program. Submitted photo.

Jess Ervin, Uniontown, transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Southeast Kansas Community Action Program on January 1, 2019.

“I replaced Steve Lohr, who was with SEK-CAP for nearly 40 years,” Ervin said. “He had served as CEO since 1999.”

Ervin’s office is located in Girard, at the SEK-CAP Central Office facility on North Sinnet Street.

“This location houses the Agency’s administrative offices, as well as office space for our Early Childhood Services staff,” Ervin said. “Also located here is an annex facility, in which our housing services and transportation departments are located.”

Ervin is a Bourbon County resident.

“I graduated from Uniontown High School in 2002, Fort Scott Community College in 2004 and Pittsburg State University in 2006 with a  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,” he said.

 

“From 2006 to 2014, I worked at Mercy Health Center Fort Scott, first as a staff accountant, then as a  senior accountant,” he said. “Following that time I transitioned into the role of a senior financial analyst for Mercy of Southwest Missouri and Kansas, where I worked until January of 2017. In January of 2017, I was hired as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for SEK-CAP. I served in that capacity until the end of 2018.”

 

What does the future look like with Ervin as CEO?

“We will continue to serve the children, families and communities in the twelve counties in southeast Kansas,” Ervin said. “Our current services include Community Engagement, Early Childhood Services, Housing and Transportation.”

“We are currently engaged in completing a Community Needs Assessment for our service area that will combine both qualitative and quantitative data factors to determine areas of need, and to identify opportunities for change.”

SEK-CAP is active in Bourbon County.

“Right now in Bourbon County, we are active through Community Engagement, Housing Services and Early Childhood Services. Community Engagement encompasses community planning, involvement and needs assessment,” he said.

“Our housing services in Bourbon County include the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) which can be utilized for homelessness assistance. Our wait list for TBRA is currently open and is set to close April 30th for the current grant cycle.”

“Early Childhood services include both a center-based (Head Start, ages 3-5) model that is housed in a classroom of the Fort Scott Preschool building, and Home-Based Services (Early Head Start and Head Start, prenatal through age 5), which are services delivered by staff who conduct weekly visits to children in their home, and work directly with the parents to promote healthy development. SEK-CAP’s Early Childhood programs promote school readiness for children prenatally to age five for low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. Each Early Childhood program supports families in fulfilling their roles as parents and movement towards self-sufficiency by offering comprehensive services such as education, nutrition, medical, dental, mental health, employment services, leadership development and community engagement.”

“Each program our agency offers is vitally important to the success of the families and communities we serve, and we can proudly say that the skill and passion that our over 200 staff has for helping people is a cornerstone to all programs.”

Ervin encourages people to visit the agency website at www.sek-cap.com to learn more, and also on facebook and twitter – Southeast Kansas Community Action Program/@SEKCAPINC.

 

The mission of SEK CAP addresses the causes and effects of poverty by uniting staff, individuals, families and community partners to provide quality comprehensive services through compassionate, respectful relationships.

SEK-CAP