Author: Fred Atchison

Michelle Dillon is a Caregiver Support Specialist for Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAAA). JAAA is a non-profit organization that provides information and referral services for older Kansans and their caregivers in Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas Counties. Those services include caregiver support, information and outreach, case management, client assessment and evaluation and advocacy. Michelle is particularly concerned about caregivers and their isolation and lack of support in caring for an aging individual. Dementia and Alzheimers are particularly difficult to deal with. Caregivers face stress and burn out and JAAA can provide needed information and assistance. Michelle stressed that caregivers must take care of themselves and become acquainted with support groups and service agencies.

Rachel Duffey has a lot on her plate and she seems to thrive on it. She and her husband, Jhami, started and operate two downtown businesses, Jungle House and Squishington’s candy store. Jungle House came first, a plant store inspired by Rachel’s love of plants. When her house filled with plants she began looking for ways to sell them and discovered considerable community interest in house plants. She and Jhami rented a space on Delaware and opened for business. The store was so successful they relocated downtown at 6 East 7th Street. In addition to their plant inventory they offer services like repotting, residential and commercial plant maintenance, various work shops and online Q and A for plants. In 2023 they opened a candy store called Squishington’s in the Liberty Hall building. The store offers nostalgic and imported sweets and a candy boat. Both stores express a spirit of fun and adventure. The Guffey’s have a young daughter, dogs, chickens and ducks.

Tiffany Utech is a Victim Service Specialist for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Her background is in psychology and counseling and she is well acquainted with the terrible consequences of vehicle crashes due to impaired driving. Impaired auto crashes are up 31 per cent and the resulting pain and suffering to victims and their families is truly terrible. A court case can take up to 2 1/2 years to complete and such delays are very difficult. MADD works directly with victims to provide support, they also work on legislative advocacy and public awareness of the problem. Education and prevention as well as mandatory offender education are important components of MADD. Drunk driving has a devastating impact on our community and MADD is working to address this tragic reality.

Nancy O’Connor is nutrition educator who set up a non profit that sponsored the creation of several school gardens. The gardens serve as a living class room for student interns 14-17 years of age. Growing Food Growing Health teaches students to grow food, environmental stewardship and how to work as a team. Gardens are located at West Middle School, Hillcrest Elementary and Sunset Hill Elementary. The produce is donated at a weekly market and to the food pantry at the Ballard Center. Students work three hours a day, three days a week, rain or shine. Nancy says they recruit kids that demonstrate dedication and leadership potential. Growing Food growing Health has a modest budget and relies on donations. There will be a fund raising event at the Depot in North Lawrence on Tuesday, September 9th at 7:00 p.m. Cultivate and Celebrate will feature talks by several student interns.

The Lawrence Community Shelter Executive Director, James Chiselom, and Deputy director, Kimberly Brabits, provided an update on the work of the Shelter. Much work has been done during James’ tenure to improve accommodations and program operations. The Shelter utilizes a trauma informed approach and seeks to restore dignity and improve lives, with rehousing being the ultimate goal. Three programs are available, the Emergency Shelter can house 175 individuals, providing essential care and housing stabilization services. Continuous Stay offers 30 and 90 day programs, housing stabilization and access to community resources. The Village offers a 6 month stay in a private cabin and intensive case management. Homeless outreach services provide targeted assistance and works with nonresidents in returning to their communities. The Shelter works closely with a number of important partners who provide residents with additional assistance and opportunities. James noted that trust had to be rebuilt with the community and that transparency is vital. There has been a 66 per cent reduction in unsheltered homeless.