Category: News

Julie Boyle, former School District Communication Director, has a new role speaking out for the Douglas County Child Care Association (DCCCA). DCCCA is a private-non-profit whose membership includes licensed local family child care home providers. DCCA cultivates quality child care through education, support and mentoring of parents and providers. The organization furnishes referrals to information, classes, workshops and peer interactions, and advocacy for quality child care. DCCA operates a service center, services for mental health and substance abuse and a residential treatment center. In 2024 1,988 people were served in Douglas County. DCCCA is funded by grants, donations and service fees.

Julie Branstrom, CEO of Heartland Community Health Center (HCHC), provided an organizational history and report on current activities. Community Health Care Centers evolved from the Civil Rights movement and operated with the belief that no one should be denied access to health care. The Lawrence clinic got started in the 1990’s in the basement of a church. The clinic grew dramatically and in 2012 became a Federally Qualified Health Center, “solidifying its mission to serve those in need.” Services include primary care, pediatrics, behavioral and psychiatric care, dental care and a pharmacy. HCHC operates a food pantry and works with a number of community health providers. Patients who have insurance are welcome and there is a sliding fee scale for those that don’t. 22,586 patients were served in 2024 at a cost per visit of $115.70. Half of the Board of Directors are former patients.

Demetrius (Dee) Kemp is a big guy with a big heart. Dee Works as a School Security Officer and also operates a local charity that assists local families in need. His interest in helping others started at age four when his Grandmother would take him with her when she volunteered at soup kitchens. Dee started Kindness is the Key in 2020, as an organization that grew out of holiday meal drives. Kindness is the Key strives to insure that families have access to a safe, stable and comfortable life. Dee works with a number of organizations to make sure families are fed and clothed. Dee is extra busy at Christmas performing Santa duties.

Janice Blair and Julie DeYong spoke on Douglas County’s chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton was inspired to support early childhood reading by her father’s advocacy for reading despite his own illiteracy. The local chapter was started by a grassroots effort and several local agencies serving children in Douglas County. Parton’s Foundation partially subsidizes the cost of books, sending books and providing record keeping. Local organizations cover mailing costs and the State of Kansas underwrites half of the local costs, $15.60 per child, per year. Children enrolled in the program receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Currently there are 2,513 children in the local program. Funding is a challenge and volunteers are always welcomed.

Shannon Gorres is a certified Forest Therapy Guide and employs mindful immersion in nature to support healing and wellness in her clients. She combines nature therapy and emotional counseling to lower stress hormones, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and decrease chronic pain. Two to three hours of outside exposure and exploring senses and surroundings has a calming and grounding effect. Shannon recommends locations like the Rotary Arboretum and the Baker Wetlands and also bicycling for seeking a natural experience. Lawrence Public Library has an excellent collection of resources on Forest Therapy. Shannon also has a back ground in social work and a Masters in Divinity Studies.