Blog

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.

Toto Love is not a pop song, but it is the name of a unique orphanage in Embu, Kenya. Ruth Ndwiga spoke about the orphanage and her Rotary club in Embu, Kenya. Ruth is a social worker by profession and she is in Lawrence with her family on a study visa. The Embu club supports special needs kids, clean water projects and polio plus. Toto Love is an orphanage for HIV positive kids and Ruth’s club is one of several sponsoring organizations. These kids are often abandoned in early childhood and face a serious stigma. Toto Love works to overcome these obstacles and educate and nourish these children. Ruth shared biographies of several young people and their aspirations for a normal adult life.

Josie Owens, Tonganoxie High School Sophomore, spoke about her experiences at Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). Rotary District 5710 hosted the five day camp at the University of Kansas on June 8-12, 2025. Clubs in the District sponsor high school aged students, and Josie represented Lawrence Central Rotary. Students experience an intensive and fun training on leadership and citizenship. They hear from local community leaders, do community service projects and perform team building exercises. Josie enjoyed the small group experience and the chance to meet and work with young people from North East Kansas. Josie said RYLA was a confidence builder and she is thinking about tying to start a Rotary Club in her School. She is also interested in the Rotary student exchange program. Josie hopes to study business and psychology and she enjoys playing piano and drums.

Rebecca Smith is the Executive Director for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) Health Foundation and Vice President for Strategy and Communications. Many remember her weekly health and information missives during the pandemic. Rebecca spoke about the work of the Foundation whose goal is to inspire community and philanthropic support to make LMH a partner for life long health. Gifts fund patient care, including charitable care, wellness and more. The Foundation is a community owned 501(C)3 and receives no tax funding and all gifts stay local. The Foundation has 15 million dollars in assets which generates 3.8 million dollars annually in support for the hospital. Some 18 million dollars is spent each year on charitable care. The Foundation played a huge role in the LMH Cancer Center which serves about 19,000 patients a year. Rebecca noted that a substantial number of donations to the Foundation are in the 100 dollar range. The work of the Foundation is truly impressive.

Ruth DeWitt, the Sales and Services Rep at Explore Lawrence, Provided an update on the 2026 World Cup Matches in Kansas City. This is truly a world class event that will bring 650,000 visitors and is expected to have a 650,000 dollar impact. 48 teams will participate and Kansas City will host one of the quarter final matches. International visitors will make up 54 per cent of the attendees and their average stay will be 9.7 days. This will be like Kansas City hosting six Super Bowls in a couple months. Lodging within 2.5 hours of the city will be affected. Lawrence is also in the running to be a team base camp and there will be opportunities for cultural engagement, fan experiences and volunteering. Ruth has already been working with the County Emergency Services Team.