Wichita, Kan. -April 29, 2022Dorthy Stucky-Halley (center) poses after receiving the Distinguised Service to Kansas Children Award. Returning to an in-person event, KCSL’s ceremony celebrated individuals who made a significant difference in our work across Kansas.
From left: Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, StuckyHalley and her husband Steven Halley.
After a 2-year hiatus, Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) held its Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at the Wichita Marriott April 29. It was great to gather again to celebrate agency benchmarks and recognize those who contribute to the achievement of our mission. KCSL awarded Dorthy Stuckey-Halley with our most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Service to Kansas Children Award. This honor is presented to a person or an organization that has done exemplary work for Kansas children with a lasting impact. Stuckey-Halley has been a champion in her work with domestic violence, human trafficking, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and so much more. She has succeeded at making a significant impact in not only the lives of adults, children, and families who have been experienced unimaginable circumstances, but also in impacting the response systems to those individuals in ways that will support many more beyond her direct service.
Hello Friends!
I am so excited to share with all of you some highlights of 2022 so far! I truly hope you enjoy reading our KCSL news. However, none of these things could have been accomplished without the work done every day by our dedicated staff.
GAIL COZADD | KCSL CEO
Marilyn Graham
INDEPENDENCE
Judge Jeffrey GettlerTiffany Arnold, At-Large
Carol Bailey
Melinda Duckworth,
Teresa Maley
Dr. Mary MoffattLIBERAL
Cecilia Alonso, Ex-Officio
Scott
Lacey Bisnett,
John
Matthew
David
Leslie
Lisa
Dan
Jeri
Each year, KCSL recognizes employees who have reached milestone anniversaries. We had 31 employees celebrating 5, 10, 15 and 20-year anniversaries! I’ve been traveling across the state this spring and into summer to celebrate our longevity awards with staff. It is always so much fun to spend time with them and hear about the things they have learned over their years at KCSL. Helping us accomplish our mission, these special employees demonstrate a passion for this work. They are keenly aware of the profound impact they have on parents and children to create stronger families and help communities grow better together.
Often the hearts of our staff are heavy, as they hear firsthand from many parents the tales of struggle to be seen, heard or feel worthy of happiness. That has taken a particular toll on our workers over the past two years as they continued to support families in creative, unique ways. Despite all of that, the JOY I witnessed with staff while visiting our offices continues to bring a smile to my face and laughter to my soul. They are always so positive and have a unique ability to see the best in all people. This is such a critical skill to have when working with parents and children who have felt unwanted and unloved. My admiration for their work and dedication to improving our families’ lives grows stronger each day. It is a privilege to work alongside all our amazing KCSL employees!
If you haven’t done it yet, take a moment to recognize the milestones of your employees, coworkers or even your friends and loved ones. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Meet Cassie Gipson! She is our mental health specialist in Liberal. Working with our Head Start program for a little over a year now, Cassie knows firsthand how the benefits of early childhood education programs can extend into adulthood.
Cassie and her sister had to grow up quickly. Home life was difficult. But in their local Head Start program, they belonged and felt free to be children. Cassie recalls the consistent praise by staff, which was not something she received a lot of at home. Her family had food insecurities and appreciated the consistent meals and snacks. She found joy in participating in structured tasks in class like cleaning tables and enjoyed the social interactions.
“Head Start gave us value,” Cassie said.
When she started, Cassie was shy, timid and withdrawn. Soon after, she gained more confidence. Even as soon as kindergarten, she was more willing to share ideas and express concerns. And by high school, Cassie utilized the breathing techniques she learned in her class when she felt overwhelmed. During her senior year, she volunteered for an early childhood education program and found support from the staff again. Providing ways to help her cope and deal with stress was essential for Cassie’s development.
Initially, Cassie wasn’t sure what type of work she wanted to do. Once she saw the open position with KCSL, she
Inset: Cassie’s Head Start
Graduation in 1989
knew this was an opportunity to pay it forward and help children experiencing similar adversities. Cassie wants every child to have a connection and feel valued. She realizes the need to address and navigate emotions and the importance of communication. Children learn better when experiencing calm emotions instead of big ones.
“KCSL’s school readiness programs lay the foundation for community and sets you up for success,” Cassie said.” I believe it helps families build their networks. The resources, family support and community engagement helps children succeed.”
In February, KCSL announced a $124,307 grant from Prevent Child Abuse America® (PCA America) and the Annie E. Casey Foundation through the Thriving Families, Safer Children, Youth, Family and Community Partnership Grants to support KCSL’s work focused on child and family well-being through a lens of prevention and equity. A total of $1,000,000 was granted to 10 community-based organizations selected for funding.
Thriving Families, Safer Children is a first-of-its-kind effort of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, Casey Family Programs, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and PCA America. This effort seeks to demonstrate that intentional, coordinated investment in a full continuum of prevention and robust community-based networks of support will promote overall child and family wellbeing, equity and other positive outcomes for children and families and ultimately decrease the need for foster care.
Work is already underway! KCSL has set up parent café style workshops called Community Conversations. KCSL is working internally with a variety of programs as well as externally with various partners to raise the voices of a cross section of youth and adults. Before the end of the year, KCSL will host 40 cafés reaching 250 individuals with lived experience including Black, Latino and Indigenous youth and families.
Throughout National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April, KCSL as the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America® (PCA America) alongside other chapters, affiliates and supporting organizations recognized the importance of community-based support for all children and families. Again the theme, “Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together,” was used to build on the momentum of last year’s impact and awareness campaign.
A hybrid of in-person and virtual events allowed people across the state to dig in and bring awareness for prevention efforts. Many businesses and organizations shared their CAP Month activities and pinwheel gardens on our Facebook page. Despite April 2022 marking the third year CAP Month occurred during the pandemic, some familiar events restarted with much success. Major events included Wear Blue Day April 1 and Family Fun Day at Sedgwick County Zoo and prevention night during a Sporting KC game returned on April 23 with great attendance. PCA America hosted a nationwide Digital Advocacy Day on April 27 as an opportunity to contact elected officials and spread the word about policy change vital to the well-being of children and their families. Furthering our commitment to helping children, families and entire communities to thrive, KCSL also launched the #GrowingBetterTogether digital ad campaign continuing through the fall.
Help us show how positive childhood experiences grow thriving families and communities. Continue to support and make child abuse prevention a priority year-round! Follow KCSL on Facebook and Twitter and share our prevention posts. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
This year, we posthumously honored Tom Krebs with the Board Leadership Award for his longtime service and influence on the agency’s ability to serve children and families. Sadly, Krebs passed away in February. He advocated fiercely for KCSL over the years and believed in the connection of early learning and the impact positive childhood experiences have on K-12 education. Krebs was a respected volunteer, supporter and friend whose legacy lives on indefinitely.
Pat Lair received the Hilda Dyer Staff Achievement award. Pat retired from KCSL last December after working in the Pittsburg office. As a family support specialist, she was relentless when it came to helping families achieve their goals.
The ceremony also celebrated outgoing and new KCSL Board Directors and Foundation Trustees, family achievements and the first
parent award. A new addition to our Hall of Fame Awards, KCSL created a new category to recognize a parent who has demonstrated leadership and become an exemplary role model to help other families thrive. We couldn’t be prouder of Baldomero “Junior” Dominguez, the first Parent Achievement Award recipient.
Junior’s life before working with KCSL was difficult. He was an alcoholic, addicted to drugs and violent. His son was removed from the home, and Junior was on probation. He was clearly on a path that would lead back to jail. To help him turn his life around, he was referred to our dad support group. It only took one session for Junior to decide to change his life. His dedication to the curriculum resulted in Junior taking proactive steps to better his life and the lives of his family. He quickly helped recruit others to be part of the group and passed out flyers across Wichita. Junior presents each year at our Parent Leadership Conference and receives outstanding evaluations showing the impact his story has on others. He also has met with state legislators about the importance of fatherhood work, child abuse prevention and early childhood programs. On a national level, Junior was selected to be a parent representative on the Prevent Child Abuse America team for Persons with Lived Experience.
It’s true! In 1998, a group of KCSL supporters came together to form the KCSL Foundation. This group understood KCSL’s vision of a future in which no child was ever abused or neglected. This “long-haul” vision would require stable and ongoing financial support thus creating a foundation to provide not just for one lifetime, but generations. The KCSL Foundation is proud to be one of many supporters of KCSL’s statewide efforts to create, restore and repair healthy parent-child relationships. For more information about the KCSL Foundation and how you can provide support for KCSL’s transformational work today and into the future, contact me at (785) 215-6445 or mlarue@kcsl.org.
JOSHUA BOBBITT Bill KoellingColleen Schoenberger
Connie Cale
Michael Stoppel
Robert & Mary Jo Hafliger DONALD KILLIANMarilyn Killian
John Heim
Dona & Larry Booe
Stuart & Leslie O’Neil
Deanna Osmond
David & Anne Gurss
Judy Meyer
Robert Osmond
Jim & Ethel Edwards
Kansas Association of School Boards
John & Carolyn Kimberlin
Carberry Realty Team, Linda Carberry
Ronald & Julie Hein
Arthur Chaykin
Dennis Ross
Deb & Bob Werts
Sharon Rezza
Lynn Wilson
With 25 years of experience mainly in the nonprofit social services industry, THEA PARKS joined KCSL as the new Human Resources Director a few days before the start of 2022. Thea’s love for service was instilled in her at an early age. Her maternal grandmother was a social worker, and her mother is a retired HR professional. Thea’s goals include leaving a lasting positive impression by serving employees promptly and efficiently.
Thea is married to Sean Parks and has three stepchildren. In her spare time, Thea volunteers at her church, is a church class facilitator, a women’s motivational speaker and group leader.
KCSL feels like my professional home, and I am so glad to be here. Our staff have big hearts and it’s easy to see that they want the best for the individuals and families that they serve. Providing quality customer service in HR is my mantra. Being a part of place that has caring individuals means so much to me!
I can be found curled up with a good book or trying to participate in something that will boost and refresh my toolbox. I love to travel, so any opportunity to getaway is greatly appreciated!
I’m a baker. I’ve made over 20 wedding cakes and countless occasion cakes. I even made and decorated my own fivetier wedding cake.
In September 2018, Emily and Johnny came to our early childhood home visitation program while 4 months pregnant with their first child, a little girl! Emily was a first-time mom and a teenager. She was eager to learn all the ways she could raise a healthy baby. When Violet was born, the family relied on their home visitor for support and information about newborn care and breastfeeding.
With all she learned from her home visitor and her personal experiences, Emily offered encouragement and tips for new mothers during group events. During their four years in our program, the family participated in 70 home visits and attended nearly all group events and information sessions for parents.
“KCSL helped me be a better parent,” Emily said.
After only a year in the program, Emily and Johnny were doing well and naturally moved into parent leadership roles. They participated in our Statewide Parent Leadership Conference and also joined our Child Advocacy and Parenting Education (CAPE) council that supports parent leaders within our Kansas City-area program.
“All the KCSL workers are amazing, sweet and kind,” Emily said. “I love how everyone loves the kids, too. I’m so glad I found KCSL because I don’t know if I could have done this without getting any help.”
We’re very excited for all the new things in store with this family. This August, Johnny, Emily and Violet will graduate from KCSL’s Healthy Families Kansas program. They are also expecting a new baby in the fall. Congratulations! KCSL is so proud of their successful journey to a safe, nurturing home.
KCSL coordinates the Kansas system of the National Family Support Network. Kansas became part of the national network near the end of 2021. Now in the emerging stage, the Kansas network has started to provide standards of quality certification training across the state. In KCSL’s role, we support the development, growth and continuation of services by providing technical assistance, training advocacy and networking opportunities. To learn more, contact Elise at (785) 4771879 or edunnigan@kcsl.org.
Do you know about HOPE? HOPE – Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences – is a new way of seeing and talking about experiences that support children’s growth and development into healthy, resilient adults. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation making March 7-11 a Week of HOPE, promoting Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE) and HOPE for all Kansas families. Learn more at positiveexperience.org.
A huge thanks are in order! The team at Steckline Communications in Garden City donated two bikes for our Garden City Round Up event in April. Bobby Wild (KGBL 100.9/94.7 The Bull), Bill Bernadoni (KIUL 1240/1310/104.9), TJ West (KGGS 1340/102.9) and General Manager Joey Labelle pulled their resources together to ensure we had something fun to give away. Bobby joined KCSL as a volunteer earlier this year and quickly has become an exceptional addition to our group of volunteers. The level of support he’s shown since joining us has been inspiring.
We’re pleased to partner with Charlie’s House, a resource for families seeking safety and injury prevention information. They provided needed safety devices like outlet covers, anti-tip straps for furniture and sliding cabinet locks for our families throughout the state. These safety products make our families’ home safe for young children to continue exploring. Thank you so much for joining us!
We want to thank our friends at Advisors Excel. Employees donated snack items for our youth we serve in the Topeka-area. Thank you for supporting Kansas children and families!
On May 11, the Wichita Chamber of Commerce held an open house at our newly renovated KCSL building in Wichita. Community leaders, staff and volunteers gathered for refreshments and brief presentations from CEO Gail Cozadd and Kansas Gas Service representatives. Kansas Gas Service, through the ONE Gas Foundation, donated funds to equip the building with a natural gas furnace. We’re thankful for Kansas Gas Service’s help to keep children and families warm as we work to provide critical support for their well-being. And thanks to the The Chamber for their hospitality. It’s amazing to have corporate partners supporting stronger families in Kansas!
KCSL is excited to join in the celebration of its parent chapter organization, Prevent Child Abuse America® (PCA America), which turns 50 this year! PCA America is the nation’s oldest organization committed to preventing child abuse and neglect. Through its national state chapter network and 600 Healthy Families America sites nationwide, PCA America is striving to give families the support and resources they need to thrive. Join us in celebrating half a century of progress preventing child abuse and neglect through proactive solutions that put children and families first.
Kansas celebrated 40 years of child abuse prevention in 2016. In 1976, the national organization suggested states should be represented by state chapters. Kansas became the first state to have a chapter.
