17 WEEKLY 2026
AUGUST
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B A L D W I N
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Why the City is Looking for Savings Under the budget Harding previously presented, the city’s projected General Fund ending balance was approximately $281,988. The city’s policy calls for reserves equal to 15% of expenditures, requiring approximately $686,601. The city also has tax credits it could potentially sell, generating an estimated $385,000 if all are sold, though that revenue is not guaranteed. Under the 5% exercise, the projected
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COUNCIL USES 5% CUT EXERCISE TO TEST 2027 BUDGET OPTIONS August 4 work session examined what deeper reductions could mean for city services, while proposed cuts to economic development, the Chamber and The Maple remain part of the discussion The Baldwin City Council continued work on the proposed 2027 budget during an Aug. 4 work session, asking city staff and department heads to show what an additional 5% reduction in General Fund spending could look like. Council members repeatedly emphasized that the 5% reduction was an exercise, not a proposed across-the-board cut or final budget decision. City Administrator Russ Harding said he worked with department heads line by line to identify potential reductions. The exercise was intended to show how deeply the city could cut, what services would be affected and how those savings could help rebuild city reserves. Later, council members again clarified that they were not proposing the 5% scenario, but using it to determine whether additional savings existed and what those reductions would mean in practice.
VOL 4 NO. 29
ending balance would increase to approximately $491,382 — closer to the city’s reserve goal, but still short of the 15% target. Harding said many potential cuts would be detrimental to the city’s overall functionality because departments already have few areas left to reduce. Potential reductions included less funding for community events, bringing Christmas light installation in-house, reducing road maintenance materials, fewer downtown flower baskets, eliminating $10,000 proposed for Spring Creek Lake and reducing fire department equipment funding. The city’s financial adviser cautioned that Baldwin City was already operating lean before the exercise, citing road maintenance, staffing and community event funding as areas where the city was already struggling to keep pace.
Chamber Asks Council to Reconsider Reduction Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dana Mullis addressed the council about the proposed reduction in Chamber funding. Mullis said the city’s investment supports programs, events and services that benefit the community beyond Chamber membership. She said the proposed budget represents a 53% reduction in Chamber funding and asked the council to consider a more moderate reduction. Later, a council member asked whether the reduction could instead be phased in over two or three years, noting that a $20,000 savings could have broader impacts on sales tax revenue, quality of
life and community activities. No final decision was made during the work session.
What the Budget Changes Mean for The Maple The city’s partnership with The Maple has included funding for two separate publications: $6,000 annually for The Maple Weekly newspaper and $3,000 annually for The Maple magazine. Understanding the financial circumstances the city is facing, The Maple Weekly is not asking the city to continue its $6,000 partnership with the newspaper. However, The Maple is strongly encouraging the council not to sever its $3,000 annual partnership with The Maple magazine. The magazine began through conversations with the City of Baldwin City five years ago with the goal of creating a publication dedicated to telling Baldwin City’s stories, improving communication and preserving local history. The $3,000 partnership helps support a publication created by more than a dozen local writers, photographers and contributors. The Maple magazine will continue regardless of the council’s final decision, but The Maple believes the city’s investment represents an important partnership in telling, documenting and preserving the story of Baldwin City. The Maple Weekly Will End Mail Subscriptions Although The Maple Weekly is not requesting continued city funding, the loss of the $6,000 partnership means changes are necessary to keep the newspaper
sustainable. The most significant will be the end of paid mail subscriptions. But The Maple Weekly is not going away. The newspaper will continue publishing weekly, with plans to increase the number of printed copies available around Baldwin City, add new newspaper racks and strengthen its digital presence. The Maple is currently looking for additional locations to host newspaper racks. Businesses, organizations or residents with private property in visible, accessible locations who are willing to host a rack are encouraged to reach out. Current subscribers will continue receiving mailed copies for the Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 issues. After Aug. 24, mailed subscriptions will end. Anyone who purchased a subscription at the beginning of the year may request a $9 prorated refund for the remaining four months by emailing jenni@baldwinmaple.com. If a recent subscription is inadvertently overlooked, please reach out. The Maple sincerely apologizes to subscribers. Ending mailed delivery was not a decision made lightly, but it is a change in how the newspaper is distributed — not whether it will continue. The Maple Weekly will continue covering the city government, schools, businesses, events and people of Baldwin City, with plans for more public distribution and an expanded digital reach. The Maple isn’t going anywhere. The way we deliver the newspaper may be changing, but our commitment to telling Baldwin City’s stories is not.
17 AUGUST
COMMUNITY
PG. 02
COUNCIL UPDATE:
COUNCIL DISCUSSES HOUSING GROWTH, E-BIKE REGULATIONS; NAMES INTERIM MUNICIPAL JUDGE August 4 meeting included updates on development, the former Pizza Hut property and proposed rules for electric scooters and bicycles The Baldwin City Council held a relatively short regular meeting Aug. 4, with much of the discussion focused on committee updates involving residential and commercial development, affordable housing and proposed regulations for electric bicycles and scooters. The meeting concluded with the council naming Casey Simino as interim municipal judge following a 15-minute executive session. Consent Agenda Approved Council members unanimously approved the consent agenda, including previous meeting minutes and the scheduled claims list. A Baker University road closure previously removed from consideration was added back for approval. The city’s claims report for Aug. 4 totaled $356,381.09. No residents spoke during public comment, and there were no special presentations, old business or new business. Community Development Looks at Future Growth Council Member Cory Venable provided an update from the Community Development Committee, where recent discussions have focused on encouraging development in Baldwin City. Venable said Community Development Director Pat Toth has begun meetings related to a campus infrastructure hub and early efforts to pursue infrastructure grants. The committee also learned of interest in a small development on a roughly three-acre property east of town. The former Pizza Hut property was another topic of discussion following the recent lot split between the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell properties. Venable said there has been interest in the property, including questions about whether Pizza Hut will return and the possibility of adding brick-and-mortar commercial space. No announcement or decision about the future of the Pizza Hut location was made. Affordable Housing Remains a Challenge The committee also discussed Baldwin City’s residential growth and the challenge of creating more affordable entry-level housing. Venable said the goal would ideally be to find ways to bring new homes into approximately
the $200,000 range rather than seeing entry-level homes begin around $350,000 or higher. He said achieving that would likely require some form of city assistance. Smaller lots and developments where homes could be constructed more quickly were among the concepts discussed. The conversation was preliminary, with no specific development proposal or city incentive presented. City Working on E-Scooter, E-Bike Ordinance Public Safety Committee member Jay King reported that the committee is developing an ordinance addressing electric scooters and electric bicycles. King said proposed regulations could come before the full council at its next meeting if work remains on schedule. City Clerk Amara Packard said the changes will affect two sections of city code. Work on Article 13 was essentially complete, while Article 14 had been prepared and was undergoing a final review. The Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. at City Hall. Committee Updates Council Member Scott Lauridsen thanked City Administrator Russ Harding, staff and department heads for their work throughout the recent budget process. The next Budget and Finance meeting was announced for Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. Community Development is scheduled to meet Aug. 24 at 4 p.m., while Public Works and Utilities is scheduled for Aug. 13. The Lake Advisory Committee was working toward an Aug. 18 meeting. Council Names Interim Judge Near the end of the meeting, the council entered a 15-minute executive session with the mayor, city administrator and city attorney to discuss a privileged and confidential legal matter. After returning to open session, Mayor Gerald Cullumber nominated Casey Simino to serve as interim municipal judge pursuant to Section 1-313 of the Baldwin City Code. The council unanimously approved the appointment. No additional details regarding the need for an interim judge were discussed publicly before adjournment.
COMMISSIONERS APPROVE 2027 BUDGET WITH FIFTH STRAIGHT MILL LEVY REDUCTION The Board of County Commissioners reached a tentative agreement July 15 on an approximately $199.2 million budget for 2027. Commissioners agreed on a mill levy of 40.286 mills, a decrease of 0.383 mills from last year. For the fifth consecutive year, the county commission has lowered the mill levy. Since 2023, the commission has reduced the mill levy by a combined 7.112 mills, lowering the rate from 47.419 to 40.286, a decrease of 15%. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 assessed value. The 2027 budget includes a 4.9% increase in assessed property valuation, compared to 5.7% the previous year. Commissioners Erica Anderson, Gene Dorsey, Patrick Kelly, Shannon Reid and Karen Willey reviewed funding requests totaling $15.4 million from more than 40 community agencies and county departments. Commissioners allocated funding for several one-time projects using existing fund balances. These include: $500,000 to the Baldwin City Economic Development Corporation to support a new childcare center in Baldwin City. $1.5 million pledge to Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center for a Youth Recovery Center. $485,085 to Family Promise to pay off loans on two supportive housing projects, increasing the agency’s ability to expand operations and services. $91,761 to Douglas County Historical Societies for capital improvement projects involving accessibility upgrades to facilities and a collections management assistant. $340,000 for two behavioral health capital projects for justiceinvolved housing and a peer support clubhouse.
Community projects that received ongoing funding include: $349,500 to help Cardinal Housing Network provide transitional housing services for women. $60,000 to restore funding for KU Innovation Park. $45,600 for DCCCA, Inc. to expand transitional housing support. $108,361 in wage adjustments for Senior Resource Center staff. $100,000 for the EveryDay Counts truancy program with Douglas County Youth Services. In 2026, commissioners supported the expansion of operations at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical for a new Station 6 as well as an ambulance replacement. The 2027 budget includes an additional $199,000 in ongoing and one-time costs to add a team lead position for the Mobile Integrated Health team. Commissioners also approved about $1.8 million for an approximately 3.4% market adjustment and 1% merit pool for county employees. Commissioners transferred $5.4 million to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) fund to support facilities, road and bridge projects. Commissioners will review projects in the 2027-2031 CIP during their business meeting at 5:30 p.m. July 22. The Commission held more than 20 hours of meetings and deliberations during its review of the proposed 2027 budget. Video recordings are available on the county’s YouTube channel and website at dgcoks.gov/countycommission. The 2027 budget will be adopted during a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 during the Commission business meeting. For information about the budget, visit https://dgcoks.gov/ administration/budget.
17 AUGUST
COMMUNITY BALDWIN CITY RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST UPDATES The Baldwin City Recreation Commission is making the most of the final weeks of summer, with an extended pool season, fall sports registration and several upcoming activities and events. Pool Season Extended Through Aug. 29 There is still time to enjoy the Baldwin City pool this summer. BCRC has extended the 2026 pool season through Aug. 29, thanks to the availability and dedication of its lifeguards and pool staff. BCRC noted that extending the season depends entirely on staffing and may not be possible every year. Current pool passes will remain valid throughout the extended season. Pool users may also notice additional activity during morning lap swim hours. The Baker University Women’s Soccer Team will use a portion of the pool for training Aug. 10-18, primarily between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Maple Leaf Gravel Grind Returns Registration is underway for the eighth annual Maple Leaf Gravel Grind, held the final weekend of October in southern Douglas County. The timed gravel bike race takes riders through the Kansas countryside and past local landmarks including Signal Oak and Pork Chop Hill. Riders can choose from 16-, 40- and 70-mile routes, providing options for a variety of ages and experience levels. BCRC has also partnered with Primal Wear to offer an exclusive Maple Leaf Gravel Grind online store featuring official event gear. The store will remain open
through midnight Aug. 31 to allow time for orders to be processed and delivered before race day. Before-School Care Still Available BCRC’s Out of School Time program still has openings for before-school care. The program is limited to 60 children. Once capacity is reached, additional registrants will automatically be placed on a waitlist. Families interested in learning more or registering can contact BCRC at 785594-3670 or info@baldwinrec.org. Fall Micro Soccer Registration Open Registration is also open for BCRC’s fall session of Micro Soccer, a four-week Sunday program for children ages 2-4. Challenger Sports coaches lead the program, which focuses on developing balance, coordination, social skills and other fundamentals in a fun introduction to soccer. The fall session will run Sundays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 4. Registration is $60 and includes a size 2 soccer ball and graduation certificate. Free Community Center Activities Continue BCRC continues to offer a variety of free activities at the Community Center throughout August. No membership or additional fees are required to participate. Monthly schedules and additional information about programs, registration and upcoming events are available through the Baldwin City Recreation Commission.
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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE BLACKJACK BATTLEFIELD AND NATURE PARK! The Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park was jointly purchased in November 2025 by Baldwin City and Douglas County. These two groups are working together to stabilize, protect, and enhance the property. An Advisory Board was formed with members from Baldwin City and Douglas County. This group is developing the short- and long-term vision and goals for the battlefield and park. The Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park Advisory Board is looking for public input to help shape the vision and make recommendations for the future of the park. Your feedback on this survey will help develop a planning framework to support this important historic site. Link to the survey:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/VQwAWq5xzi
• Find more information about the park, Advisory Board, and survey at dgcoks.org/hcc (scroll halfway down)
PG. 03
EVENTS August 21
Happy Hour
Baldwin City Distillery, 5-7 pm
August 21
Baker University Involvement & Job Fair Baker University, 5-7 pm
August 21
Third Friday Market
Downtown Baldwin City, 6-9 pm Sponsored by Baldwin State Bank and Standard Grooming Supply The Mad Greek food truck will be near 8th and Grove Steets
August 21
Square and Line Dancing with the Ottawa Promenaders On the maple leaf at the intersection of 8th and High Streets, 6-7:30 pm
August 21
Art Gallery Opening Reception Lumberyard Arts Center 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
August 21
Community Water Fight with the Baldwin City Fire Department High Street outside the fire station, 6-9 pm
Bring your own water guns. Water balloons are not allowed.
August 21
Live Music: The Lintners
Sullivan Square, 7:30-9pm
Sponsored by Standard Grooming Supply
• The survey will also be available at Third Friday, August 21, at the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society booth, in front of 705 8th Street.
Baldwin City Distillery, 6-8 pm
We appreciate your participation! The Advisory Board
Healing Through Grief
August 22
Live Music: Orval Engling August 22
The Light Center, 9:30 am – 3 pm
17 AUGUST
PG. 04
LOCAL HISTORY SERIES CELEBRATES “THE SPIRIT OF KANSAS WOMEN” A new local history display at the Baldwin City Library is shining a spotlight on the women who helped shape the early history of Baldwin City, Douglas County and Kansas. Presented as part of the library’s Local History Series and the nationwide America 250 commemoration, “The Spirit of Kansas Women” shares the stories and contributions of 22 local women who played important roles in the area’s early history. Kansas pioneers worked with strength, determination and grit to build communities across the state, and the display highlights the many ways women contributed to that work. Featured women include pioneers, physicians, educators, business owners, political advocates and other community leaders. Among those highlighted are Florence Mann Hitchcock, an early Baldwin pharmacist; Olive Willey Hall, the first college graduate in Kansas and a Baker University graduate; and Lucy Sweet Sullivan, an early mayor of Baldwin City. The exhibit also includes stories of the area’s first dentist, early physicians, a formerly enslaved woman who later became a landowner and midwife, and other women whose work left a lasting mark on Douglas County.
The display is part of America 250, the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. “The Spirit of Kansas Women” will remain on display during regular library hours through Dec. 31, 2026. Visitors can find the exhibit in the library’s display hallway near the copier.
COMMUNITY
17 AUGUST
COMMUNITY NEW KANSAS STATE PARK TO OPEN
Story by Todd Pittenger, ksal.com Good news for those who like the outdoors. A new Kansas State Park is ready to open. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will celebrate the grand opening of Lehigh Portland State Park on Wednesday, officially opening the newest Kansas state park. Lehigh-Portland sits on 100 acres of land with a massive variety of natural sites to see. Everything from deep woodland, Kansas prairie, gorgeous coastal cliffs, and even a cave can be explored in the park! This picturesque place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Crisscrossing across the park are around 14 miles of trails. There are around 2.5 miles of gravel trails at the park including the around 1.2 mile long “backbone trail.” Alongside it are 12.5 miles of dirt trails perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and nature hikes. Lehigh Portland State Park is built on the site of a former limestone quarry that provided stone for the Lehigh Portland Cement Company, which helped build
roads and cities across Kansas in the early 1900s. Today, the former quarry has been transformed into a destination that blends the area’s industrial heritage with outdoor recreation, offering towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, wooded trails and scenic overlooks unlike anywhere else in Kansas. The park features trails for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, along with new camping opportunities and amenities for both day-use and overnight visitors. Reservations for the park’s 27 campsites open Aug. 13. Campsites can be reserved at campitks.gov or through the CampIt KS mobile app. All visitors entering the park are required to have a Kansas State Park vehicle permit. Daily permits are available for purchase at the park office for $5, or $3.25 for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Annual permits, which provide unlimited entry to all Kansas state parks during the calendar year, are available for $25. Lehigh Portland State Park is located just south of Iola in Allen County in southeast Kansas.
ADVERTISE IN THE MAPLE WEEKLY! CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS! jenni@baldwinmaple.com
PG. 05
BHS TEACHER: KANSAS’ OUTSTANDING BIOLOGY TEACHER Baldwin High School teacher Andrew “Drew” Ising has been named the 2026 Outstanding Biology Teacher for Kansas, according to an announcement from the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers. The organization recently congratulated Ising on the statewide honor, highlighting his work in the classroom as well as more than a decade of leadership among biology educators across Kansas. Ising currently teaches College Biology at Baldwin High School and also serves as a STEM Instructional Coach for the Baldwin School District. In that role, he works with PreK-12 teachers throughout the district to design and implement science education experiences for students. According to the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers, Ising’s classroom approach empowers students to work as scientists as they learn and develop an understanding of complex science topics. His classes regularly participate in longterm research projects, including one that resulted in findings published in a peerreviewed journal.
Ising has also played an active role in supporting biology educators across the state. He served as president of the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers from 2017-18, helped plan multiple annual conferences and managed the organization’s social media accounts for many years. His work as the district’s STEM Instructional Coach extends that impact beyond his own classroom, allowing him to collaborate with educators at all grade levels to strengthen science instruction and create meaningful learning opportunities for Baldwin students. Ising will receive additional recognition for the award during the Honors Luncheon Oct. 31 at the National Association of Biology Teachers conference in Dallas, Texas. In announcing the award, the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers described the recognition as “long deserved,” celebrating Ising’s years of commitment to his students, fellow educators and science education across Kansas.
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17 AUGUST
COMMUNITY
PG. 06
TENANT EVICTION DEFENSE PILOT PROGRAM AVAILABLE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County tenants facing eviction now have access to free legal consultation and representation through the Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program, which launched June 1. The program is designed to assist participants in stabilizing their housing, preventing homelessness and promoting access to clean, safe and sanitary living conditions. It is supported by the Douglas County District Court SelfHelp Center in partnership with Kansas Holistic Defenders and Kansas Legal Services. The Self-Help Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday inside the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. Eleventh St. Staff can be reached by email at selfhelp@dgcoks. gov or by phone or text at 785-691-9448. Self-Help Center Director Casey Forsyth said Douglas County tenants who receive an eviction notice should attend their court date and not ignore it. Attorneys will be available at tenants’ first answer hearings. Tenants may request assistance in person at the hearing or in advance by completing the Tenant Eviction Defense application on the county website at https://www.dgcoks.gov/form/
eviction-defense-application. So far, 37 individuals have been served through the Douglas County program. Kansas Holistic Defenders Executive Director Sam Allison-Natale said the increased availability of attorneys has encouraged more people to attend their court dates and seek resources. “We’ve heard from tenants that the reason they showed up at court was that they heard help from attorneys would be available,” he said. “Hope can be a powerful motivator for people to not give up on what seems like a desperate situation and seek out the resources our community has available.” Brynn Blair, managing attorney at Kansas Legal Services’ Topeka office, said a similar program has helped 250 tenants in Topeka during the past two years. “KLS is honored to have the local community’s support for this pilot program, and we look forward to helping low-income tenants access free legal services in Douglas County.” In May, the Board of County Commissioners allocated $40,000 for the pilot program in 2026. For more information, visit dgcoks.gov/districtcourt/self-help.
SATURDAY,
AUGUST 15 8 am -4 pm 115 E 1250 Road Baldwin City, KS 66006
Visit the historic Dyer Cabins on May 16 for a large community sale at Woody’s Old Hwy 59 Flea Market. • All eight cabins open — third sale of the 2026 season • Held the third Saturday of each month through November • A wide mix of collectible and everyday items
• Just south of Lawrence • Approximately 2 miles south of the Hwy 56 & Hwy 59 junction • On the original two-lane Highway 59
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Vinland Valley Community Church
1724 N 692nd Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006
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17 AUGUST
COMMUNITY DO YOUR PART THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX By Jeanine Ross
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the condition the world is in? Have you ever wondered what you can do to turn it around? Then you get so many thoughts about what your purpose is in all of this. How can we help? If we really offer any truly significant thing that can help? Then before you know it, the energy that once surged through your body that was so willing to help dies down to nothing when that voice in your head says you’re too insignificant to make a difference. So, you shake your head and shrug your shoulders, and you let that feeling of sadness engulf you. Don’t fret. It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. But today, I want to give you another way to look at it. When we look at the problems and the issues that are creating the current troubling circumstances we all live in, we often think it has to be some big, earth-shattering thing that has to happen to turn things around. But what if I told you it’s quite the contrary? Remember when your parents used to say, “every little thing counts.” Well, they were right! Those big earth-shattering things grow from something as small as a mustard seed. Think about it for a minute: everything starts small. A seed that grows into an oak tree. An atom that grows into a planet. An embryo that grows into a beautiful little baby that grows into a full-blown human! Everything starts small and grows into something bigger. Well, that’s true of everything, including a
contribution as small as a smile. Everything we do to make our situation on this earth better, no matter how small you may think it is, is part of that earthshattering thing that makes change happen. When we all do our part to align with the energy of peace, love, compassion, and understanding, we become part of the solution. There is no such thing as too small when it comes to aligning with the energy that makes change happen for the better. Every human has a contribution to make. I can hear some of you saying, “Slow down Jeanine, I don’t have any special skills or even any talents that can help align anything with anything!” Well, I respectfully disagree, as you knew I would. Of course you have a contribution! You can smile at a stranger. You can buy a meal for a homeless person. You and your family can make homemade gifts and deliver them to an orphanage. There are a million acts of kindness you can do that can let someone you don’t even know realize that a perfect stranger took the time to notice them. You can pick up trash someone thoughtlessly tossed out the window and contribute to the efforts to save our planet. You can plant a tree or a flower or start a neighborhood garden. The contributions we can make are endless, and all of them are needed to add to others who are also contributing to that earth-shattering wave of change we all so desperately need to put our country, our world, our planet on the right track. Imagine how beautiful this world would be if we all just did our part to align with the energy that will save our country, our world, our planet. All I’m asking is that you do your part…please. So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
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PG. 07
THE WILLOW CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SUPPORTING SURVIVORS Kansas’ first domestic violence center marks half a century of providing shelter, advocacy and support across Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties The Willow Domestic Violence Center is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: 50 years of serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking throughout Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Founded in 1976, The Willow was the first domestic violence center established in Kansas. The organization is recognizing its anniversary under the theme “The Willow: Growing Hope Since 1976.” For five decades, The Willow has worked to build safer communities by providing shelter, services and support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Its work remains critical, with an estimated one in four women and one in seven men in the United States having experienced severe physical violence, sexual violence and/ or stalking by an intimate partner.
Thousands Served Each Year
The organization’s impact continues to be significant. During fiscal year 2026 alone, The Willow served 975 survivors and provided 19,067 services. The organization also answered 1,857 hotline calls and provided 11,087 safe nights of rest. Beyond its direct services to survivors, The Willow reached 4,995 community members through outreach, prevention and education efforts. Those education and prevention efforts are an important part of The Willow’s mission, extending its work beyond responding to violence
to helping communities recognize and break cycles of violence before they begin.
Leadership Rooted in the Community
Executive Director Jessica Beeson, a lifelong Lawrence resident and University of Kansas graduate, has been with The Willow since 2018 and stepped into the organization’s executive leadership role in April 2024. Before becoming executive director, Beeson managed direct-support programs including emergency shelter, transitional housing and court advocacy for survivors throughout the organization’s three-county service area. Her community experience also includes nearly a decade in the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s office and a four-year term on the Lawrence USD 497 school board. Director of Communications Adrianne Nuñez has been with The Willow since 2017, beginning in direct-service advocacy before moving into her current role. Her work now focuses heavily on community prevention and education initiatives designed to address cycles of violence before they begin. As The Willow celebrates 50 years, the anniversary recognizes both the organization’s history and the continuing need for its work. From emergency shelter and advocacy to education and prevention, its mission remains centered on creating safer communities and ensuring survivors have access to support when they need it. After half a century of service, The Willow continues the work it began in 1976— providing safety, support and hope to survivors throughout the region.
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