Our Partner Charities
We believe in empowering our members to make informed decisions, so we’ve provided details on the incredible organizations working hard to make a difference in Barton County. Explore their missions, programs, and impact to help you choose the charity you'd like to nominate at our next meeting. Together, we can support the causes that matter most to our community!
United Way of Central Kansas
United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK), based in Great Bend, Kansas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Established in 1997, UWCK focuses on building a healthy community, financial security, youth opportunity, and community resiliency by addressing critical local needs. Through initiatives like Laundry Love, which provides free laundry services to low- and no-income families, UWCK strives to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. The organization partners with local agencies, businesses, and volunteers to create lasting change and improve lives across Barton and Pawnee counties.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Barton County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering nutritious meals and providing wellness checks to homebound seniors in Great Bend, Hoisington, and Ellinwood. Operated by RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) at Barton Community College, the program has been serving the community since 1972. Volunteers deliver hot meals Monday through Friday, offering not only nourishment but also a vital daily connection for recipients. The service is available to individuals aged 60 and over who are unable to prepare meals for themselves due to age, physical, or mental conditions. A suggested donation of $3.35 per meal is requested for eligible participants, while others may receive meals for a fee of $5.25. For more information or to volunteer, contact RSVP at (620) 792-1614 or visit their website.
Sunflower Diversified Services
Sunflower Diversified Services is a nonprofit organization based in Great Bend, Kansas, dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and delays. Founded in 1971, the organization provides a comprehensive range of services across Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, and Stafford counties. These services include early education programs, residential support, vocational training, case management, and public transportation, all aimed at fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for its clients. Sunflower Diversified Services operates with a commitment to advocacy, support, and education, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
St. Rose Health Center
St. Rose Health System, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is a comprehensive healthcare provider located in Great Bend, Kansas. With a commitment to delivering high-quality care, St. Rose offers a range of services including family medicine, specialty care, physical and occupational therapy, laboratory services, and a Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic. The facility also provides cardiac rehabilitation and speech-language pathology services. St. Rose Health System is dedicated to serving the community by offering accessible and compassionate healthcare options close to home.
Ellinwood Hospital Foundation
The Ellinwood Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the healthcare services of Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic and its affiliated entities. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports the hospital's mission through fundraising efforts that provide funding for equipment, facility improvements, and community health programs. Governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, the Foundation ensures that all donations are stewarded responsibly to benefit the health and well-being of the local communities. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kristy Rupe, the Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare access and quality in the region.
Holy Family Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic School, located at 4200 Broadway in Great Bend, Kansas, is a private Catholic institution serving students from preschool through sixth grade. Established in 1937, the school is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dodge City and is accredited by the State of Kansas through the Quality Performance Accreditation process. Holy Family School offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values and morals, aiming to develop the whole person spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially. The school's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "We learn. We love. We serve." With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1, Holy Family Catholic School provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and moral development.
Live Like Jesus Ministries
Live Like Jesus Today Ministries, founded in 2011 by Buzz and Clifann Birney, is a nonprofit organization based in Great Bend, Kansas. The ministry is dedicated to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ through compassionate service and outreach. They provide food, clothing, and other essentials to individuals in need, and also engage in prison ministry, offering support and spiritual guidance to incarcerated individuals. Additionally, the ministry organizes mission trips both domestically and internationally, aiming to share God's love and message. Their efforts are supported through donations, volunteer work, and community involvement. For more information or to get involved, visit their website or contact them directly.
Golden Belt Humane Society
The Golden Belt Humane Society, located in Great Bend, Kansas, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare. Established to provide temporary housing and medical care to unwanted and stray animals, the shelter strives to find loving, permanent homes for each pet. Their mission includes promoting responsible pet ownership and ending pet overpopulation through education and outreach. As a no/low-kill facility since 2013, euthanasia is only used when an animal's quality of life is compromised. The society relies heavily on dedicated volunteers, donors, and community support to continue its vital work.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Great Bend, Kansas, is a vital community resource committed to meeting immediate needs and fostering long-term well-being. Operating as part of The Salvation Army's Service Extension in Kansas and Western Missouri, it provides emergency assistance across Barton and Pawnee counties. Services include support for utilities, rent, clothing, school supplies, and limited fuel, ensuring that individuals and families facing hardships receive timely help.
Heartland Farms
Heartland Farm, located in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, is an 80-acre nonprofit ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Established in 1987, the farm practices and promotes stewardship of Earth and healthy living through ecologically sound agricultural and environmental practices. Visitors can engage in a variety of experiences, including alpaca encounters, organic gardening, and spiritual retreats. The farm offers opportunities for both day visits and overnight stays in accommodations such as a guest house and a strawbale hermitage. Heartland Farm also hosts events like the annual Peace Camp for children and the Farm-to-Table Fundraising Dinner. With a commitment to sustainability and community, Heartland Farm provides a peaceful setting for renewal of mind, body, and spirit.
St. Joseph's in Ellinwood
St. Joseph Catholic School, locatedin Ellinwood, Kansas, has been a cornerstone of Catholic education since its founding in 1885 by German immigrants. Originally taught in German by German nuns, the school has evolved to serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The current brick school building, constructed in 1926, stands as a testament to the community's commitment to education. Affiliated with the Diocese of Dodge City, the school offers a Christ-centered curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, moral development, and community service. With a student-teacher ratio that allows for individualized attention, St. Joseph Catholic School continues to nurture students to become compassionate and responsible citizens.
Hands of Hope Rescue
Hands of Hope Rescue, based in Great Bend, Kansas, is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders across Kansas and neighboring states. Operating solely through a network of foster homes, the organization provides medical care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, to each dog before adoption. They focus on placing dogs in loving, compatible homes and do not accept aggressive animals to ensure the safety of their foster families. Funded entirely by donations and adoption fees, Hands of Hope Rescue has saved over 2,000 dogs since its inception.
Community Food Bank of Barton County
The Community Food Bank of Barton County, located at 3007 10th Street in Great Bend, Kansas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in the region. Established in 2001, the food bank provides emergency food assistance to individuals and families facing temporary hardships. Operating solely on donations, it serves as a vital resource for the community, ensuring that no one goes hungry during times of crisis.
Family Crisis Center
The Family Crisis Center, Inc., based in Great Bend, Kansas, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, and neglect. Established in 1981, the center offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal and medical advocacy, counseling, and community education. Their mission is to empower individuals and families by providing resources, support, and education to promote safety and healing. Operating across multiple counties in central and south-central Kansas, the Family Crisis Center is committed to creating a community free from violence and abuse.
Eldercare
ElderCare Inc., based in Great Bend, Kansas, is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in central and southwest Kansas. They provide home services—including personal care, homemaking, and wellness monitoring—along with the Friendship Meals program, which delivers nutritious meals to seniors across 28 counties. Through initiatives like "Sponsor a Senior," ElderCare empowers the community to support seniors, helping them maintain independence, health, and dignity in their homes.
Barton County Fair
The Barton County Fair, held annually in Great Bend, Kansas, is a cherished tradition that began in 1899. Organized by the Barton County Fair Association, the event promotes agriculture, community pride, and youth development through 4-H programs and competitive exhibits. The fair has evolved over the years, with its current location at the Great Bend Expo Complex since 1992. It offers a variety of attractions, including livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, and educational exhibits, all powered by dedicated volunteers and community support.
Dropping 22
Dropping 22 is a nonprofit organization based in Great Bend, Kansas, dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. The name "Dropping 22" reflects the mission to reduce the statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide each day. Through free therapeutic services, community events, and family support programs, Dropping 22 aims to provide hope and healing to those who have served. Their services include monthly meals, children's activities, and various workshops designed to foster connection and resilience.
Barton County CORE
Barton County Core Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Barton County. Through the Circles® program, they empower individuals and families by providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive community. Participants work alongside trained volunteers to develop personal goals, build financial stability, and create lasting change. Since its inception, Core Community has helped numerous families achieve homeownership, reduce debt, and improve their overall quality of life. Their holistic approach fosters hope and transformation, one relationship at a time.
Central Kansas Dream Center
The Central Kansas Dream Center, located at 2100 Broadway Ave in Great Bend, is a faith-based nonprofit committed to transforming lives through compassion and support. Their mission is to reach hurting individuals and families, offering programs that promote healing, personal growth, and restoration.
Key initiatives include:
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The Walk of Freedom: A 12-month discipleship program focusing on spiritual growth and life skills.
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DC Kitchen: Providing daily meals to those in need.
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Kingdom Kloset: Offering clothing and household items at no cost.
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Moment of Grace: Supporting expecting parents with ultrasounds and baby supplies.
Great Bend Zoological Society
The Great Bend Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Established to enhance the zoo's educational and conservation efforts, the Society plays a pivotal role in fundraising and advocacy. Through memberships, donations, and community engagement, they help fund exhibits, animal care, and special programs that benefit both the zoo and the Barton County community. Their mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and promote conservation through active involvement and support.
Great Bend Bat Cats
The Great Bend Bat Cats are a nonprofit summer collegiate baseball team based in Great Bend, Kansas. Established in 2017, the team competes in the Jayhawk Collegiate League and plays its home games at Al Burns Memorial Field. The Bat Cats provide free, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer, featuring college-level athletes from across the country. Since their inception, the team has made multiple appearances in the NBC World Series, with notable finishes including 5th place in 2021 and 2023. Beyond the game, the Bat Cats are deeply involved in the community, offering opportunities for local families to host players and participate in various events. Their commitment to excellence on and off the field makes them a cherished part of the Great Bend community.
Barton County Historical Society
The Barton County Historical Society, located at 85 S. Highway 281 in Great Bend, Kansas, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Barton County. Established in 1872, the Society operates the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village, a 5-acre site featuring a collection of historic buildings and exhibits that illustrate the area's history from Native American culture through European settlement. Notable structures include a 1873 stone house, a 1910 railroad depot, a 1915 schoolhouse, and a 1950 Lustron home. The museum's collections encompass over 300 dolls, Native American artifacts, antique tractors, and displays on local history, including the Santa Fe Trail and Fort Zarah. The Society offers programs, events, and educational opportunities to engage the community and visitors in the preservation of Barton County's history.
Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas
Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring human potential through service, advocacy, and invitation, in the spirit of the Gospel. With offices in Great Bend, Dodge City, and Garden City, they provide a comprehensive range of services to individuals and families in need throughout Southwest Kansas. Their programs include adoption services, pregnancy support, counseling, economic assistance, disaster response, and support for refugees and immigrants. Through these services, Catholic Charities aims to strengthen and support families and communities, ensuring that every person experiences hope and fulfillment.
Barton Arts Movement
The Barton Arts Movement (BAM) is a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to fostering community pride through public art in Barton County, Kansas. Established in 2021, BAM collaborates with local artists, property owners, and volunteers to create vibrant murals and art installations that reflect the region's culture and heritage. Notable projects include the "Rise Above" murals in Claflin, Hoisington, and Ellinwood, and the "Welcome to Great Bend" mural at 10th and Washington. Operating under the Golden Belt Community Foundation, BAM invites community involvement through donations, volunteering, and artistic contributions.