Kimberly Becker, director of the Central Kansas Dream Center, was nominated for Community Corrections Volunteer of the Year and recently traveled to Topeka. She was named Volunteer of the Year for the Northern Parole Region.
The CKDC in  Great Bend is a multi-faceted six-month residential Bible-based program for individuals with life-altering addictions and is free to students. Also included is the Life Giving Center and the Soup Kitchen.
Twelve students are allowed in CKDC program, which began last August. Five men have graduated and are currently employed in the area.
“Kimberly Becker is the director of the Life Giving Center in Great Bend, which is a transitional living program,” said Larry Meadows, Community Corrections, in his nomination letter. “Ms. Becker is a compassionate woman dedicated to effecting a positive change within the community.  She strives to understand the challenges faced by offenders and community members alike, tirelessly working to address the problem of homelessness in the community, developing an (addictions program) for men and women, and the development of a program for kids aging out of the foster care system.
“But, her involvement with offenders in that community goes above and beyond those areas, becoming an invaluable resource to KDOC,” he said. “She actively collaborates with facility staff and parole staff, acting as a valuable case management asset, helping address the needs of high risk offenders. Her “never give up” attitude has greatly benefitted many offenders, helping them overcome their struggles, and reach levels of success never before attained in the community.  
“In an area of Kansas with limited community resources, she has proven time and again to be a tremendous asset to the community and KDOC. Endorsements for her in support of being recognized as Volunteer of the Year include the Great Bend Parole Office, a staff member from the Ellsworth Correctional Facility, and the director of the Central Kansas Community Corrections.”
She was one of 45 honorees from across the state who were honored at a ceremony and then met with Governor Sam Brownback.
 “I’ve been told it is so hard to find individuals who want to get involved with the clients they serve,” said Becker. “They don’t want to deal with the baggage or danger.”
Becker regularly visits those who are incarcerated who might be interested in the CKDC program. She sees it as an outreach of her faith. “I want to share the Christian piece they’re not allowed to discuss with clients. Once I make a connection, I try to keep it.”
Becker became interested in helping others because of her own history and overcoming. “You can go from being a victim to being a victor and walk in freedom,” she said. “I have a heart to share with people. Your past doesn’t define your future.”
Becker has worked with high risk teens through Youthville, done foster care, and worked at Larned Correctional Facility.