A local philanthropic organization and local business recently awarded a total of three grants to Sunflower’s Early Education Center (EEC). The funds have helped finance advanced training and playground equipment.
The Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) and Midwest Energy provided the funds to the non-profit entity.
One GBCF grant made it possible for staff to attend a conference in Wichita to learn the most up-to-date information pertaining to mental health, said Cathy Estes, Sunflower children’s services coordinator.
“This conference was so important but we couldn’t have attended without this grant,” Estes noted. “Training often takes a back seat when budgets are cut but it is crucial for our staff to be equipped with the best tools available to help our families.”
The grant paid the $515 conference fees, which allowed three staff members to attend the training sponsored by the Kansas Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Estes, along with Shari Schneider and Monica Gonzalez attended.
Schneider is Sunflower’s Incredible Years Preschool director and Gonzalez is the bilingual early intervention specialist.
“Each of us is endorsed by the state in the area of infant mental health,” Estes said, noting three of their colleagues also are endorsed. “The conference information was invaluable as we strive to help children and families struggling with issues such as failure to thrive, attachment disorders and shaken-baby syndrome.
“Research into how we can support our families is constantly being updated,” she added. “We must keep up on the latest for the sake of children and their parents.”
The second GBCF grant awarded $874 for playground equipment at the EEC; youngsters at the preschool are reaping the benefits too.
GBCF provides non-profit organizations with a permanent source of support and serves as a vehicle for charitable giving in Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.
Midwest Energy, an area energy-services provider, contributed to the playground cause with a $450 grant.
“Our playground equipment is about 10 years old and must be replaced,” Estes said. “It is very popular with the little ones and we will replace it piece by piece through grants and private donations.
“We are truly grateful to the GBCF and Midwest Energy for helping us with the playground project, as well as the vital continuing education,” Estes said. “In this era of budget cuts, community support is extremely gratifying.”
The EEC is one of 37 tiny-k programs in Kansas, meeting the needs of children age birth to 3 with developmental delays and disabilities; the preschool is available to any child, age 2-and-a-half to 5. Both are located at 1312 Patton in Great Bend.
Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
