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KCSL held seven Red Stocking Breakfasts in December to

raise money for KCSL’s child abuse prevention programs and services. Preliminary results show about $129,000 has been raised to support KCSL’s programs and services across the state! Local celebrities helped dish out food donated by local vendors. Attendees also had the opportunity to win a family trip to Six Flags Arlington or St. Louis including a two-night stay at a Wyndham hotel and bid on multiple silent auction items from area retailers. Berenice Gover of Hutchinson won the Six Flags trip.

The Red Stocking Breakfast is a continuance of a tradition of holiday giving to KCSL that started 90 years ago. In the 1920s, the community was invited to make holiday gifts to children living at KCSL’s receiving home, a temporary residence for children awaiting a foster or adoptive home. These children would hang their “Little Red Stockings” in anticipation of the generosity of the community. Today, Red Stocking Breakfasts continue to provide funds for important programs such as Healthy Families, the Parent Helpline (1-800-CHILDREN) and other child abuse prevention and education programs.

All seven Breakfasts would not be possible without the overwhelming

help of our partners, celebrity servers, volunteers and attendees! A special thanks goes to our 2015 multi-market partners Capitol Federal, Cox Communications, Kansas Gas Service, Wells Fargo, Westar Energy and venue partners Carlos O’Kelly’s, Clarion Inn, Jack Stack Barbecue, Pizza Ranch and Liberal Country Club. Their support ensures that KCSL’s services can continue to prevent child abuse, strengthen families and empower parents and youth.

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KCSL’s signature event brings holiday cheer to benefit local children

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3 Elizabeth Smart Keynotes

4 Trustee Receives ESU Award

5 BCBSKS Gives to PURPLE

6 Foster, Adoption Success

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FALL/WINTER 2015 VOL. 122 NO. 2

Wichita, Kan. – December 10, 2015 – Local celebrities serve breakfast provided every year by Carlos O’Kelly’s and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Wichita’s Breakfast. (From left) Ken Wells, CEO KEY Construction; Kyle Lindsted, Wichita State University men’s basketball assistant coach; Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell, 2015 honorary chair; Coleen Jennison, Cox Communications market vice president; Kevin Jenks, NBC tournament director; Susan Pompeo; and Juvetta Slane, marketing consultant.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

THANK YOU to our 2015 Major Partners!EMPORIA:Emporia Gazette; WIBW--TV;KVOE Radio; Long Farms, LLC; 96 one The Wave

GARDEN CITY:Samy’s Spirits & Steakhouse; Cox Communications; Ron & Susan Heddleson; Price & Sons Funeral Home; Worthington Industries HUTCHINSON:Ad Astra Per Aspera Broadcasting; Dillons; PRA Group; Tyson Foods; Kwik Shop

KANSAS CITY:UPS; Macy; WDAF Fox 4; US Foods; Liberty Fruit Company, Inc.; The Roasterie; Henderson Engineers, Inc.; The Miller Group, NCS; Robert Stephan

Legal Consulting; ACN; CrossFirst Bank; Bank Midwest

LIBERAL:JE Dunn Construction; National Beef Liberal; High Plains Pizza; High Plains Daily Leader

TOPEKA:WIBW; Security Benefit; Day & Zimmermann; DL Smith Electric; Wolf Construction, Inc.; Stormont-Vail HealthCare; Nalco; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; SmartBurn, LLC

WICHITA:Textron Inc.; BKD CPAs & Advisors; Bank of the West; Davis-Moore Autogroup; A-OK Pawn, Cash, and Retail; Emprise Bank

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Have you ever heard the song “The Prayer?” It’s an inspirational song of hope and faith that proudly reminds me of the families we serve and the work we

do at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) every day. I am always humbled in our 122-year legacy and tradition at KCSL when called upon to help children who find themselves without a prayer. A part of me prays each time to never be a witness again. The images from these moments are forever burned into my memory. My saving grace has been seeing the resulting miracles of lives transformed through our work.

A mother and daughter who were LED to KCSL to strengthen their bond and overcome the challenges of recovery from addiction.

Young parents who were GUIDED to KCSL and empowered to make positive parenting choices as they escape gang life and financial hardships.

Amazing parents who GAVE love and a supportive home to a child with special needs through our work in fostering and adoption.

These are only a few of the many miracles we have experienced at KCSL. And we hope to continue to be a part of more successes like these for another 122 years. We know:

• that when we begin our work early, with first time parents, before bad habits are formed, before a child is hurt, we are 99.98% successful in preventing child abuse;

• our work in adoption and fostering strengthens families that with our support open their hearts and homes to a child, who has experienced the trauma of abuse and we are 84% successful in maintaining that relationship without disruption; and

• guiding parents and youth to healthy, well-informed, natural support systems builds resilience during a crisis and they learn to manage daily challenges successfully.

I appreciate our private donors like you that help KCSL reach over 40,000 Kansas children and families in the most meaningful ways. Because of you and your investment in our mission---to protect and promote the well-being of children, KCSL can lead more families that seem “without a prayer” to safety by guiding them to better choices and places. In the many meaningful ways you support our mission, you give us all a prayer of hope for a stronger and healthier society in Kansas.

May you be blessed with peace and joy this holiday season!

With Appreciation,

Dona Booe, President/CEO

Cimarron

Emporia

Garden City

Hugoton

Hutchinson

Independence

Kansas City

Leoti

Liberal

Manhattan

Pittsburg

Satanta

Topeka

Ulysses

Wichita

600 N. 2nd

215 W. 6th, Suite 209

705 Ballinger603 E. Cedar

4101 E. US Hwy 50 #531

304 E. 6th

17 W. 2nd Ave.

201 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 417

650 Minnesota Ave.

P.O. Box 14

50 Village Plaza150 Plaza Drive

P.O. Box 216

1600 N. Walnut

603 Tecumseh Ave.

3545 SW 5th St. Center for Restorative Ed. 400 SE 40th

921 N. College 837 N. Baughman, Room E

1365 N. Custer

(620) 855-3889

(620) 340-0408

(620) 276-3232 (620) 272-9611(620) 276-4323

(620) 544-7016

(620) 664-5000

(877) 530-5275

(913) 371-2220

(620) 375-4933

(620) 624-9220 (620) 626-5339

(785) 477-1879

(620) 875-0078

(620) 649-2754

(785) 274-3100(785) 438-6800

(620) 356-4180 (620) 424-4320

(316) 942-42642

*Denotes Executive Committee Member

AUGUSTAJim Mercer

EMPORIACyrilla Petracek Teresa Maley, At-LargeTerri Thompson, Ex-officio

GARDEN CITYLee Barrett, Ex-officioJanice Parks

HUTCHINSONDan Dejmal, Ex-officio Ken DeLuca

INDEPENDENCE Donnie Fuqua, Ex-officio

KANSAS CITYMETROJim Erickson, Treasurer*Meg Williams, Ex-officio

LIBERALShirley Scott, Secretary*

NORTON Karen Griffiths, 2nd Vice-Chair*

TOPEKA Vince Avila, At-Large John Bridson, Chair*Margaret La Rue, 1st Vice-Chair*Cecilia Mariani, Ex-officioBobbie Padgett Elaine SchwartzJeffrey A. Wietharn Melanie Worsley

WICHITAMacaela HarrisBrad HeyenRandy Steinert

PRESIDENT /CEODona Booe

2014 - 2015

L CATIONS

From thePresident’s

Desk

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Lead them to a place… Guide them with your grace… Give them faith that they’ll be safe.

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Elizabeth Smart Keynotes Two KCSL Conferences for Parents, Professionals

In collaboration with more than 20 other sponsoring agencies, KCSL hosted two premiere conferences in Topeka featuring

Elizabeth Smart, founder and president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, as keynote speaker. On Nov. 6, Smart presented “Overcoming Adversity: The Elizabeth Smart Story” at the 39th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and then to parents at the Parent Leadership Conference - Strengthening and Engaging Families. Smart shared her incredible story of perseverance through abduction and abuse. Her speech not only told her personal story, but also discussed topics such as overcoming extreme adversity, the importance and process of recovery and not allowing your past to dictate your life’s future.

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. On June 5, 2002 at the age of 14, Smart was taken from her family home by knifepoint and held captive for nine months. Through this traumatic experience, Smart has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation. She has chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book titled My Story. She also helped promote The National AMBER Alert, The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions. Smart’s abduction and recovery continues to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety.

The Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect was Nov. 4-6 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. The Governor’s Conference is an educational, networking and recognition event acknowledged as the most comprehensive conference in Kansas regarding child abuse and neglect issues. The conference included six all-day sessions, 33 workshops and two keynote speakers. Over 550 attendees from around the state participated in sessions with a range of topics and how

they affect the field of child abuse and neglect including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), marijuana legalization and its effect on children, domestic violence and compassion fatigue.

Over 200 parents attended the Parent Leadership Conference at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center in Topeka on Nov. 6-7. This parent-driven conference focused on advocacy, education and the importance of family engagement. Attendees of the two-day conference participated in

several workshops, a parent advocacy panel, parent café and parent testimony. Kicking off the last day, Jane Groff, Ph.D. Groff discussed ways to support children’s learning at home and how to partner with schools to improve children’s academic and social success.

Ending the yearlong celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Head Start and promoting Head Start Awareness month, KCSL held

Block Parties in Garden City, Liberal and Ulysses Oct. 14. Activities for children and their families provided fun and entertainment for the day such as face-painting, crafts and outdoor games. In the true spirit of a celebration, cake and ice cream was served.

KCSL’s Head Start created special events and brought more awareness to the program since the national anniversary kickoff in October 2014. Since its creation in 1965, Head Start has served 32 million children and their families providing comprehensive early learning services that get at-risk children ready for kindergarten and set families on the path toward self-sufficiency. KCSL joined children and families from coast to coast to celebrate 50 years of success and renew their shared commitment to 50 more.

Head Start Celebrates Last 50th Event

Topeka, Kan. – November 6, 2015 – Smart poses with KCSL President/CEO Dona Booe after her first keynote speech at the Governor’s Conference.

Ulysses, Kan. – October 14, 2015 – Students enjoyed face painting and snacks at Head Start Block Party.

KCSL Trustee Presented First-time Award by ESU

In October, KCSL Foundation Trustee Harry Stephens was honored by his alma mater for his years of

outstanding service to the Emporia community. Stephens received the first Emporia State University (ESU) President’s Award for the Common Good during the inaugural Black and Gold Dinner. He along with Walter

S., Evan C. and Olive Jones were the first-time recipients of this new award. Twenty-four nomination letters were sent for Stephens alone.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Stephens. “It demonstrates that we can truly make a difference in the community.”

Not only did Stephens attend ESU, but he also served as vice president of student affairs for 10 years and worked in a variety of student affair roles for over 30 years. He currently serves on the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees.

Along with being a staple in Emporia, Stephens has been involved with KCSL for many years. He has served on KCSL’s Foundation Board of Trustees since 2006 and Board of Directors from 2012 to 2015. He was instrumental in starting KCSL’s Community Leadership and Development Council in Emporia. Stephens is also a founding member of KCSL’s Building Healthy Families Society and has attended all of the Emporia Red Stocking Breakfasts.

“I believe KCSL has a strong tradition of helping children and families in Kansas and will continue to do so,” said Stephens.

Adoption Awareness, Runaway Prevention Month

While remembering to give thanks, KCSL also recognized November as a time to spread awareness of two important topics: Adoption and Runaway

Prevention.

Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast signed a proclamation for National Adoption Month on Nov. 18. According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, there were 1,056 children statewide who are awaiting adoption as of Sept. 30. The average age of a Kansas child in out-of-home placement is eight. If interested in adoption, you can contact Adopt Kansas Kids at 877-457-5430 or visit adoptkskids.org. According to the National Runaway Safeline, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year. KCSL’s runaway prevention program Oasis is a free and voluntary service to families with youth ages 10 through 18 who are at-risk for running away or have already ran away from home. The program is offered in Jackson, Jefferson, Osage, Shawnee and Wabunsee Counties and is designed to prevent youth homelessness, out of home placement and to safely reunite children with their families. For more information on Oasis, call 785-215-9787.

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Emporia, Kan.–December 5, 2015– Volunteers and KCSL staff pose before the crowds arrive.

Garden City, Kan.–December 5, 2015– Attendees brace the cold for a fun carriage ride.

Hutchinson, Kan.–December 5, 2015– Servers dish out warm breakfast from Carlos O’Kelly’s.

Kansas City, Kan.– December 5, 2015– Fox 4 Team and KCSL staff Jamie VanCompernolle (right).

Liberal, Kan.–December 12, 2015– Santa makes sure the Grinch did not steal any holiday fun!

Topeka, Kan.–December 12, 2015– Servers welcome attendees while enjoying breakfast.

KCSL Foundation Trustee Harry Stephens

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Matthew & Jordan ages 15 & 12 ID# CH-6300 & CH-6301Matthew and Jordan would like to live in a small town. They say they want a home that allows pets or maybe even has a horse or two. Matthew, the oldest brother, is a resourceful, friendly and loving teen. His hobbies include

listening to music, reading and photography. He would like to become an EMT someday. Younger brother Jordan enjoys playing sports and video games. Science and history are his favorite school subjects; he likes experiments and learning what people did in the past. Jordan states that he would like to become a firefighter. Matthew and Jordan would like to have a family that will love and accept them both.

Myrashia age 13 ID# CH--5917Myrashia is an imaginative and smart young lady. She enjoys singing, dancing and watching movies. She likes watching comedies the most. Myrashia is very organized and likes helping others. She is doing well in school and says her favorite class is

language arts. Myrashia has aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. She deserves a family that is able to provide her with positive feedback and unconditional love.

To learn more about adoption, visit adoptkskids.org or call 877-457-5430.

Connect with us! facebook.com/AdoptKansasKids and twitter.com/AdoptKSKids.

You & A Child

BCBSKS Foundation Awards PURPLE

In Northeast Kansas, “Wednesday’s Child” with Lori Hutchinson on WIBW TV-13

In Southeast Kansas, “Monday’s Child” with Lisa Oligis on KOAM TV-7

In South Central and Western Kansas, “Susan’s Kids” with Susan Peters on KAKE TV-10

Meet great kids who need forever families on these stations:

Tune In For Kids

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) Foundation celebrated its10th anniversary by granting 10 deserving

statewide organizations $10,000 each to focus on the health and wellness of Kansans. On Nov. 30, the Foundation announced that KCSL’s Period of PURPLE Crying was one of the statewide recipients of this grant. PURPLE is a prevention program that educates parents and caregivers on the normalcy of increased infant crying and techniques for dealing with it to decrease stress and likelihood for abuse. All of the organizations were chosen by BCBSKS employees through an online voting process.

“We are proud of the opportunities that BCBSKS Foundation grants have provided Kansas non-profits and the communities they serve since it was incorporated in 2005,” said Marlou Wegener, BCBS chief operating officer. “We couldn’t think of any better way to celebrate 10 years of giving than to grant even more funds to deserving organizations.”

During the past 10 years, the Foundation has funded organizations that focus on health issues that can impact the lives of many Kansans. More specifically, the Foundation funds programs that promote health improvement, health care access, health education, healthy behaviors and prevention initiatives.

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TopekaTuesday, Jan 12 @ 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 28 @ 10 a.m.Tuesday, Feb 2 @ 5:30 p.m. Register at lwalker@kcsl.org or (785) 215-6403.3545 SW 5th St, Topeka, 66606

WichitaTuesday, Jan 19 @ 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan 27 @ 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 16 @ 11a.m. Register at daustin@kcsl.org or (316) 942-4261 x1321.1365 N Custer, Wichita, 67203

Topeka, Kan. – December 3, 2015 – BCBSKS Foundation presents check to KCSL President/CEO Dona Booe and staff.

Memorial Gifts

Kansans Trade in Entertainment to Give to KCSL

Foster, Adoption Success--The Gilbert’s and Wichita Thunder Teddy Bear Toss

To bring awareness to National Adoption Month and ensure all kids have a happy holiday this year, Tradepost Entertainment hosted its first Credit for Kids drive with proceeds going to KCSL. Customers who brought in their unwanted movies, music and games to

local Tradepost locations in Wichita and Topeka during the month of November were able to donate their items value to teens in KCSL programs. Instead of receiving store credit, customers gave the amount to Credit for Kids. KCSL extends a huge THANK YOU to Tradepost Entertainment. Through their Credit for Kids drive, they were able to give KCSL 56 gift cards! Those gift cards were given to teenagers KCSL serves in Topeka and Wichita as Christmas presents. Thank you for bringing holiday cheer to KCSL kids!

No one plays a more vital role in the life of a foster child than the FOSTER PARENT. At KCSL, we have amazing foster families who are dedicated to the

children in their care. We first shared the Gilbert’s thoughts on the importance of fostering online in 2014. Read what Ronmel and Heather Gilbert had to say about what fostering means to them:

“Being a foster parent was a challenging choice for us! We wanted a family, but couldn’t afford the high price of adoption fees. I was terrified to have kids come and then go because I knew I would grow attached to each child. Through a family friend, we prayed on it and decided foster to adopt was the way to go! We’ve been blessed to have cared for five beautiful children since we started; three of which were able to return to family! It’s been rewarding to be able to provide a safe and loving environment for all the children that have been in our home!”

KCSL is happy to report and congratulate the Gilbert’s, one of our now former foster families, for finalizing the adoption of their two daughters Sumaya and Sanaa. They adopted their two daughters on Nov. 21 as part of National Adoption Day in Wichita. Sumaya and Sanaa were among the 40 plus children to be adopted that day by families in that region.

To further the celebration, later that night the Gilbert’s represented KCSL during the Wichita Thunder’s hockey game and Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans purchased special family four packs, which included four goal zone tickets and eight teddy bears. When the Thunder scored their first goal, fans threw out their teddy bears on the ice. We heard the girls had a blast collecting the stuffed animals for KCSL! Bank of the West and the Thunder teamed up with KCSL to provide donated stuffed animals from the night. This was the second season in a row that KCSL has participated in Teddy Bear Toss Night. CHANGE A LIFE. BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. To learn how you can be a KCSL Foster Family, call (877) 530-5275 or visit kcsl.org/Foster_Care_Home.aspx.

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RON ROSSERJerry & Patty Foster

STEPHEN PAUL WUNSCHRobert S. & Barbara Wunsch

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Guidance Center combining outpatient mental health services, strengthening community visibility and creating operational efficiencies. These important services include expertise in early childhood and infant mental health. The move to our office at Custer further integrates outpatient mental health with the other Wichita programs.

Bullying Prevention Month Even though October is over, bullying prevention should continue all year! Gov. Sam Brownback helped KCSL kickoff Bullying Prevention Month by signing a proclamation Sept. 30. As part of the initiative, KCSL created a free toolkit for parents and educators with bullying facts, prevention talking points and social media messaging. The kit also included tip cards on how to know if your child is being bullied or cyberbullied,steps to resolve the bullying and what to do if you suspect your child is doing the bullying. Remember to call our free, 24 hour Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN if you have questions about a bullying situation.

Volunteer Program 3rd Quarter SuccessDuring the third quarter of 2015, KCSL volunteers provided 4,364 hours of volunteer service. This brings total volunteers hours to over 13,000 so far! If you are interested in volunteering at KCSL, search for Volunteer Opportunities on KCSL’s website, kcsl.org, by clicking on the “Be a KCSL Volunteer”button on the top of the screen. You canalways contact KCSL at 1-877-530-5275 or volunteer@kcsl.org for more information.

Institute at Conference Presents First Kansas ACE Data Results KCSL and Prevent Child Abuse Kansas Director Vicky Roper along with other members of the Kansas Power of the Positive leadership team coordinated a six-hour Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Institute at the Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Nov 4. One hundred twenty professionals from different disciplines attended the institute. Sandra Alexander of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented on ACEs, Safe, Stable and Nurturing Relationships and Environments and the Essentials for Childhood. Dr. Perveen from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment revealed the first Kansas ACE data. Thousands of Caps for PURPLE Campaign Volunteers knit or crocheted more than 9,260 purple caps this year for the Click for Babies campaign. The caps were distributed to families of newborns in Kansas during the months of November and December. The caps support KCSL’s The Period of PURPLE Crying® program and, in addition to the caps, families will also receive The Period of PURPLE Crying® DVD and material already distributed in participating hospitals about what to expect with infant crying.

Did You Know?

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KCSL Adoption Program Receives National Grant Adopt Kansas Kids (AKK) has been chosen as a recipient of the National Adoption Recruitment Campaign and Localization Grant. AKK and the Department for Children and Families were one of four adoption exchange initiatives in the United States to receive this award for 2016. The grant is for two years, and each year KCSL will receive $15,000.

A primary focus of this effort is for the National Adoption Exchange Association to partner with states and adoption exchanges to further localization efforts of the national adoption recruitment campaign. The national campaign, courtesy of the Ad Council, reminds parents that they don’t have to be perfect to make a lifelong difference in the life of a child.

To kick things off, a new public service announcement was developed and unveiled during the 39th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect in Topeka Nov. 5.

Head Start Families, Staff Attend Boo at the Zoo in Garden CityKCSL’s Head Start staff and parents in Garden City participated in the 21st Annual Boo at the Zoo at the Lee Richardson Zoo on Oct. 17. Boo at the Zoo is a very popular Halloween event and attended by thousands of children and families. Staff dressed in Halloween costumes and distributed candy to the children that participated in the trick or treat trail.

Outpatient Mental Health Moves to Wichita Custer BuildingKCSL is excited to announce that our outpatient mental health services, previously located on N. Poplar in Wichita, has moved into our office at 1365 N. Custer on Nov. 9.

On July 1, 2011, KCSL joined with the Wichita Child

Garden City, Kan. – October 17, 2015 – KCSL Head Start employee Aroseli Estrada and her family dressed in costumes for Boo at the Zoo. (Pictured from left) Lupe, Luis, Aroseli, Rosio, Alex and Erika.

Klicks for Kids Dec 8 thruJan 12

March 1 thruMarch 31

April 4 thruApril 25

Child Abuse Prevention Month April

Various Stores Independence, KS

West Wyandotte LibraryKansas City, KS

Wamego Public LibraryWamego, KS

Statewide

Kids View is published by the Kansas Children’s Service League, a private not-for-profit agency whose mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children.

Writers:

Deena WilliamsCommunications Manager

Brittany MillikanCommunications and Design Specialist

© 2015 Kansas Children’s Service League

For more information, visit

kcsl.org

1365 N. Custer • Wichita, KS 67203

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 652Wichita, Kansas

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Children are our future, and that’s why at KCSL they are our top priority. When planning for the future distribution of assets, many people are surprised to learn there are a number of ways to provide charitable gif ts to KCSL. In addition to remembering family, friends and other loved ones, consider including KCSL in your plans so we can ensure that the next generation of children and families thrive! Contact KCSL President/CEO, Dona Booe at dbooe@kcsl.org or (785) 274-3100 for more information.

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