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Growing Kids, Growing Community

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     Fueled by chicken and rice, pork burritos, and a variety of sandwiches, we had another fun summer at SEAK (Summer Enrichment Activities for Kids), where we served over 2,600 meals at two locations. Preceding each meal was a different “enrichment” activity, which this year included meeting critters like chickens and goats, having hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests, painting mosaics, participating in a drum circle and dancing to silly songs about dinosaurs. Every Wednesday, as is our tradition, is “Water Wednesday,” when we pull out the hoses and get wet in one way or another, capped off by when the Fire Department brings out their truck and soaks everyone from the hydrant. Volunteers contributed over 325 hours this summer to help make this initiative a success. Designed as a no-barrier program for anyone ages 1-18, we know we are living into our mission when over 60% of families attending live at or below the Federal Poverty Level, when access to food may be le...
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Join the Flatlander Bike Ride!

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      We're inviting you to join the ranks of the Flatlander Bike Ride. After 30 incredible years raising support for Mennonite Central Committee, a new team with Peace Connections is revving up to keep the wheels turning on this cherished tradition. Hats off to the original crew for making this event a beloved community gem!     The Flatlander is more than just a bike ride; it’s a meaningful community gathering. With the torch passed from the previous team, we're eager to keep the good vibes rolling, creating joy, connections, and unforgettable memories.     This year, the ride will fuel Peace Connections ’ initiatives to reduce poverty. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19th, and let’s make an impact addressing poverty locally. Registration is $35/person or $50/family, with four route options ranging from three miles to 62 miles, providing options for all ages and levels of riding skills. We can’t wait to ride with you! Sponsorship Opportun...
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Oswald Golf Tournament a Success!

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Harvey County Holiday Exchange

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       Peace Connections will once again participate in the Harvey County Holiday Exchange, an alternative gift market which honors family, friends, and colleagues, and provides an alternative to our modern culture of consumerism.     Instead of buying knick-knacks for your uncle, a shopper at the market might sponsor a community meal or provide funding for our summer lunch program. Your uncle would receive a card telling him about this unique gift given in his honor. You may also choose to give him an ornament to represent the gift; complimentary ornaments (many of which are hand-crafted) by volunteers, are a unique feature of many organizations participating in this market.     Please stop by our table, share a smile and give a gift that continues to give!   Want to know how else you can contribute to Circle of Hope? Reach out to Kendra Davila at 316-284-0000 or info@ peaceconnections .org to schedule a time to talk, sign up to be a volunteer...
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Cohort 30 Celebrates Graduation

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  There is a lot of change in the air, which comes with the changing of the seasons. For the Getting Ahead class members, this also means a change in titles. For the past four months, they have been participating at Circle of Hope, where they have been known as class members, but will now be known as Circle Leaders. A Circle Leader is someone who is leading the charge to create change in his or her life and hope for the future. They have forged their way through the budgeting class alongside peers and soon allies. As they begin the next 18-month journey alongside volunteer allies, they will continue working on budgets, goals, and timelines.     They have been able to create budgets (and mostly stick with it), recognizing each day as a new opportunity to try again. They have done this with humor and grace, expressing frustration at setbacks and joy with accomplishments. Before celebrating the accomplishment, a few were even asking how they could pass the blessing, love, a...
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