Growing Kids, Growing Community

 (Originally Published Wednesday, September 20, 2023)

In early June, Ellie Wintermote, an only child, got the benefit of the bubbling water play along with the buzz of social time in the park next to New Creation Fellowship in Newton. Because of wanting to provide more social connections for her daughter, as well as to have a mom-daughter date, Jennie Wintermote brought Ellie to Summer Enrichment Activities for Kids (SEAK), sponsored by Peace Connections.

Every June through July, the local non-profit offers a free meal to kids, for anyone ages 1-18, and activities four days each week at two sites; the park at New Creation Fellowship and at Immanuel Baptist Church on Anderson Street, which is across town. Ellie and her mom enjoyed the Chinese meal provided by Panda Kitchen and playground equipment at the New Creation site.

“We love this program, especially since Ellie is an only child and without other cousins,” said Wintermote, a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton. “This gives her a chance to interact with other kids and the opportunity to build social skills. We came last summer and again this summer, as it also gives us quality time together out in the community.”

This combination of quality time with a child amongst others in the community is also why Annie Reynolds, of Newton, is a big fan of SEAK. During a mid-week SEAK event in early June at Immanuel, she and her grandson, Maverick, enjoyed the meal and activities. “This is just a really neat program,” Annie said. “I watch Maverick four days a week, and this gives us both an opportunity to get out of the house and to do something different, while being around other kids,” she said.

This mother and grandmother are only two of the growing number of families from all walks of life who benefit from the relaxed and no-cost social outlet. Kendra Davila, Executive Director of Peace Connections, said that the non-profit served 1,600 meals, which totaled almost 200 more than last year. The restaurants providing the food were Carlos’ Kitchen, Norm’s, Panda Kitchen, Breadbasket and Prairy Market and Deli.

“Half of these restaurants were new this year, which says to me there is a growing interest out there in being part of this community effort,” said Kendra said. “What is amazing to me about SEAK is all the people who really care about this program in our community and really want to be there. …

“What is so cool is that we are celebrating what the community is already doing, rather than having to invent the wheel. In all our asks to organizations and restaurants, not one of them said no. They were so ready to give.”

Groups and organizations that generously gave of their staff time, supplies and activities included the local fire department and public library, 4-H, Scouts, Farm Bureau, and various representatives from a dozen other groups. Church partners included Shalom Mennonite, Trinity Heights United Methodist, and First Mennonite Church, Newton. Activities included Water Wednesdays, STEM and art activities, as well as free play, yoga, and more.

“This was my first SEAK, and it amazed me how everything came together,” said Chris Allen, Associate Director for Peace Connections. “There were a lot of different people and churches coming together to volunteer, and it took a lot of moving parts to make it work. Everyone stepped up, and we are so thankful.”

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