Peace Connections News

There is no better way to start off the year than bringing two big-hearted women onto the board of directors. That is what Peace Connections has done in inviting Priscilla Griffith and Jenna Ratzlaff to be part of the team. “I am excited to be part of something in which I can give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Priscilla Griffith, a graduate of the Circle of Hope program and current owner of a Habitat for Humanity home in Newton. Griffith is a 45-year-old musician and mother to three children and works in the international shipping department at the Bradbury Company in Moundridge, Kansas. Jenna Ratzlaff is a 27-year-old Director of Social Services at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Before receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work, she served as a high school volunteer for childcare during COH Tuesday evening gatherings. “I love social work a lot,” Jenna said. “I feel very honored to help residents with transitions. … And now I also look f...

  Jesus knew five loaves and two fish could not feed 5,000 people. Nevertheless, he stretched the disciples’ faith by asking them to provide supper from these tiny staples. Crowds gathered to hear Jesus teach and learn how to live the message he was sharing. When the crowds departed, they had been fed physically and spiritually. The gatherings of people who are cared for and each shown a different way of life. The same could be said of the crowds that gather on Tuesday evenings at Circle of Hope, as each participant comes searching for nourishment and connection. To help forge a practical miracle today in Newton, we are making a call for supper donors. We invite cooks to prepare a meal for the Tuesday gatherings, of 60-80 persons, who gather at First United Methodist Church every week. These meals bring families into the program as they build hope into their future stories and close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Though it will help with rising food costs...

  Just as the signs of change and hope of Spring are appearing outside, so are the hope and signs of change emerging at Circle of Hope! The 26th cohort of the Getting Ahead Financial Management Class is anticipating their graduation and gleefully discussing the possibilities of their future. As the class members got to know each other, they took a deep dive into their finances and various causes of poverty, they discussed the importance of setting goals and discovered their courage and tenacity, encouraged by facilitators Melodie Tucker and Chris Allen. Everyone in the room is working toward something, whether it is building relationships or a stronger financial base, the desire for change is one that unites us all. This dedication, commitment, and drive in each individual is something we are going to celebrate, as each participant is writing hope into the future story. Please help us honor this hard work by joining their upcoming graduation on February 20th at First United Methodi...

John Sommer confesses that before he became a volunteer ally with Circle of Hope, he wasn’t exposed to people who hadn’t been raised in a middle-class environment. Since becoming an Ally- a person who accompanies a Circle of Hope participant for 18 months while he or she sets and meets goals in building a stronger future some of his blinders have been peeled away. “Being an Ally has brought me into direct contact and relationship with people I would not otherwise have run into,” John said. “It is helping me get involved with the lives of people- and they with mine- in ways that foster new human connections. “By connecting with people outside my normal sphere, I have been enriched and educated. I once attributed poverty to laziness and a lack of direction. What I have learned is that larger socio-economic forces- such as racism and lack of access to healthcare and educational opportunities contribute greatly to a generational family pattern that is hard to break.” During the 10 years th...

(Originally Published Tuesday, May 09, 2023) Jacob Easley first learned about Harvey County Circle of Hope in 2011 through a friend, another program participant, who invited him to an evening program and dinner. Jacob came to the dinner but slipped out before the program. Five years later, Jacob returned to the program with another attendee, but this time he stayed for dinner and the program. He liked what he heard. Jacob quickly signed up for a financial management class offered as part of the robust program. He wanted to learn how to budget, to set goals, AND stick to them! Jacob and five others attended the 15-week Getting Ahead Class where they learned all about financial and social capital, causes of poverty, and re-examined their community.  After the Getting Ahead Class, Jacob was matched with three Allies: John, Marvin, and Deb. These three volunteers walked alongside Jacob as he made progress on his goals, offered insight and advice when needed, and provided a listeni...