Considering Gratitude This Season


This time of year often calls upon us to be intentional and vocal about the gratitude we feel. It can be easy to lose sight of that which we are grateful for, especially when this year, as the past few have, has presented a set of unique challenges and obstacles. That's why I am choosing to find things in my life to express my gratitude about - loud and proud! I hope my doing so will encourage others to consider their gratitude and be expressive about it, too.


As I consider what I am grateful for this year, one of the first things that comes to mind is our supporters - people like you. We could not continue to do the important work we do each and every day without the people who volunteer, donate, follow, and otherwise support Sunflower House.


I am also incredibly grateful for our team. Each person on our staff has a unique value that they bring to the table, and each one helps keep Sunflower House operating. Our team is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated. Each day can bring a set of challenges that may include remaining calm in a crisis, going out of our way to help a family in need, or navigating secondhand trauma, and our team always faces each challenge head-on with a good attitude. For that I am grateful.


Despite any hardships this year, Sunflower House has continued to thrive, and for that I am also very grateful. We have been awarded prestigious grants, provided forensic interviews and therapy to hundreds of children and families, and had great success at our community and fundraising events this year.


So thank you for your support, thanks to our team for their perseverance, and possibly most importantly, thanks to the children and families who trust us every single day to provide them a safe, neutral environment in which to tell their stories.


Judi Rodman

President and CEO

Employee Spotlight:


Ashley Ballman is our newest Education Specialist! She joins the team with experience from working at another Child Advocacy Center and a degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing her Master's from UMKC in Criminology & Social Work.


Help us welcome Ashley!

Employee Spotlight:


Long-time forensic interviewer Cheryl Smith will be leaving Sunflower House after conducting 1,669 interviews!


In this video, you can see Cheryl being greeted by her team on the day she conducted her final interview. Cindy records while Jenny shoots a confetti cannon in celebration of the huge impact she has had on Sunflower House and the lives of hundreds of families.

Who are you bringing to the Valentine Gala this year?


Coming February 2023, Sunflower House presents: A Starry Night Valentine Gala! This will be the 41st annual gala for Sunflower House and this year will include both a live and silent auction, dinner, drinks, and fun activities to participate in!


Join us on February 11, 2023 at the Overland Park Convention Center from 6-11pm!


Learn more about sponsorships and ticket purchasing on our website.


You can also download the sponsorship packet here!

Heads up!

Sunflower House closures for November

As the holiday season ramps up, keep in mind the changes in Sunflower House's hours for the month. We are open 8:30 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday except:


Tuesday, November 15: Sunflower House closed for parking lot repair

Wednesday, November 16: Sunflower House closed for parking lot repair

Wednesday, November 23: Sunflower House closes at 3pm for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 24: Sunflower House closed for Thanksgiving

Friday, November 25: Sunflower House closed for Thanksgiving

Giving Tuesday


Sunflower House will be participating in Giving Tuesday this year on November 29! This special day is a way for everyone to come together in support of the causes they care about most. When we all make small contributions, they add up to big change! Whether you'd like to donate or contribute by sharing our posts, everyone's participation adds up in a big way.

Upcoming Education Programs at Sunflower House

Help keep children in our community safe.

Learn more about our FREE training programs and register online to help protect children in our community.

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Child Abuse and Neglect (Mandated Reporter Training)

Thursday, November 10: 6:00-7:00 pm by Zoom

Learn more and register here...


Stewards of Children Training

Wednesday, November 16: 6:00-8:00 pm at Sunflower House

Learn more and register here...

Upcoming Tours at Sunflower House

See the space we use to protect children and encourage them to tell their stories.


  • Monday, November 14 from 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Monday, December 12 from 5:30-6:30 PM


Visit our website to schedule your tour!

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