Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas will have a booth at the Topeka Area Building Association Home Show, held at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, February 10-12. “Because of our partnership this year with the Topeka Area Building Association and their support of the Designers’ Showhouse, this was a great opportunity to highlight how this amazing group is supporting our cause,” shared executive director Reva Wywadis. Agency staff and volunteers staffing the booth will have our signature recipe cards with Showhouse information to distribute---- and (of course) information for families that need assistance in finding child care. Come see us!

Nothing brings people together like a celebration, and the agency's Fun Committee knows how to throw a party. Because of the efforts of the Fun Committee, staff have been able to connect more than ever and celebrate some interesting holidays! For example, the agency celebrated National Soup Day at the agency office this month. The staff brought their favorite soups, fixin's and broke bread together during the lunch hour. It was easy to get everyone involved on the cold winter day.

Agency staff have been incredibly busy hosting Communities in Action workshops in our region! Through a Communities in Action workshop, local coalitions of stakeholders receive data and information to help guide their work of developing an action plan to address the child care needs in their community. In 2022, Communities in Action events engaged partners in Shawnee, Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary, Franklin, Anderson, Linn, and Miami counties. In 2023, workshops have been held in Emporia, Frontenac, Ft. Scott, and Lawrence--- and more are on the calendar! If your community is interested in learning more, contact Rhianna Nelson at rhianna@east.ks.childcareaware.org. 

Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities

The Designers’ Showhouse is BACK in 2023! Volunteer opportunities will soon be posted on the agency website for those that want to get involved. This massive fundraiser raises critically needed funds that support agency programs and services. The amazing and talented Gina Nellis is once again leading this effort as the Showhouse Chair. To be notified of volunteer opportunities, email earlina@east.ks.childcareaware.org.

You can also support the Showhouse financially. Show your support by adding your signature to our page in the Showhouse program book. Click below for more details and to add your support, helping us reach our goal of at least 100 signatures on this page!

Interested in supporting our cause through advertising or sponsorship opportunities? Contact reva@east.ks.childcareaware.org or julie@east.ks.childcareaware.org for all the details!

Cherie Sage, President

Dawn Bicknell-Reiser, President-Elect

Jamie Stafford, Secretary

Erin Lewis, Treasurer

Catherine Deters, Treasurer-Elect

Liz Steffen, Immediate Past President

Lucinda Anstaett

Amy Bauer

Joe Beasley

Deb Crowl

Donna Doel

Natalie Gordon

Catherine Shafer

Kelly Trussell