TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is investing over $1 million in multiple Family Resource Centers across the state this month to help families in need.

The DCF said in a press release on Aug. 7 that it is making this investment as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening families and preventing the need for formal system involvement. The DCF is awarding grants to nine agencies to support 10 Family Resource Centers which are designed to help families before challenges they are experiencing escalate into crises.

Family Resource Centers are community-based hubs that gather a range of services into a single location like access to mental health resources and parenting support, according to the DCF. People can find services offered at low or no cost at these facilities.

“Family Resource Centers offer access to resources and assistance when families may need them most,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “By connecting families to services, building resilience, and meeting needs early, we can help keep more children safely at home and continue to reduce the need for foster care.”

DCF grant awards – $1,101,905

  • Community Children’s Center
    • Douglas County
    • Award – $125,000
  • Goodwill Industries of Kansas – two locations
    • Zip codes 67217 and 67204 in Sedgwick County
    • Award – $180,714.60
  • Kansas Children’s Service League
    • Sedgwick County
    • Award – $125,000
  • The Layne Project 4 Families
    • Johnson County
    • Award – $125,000
  • LiveWell Northwest Kansas
    • ​Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Wallace, Logan, Gove and Trego counties.
    • Award – $125,000
  • SENT, Inc.
    • Shawnee County
    • Award – $124,999.99
  • SparkWheel, Inc
    • Neosho County – USD 413
    • Award – $125,000
  • Turner USD 202
    • Wyandotte County – USD 202
    • Award – $89,274.89
  • USD 252 Southern Lyon County
    • Lyon County
    • Award – $81,916

“SENT believes families are strongest when care is coordinated, accessible, and rooted in trusted relationships. Family Resource Centers create the kind of one-stop support system that helps reduce barriers for families seeking resources, guidance, and stability before challenges become crises,” said Johnathan Sublet, Founder & Executive Director, SENT, Inc. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Kansas Department for Children and Families in developing SENT’s Family Resource ‘One-Stop Shop’ Center and in helping strengthen this model across Kansas. When families can access care in a coordinated way, hope remains an option.”

The DCF said the grant period for all of the above agencies runs from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028, with three one-year options to renew. Each of the grants are funded through the state’s general fund.