YLinK: Building Leadership Peer-to-Peer | By Sam Demel

YLinK participants come together and translate their thoughts
and ideas into pictures and words to create a Mandala.

The mission of CCSR’s Youth Leadership in Kansas (YLinK) program, supported by a grant funded through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), is to provide youth-led, peer-to-peer groups in which youth with mental health concerns may establish leadership, advocacy and communication skills. In addition, YLinK helps participants improve family and peer relations, improve school engagement and performance and prepare for the transition to adulthood.

“YLinK to me means understanding, acceptance and family. YLinK is the one place I can go where it is perfectly okay to be myself,” said Katherine, age 14.

Currently, six YLinK groups are operating throughout the state; program staff from CCSR make quarterly visits to each site, providing technical support, education and training. These groups also participated in a two-day conference for YLinK members and their families in June, and an enhanced leadership training session for those in leadership positions. Feedback from these programs was positive and reflected the change youth have expressed they wish to see in their communities.

A portion of a Mandala that YLinK participants created
during a Leadership Retreat in August.

“Leadership for youth is important; they are community leaders, not just youth leaders,” said one parent of a YLinK participant.

In the future, CCSR intends to establish five additional YLinK sites across the state, as well as a curriculum for youth engagement and leadership developed by CCSR program staff. For further information on YLinK programs, contact Sam Demel at samuel.demel@wichita.edu or 316-978-6474.

Fibromyalgia patient finds comfort in starting a support group | By Candace Diemart

When community volunteer Rebecca McKanna was in need of a fibromyalgia support group she checked a variety of community resources, one of which was the online support group database coordinated by the Center for Community Support and Research (CCSR) and funded through an initiative by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The database is one of the longest listings in the United States with over 2,000 community support groups, national organizations and websites. Groups on the list cover a wide range of topics, some of which include medical conditions, parenting, caregiving, grief and a variety of other topics.

“I just needed one,” said McKanna. “My family didn’t want to hear about it anymore. I prayed about it and when I couldn’t find a group, I decided I needed to start my own.” 
 
McKanna held her first meeting in April. Only one other person came, but subsequent meetings have grown with as many as 16 people in attendance.

“Because of this group, I feel less crazy, less doubtful and a huge sense of relief. It’s wonderful being able to talk to people who know your struggles,” said McKanna.

Support groups are a responsible, cost-effective and practical means for people coping with life crises and health issues. Most groups are available free of charge and are led by peers. People who have been through similar circumstances not only sympathize, they know where others are coming from and can show that they are not alone.

CCSR recently updated the support group database and McKanna’s fibromyalgia group is a welcomed addition. The database can be found at www.supportgroupsinkansas.org.

For information on the support group services project, contact Angela Gaughan at angela.gaughan@wichita.edu or 316-978-5496.

CCSR Undergoes Leadership Restructure

In January 2013, CCSR announced a re-organization of its leadership:

The following staff have new positions and management roles at CCSR:

Seth Bate – director of leadership development
Amy Delamaide – director of community and organizational development
Tara Gregory – director of research and evaluation
Randy Johnson – director of mental health initiatives
Heather Perkins – director of operations and finance
Kevin Bomhoff – director of strategic development
Scott Wituk – executive director

CCSR helps individuals, organizations and communities with leadership development, organizational capacity building, community-based consulting, research and evaluation and through its Mental Health Consumer initiative.

In 2012, the center helped more than 100 Kansas-based nonprofits, community coalitions and government agencies.

Read more in WSU News.

Across Kansas, CCSR Responds | By Scott Wituk, PhD

WSU Center for Community Support and Research released its annual report at the end of last week. Here is a letter from Executive Director Scott Wituk which opens the report. View the whole report on our website (PDF).

Scott Wituk, PhD, Executive Director

Across Kansas, CCSR Responds.

In 2012, the Center for Community Support & Research assisted over 100 Kansas-based nonprofits, community coalitions and government agencies to better fulfill their missions. Our ongoing partnerships with these groups are guided by several important factors.

Experience. For nearly 30 years, CCSR has helped organizations of every shape and size handle virtually every situation imaginable. We tap into our collective experience whether we’re assisting a small group of committed Kansans looking to improve the health of their community or a large city government hoping to cultivate their leadership to better meet the needs of those it serves.

Excellence. We help organizations, individuals and groups become more effective and efficient. Our researchers have developed useful tracking mechanisms to help groups determine their progress on selected goals. For planning, we frequently use individual- and group-based assessments to identify strengths and challenges. Through this process, groups are able to strategically respond to an increasingly complex environment. 

Integrity. In order to help individuals, groups and organizations better fulfill their missions, it is critical that we understand them. CCSR staff approach each project with care and sensitivity. Our “design team” system helps us clearly define expectations and how our assistance can best meet their needs. Commitments made to, and by, the design team allow for the appropriate follow-up to determine the extent to which progress is being made.

Capacity Development. Over the years, we’ve made a lot of good friends in Kansas. One of the things that excites me most is seeing individuals, group and organizations grow stronger and better prepared to meet the needs of Kansas because of capacities we have helped them develop.

Partnering. Often Kansas communities and organizations face tough challenges that cannot be solved solely by one individual or organization. More often than not, it takes multiple organizations across community sectors to make progress. CCSR recognizes the need to develop strong partnerships that can help contribute to a collective impact.

I’m sure there are other factors that have contributed to CCSR’s responsiveness. I would be remiss to not mention a highly committed staff, volunteers, students and advisers who truly want to see Kansas become the best possible place to live. It is my pleasure to work with them and I look forward to working together in the future.