News | Wichita Children's Home

2024 Angel Appeal

November 12, 2024

Light the way for a child

You can be the light for a child this holiday season by making a gift today.

Here’s a look at just a few of the ways your donation may be able to help serve a child suffering from abuse, neglect, exploitation, homelessness or grief:

$25 ensures in-house health services for 4 children 24/7 for one week
$50 provides 13 hot meals for children experiencing abuse and neglect
$100 provides peer-based grief support for 1 child at Kidzcope
$250 stocks warm clothes and survival items for one homeless youth
$500 ensures safe and stable housing for 1 child victim of human trafficking

Any amount will help our children.

By giving, you become the light that brings warmth, safety, and joy to children in need this holiday season.

Donate Now >

Zoo Adventure Day

September 6, 2024

Are you ready for an adventure?

Mark your calendars for Kidzcope Zoo Adventure Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo on Sunday, September 29, from 1 to 4 PM. Enjoy $5 off admission and join us for a wildly fun family outing with exciting activities and lots to learn about Kidzcope. It will be a “zoo-per” day you won't want to miss!

Your support will help the Wichita Children’s Home Kidzcope program. Kidzcope extends no-fee, peer-based bereavement services to the community’s children (ages 3-18) and their caregivers, facilitated by our dedicated team of trained staff and volunteers. Through expressive art and other therapeutic activities, we help children understand the depth of their grief, express their feelings, nurture healing, honor memories, and find personal empowerment as they navigate the changes resulting from the death, loss, or separation of a loved one.

Summer Giving

July 2, 2024

Need never takes a vacation.

Help a child this summer by donating today. You can ensure their summer is radiant with color.

$500 - Enhance our children’s mealtime with delicious and nutritious food
$250 - Prepare our children for school with back-to-school clothing
$100 - Provide fun outdoor activities and field trips for our children
$50 - Supply our children with new bedding, pillows, and sheets
$ - Ensure our children’s summer is full of color with your own gift

Donate Today >

Your support will help the Wichita Children’s Home continue to serve over 1,700 children every year who have experienced abuse, neglect, human trafficking, grief, and homelessness through the following programs:

Emergency Shelter
Emergency Foster Care
CrossRoads Emergency Shelter & Drop-In Center
Gerard House Residential Maternity Group Home and MOM
Dakhil Safe Home and Garver Program for victims of Human Trafficking
Transitional Living Program
Kidzcope Grief Support

Thank You to Textron Aviation's Wings for Dreams 2023 Sponsors

November 3, 2023

We want to extend our warmest thanks to the many sponsors who participated in Textron Aviation’s Wings for Dreams, a transformational event that helps to provide safe shelter for the youth experiencing homelessness in our community. We appreciate you!

Presented by

Beechcraft
Cessna
Hawker
Textron Aviation

Big Dream Sponsors

Spirit Aerosystems
LTC Composite Aerospace Solutions
COX
Cargill

Dream Maker Sponsors

Fugate Enterprises
Honeywell
Intrust Bank
Garmin
Rippel Family

Dream Team Table Sponsors

6 Meridian
Burns & McDonnell
Carson Group
Conco Construction
Marty & Jenae Cornejo
Ron & Tracy Draper
Fidelity Bank
Hall's Culligan & Prairie Fire Roasters
Hatchett Devlin Automotive Group
Hutton
IMA, Inc.
Jimmy John's & River City Brewery
Koch Industries
Lee Aerospace/Murfin Drilling
Mark & Stephanie Luetters
McCoy Group
Russ & Helen Meyer
Jeff & Jill Ramsey
Brad and Sherry Razook
Scott Redler & Barry Schwan
Dave & Kathy Robertson
Steve Tatum & Nancy Baker
Tidemann Real Estate
Jeff & Rhonda Turner
Yingling Aviation

Special Thanks To

Commercial Lawn Management
Conco Construction
Donlevy Lithograph
Eardrum Entertainment
Idea Ranch
Inventive Marketing + Communications
Jacob Liquor Exchange
Jeff Herndon
John Rupp
Traditions Furniture

Children suffering from abuse and neglect need your help

Summertime is anything but a holiday for some children. Your gift to the Wichita Children's Home will provide vital care to children in crisis situations. Our commitment to helping those in need never takes a vacation.

Make a donation to fulfill the needs of hurting children and ensure that EVERY child can experience true joy and bliss this summer.

$20 | provides 6 hot meals for abused and neglected children
$50 | provides a 9-week art therapy kit to grieving families at Kidzcope
$100 | provides 1 youth with school supplies for the year
$250 | provides diapers and wipes for 2 months for 1 mom and baby
$500 | keeps the air conditioning running for 2 weeks

Donate Today >

You support will help the Home continue to serve over 1,500 children every year in programs such as:

Emergency Shelter
Emergency Foster Care
CrossRoads Youth Homeless Shelter
Kidzcope Grief Support
Gerald House Maternity Care
Transitional Housing
Garver House for victims of Human Trafficking

Can you help this Holiday Season?

Every year, the community helps us provide a warm and bright Holiday Season for abused and neglected children in our care.

Check out the many ways in which you can participate in our holiday giving opportunities:

$250: Sponsor a child to ensure they have gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning
Make a general donation to support holiday shopping and other holiday activities
Volunteer to wrap presents for children:

Must be 21 or older
Limited slots available

Shop from our Holiday Wish List or host a donation drive.
- View / download our Holiday Wish List: wch.org/giving/wish list
Follow us on social media for all updates related to holiday giving
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- LinkedIn

For more information regarding Holiday Giving Opportunities, contact:
Email: info@wch.org
Phone: (316) 684-6581

Sponsor a child or make a general donation >

Star Lumber’s Star Showcase Home to Benefit Wichita Children’s Home

June 1, 2022

In May 2020, Star Lumber purchased a beautiful Tudor Revival home and have been renovating it to its original beauty. The Star Showcase Home is a meaningful way to showcase Star Lumber’s products and partners, while also giving back to the local community.

When the Star Lumber team was in the planning phase of this project, they knew they wanted the net proceeds to go to a charitable partner. The Star Showcase Home is across the street from the old Wichita Children’s Home, so it seemed like fate!

We jumped at the opportunity to partner with Star Lumber. In their history, they have always been about giving back to the Wichita community and have been a major donor to the Wichita Children’s Home for many years.

We’re grateful to Star Lumber and the amazing remodeling partners and vendors who have donated their resources, time and talents to this project.

The Star Showcase Home is now finished and officially on the market. To celebrate its completion, we are holding an Open House event in partnership with Star Lumber on Sunday, June 12 from 2pm to 4pm.

To learn more about the Star Showcase Home and to see its remodeling journey, visit Star Lumber's Website.

Kohl's to Donate $40,000 to Wichita Children's Home

January 3, 2022

Wichita Children’s Home has been chosen by local Kohl’s associates to receive a one-time grant for $40,000 through Kohl’s A Community with Heart Program. The grant will support the Wichita Children’s Home’s efforts to provide emergency, temporary, and residential care for abused and neglected children in the Wichita community.

“To receive this gift is a blessing for the Wichita Children’s Home! Every day we care for children that have endured pain that no one should ever experience. We appreciate that Kohl’s A Community with Heart Program recognizes that our children have value, have a right to be cared for, and cared about. Kohl’s associates truly have a heart for their communities, and we are grateful for their commitment. Thank you!” says Debbie Kennedy, CEO of Wichita Children’s Home.

Embracing the Spirit of the Season by Giving Back to Communities

In the spirit of giving with all of its heart this holiday season, Kohl’s, through its A Community with Heart Program, is donating $8 million in grants to selected nonprofit organizations across the country, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to family health and wellness. Kohl’s store teams and leaders across the country identified and nominated nonprofit recipients from 49 states that are near and dear to their hearts.

The donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic merchandise program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations across the country that improve the health and wellness of families. To learn more about how Kohl’s gives back to communities nationwide and to see a full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.

Be their guardian angel

November 30, 2021

We need your help to provide abused and neglected children with safety and comfort this holiday season and throughout the year!

Here’s a look at just a few of the ways your donation may be able to help serve a child suffering from abuse, neglect, exploitation, homelessness or grief from the loss of a loved one:

$500 ensures safe and stable housing to 1 child victim of human trafficking
$250 stocks warm clothes and survival items for homeless youth for one week
$100 provides grief counseling support for 1 child at Kidzcope
$50 provides 13 hot meals for abused and neglected children
$25 ensures 24/7 in-house health services for 4 children for one week

Please consider making a year-end donation and be a guardian angel to a child in need. Every penny will help.

Donate Now >

Wichita Children’s Home recognizes 30-year partnership with Bank of America

For 133 years, Wichita Children’s Home (WCH) has been serving abused and neglected children in the Wichita community. With such a rich history, WCH was established on the foundation of neighbors helping neighbors and stands today with that same principle in mind. With the support from many community partners, donors and friends of the home, vulnerable children receive shelter, care and transformational support they need.

Bank of America (BofA) has been one of those key partners and is coming up on 30 years of supporting the Home to make it all possible. With over $250,000 in donations throughout that time, BofA has provided consistent support to programming that has allowed for growth and increased services to children who have been abused, neglected, exploited, or abandoned. In addition, WCH has evolved to serve victims of human trafficking, homeless and runaway youth, pregnant and parenting youth and their babies.

This year, BofA grant funding will support a comprehensive range of services including: safe and secure shelter, food, clothing, education, counseling, health care, life skills, job readiness, outreach services, risk reduction workshops, support groups, emergency foster care, teen emergency shelter, runaway family counseling, transitional housing for youth targeted case management and housing for pregnant and parenting teens, youth mentoring, and provide programming for child victims of human trafficking.

For many years, BofA has supported the Wichita community and recently announced its newly-expanded $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to help advance racial equality and economic opportunity. Through direct action and investment, BofA is focused on creating opportunity in the are as of health, jobs/training/reskilling/up-skilling, small business support and affordable housing. WCH recognizes this tremendous effort as these areas are where systemic, long-term gaps have existed and where significant change is required to achieve sustainable progress.

“Bank of America partners with local community outreach organizations such as Wichita Children’s Home, who strengthen our community by providing basic needs to those who need it most,” said Shawn Lancelot, President Bank of America Wichita.

“Our longstanding support to Wichita Children’s Home is just one example of how we invest in our community to ensure individuals and families have healthy surroundings in which to thrive no matter the challenges they may face.”

“Our comprehensive, continuity of care allows us to serve children in the most vulnerable point of their lives,” said Debbie Kennedy, CEO of the Wichita Children’s Home. “Our children have experienced things that we cannot even imagine. Through the support of BofA, we are able to continue our services and expand our programs to provide this full scope of wrap-around services.”

In addition to financial aid, BofA offered a variety of extra support throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With donated masks and PPE equipment, WCH has been able to ensure the safety of children and staff.

WCH CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

UPDATED January 1, 2021

The top priority of the Wichita Children’s Home is to ensure the safety and health of our children, families, staff and volunteers. At this time, our leadership team is closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and taking preventative measures based on recommendations by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Until further notice, effective immediately, all WCH locations are closed to the general public. We will be accepting donation drop-offs Monday-Friday between 9am-1pm. All volunteer activities have been cancelled. For questions or concerns about our policies and procedures regarding this topic, please email info@wch.org or call 316-684-6581.

Monetary donations can still be made online at WCH.org/donate and are welcomed to ensure we have the funds to provide the necessities of our children and youth at this delicate time. We greatly appreciate your understanding and generosity of this current update as we continue to make necessary decisions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to communicate any changes or updates as they occur.

Wichita Children’s Home to Open Youth Homeless Shelter Funds Raised by Textron Aviation’s Wings for Dreams Benefit & Concert

December 7, 2020

Homeless youth in the South-Central Kansas region now have a safe place to shelter and receive specialized care. Plans began to take shape for Wichita’s first youth homeless shelter serving those aged 18-21 as part of Textron Aviation’s 2017 Wings for Dreams Benefit and Concert supporting the Wichita Children’s Home (WCH). The new shelter, CrossRoads, officially opened this September, accompanied by comprehensive homeless programming for youth 23 years of age and younger.

A variety of social, economic and health conditions drive youth into homelessness. Many are unique to youth, such as parental homelessness, running away from home, being abandoned by parents, abuse and aging out of foster care. Homeless youth are at a higher risk for disease, infection and human trafficking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has only worsened an already fragile and unsafe situation for this vulnerable population, as there is limited access to food, clothing and safe shelter-in-place options.

“The Anti-Youth Homelessness Initiative and opening of our CrossRoads shelter is a natural extension of the therapeutic continuum of care provided by the Wichita Children’s Home,” said Debbie Kennedy, CEO of the Wichita Children’s Home. “The earlier a person becomes homeless, the longer they tend to stay homeless. Together, we can help break the cycle of abuse and poverty by providing resources for homeless youth so they can become independent, productive members of society.”

“Providing Wichita’s youth with the resources they need to move out of homelessness and into sustainable living arrangements is an initiative Textron Aviation is proud to embrace,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Parts and Programs at Textron Aviation and Wichita Children’s Home Board Member. “It is a privilege to be able to give back to an organization focused on providing the youth of South-Central Kansas the support they need and deserve.”

WCH has been protecting youth and strengthening families in the Wichita area for 132 years. With a full spectrum of wraparound services, WCH connects children with the therapeutic care they need. WCH provides comprehensive services for abused, neglected, exploited, abandoned and homeless youth.

About Wings for Dreams
Textron Aviation’s Wings for Dreams Benefit & Concert began in 2015 as a way to support vital youth organizations in Kansas and to give significant, transformational funding to defined community needs. With more than $10 million raised to date, funded projects have included youth mentoring, after-school programs, teen homelessness, special needs support, and youth mental health programs.

WCH COVID-19 Response

March 26, 2020

The purpose of the Wichita Children’s Home is to provide a place of safety for abused, neglected, exploited and homeless children in our community. With that responsibility, we must keep our doors open 24/7 – especially during times of crisis.

Impact on our Children and Families

Our leadership team is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and recommendations by the CDC and other leading health organizations. We are taking steps to comply with local/state-wide orders. COVID-19 continues to present new challenges for the Home and the children we serve including:

Decreased monetary and in-kind donations
Monitoring health and safety of all children and staff who may have been exposed to COVID-19
Closures of retail and entertainment facilities, limiting social interactions
Inability to meet in person with families in need of grief counseling
Youth in transitional living have lost jobs, depleting their source of income for food and supplies
School closures
- Increasing food supply to serve additional lunches to our children
- Creating staffing issues for those needing to stay home with their own children

Taking Action

To address the challenges listed above, we are taking action and implementing procedures to both prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our walls, as well as maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of our children and staff. Preventative measures to manage the spread of COVID-19 include:

Closing our doors to the general public and prohibiting volunteer activities and on-campus donations until further notice
Identifying areas on campus as a dedicated quarantine space in the event that it is needed
Additional training for staff to increase back-up direct care workers in case of staff-wide outbreak

We are also working diligently to address the concern for the health and wellbeing of the children and families we serve through the following:

Mobilizing resources for homeless youth and delivering food and clothing to vulnerable youth who are especially at risk during this critical time
Grief counselors continue providing care to Kidzcope families by phone and virtual meetings
Providing daily activities and a feeling of normalcy for our children during these stressful and challenging times
Supplementing food and supplies for youth living in our BRIDGES Transitional Living Apartments who have been laid off because of COVID-19

How to Help

As we creatively continue to address the increased needs and challenges caused by COVID-19, we could use your help. We invite you to join the WCH COVID-19 Response Team to aid in the implementation of our new procedures and increased needs at the Home. Our children depend on these resources.

To donate, visit wch.org/donate/covid-19

Follow our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for additional updates from WCH. For questions or concerns, please email info@wch.org or call 316-684-6581.

KIDZCOPE JOINS WICHITA CHILDREN'S HOME

November 6, 2018

For 130 years, the mission of the Wichita Children’s Home has been to care for children and strengthen families. As the needs of the community change and expand, we continue to respond to those needs. In July 2018, Kidzcope became part of the WCH family to meet the ever-growing challenges of grieving children in our community.

Since 2000, Kidzcope has helped more than 5,000 children and their families navigate grief and learn lifelong coping skills through peer group support activities and expressive arts. Through our trauma-informed, restorative practice approach, WCH will be able to direct the expansion of Kidzcope to help even more children.

We estimate more than 90% of the 1,500 children WCH serves each year could benefit from expanded Kidzcope services, including addressing anticipatory loss, ambiguous loss, divorce and pet loss. With the added support of compassionate WCH donors and volunteers, we will be able to ensure the sustainability of Kidzcope while continuing to care for children experiencing loss through death of a loved one or removal from families.

Kidzcope will continue to offer services for children ages 3 to 18 and their families at no cost and will maintain its current location (9415 E. Harry, Suite 501), with an additional space on the WCH campus to serve children in our residential care.

FORE THE KIDS 2018

March 14, 2018

Get ready for the 35th Annual Fore the Kids Golf & Tennis Tournament on June 11, 2018 to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home!

The Fore the Kids Party will be held on Friday, June 8 at Wichita Country Club from 6:30 to 10 pm. It will be open to the public, and advance tickets are $30 (or free to players in the tournament). The Llew Brown Band will be performing live, and there will be complimentary beer and wine, a cookout dinner, activities and a live auction. The live auction will feature a Lexus Champions for Charity National Championship golf tournament play for two at Pebble Beach.

The Fore the Kids Golf & Tennis Tournament will take place on Monday, June 11 at Wichita Country Club. Lunch will be provided and morning players will receive a continental breakfast. Tickets are $300 per player for golf and $75 per player for tennis. To make reservations, please contact Terry Calloway at tcalloway@wch.org or 316-684-6581. We hope to see you there!

WICHITA WINGNUTS BENEFIT CONCERT

March 9, 2018

Wichita Wingnuts Community Benefit Concert
Join us for the third annual Wichita Wingnuts Community Benefit Concert! This year’s concert features Big & Rich and will benefit the Wichita Children’s Home. The concert will be held on June 16 at 6 pm at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. You won’t want to miss out!

Tickets are on sale NOW! Use the promo code “WCH” and buy tickets here.

INFINITI COACHES’ CHARITY CHALLENGE THANK YOU

February 28, 2018

Thanks for Voting in the INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge Thank you to the Shocker fans and Wichita Children’s Home supporters who voted in the INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge! You helped Coach Gregg Marshall advance to Round 3 and win $10,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home. He was one of 48 coaches competing, and fans voted every day online and through social media to help him advance each round. This competition helps us create a safer and healthier environment for our community’s children and youth in need.
Thank you!

Vote Coach Gregg Marshall in 2018 INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge

January 2, 2018

Wichita State University Men’s Basketball Coach, Gregg Marshall, is one of 48 coaches competing in the 2018 INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge. The coaches are competing to win up to $100,000 for their charity of choice, and Coach Gregg Marshall has chosen the Wichita Children’s Home! Fans are encouraged to vote online and on social media every day to help advance their favorite coaches and charities.

As each round advances, the coaches earn more money for their charity. Ultimately, the winner will win $100,000. The rounds and dates for each round are listed below.

Round 1 (48 coaches) = $1,000 per charity: Voting 1/2 - 1/21
Round 2 (24 coaches) = $7,500 per charity: Voting 1/22 - 2/11
Round 3 (16 coaches) = $10,000 per charity: Voting 2/12 - 2/25
Round 4 (4 coaches) = $15,000 per charity: Voting 2/26 - 3/10
FINAL (1 coach) = $100,000

Voting starts fresh each round, so it’s important to vote daily to help Coach Gregg Marshall advance. To vote, follow the instructions below.

1. Visit INFINITITIMEOUT.COM
2. Scroll down and select “VOTE” under Coach Gregg Marshall’s picture.
3. You’ll reach a “THANK YOU” confirmation page where you can share on social media.
4. To vote on Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtags #Timeout2Vote and #CoachGreggMarshall in the text copy.

In addition, there will be two Charity Boost weeks this year. During Round 1, Week 3 (1/15-1/22), 500 extra votes through social media for Coach Gregg Marshall will win an extra $500 for the Wichita Children’s Home. During Round 2, Week 6 (2/5-2/12), 1,000 extra votes for Coach Gregg Marshall will win an extra $1,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home. To vote during the Charity Boost weeks, you must use the hashtags #Timeout2Vote, #CoachGreggMarshall, and #contest in the text copy on Twitter and Instagram.

You can now vote three times a day — once on the website, once on Twitter, and once on Instagram. Don’t forget to take a timeout and vote every day to help Coach Gregg Marshall advance!

Textron Aviation's Wings for Dreams Changes Lives

December 1, 2017

We want to extend our warmest thanks to the many sponsors who participated in Textron Aviation’s Wings for Dreams, a transformational event that helps to provide safe shelter for the homeless youth in our community. We appreciate you!

Presented by

Beechcraft
Cessna
Hawker
Textron Aviation

Big Dream Sponsors

American First Finance
Davis-Moore

Dream Makers Sponsors

Spirit Aerosystems
Honeywell
Intrust Bank
Fugate Enterprises
LTC Composite Aerospace Solutions
Jeff & Rhonda Turner

Special Thanks To

Jajo
Justin McClure Creative
Printing, Inc.
Grapevine Designs
Commercial Lawn Maintenance
Eardrum Entertainment
J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc.
Conference Technologies, Inc.

Join us for our September Young Leaders Networking Event

August 24, 2017

Meet other young leaders in Wichita and join us for the next Wichita Children’s Home Young Leaders Networking Event on Tuesday, September 19 from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at The Douglas (200 E. Douglas Ave.)! There will be a brief presentation at 5:45 pm as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. Please RSVP here by September 16.

Wichita Children’s Home to Operate Gerard House Teen Maternity Program

August 16, 2017

Gerard House, which was established by Via Christi Health nearly three decades ago, has moved under the umbrella of the Wichita Children’s Home. Gerard House provides residential maternity care to pregnant teens, and this move will allow for the expansion of local services that are crucial for giving pregnant and parenting teens, and their babies, a healthy start.

Our CEO Debbie Kennedy says, “This move will enable teen moms to stay connected to the community support they need to become caring, self-sufficient adults with happy, healthy children.”

Once appropriate zoning and licensing are in place, Gerard House will move to the 7,600-square-foot building currently housing St. Joseph Inn. This new location will give the program room to grow and provide up to 10 residents easy access to pre-natal, labor and delivery, and post-natal care and support services at Via Christi Hospital St. Joseph.

Learn more and see the full press release here.

Fill Buckets for Change

June 1, 2017

Volunteers will be at major intersections in Wichita to collect donations from drivers to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home on June 24. This event will occur at 25 major intersections from 10 am to 2 pm. You can visit Texas Roadhouse to make a donation from June 16-25. Donations will go to help the Wichita Children’s Home continue to provide care for children in our community who have faced abuse, neglect, homelessness, and exploitation. Help fill the buckets for change and make a difference for children in our community! Learn more here.

Pledge in Swinging for the Stars

May 31, 2017

On Monday, July 31, Nate Robertson, Wichita Wingnuts owner and former Detroit Tigers pitcher, will throw five pitches to Adam LaRoche, former Washington Nationals infielder, before the Kansas Stars Game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. You can make a pledge per foot (the distance in feet that the ball is hit from home plate) or give a flat monetary donation. For example, if a person pledges 10 cents per foot and the farthest hit was 400 feet, they would donate $40! Pledges must be made by July 24.

National Foster Care Month

May 1, 2017

May is National Foster Care Month. This is a month to acknowledge the people and families who help meet the needs of children in crisis while in a stable, family atmosphere. At Wichita Children’s Home, our Foster Care Department trains, supervises and supports these families who care for children.

Foster families serve an important role by giving personal attention and nurturing children in need. They provide supervision, physical care, transportation and nutrition, while our Wichita Children’s Home professionals focus on ensuring the child’s safety.

For more information about our foster care services, please go here.

Join us for our Young Leaders Networking Event

April 17, 2017

Join us for the Wichita Children’s Home Young Leaders Networking Event on Tuesday, May 2 from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at e2e (110 S. Main, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67202)! There will be complimentary snacks and drinks provided. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet other young leaders in Wichita! Please RSVP at 316-681-6702 by April 28 or RSVP here.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 10, 2017

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. At Wichita Children’s Home, we work to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families by offering 24/7 emergency, temporary and residential care for children in our community.

We understand that child abuse, family dysfunction and substance abuse problems can never be completely eliminated, but we continue to raise awareness and advocate for healthy families. Help us spread the word this month and raise awareness about child abuse in order to create healthier futures for children in our area.

For more information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, please go here. To learn about the Wichita Children’s Home programs that help combat child abuse and neglect, please go here.

Thank You For Voting

March 2, 2017

Shocker fans are the best! Thank you to everyone who helped Coach Gregg Marshall advance to Round 3 and win $10,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home in the 2017 INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge. Coach Gregg Marshall was one of 48 coaches competing in the challenge, and fans voted once a day, every day to help him advance each round. ShockerNation and Coach Gregg Marshall showed what true champions they are and are helping us create a healthier environment in our community for children and youth in need. Thank you!

34th Annual Fore the Kids Tournament

February 1, 2017

Get ready for the 34th Annual Fore the Kids Golf & Tennis Tournament on May 22, 2017 to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home!

The Fore the Kids Party will be held on Friday, May 19 at Crestview Country Club from 6 to 9 pm. It will be open to the public, and tickets are $30 (or free to players in the tournament). There will be a live band, complimentary beer and wine, a cookout dinner, activities and a live auction. The live auction will feature a Lexus Champions for Charity golf tournament at Pebble Beach.

The Fore the Kids Golf & Tennis Tournament will take place on Monday, May 22 at Crestview Country Club. Lunch will be provided and morning players will receive a continental breakfast. Tickets are $300 per player for golf and $75 per player for tennis.

To make reservations, please contact Terry Calloway at tcalloway@wch.org or 316-684-6581. We hope to see you there!

Vote Coach Gregg Marshall in INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge

January 4, 2017

Wichita State University Men’s Basketball Coach, Gregg Marshall, is one of 48 coaches competing in the 2017 INFINITI Coaches’ Charity Challenge. The coaches are competing to win up to $100,000 for their charity of choice, and Coach Gregg Marshall has chosen the Wichita Children’s Home! Fans are encouraged to vote once a day, every day to help advance their favorite coaches and charities.

As each round advances, the coaches earn more money for their charity. Ultimately, the winner will win $100,000. The rounds and dates for each round are listed below.

Round 1 (48 Coaches) = $1,000 per charity
Voting Jan. 2 - Jan. 22
Round 2 (24 Coaches) = $7,500 per charity
Voting Jan. 23 - Feb. 12
Round 3 (16 Coaches) = $10,000 per charity
Voting Feb. 13 - Feb. 26
Round 4 (4 Coaches) = $15,000 per charity
Voting Feb. 27 - March 12
FINAL (1 Coach) = $100,000

Voting starts fresh each round, so it’s important to vote daily to help Coach Gregg Marshall advance. To vote, follow the instructions below:

Visit ESPN.COM/INFINITI
Scroll down and select “VOTE” under Coach Gregg Marshall’s picture.
Log in or sign up to create an ESPN account.
You’ll reach a “Thanks for Voting!” page and can see where Coach Gregg Marshall is ranked on the list.

Don’t forget to vote once a day, every day to help Coach Gregg Marshall advance!

Join Us For Our First Ever Pickleball Classic

December 14, 2016

Join us on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 6 to 9 pm at the Wichita Country Club for our first ever Pickleball Classic. It’s a big dill! Attendees can compete, learn to play and wa tch an exhibition match by National Pickleball Champions. There will also be heavy appetizers, beer, wine and a silent auction.

WSU Coach Marshall Competes in Support of Wichita Children’s Home

November 23, 2016

Wichita State University Men’s Basketball Coach, Gregg Marshall, will be participating in the 2017 ESPN Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge. He has again chosen the Wichita Children’s Home as his charity of choice. Similar to last year, the challenge will kick off during the beginning of January and will run for 10 weeks. Wichita Children’s Home will receive the amount listed below based on how far Coach Gregg Marshall advances in the competition:

First Round (48 coaches): $1,000 for each charity
Second Round (24 coaches): $7,500 for each charity/coach that advances
Third Round (16 coaches): $10,000 for each charity/coach that advances
Fourth Round (4 coaches): $15,000 for each charity/coach that advances
Final (1 coach): $100,000 for the winning charity/coach

When the competition begins, fans are encouraged to vote daily in order to help advance Coach Gregg Marshall to the next round and win up to $100,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home.

Join us for Project Fashion

November 3, 2016

Join us for Project Fashion at Johnston’s (12111 E 21st St N) to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home on Thursday, November 3 from 5 to 8 pm! There will be food, drinks, live music as well as silent and live auction items. It is sure to be an evening of fun, so reserve your tickets here.

Join us for a Roast of Coach Brent Kemnitz

September 23, 2016

Join us for a Roast of Coach Brent Kemnitz to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home on Thursday, November 10 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Wichita Marriott East! This roast will spotlight Coach Brent Kemnitz’s life accomplishments and offer plenty of laughs. Attendees will hear from his former players and those that were influenced by him. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Join us for the Young Leaders Networking Event

September 8, 2016

Join us for the Wichita Children’s Home first Young Leaders Networking Event on Tuesday, September 20 from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at Builders Plus Construction (formerly Big Dog Motorcycles)! There will be complimentary snacks provided by the Monarch and complimentary drinks from Central Standard Brewing. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet other young leaders in Wichita! Please RSVP at 316-681-6702 by September 16 or RSVP here.

Wichita Children’s Home Has Immediate Needs

August 4, 2016

Nearly two thousand children come through our doors each year, many with only the clothes on their backs. We also help hundreds more through our outreach programs. When you include us in your giving, you are helping us to change lives and meet the needs of each child to ensure their safety and well-being.

We are currently in urgent need of the following items:

School supplies (all ages)
Hair brushes
Ear buds/headphones
Teenage clothing (great condition)
Tennis shoes
Feminine hygiene products

Donations are accepted at our main location at 7271 E. 37th St. N. in Wichita, Kansas.

The Wichita Children's Home: New Home... Same Heart

April 22, 2016

Now that we've moved into our beautiful new campus at 7271 E. 37th St. N., we wanted to show you how far we've come, and give you a glimpse of where we are going.

Click here to download the full PDF.

Wichita Children’s Home Relocates

Feb 22, 2016

The Wichita Children’s Home relocated to 7271 E. 37th St. N. on February 22, 2016. Included in Monday’s move were its emergency shelter, foster care services, transitional living program for teens, counseling services, classroom and business offices. The work of the Home was not interrupted; six more children were admitted before 5 pm.

Residents were transported Monday morning by Party Express Bus to the new campus, where they participated in a ribbon cutting and were greeted with cheers by members of the Board of Trustees. Board President Kathy Rosell told residents that she hopes they will “feel the love that has gone into creating this new Home.”

Also on the 13.6-acre site is the Home’s transitional-living apartment building for young adults and their children, which opened in November of 2014. Construction is still underway on some portions of the $12.5 million project, including the Downing Learning and Activity Center. (Dondlinger Construction is the contractor; architect was SJCF Wichita.)

Debbie Kennedy, CEO of the Wichita Children’s Home, noted, “The new Home was designed with the children in mind.” Among the key features:

Protected entrance for children who arrive in police protective custody (more than 1,200 children a year)
Colorful and comfortable living quarters
Indoor and outdoor play/fitness spaces
Counseling wing

Barbara Ray, co-chair of the Home’s “Make It Better” Capital Campaign along with her husband, Stuart Ray, said, “Everyone who contributed and worked to make this day possible is part of the Home’s 128-year history of community support.”

Just $800,000 remains to be raised to complete the $12.5 million Capital Campaign, and naming opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Development Officer Kim Pennington at 316-681-6702 or KimPennington@wch.org.

The Wichita Children’s Home was founded in 1888. It is dedicated to providing safe shelter and therapeutic care to abused, neglected, homeless and exploited children. It is home to more than 1,500 each year, with additional services to thousands more through outreach programs.

For more information, contact L. Kelly, Director of Community Relations.

Office: 316-684-6581, Ext. 234
Cell: 316-650-2274
Email: lkelly@wch.org

Wichita Children’s Home participates in listening session panel

Jan 26, 2016

The federal Administration for Children and Families, a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, has invited the Wichita Children’s Home to participate in a listening session panel marking National Trafficking Awareness/Prevention Month. Today’s listening session is an audio presentation that will focus on runaway and homeless youth and human trafficking issues. WCH is honored to be selected along with two other organizations.

Listeners will consist of federal employees, grantees, grantors and other interested individuals who want to learn more about the work that is being done nationally to battle human trafficking and care for victims. Panel selection was based on who has demonstrated "best practice" in their response to human trafficking of children and youth.

Wichita Children’s Home visits Wichita State practice

Jan 15, 2016

There often visitors at Wichita State basketball practices — high school or junior college coaches, recruits, fans with a golden ticket.

Friday, the guests brought a different kind of feel. It was all about basketball, yet it wasn’t about basketball.

WSU Coach Marshall competes for Wichita Children's Home

Jan 13, 2016

It's part of the ESPN Infiniti Coaches Challenge. For the next 10 weeks, people across the nation will vote for their favorite coach. Each coach has selected a charity to donate the winnings to.

The challenge is set up into four rounds running from January 4th until March 13th.

New Collaborative Mentoring Program For Young Mothers Begins In Sedgwick County

Jan 11, 2016

Three Wichita organizations are working together to provide teen mothers and young mothers-to-be a positive role model and the opportunity to learn life skills.

The Young Moms Mentoring Program is a collaboration between Senior Services of Wichita, the Wichita Children’s Home and Treehouse.

Wichita Children’s Home providing many kids a happier Christmas

Dec 24, 2015

Dozens of children removed or turned away from their homes will open Christmas packages at one of Wichita’s oldest charities on Friday, thanks to an influx of donations that have come into its doors this month.

For the past three weeks, a near-steady stream of gifts, clothing and other necessities have flooded into the Wichita Children’s Home, ready either to be wrapped and placed under Christmas trees or stowed away for use over the next year.

Wichita Children’s Home hosts open house at new campus

Dec 20, 2015

Bright colors, lots of Christmas decorations and spacious rooms greeted hundreds of visitors this weekend at the new campus of the Wichita Children’s Home.

Although the move won’t be officially made until mid- to late February, the doors at the new campus, 7271 E. 37th St. North, were open to the public Saturday and Sunday for visitors to see the results of the agency’s $12.5 million campaign.

You’re Invited to Our Open House

Nov 30, 2015

We are hosting an open house on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 1 pm to 4pm. Join us and see the new 13.6-acre campus at 7271 East 37th Street North!

The new campus includes a crisis care residential center, transitional-living apartments, a multipurpose building and outdoor play facilities. Additionally, we have added a more private, separate entrance where law enforcement officers can bring children who are entering the Home. Our new campus will allow us to better provide comprehensive intervention services that our community’s traumatized children and young adults desperately need.

We hope you are able to join us and see the new campus!

Homecoming Reunion

Nov 4, 2015

We are hosting a Wichita Children’s Home Homecoming on Saturday, December 12, at 9 am. We invite our former residents and staff to say goodbye to the old home on Holyoke and hello to our new campus currently under construction. We’ll start off the day at the Home on Holyoke and end with an exclusive tour of the new facilities. Stay tuned for more details.

A special message for former residents:
So many children are walking the path you’ve already travelled. If you’d like to bring a pair of new shoes with you to the Homecoming Reunion, we’ll make sure they get to a child who really needs them.

Perry Ellis Credits Wichita Children’s Home for Integrity and Hard Work

Jun 1, 2015

Perry Ellis' parents, Fonda and Will, have worked at the Wichita Children's Home for over 30 years. Ellis, a Wichita native and starting forward for the University of Kansas men’s basketball team, spent many afternoons at the Home and credits it for his integrity and hard work on and off the court.

Wichita Children’s Home Has Immediate Needs

May 5, 2015

Last year alone, more than 1,600 children came through our doors, many with only the clothes they were wearing. With the support we receive each year, we are able to ensure the safety and well-being of each child.

We are currently in urgent need of the following:

Diapers (especially sizes 4 & 5)
Baby formula: Similac Advance and Similac Sensitive (in sealed containers)
Sippy cups
Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant (full size and travel size)
Hairbrushes
New underwear (all sizes, from little kids’ to bikini-style for teen girls, boxers for teen boys)
New socks (youth and adult, white athletic)
Feminine hygiene products (tampons and maxi pads)
Sunscreen (30 SPF and higher)

Donations of care and comfort items are accepted at our main location (810 North Holyoke) every day from 9am to 6pm.

#MarshallHelpsKids Challenge

April 3, 2015

We are all thrilled with the news that Coach Gregg Marshall is staying in Wichita. We have a great way to turn your enthusiasm into meaningful action.

Help Coach Marshall help kids by making a gift to his chosen charity. As you recall, fans #votedangry for Coach Marshall, who won $15,000 to help the Wichita Children’s Home care for abused, homeless and exploited local children.

While $15,000 is good, it’s far short of the $100,000 prize fans and Coach Marshall were shooting for. We are issuing a challenge to you and all our fellow basketball fans:

Let’s raise the rest of that $100,000 and help raise the roof on a new Wichita Children’s Home emergency shelter and therapeutic center as part of its Make It Better Capital Campaign.

Your gift, and those of other donors, will create the solid foundation and loving environment that these traumatized children and youth deserve—and need to break the cycle of abuse.

Learn More about the Make it Better Capital Campaign

Thanks for Voting!

March 17, 2015

Shocker fans are the greatest! They helped Coach Gregg Marshall win $15,000 for the Wichita Children’s Home in the ESPN.com/Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge. ShockerNation and Coach Marshall show what true champions they are as they help us create a healthier environment for our community’s abused, neglected and abandoned children. Thank you!

Benefit WCH by shopping at Dillons!

January 28, 2015

The Wichita Children’s Home can “earn” donations from your purchases at Dillons, if you update your Plus Card account to benefit WCH. It's really simple. First, register your card at Dillons.com, or ask for one from a cashier if you don't already have one.

To enroll in the Community Rewards program:
1. Plus Card holders can visit the Dillons website
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Click "Enroll Now"
4. Search for "Wichita Children's Home" or enter our 5-digit number (87782)
5. Select "Wichita Children's Home" and click "Enroll"

Get Started

Children’s Miracle Network grant application approved!

September 11, 2014

Wichita Children’s Home received its own miracle this week. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals approved our grant for $4,860. This grant will help provide critical treatments, equipment and charitable care for kids with little to no means. Via Christi Hospital in Wichita is our local network hospital providing expert, state-of-the-art care. Pediatric patients are served by the Grant and Norma Davis Child Life Center and its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, both at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis.

Debbie Kennedy selected as a 2014 Women in Business Honoree

August 29, 2014

The Wichita Business Journal is recognizing female leaders who are involved in local businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives. Our executive director, Debbie Kennedy was deservedly honored!
Photo courtesy: Kellen Jenkins, WBJ

Read Article

WSU Men's Basketball Coach Gregg Marshall presented us with $15,000

June 24, 2014

Wichita State University men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall was one of four finalists in the Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge this spring, raising $15,000 for Wichita Children's Home. He presented the check to Wichita Children’s Home on June 24, meeting with fans and autographing copies of "Winning Angry.”
Photo courtesy: Kellen Jenkins / WBJ

See Story

Scotch and Sirloin to host a high-roller poker tournament

Jun 12, 2014

Mike Issa, owner of Wichita’s premier steakhouse Scotch & Sirloin, is hosting a high-roller poker tournament on Friday, June 27. Food and soft drinks will be provided with an available cash bar. Proceeds will be donated to Wichita Children’s Home. Seats in the tournament are $500 each and the field will be limited to 50 players. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers, including $7,000 for first prize. A poker dealer will be provided at ever table.

The tournament starts at 6:30, but get there early around 5:30 for registration and to enjoy the food. The tournament will feature 30-minute blinds and players start with a 15,000 chip stack.

If you would like to play in the tournament, call (316) 871-3413 to reserve your seats.

Wichita Children’s Home recognized for service to crime victims

May 14, 2014

On May 14, we were presented the Outstanding Victim Service Organization Award (along with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit) by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt! Photo courtesy: (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Read Article

Construction starts on $2M apartment complex for Wichita Children’s Home

May 9, 2014

Construction has started on a $2 million apartment project for the new campus of the Wichita Children’s Home near 37th Street North and Rock Road.

Read Article

Splurge! Tee-Off Party to Benefit Wichita Children’s Home and Human Trafficking Awareness

April 9, 2014

Join us for an evening of indulgence and charity at the 5th Annual SPLURGE! Tee-Off Party. The party will be held at Crestview Country Club on June 13, and will kick off the Air Capital Classic golf tournament benefiting Wichita Children’s Home and its programs to promote awareness of human trafficking. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at aircapclassic.com or call (316) 267-3675.

What 5th annual event, presented by Volvo of Wichita
When 6:30 pm, Friday, June 13
Where 18th hole, north course, Crestview Country Club,
1000 N. 127th St. E.
Tickets $60 each

Join the event on Facebook!
Purchase tickets

See you there!

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month

April 1, 2014

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word.

New Campus Construction to Begin Next Month

October 25, 2013

Our anticipation at the Home only increases with our groundbreaking ceremony quickly approaching, marking the beginning of construction on our new, state-of-the-art, centralized campus. To meet the changing needs of our community's children and young adults, new facilities are being built on 13.6 acres of land between Woodlawn and Rock.

Read Article

Celebrating 125 Years!

July 18, 2013

It's our 125th Anniversary! You can catch us on the FRONT PAGE of The Wichita Eagle!

Read Article

Interview on 99.7 LITE FM

2013

Melanie Garrett from WCH demystify the shelter and its services.

Interview with KMUW

April 15, 2013

Listen in as Executive Director Sarah Robinson shares an intimate look into the history and current role of The Home in providing immediate comfort to “kiddos in crisis” and continued care through specialized programs.

Listen to the Interview