East Wichita Shepherd's Center
4407 E. Douglas, Wichits, KS 67218
Vanda Heil, Executive Director
Phone: 316-682-0504
Fax: 316-686-2063
E-Mail: ewsc12@aol.com

East Wichita Shepherd's Center, Wichita, KA (Population of 500,000.)

BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS CENTER
he Center was started in 1990, beginning with the Adventures in Learning Program. The office is in the East Heights United Methodist Church, where they have free use of the facilities for office space and events.

STAFFING, ORGANIZATION, MEMBERSHIP
They have a part time salaried Executive Director who works 30 hours per week, and volunteers who help in the office. The Board of Trustees has 16 members plus the coordinator and pastor of the church. The center has 8 sponsoring congregations, but attendance from 100 different churches in the area. The mailing list has 1,000 people, many of them active in various phases of the programs.

WHAT IS WORKING WELL?

• Adventures in Learning is their main effort, with three 8-week sessions per year, Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 430 people participate, with an average attendance of 280.
• The Handy Helper program is small with currently only 2 clients involved.
• They tried to start a respite care program, but it was unsuccessful.
• The Social Committee sponsors monthly tours, day trips, and social events, with an average participation of 25-30.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS?
None identified. "Everything is going well. We have an adequate number of volunteers."

HOW COULD THE NATIONAL SCA OFFICE HELP YOU?

• The monthly mailings have been helpful in providing ideas.
• The national conference has been the most helpful resource. They are sending seven people this year. They noted that the scheduling of the start of the conference on Sunday has meant higher plane fare for them. It would be helpful if Sunday travel could be eliminated.