Homefront Heroes is a faith-based ministry called to reach unconnected military wives by providing them with discipleship, resources, and a supportive community to help them thrive amid the unique trials they face.

• Founded in 2019 by three military wives who identified a gap in support services
• Offers multiple support channels including social media, the Hope on the Homefront podcast, and Bible study curriculum
• Provides practical support through monthly "hope boxes" containing items for military wives experiencing trials
• Partners with organizations like Full Range Foundation to offer free counseling services
• Aims to combat the 80% divorce rate among combat military marriages through faith-based support
• Recently launched "Thrive Bible Study" - a 9-month curriculum designed to guide military wives through deployments
• Working to create remote employment opportunities specifically for military wives
• Currently serving almost 20,000 military wives worldwide
• Focusing on the "unseen struggles" of military spouses including career sacrifices, isolation, and reintegration challenges

To support Homefront Heroes, you can pray for military wives, partner financially, or volunteer at events like their upcoming Fort Riley block party on August 2nd. Visit homefrontheroes.org for more information.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas provides crucial support to families whose children need medical care, functioning as a home away from home where families can stay at no cost while remaining close to their hospitalized children. Their historic house offers eight private guest bedrooms, meals, transportation, and emotional support for families during difficult times.

• Supporting primarily families with newborns in neonatal intensive care, assisting approximately 100 families annually
• Housing families for as long as needed - their longest stay last year was 150 nights
• Providing all services at absolutely no cost to families already facing medical expenses
• Hosting their biggest fundraiser, the Viva Las Vegas Gala, on August 23rd with a goal of raising $160,000
• Offering multiple ways for people to help: collecting pop tabs, linking Dillon's Plus cards, shopping their Amazon wishlist, or rounding up at McDonald's

Visit rmhcneks.org for more information about the organization or to purchase gala tickets. Sponsorships for the event range from $250 to $5,000, and they welcome auction item donations until August 1st.

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The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and City of Manhattan serves as a network hub bringing together partners to address persistent food insecurity issues, reduce food waste, and support local farms. Riley County consistently ranks among the highest counties for food insecurity nationwide, with approximately 13-14% of residents affected and 2,700 people currently receiving SNAP benefits.

• Council consists of 15 volunteers who serve three-year terms with Vicki James as coordinator
• Goals include reducing food insecurity, minimizing food waste, and supporting local farms
• Riley County has consistently held the title as one of the highest food-insecure counties nationally
• One in six children and one in seven adults in Riley County are affected by hunger
• Recent federal legislation threatens significant cuts to SNAP funding
• Many funding cuts that were strategically planned for 2026-2027, after the midterm elections
• States may need to make funding differences to maintain SNAP benefits
• "Blessing Box Stock the Box Challenge" encourages groups to stock emergency food boxes
• Participating groups receive $100 to restock boxes again
• Power Produce program at Farmers Market educates children while providing fresh food access
• Volunteer opportunities and donations accepted through nourishtogether.org

For those interested in volunteering or donating, visit the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation website or nourishtogether.org, or email rileycountyfoodandfarmcouncil.com to get connected.

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Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, shares the 33-year history and impact of this regional leadership initiative. The program builds collaborative relationships across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Morris counties to foster regional problem-solving and create positive change.

• Created 33 years ago through partnership between Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and regional Chambers of Commerce
• Nearly 660 graduates have completed the program since the first class in 1993-94
• Participants develop regional networks and collaborative relationships across diverse communities
• Selection process targets emerging leaders already demonstrating leadership qualities
• Monthly sessions rotate through different communities covering topics like team building, conflict resolution, and advocacy
• Program runs September through February with graduation in Pottawatomie County this year
• Application deadline is July 20th with all materials submitted through frlp.org
• $600 tuition with scholarships available for nonprofit employees and small business owners

Applications for the upcoming class are now being accepted at frlp.org through July 20th.

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The YES Fund supports Manhattan's youth through after-school programming, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the community since its founding in 1993 following devastating floods.

• YES Fund originated when community leaders recognized that youth lacked meaningful after-school activities
• Annual campaign generates approximately $300,000 for youth programs across Manhattan
• Supports diverse organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Manhattan Arts Center, and sports programs
• K-State education students volunteer with funded organizations, creating a university-community partnership
• Originally housed at the Manhattan Mercury through connections with the McCormick Foundation
• Now operates through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, with major donors providing matching funds
• Campaign runs publicly from July through the first Sunday in September
• Organizations rely on YES Funding as part of their annual budgets for sustainability

Support the YES Fund campaign starting July 7th through the first Sunday in September to help strengthen our community by providing engaging activities for Manhattan's youth.

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Karla Hagemeister of the Flint Hills Breadbasket shares remarkable statistics about their new facility and the rising need for food support in Manhattan. After moving to a larger location in May, they're now serving record numbers. With over 2,000 family visits in June alone, Karla reflects on both the community's generosity and growing economic challenges.

• The Breadbasket moved to a new, larger facility in late April, beginning operations May 8th
• Weekly visits have increased dramatically, with 601 families served in a single week
• Monthly household visits rose from 795 in April to 897 in June
• High housing costs and service industry jobs contribute to food insecurity in Manhattan
• Summer brings increased demand as children are home, while donations typically decrease
• SNAP benefits provide nine meals for every meal a food bank can provide
• A family of eight saved $1,000 in grocery costs in one month through Breadbasket support
• The organization welcomes K-State student interns who gain valuable nonprofit experience
• Volunteers are always needed to meet the growing demand

If you'd like to support the Flint Hills Breadbasket's efforts to combat hunger in our community, please consider volunteering your time or making a food or financial donation. Every contribution helps us serve our neighbors in need.

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The Salvation Army's 360 Life Center in Manhattan, Kansas, represents a groundbreaking approach to community service as the first rural pilot program of its kind in the United States. Director Susan Evans and volunteer Carla Johnson share how they've expanded from helping 25-30 people monthly to over 1,000 by identifying and filling service gaps through collaborative partnerships.

• The 360 Life Center approach allows flexibility to address any area of need without time limits
• Operation Street Outreach helps those living on the streets with immediate necessities and connections to services
• Center works collaboratively with numerous local organizations to avoid service duplication
• Special focus on helping those who fall between the cracks of traditional assistance programs
• Transformed froma traditional thrift store to providing free donations to those in need
• Created an outdoor garden and hydration station accessible 24/7 during extreme weather
• Specific support for women, families, and individuals with criminal or addiction histories
• Veteran support services, particularly for women veterans

If you'd like to help, the Salvation Army currently needs water, Gatorade, tents, sleeping bags, and blankets. Drop off Tuesday-Friday 10-3 or Saturday 3-10 pm at 310 Poyntz, or call for pickup arrangements.

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The Art Press Fund is transforming Manhattan's cultural landscape by bringing diverse events to the community while renovating a historic Art Deco building into a 400-person indoor venue to complement their successful outdoor space.

• Eric Kleiner, musician with Headlight Rivals, leads the organization alongside Derek Richards and his sister
• The fund's three main goals include providing affordable/free entertainment for all ages, bringing diverse music genres to Manhattan, and creating year-round entertainment options
• The historic Ag Press building renovation will create a 400-person indoor venue expected to open in early 2025
• Arts in the Park concert series, now in its third year under Art Press management, continues a 50-year tradition of free community concerts
• The venue will host more than concerts, including art showings, speakers, and community meetings
• The organization seeks community support to continue growing its cultural offerings
• People can find information about upcoming events and support opportunities via "The Press" on social media platforms and the Art Press District website

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