MANHATTAN — An opportunity for the community to interact with several different nonprofits took place as the Manhattan Community Fair returned to the Manhattan Town Center Saturday.
One of those was Hope Ranch Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the area with a therapeutic horse riding center. Director of Therapeutic Riding Kassidy Scroggs explained some of the services offered at the ranch.
Scroggs says instructors are always working toward specific goals they set during the lessons.
Scroggs says volunteers are vital to their program, especially since they are open seven days a week and some children may require more than one volunteer during a session.
To learn more about the program or how to volunteer, visit Hope Ranch on Facebook or visit hoperanchks.org.
St. Francis Foster Care was another of the showcased agencies at the Community Fair. Foster care homes recruiter Kylee Filley spoke with KMAN about the agency’s mission to recruit and educate.
Filley gave an overview of the many different services offered at St. Francis, noting the agency’s specific work in family preservation.
St. Francis Ministries also offers kinship care and independent living for kids who are aging out of the foster care system and transitioning into living on their own. More information can be found at saintfrancisministries.org.
KMAN also caught up with the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse, an international nonprofit organization focused on creating a safer environment for abused children. Lisa McCurdy, better known as “Curly” is the Native Stone Chapter’s event coordinator. McCurdy says their goal Saturday was to share how they help support and empower children to feel more comfortable when they have to testify in court.
McCurdy says her group meets the kids they help based off of referrals, most of which come from close work with law enforcement and other organizations, including Sunflower CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The Native Stone Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse covers Riley and Pottawatomie and several other surrounding counties. McCurdy adds that their meetings are open to the public.
Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first Sunday of every month in the Blue Hills room (next to R.C. McGraw’s).
To learn more about the organization you can visit kansas.BACAWorld.org. To refer a child call the help line – 785-706-1676.
