Location, Location, Location

Not only was the group fantastic in Pottawatomie County, but the workshop location was equally impressive.  We were hosted at a local church and right outside was an enormous and beautiful community garden.  We were lucky enough to have break time to explore the garden.

It was exciting to hear employers talking about ways to support the garden in their community and ways to engage staff and those they serve, by incorporating it.

This was an extremely thoughtful group.  There was a lot of emphasis on really establishing a strong foundation for this work by building committees, so that the responsibility for wellness didn't rest on the shoulders of an individual.

There are a number of worksites in Pottawatomie County that have the support of their executives and plan to get to work.  With such strong foundations being built, we are sure to see some exciting things from this group.

A huge thank you to those that participated in this workhsop and for being leaders in their community!

Pottawatomie County, Mid Kansas Coop,  Little Love Bugs Learning Center, First Trust Company of Onaga, Westy Community Care Home and NCCA – Nemaha County Coop Association.

How Could we Forget About Pratt?!?

We missed a post about the workshop that took place in Pratt, KS.  I have no clue how this might have happened because Pratt proved to be an unforgettable group.  They were all very forward thinking and witty, which made for a productive and entertaining workshop.  Blythe Family Fitness, Pratt Community College, Pratt County Health Department, Pratt Family Practice, Pratt Regional Medical Center, The Peoples Bank, and USD 382 were all in attendance and did not fail in keeping us on our toes.  We always ask for push back and they sure gave it.  It was exciting to see folks exploring different sides of issues, playing devils advocates, and challenging facilitators.  These are the conversations that are sometimes necessary for change.  If we all fall into our habitual "Kansas nice" and the heat never gets raised, it can be difficult to make progress.  Thank you Pratt participants for your openness and enthusiasm!

Hays Champions Bring Together a Great Group!

The Hays Champions came from three different organizations and actually worked with an even larger group to recruit worksites for the local WorkWell KS Workshop.

The team was able to bring together a large and diverse group of local employers including Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Paul-Wertenberger Construction, Inc., Midwest Energy, Inc., Lang Diesel Inc., Nex-Tech, Heartland Building Center, The Center for Health Improvement and the Hays Recreation Commission.

This group was extremely open and honest in the dialogue that took place over the day and a half with the WWKS crew.  These conversations are the kind that allow us to really impact change.

We are excited to see what changes occur in the health of Hays with the leadership these businesses are providing!