RISE Cowley

12/23/2025

So proud to see our very own Amy Jo McWhirt recognized as a 2025 Rural Champion. Her ability to bring people together, connect existing efforts, and strengthen food access across Cowley County is something we’re lucky to benefit from every day. Big congratulations, Amy Jo.

12/22/2025

This gift is perfect for anyone! Stop by the Courthouse - K-State Research and Extension - Cowley County to acquire this unique card that benefits the Winfield Community Food Pantry -Winfield, KS. The Extension office is open 8-5 Monday 12/22 & Tuesday 12/23 (closed 11:30-12:30 p.m. for lunch).

12/16/2025

🍏🥦🍠We are proud to be part of the Food is Medicine conversation happening across Kansas and right here in Cowley County, Kansas. At the recent Sunflower Foundation Food is Medicine Summit, local voices joined doctors, public health leaders, and community partners to talk about something we see every day. Food plays a real role in preventing and managing chronic disease.

This work is still emerging, but the interest and momentum are strong. What makes it meaningful is that it is rooted in education, relationships, and practical access to healthy food. We are grateful to be learning alongside partners like K-State Research and Extension - Cowley County, Winfield Correctional Facility, City-Cowley County Health Department, community volunteers, and health care professionals as we help shape what Food is Medicine can look like locally.

There is power in sharing knowledge, and even more power when communities come together to act on it. Thank you to the Sunflower Foundation for highlighting this work and for including Cowley County in the conversation.

RISE Cowley

12/10/2025

🌱 We are proud to see meaningful work from right here in Cowley County, Kansas highlighted by the Kansas Health Institute.

Their latest blog post features Rural Champion Amy Jo McWhirt and the horticultural therapy partnership at the Winfield Correctional Facility. This project continues to strengthen job skills, support local food pantries and create a healthier environment for learning and personal growth. 🌿📚

The story earned second place in KHI’s statewide storytelling contest and shows how public health can take root in places that are often overlooked. It is a reminder that local efforts matter and that progress grows when people work together. 🤝✨

🔗 Read the full post: https://loom.ly/Pl6xrHo
Kansas Department of Corrections | Office of Rural Prosperity | K-State Research and Extension - Cowley County | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas | Hunger Free Kansas

🌱 Stories can grow in the most unexpected places.

In our latest blog post, Amy Jo McWhirt, Rural Champion and master gardener, shares how horticultural therapy at the Winfield Correctional Facility is doing more than growing plants. It is building job skills, supporting local food pantries and creating space for healing.

Her story is the second-place entry from KHI’s storytelling contest, showing how public health can take root in places many would not expect.

🔗 Read on: https://loom.ly/Pl6xrHo

12/03/2025

🌱 Yesterday our RISE Cowley team visited USD 470 - Arkansas City Public Schools to recognize a new wellness effort led by district nurse and wellness coordinator Lacy Colquhoun. She reached out with a simple but thoughtful goal, to support student wellness days and to encourage staff through monthly challenges that build healthy habits over time. Her willingness to try something new shows real care for her district. 🥰

🫶Joining the visit were Ally Payne from the City-Cowley County Health Department, who serves as our steering committee president, Sarah Werner from the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Werner Creek Farm who is our treasurer, and steering committee member Melinda Currant. Amy Jo McWhirt attended as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways coordinator.

🗣️Psychology research shows that when people receive support for healthy behaviors, their motivation and follow through increase. Encouragement from peers and leaders can strengthen confidence and create a sense of shared purpose. Small, consistent actions build momentum over time, and wellness projects like this help staff feel valued and connected. That is why RISE Cowley is proud to stand beside partners who invest in the well-being of their schools and their community. Go get ’em, Lacy! 💙

Cowley County, Kansas Legacy Regional Community Foundation

11/28/2025

RISE Cowley is glad to share the progress celebrated this week in City of Arkansas City! 🎉 RISE Cowley partners attended the event alongside Diana and community leaders to recognize the steady effort that brought this project to the finish line. Visible improvements like these help make healthier choices easier and support long term well-being across Cowley County, Kansas! 🍎🌱