DCCCA

10/20/2026

The Kansas Youth Advisory Council aims to unite and empower young people directly impacted by the child welfare system. The KYAC mission is to enable young adults (ages 14 to 26) to advocate for themselves and others while developing life and leadership skills.

Learn more about KYAC: https://www.dccca.org/program/kyac/

10/19/2026

We’re proud to partner with Douglas County CASA, Inc.-KS and the initiative.

DCCCA Community-Based Services focuses on community-driven solutions designed to create lasting impact and improve overall well-being. We have four core areas of focus – substance use prevention, su***de prevention, mental health promotion, and traffic safety.

Prevention is child welfare work, too.

For children and families connected to the child welfare system, substance use affects safety, stability, caregiving, and access to support. That’s why education, prevention, and practical resources matter before a crisis worsens.

This month’s article features a message from our partners at DCCCA, whose Community-Based Services team works year-round on substance use prevention, su***de prevention, mental health promotion, and traffic safety.

DCCCA shares the realities facing Kansas families, including the fact that 1 in 5 Kansans lives with a substance use disorder. They offer concrete ways community members can take action, from safely disposing of unused medications to requesting naloxone, ordering medication lock bags, and signing up for prevention trainings.

Stronger communities are built when families have access to resources earlier and when more people know how to respond with care.

➡️ Read the full article: https://loom.ly/qunAttc

10/19/2026

Join us for the 10th annual Kansas Opioid and Stimulant Conference on Tuesday, November 3 in Wichita!

Meet the presenters for the Prevention track. Learn about best practices for opioid and stimulant prevention.

Register here: https://www.dccca.org/event/2026-kansas-opioid-and-stimulant-conference/

10/16/2026

It's Maple Leaf Festival weekend in Baldwin City! On the DCCCA Good News Show, CEO Lori Alvarado talks to Jeremy Rodrock, a longtime festival volunteer in charge of Saturday's Children's Parade at 10:45 a.m., followed by the big Parade with 80-100 entries at 11:00. In its 69th year, the Maple Leaf Festival features more than 300 arts and crafts booths, a quilt show, music, food, and other family activities. Plus, Charlie Lauts, the admissions director at Peaslee Tech, shares information about the center's training programs for adults and high school students interested in high-demand, high-wage careers in the skilled trades. Listen to the DCCCA Good News Show at 7 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday on FM 101.7 and AM 1320 KLWN.

Maple Leaf Festival
Peaslee Tech
KLWN

10/15/2026

Say YES to making the holidays brighter!

This holiday season, you can help bring a little extra joy to children in foster care and families receiving treatment services and support through DCCCA. Your generosity will help make the season special and spark hope to their celebrations.

Grant a wish as an individual or business and get started here: https://www.dccca.org/holidays/

10/15/2026

DCCCA is hiring a Senior Director of Behavioral Health to join our team in Wichita! This position will support staff in coordinating behavioral health activities, procedures, and meetings.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.dccca.org/careers/

10/14/2026

We're excited to welcome Jermaine Galloway, Tall Cop Says Stop, as a keynote speaker at the 2026 Kansas Opioid and Stimulant Conference. Jermaine brings extensive experience training professionals and communities on drug and alcohol prevention, education, and enforcement.

Join us on November 3rd in Wichita. Registration information is available here:
https://www.dccca.org/event/2026-kansas-opioid-and-stimulant-conference/

10/13/2026

Last month, DCCCA Elm Acres Recovery Services in Pittsburg celebrated Recovery Month with a special fiesta. Families came together for a hope-filled evening to "Taco 'Bout Recovery" where they could connect over tacos and fun activities. Thanks to everyone for supporting one another on their recovery experience!

10/12/2026

We're honored to welcome Tom Farley as a keynote speaker at the 2026 Kansas Opioid and Stimulant Conference on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Wichita. Tom is the co-author of The Chris Farley Show, a New York Times bestselling book about his late brother, legendary comedian Chris Farley.

Now living in recovery himself, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Through humor, honesty, and personal experience, he shares a powerful message of hope, resilience, and recovery.

Learn more and register today:
https://www.dccca.org/kansas-opioid-and-stimulant-conference/

10/10/2026

Congratulations, Ashley! Well deserved and thank you for your dedication to helping families navigate a pathway toward recovery.

📣 Washburn BSW student Ashley Christiansen was recently appointed to the Peer Support Subcommittee , which advises the Kansas Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council (GBHSPC) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), helping bring the voices of individuals with lived experience into state-level policy discussions. Composed of individuals with lived experience, family members, providers, and state agency liaisons, the subcommittee works to expand, improve, and advocate for behavioral health peer support services across Kansas.