Health & Wellness Coalition

09/23/2026

If you cannot attend, please visit the website, where they will find updates throughout the project, an online survey, and an interactive map where you can drop pins anywhere you would like to see improvements made!

STAR Plan kickoff Open Houses are happening in the Northeast (Bel Aire), Southwest (Goddard), Northwest (Maize), Wichita, and Southeast (Derby) the week of September 28, plus a Virtual Open House! More information is on the project website. See details and take the survey: www.wampo.org/star-plan

09/22/2026

The September Coalition meeting was a success thanks to our generous host Exploration Place! 26 community partners enjoyed a tour of the Adventure Playscape. Here are a few things I learned:
- Adam Smith, President and CEO believes the Health & Wellness Coalition is important part of a healthy community.
- Museums for All allows SNAP recipients free admittance to the museum and makes up 12-13% of attendance.
- 350,000 visitors to the Adventure Playscape since March.
- Graze offers healthy and affordable options.
- 10 themed playgrounds.
- Community amphitheater with concerts, weekly movies, yoga and the start of the weekly Exploration Place parkrun.
- 6 family style restrooms.
- Open to all ages and abilities.

09/11/2026

Shout out to these 2 amazing middle school students!

Two Wichita sixth graders turned Labor Day into a day of service, offering a free spaghetti dinner after spending their summer learning about local hunger.

08/25/2026

27 community partners packed the conference room at The Phoenix - Wichita, including several new members and over half of the attendees visiting the facility for the first time!

08/24/2026

Kansas summers can be intense. Staying hydrated helps your body function at its best, especially when you’re active outdoors.

Drink water throughout the day and take breaks in the shade when you can.

08/14/2026

August 31st is the deadline to nominate yourself or someone you know. This project with Neighboring Movement and Weave: The Social Fabric Project and the Aspen Institute will help us celebrate the everyday neighbors who are building trust, belonging and connection. Of course, promoting good nutrition and physical activity is a bonus!

Weaver Awards applications are now open! This partnership with Weave: The Social Fabric Project and the Aspen Institute will help us celebrate and support the everyday neighbors who are building trust, belonging, and connection right here in Wichita.

A local advisory group will select 20 recipients to receive $2,500-$5,000 each, along with resources to support their work fostering connection. We can't wait to help shine a light on the people who make our community stronger!

If you are a weaver - or know someone who is - you can apply or make a nomination by August 31.

You can get more information, apply for an award, or recommend a neighbor at https://buff.ly/y2dTt1H.

08/13/2026

Ruby Bridges inspired a generation to lead with kindness, courage, and compassion. Let’s continue her movement with today’s young leaders. Apply now for a $500 or $1,000 grant to host a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event in November. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the legacy of Ruby Bridges, who at just six years old became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement when she integrated her elementary school in 1960. Each year, this day brings together students, families, and educators to reflect on Ruby’s courage and take steps toward building more inclusive, connected, and kind communities .

Apply for a mini-grant today at the Safe Routes Partnership website https://saferoutespartnership.org/?s=Ruby+Bridges+grant
Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026.

08/10/2026

Great advice.

MSSC member Lorraine Alvarado, MD, with Derby Family MedCenter had a column in the The Derby Informer encouraging more physical activity. “Moving from low to moderate regular physical activity improves mental well-being and life satisfaction in a sustained way and is linked to improved overall well-being,” Dr. Alvarado said.

08/06/2026

Happy Farmer's Market Week. We are so grateful for Kansas Grown Inc. and Old Town Farm & Art Market. What is your favorite farmer's market?

08/06/2026

August is National Breastfeeding Month. The theme is RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment. This year's theme was crafted to capture the heart and strength of the First Food field. Each word in the acronym was chosen to highlight our network's strengths as we advocate for the policy, systems, and environmental changes necessary to create a landscape of breastfeeding support for every family. Our image centers the sunrise, embodying the enduring spirit of our community. Learn more: https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/