Zonta Club of Johnson County, KS

Keeler Women’s Center

Kansas City, Kansas

Keeler Women’s Center

Empowering Women in the Urban Core of Kansas City through Education, Advocacy, Personal and Spiritual Development

Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica A ministry of the Benedictine Sisters

Director: Sister Carol Ann PetersenAssociate Director: Sister Barbara Mc CrackenAssociate Director: Sister Bridget Dickason

Counselor and 2 Counseling Interns …also on the staff.

Founded in 2003 and is located in Kansas City Kansas.

Activities

Quarterly our club donates the following items to the Keeler Center: soap, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant

These items are packaged in gift bags and we assemble the bags following our meeting. The gift bags are made by Joan Korek, one of our long-time members.

In addition we give the Keeler Center gift cards to distribute to the ladies in December. The Keeler Center follows very strict guidelines regarding use of the gift cards.

We have also offered help for ladies needing to develop a resume` and those needing to practice their interviewing skills. And we have helped with various health initiatives at the Keeler Center.

Some members are teaching English to Spanish speaking women. We do this weekly and help them with conversation and specific needs.

This activity is very demanding, but highly rewarding. Currently we have students who have been with us for a year…and are continuing to improve each week. These are lovely ladies who do not have the financial resources to learn English through private lessons.

We have also supported the Keeler Center when they have requested help for special needs situations. Just this past year, one of their volunteering families, had a situation where there was an illness, hospitalization, surgery, and lack of income during that time. We, along with other individuals who support the center, helped this family through a particularly difficult time.

One of the “hallmarks” of the Keeler Center is the vase of fresh flowers that is always on the table. The ladies who have depended on the Keeler Center always find the center to be welcoming, peaceful, and source of good advice as well as a source of much needed help.

A Vase of Fresh Flowers…a program developed by the ladies from the Keeler Center.

Sharing their stories

Field Trip to Keeler Center and Mt. St. Scholastica

Other Service Activities:

Spofford House

Stone Soup Supper Annual donation to the Spofford House. We also have members currently serving on the board.

Founded in 1916 as an orphanage…provides service for children 4-12 suffering from the effects of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or early onset mental illness. These are not problem children, they are innocent victims who need help. Donations enable Spofford to respond to the needs of troubled children and families…many times single mother situations.

Activities that support our scholarship programs and service initiatives.

The Overland Park Festival September 26 9:00-5:00

Balloon Animals, Tattoos, and Face Painting

Women Helping Women December 6th 10:00-5:00

Jill VanLerberg Lloyd

Founded 6 years ago to help women starting and building a business

We sell various holiday and gift items and are able to share information about Zonta.

Center Pieces for Sale

Friday evening and Saturday Evening

Friday: $10

Saturday: Individually priced

Proceeds: to scholarships and service projects