While employment and residential opportunities are high on the priority list at Sunflower Diversified Services, there is another aspect of life that is never overlooked at the non-profit agency.

That aspect is community involvement.

Sunflower serves children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in central Kansas.

“Sunflower strives to help the individuals we support achieve as much independence as they desire, and this includes opportunities to get out into their communities,” said Cody Harris, director of planned giving and community support. “It is our goal to seek options that allow clients to follow their passions at home and work, as well as when they are out and about.

“All citizens should be active and contribute to the community, regardless of a disability or delay. Sunflower clients need what we all need – a sense of belonging, connections with one another, a rewarding job and the chance to enjoy leisure time.”

Sunflower clients and staff support many events that allow them to mix and mingle with their friends and neighbors. 

These include: Wet/Dry Parade at Party in the Park; Labor Day Parade in Hoisington; St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rush Center; Great Bend’s Halloween and Holiday Parades; Turkey Trot fundraiser; and Trail of Lights at Christmastime.

In addition, Sunflower individuals participate in the Adopt-a-Highway Program, and have been active in the upcoming vehicle raffle, annual Pancake Feed, annual Charity Gala and Advocacy Day in Topeka.

Harris also noted a few 2022 highlights at Sunflower in its many departments.

The Community Habilitation Services program moved from the K-96 location to the manufacturing plant; recycling services were streamlined; Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is designed for children up to age 5 with a medical diagnosis of autism, expanded into outreach locations in Lyons and Larned; and Shelby Zuniga replaced Jon Prescott as executive director after his retirement.

Goals for this year include new playground equipment at the Early Education Center; continued ABA growth; addition of more life-skills classes in conjunction with job skills; and a new and improved outdoor recreation area at the plant.

“Another priority during any given year is securing additional manufacturing job opportunities for clients,” Harris commented. “These jobs often involve assembly and packaging, which provide rewarding paychecks for the people we serve.

“We strongly encourage local and area businesses to consider Sunflower for special projects and ongoing contracts. Business owners and managers can be part of providing Sunflower clients with a feeling of accomplishment as they work alongside staff and enjoy the camaraderie of their coworkers.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 58th year.