Patterson Gives Back – Holton Community Theatre

About Holton Community Theatre

How we got started

Holton Community Theatre was accidentally founded in 2014. One summer day, Shannon Wittmer and Carolyn McKee felt that the community was missing something. They decided to offer a dinner theatre experience in October of 2014 on the evening after the yearly Holton Fall Fest. 

That first play was Cafe’ Murder. It was a horribly written play that was “tweaked” profusely before auditions took place. Originally, this event was created as a one time event, however, the success was so spectacular that another show was scheduled for summer 2015. HCT held their first summer drama camp and produced the all kid musical, The Big Bad Musical. Nunsense followed close behind and soon a theatre Facebook page and website were created out of necessity.  

Patterson Gives Back – NAMI Topeka

NAMI Topeka is a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families, and loved ones understand mental illness and build a community that helps start and enhance the process of recovery. 

  • With our affiliates, we provide programs of education, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illness, their families and friends. See our listing of affiliates and support groups, their contact information and meeting schedules at the bottom of this page. Group information is subject to change. Contact the local group or NAMI Kansas by phone or e-mail to verify the current meeting schedule.
  • We advocate for improved community-based care for people with mental illness, such as improved access to medication, housing, and supported employment.
  • We work to improve institutions and organizations in Topeka, Kansas that serve people with mental illness.
  • We help show the importance of funding research on mental illness.
  • We provide free education programs to the community regarding mental illness and its treatment.
  • We advocate to eliminate discrimination and stigma against people with mental illness.
  • Most NAMI activities are free of charge. You do not need to be a member to participate. But your membersh

Patterson Gives Back – United Way of Kaw Valley

In September 2022, United Way of Greater Topeka and United Way of Douglas County officially merged to become United Way of Kaw Valley. 

United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV) brings together people, companies, and nonprofits to help individuals and families not just survive but thrive. We work to solve issues no single donor, charity or government agency can handle alone. By focusing on the whole family, we help more children graduate and achieve employment success, help more families move from crisis to financial stability and prosperity, and improve the health of individual and families in our community.

Over the past decade, UWKV has invested in the areas of Early Education, On-Grade Achievement, Financial Stability, Health, Substance Abuse, Racial Equity, and Basic Needs.

Patterson Gives Back – UFM Community Learning Center

UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, Manhattan and communities across Kansas. UFM offers a variety of noncredit and credit classes for all ages and interests.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. Instructors represent all areas of the campus and community and have ranged in age from 6, sharing knowledge about rabbit care, to 98, teaching a class on healthy living. Topics include arts and hobbies, cooking, languages, martial arts, aquatics, career and computer skills, recreation and fitness, health and wellness and youth. Over 15,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.

UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. In addition to the noncredit and credit classes, UFM coordinates several other programs.

UFM Community Learning Center Annual Report – FY22

Patterson Gives Back – Girls On the Run-Flint Hills

Our Organization

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to enhance participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Mission

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Vision

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Patterson Gives Back – First Congregational UCC (Topeka, KS)

Our History

Oct 14, 1855 – At Mr. James Cowles’ cabin in Topeka, Kansas nine men met: Rev. Paul Shepard, John Ritchie, M.C. Dickey, Wm. Scales, C.A. Sexton, Augustus Barnard, Wm. Bowker, and H.H. Cowles to discuss forming an anti-slavery Congregational Church.  The church that emerged has become the home base for creative spiritual work and serves as a vehicle for benefitting the common good.

Pictured: First Congregational Church in the 1860s, Topeka, Kansas