NOTO offers something for everyone! It is home to some of the most celebrated art galleries, shops, and experiences in the region with beautiful parks, outdoor art, and plenty of free parking. NOTO is comprised of independent small businesses who set their own hours of operation. Visitors should contact businesses directly to confirm hours.

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

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.

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

Andre Banks started saving aluminum cans about five years ago when he realized he could cash them in to treat the neighborhood kids. Then one day, Banks realized he could do this on a much larger scale. Today, people throughout the city are saving cans to donate to the cause.

Prevention And Resiliency Services provide early intervention and prevention strategies that empower youth and families to make informed decisions, decrease substance use, and support a safe, healthy, and thriving community.

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.

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

The mission of this wonderful society is the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of humane education.

THRIVE is a student-led peer education program that is committed to creating and promoting a safe environment. THRIVE seeks to reduce interpersonal violence and empower individuals to engage in healthy relationships.