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.

BHYS is a Basic Center, meaning we offer a Drop In Center and Shelter created in the Basic Center Program model for youth under 18, we offer shelter and services to homeless and runaway youth and any youth in need who may be housing insecure or at risk. Our services include trauma-informed art therapy and case management services, fiduciary services, referrals to other area resources, access to food, bathrooms and laundry faciliites, a safe place to study, gather, learn life skills, have fun, and always – we have safe adults if you or someone you know needs to talk. 

Team Hope is committed to providing individualized programs and navigation assistance for cancer patients and families through local community resources.

The Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) connects the diverse citizens and communities of Lyon and its six contiguous counties through the charitable actions of a variety of funds established for the purpose of bettering the lives of individuals within its communities.  As a 501c3 Foundation, the ECF continues the traditional Kansas heritage of providing nonprofit service and supporting the charitable giving requests of donors who wish to enrich the quality of life of local citizens.

ECF represents the Kansas counties of Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Coffey and Wabaunsee.

There are several Types of Funds whereby donors may focus their interest.  These funds are established by individuals, families, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations that have made unordinary commitments to the needs within the community. Their sole purpose is to make the “community” a better place for perpetuity.

We are a nonprofit organization that rescues cats and kittens of all ages. We house adoptable cats.

Established in 1993, the Big Lakes Foundation solicits and facilitates donations and grants to support Big Lakes’ mission. The Big Lakes Foundation, a separate but affiliated nonprofit corporation, was established in 1993 to solicit, encourage and facilitate the contribution of funds for fulfilling Big Lakes’ mission. The foundation provides ongoing financial support for Big Lakes’ operations and special projects such as client parties, staff appreciation events, leadership development, and affordable/accessible housing for the people we serve.​

Heartwarmers has worked since 2017 to keep St. Joseph hearts and homes warm! They supply space heaters that have all the modern safety gears to anyone in need.