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CASA, United Way celebrate move to 2000 Washington St.
casa ribbon cutting 2025
Central Kansas CASA and United Way of Central Kansas have moved from the Chamber of Commerce building to 2000 Washington St. in Great Bend. To celebrate the move and remind everyone of their new location, there was a double ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday. Chamber members stood in front of the Court Appointed Special Advocate entrance and director Jennifer Gregg cut the ribbon. Then they moved to the UWCK entrance, where director Charell Owings held the scissors.
UWCK ribbon cutting 2025

Central Kansas CASA and United Way of Central Kansas have moved their offices to 2000 Washington St. To celebrate the move and make sure people know where to find them, the nonprofit agencies had ribbon cuttings on Thursday after the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee.

Both agencies were previously based in upstairs offices at 1125 Williams St., home of the Chamber since 2007. The Chamber plans to move from downtown to the new Ignite Innovation Center on west 10th St. after it opens next year. CASA and United Way have already moved.

Central Kansas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Director Jennifer Gregg and UWCK Director Charell Owings both thanked the Chamber for sharing space but said they don’t miss climbing the stairs to get to their office. They said they are glad they are still neighbors, located in separate suites of the same building.


CASA

The Kansas CASA Association (KCA) is a network of 20 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children.

Gregg said CASA is making preparations for the 20th anniversary of its annual Chocolate Auction as it celebrates its 40th anniversary of serving children in the Golden Belt. The auction will be on Feb. 1 at the Great Bend Events Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. There will be “hors d’oeuvres and decadent chocolate desserts.” Tickets can be purchased online at events.handbid.com/lp/20th-anniversary-central-kansas-casa-chocolate-auction.

Tickets to the Chocolate Auction are still available but going fast, she said. 

“You can also support us by purchasing raffle tickets for our ‘Toes in the Sand’ raffle. Those are one for $25 or five for $100.” The prize is a prepackaged vacation for two to Florida, or it can be used toward a vacation of the winner’s choice.

They will use an app called Handbid for this year’s silent auction. Items in the silent auction may be previewed via the app, and even those without tickets to the auction may bid from home. A live auction will again be held in-person at the event and items in the live auction may also be previewed via the Handbid app.

For more contact the CASA office at 620-792-5544 or find Central Kansas CASA on Facebook.


UWCK

United Way of Central Kansas supports 19 community partners dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities throughout central Kansas. By mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and advocating for social change, United Way of Central Kansas works to address the most pressing needs facing the community and create lasting impact. For more information about United Way of Central Kansas and its initiatives, visit www.uwck.org. 

Owings said UWCK also has some things coming up, such as Reality U in Larned next week and Hoisington the following week. This program gives eighth-graders a glimpse into their future lives of earning a monthly income and paying bills, helping them prepare now for success as adults.

“Then on Valentine’s Day we have our Box of Love program,” Owings said. This year, about 500 home-bound senior citizens in Barton and Pawnee counties will receive Valentine’s Day goodie bags. Anyone who would like to donate to the project can contact UWCK at 620-792-2403 or email unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com. People can also request a box for a recipient. The price is $15, which includes delivery on Feb. 14.