For native rural Kansans, there is no other way of life. A way of life that is never far from ones heart or mind. The Wizard of Oz quote so eloquently expresses it: “There is No Place like Home.” Home whether it be where one grew up or where one chose to stay, it can be sustained and enhanced by established funds through the Phillips County Community Foundation.
By definition, community is people connected by geography and to each other. For our rural Phillips County communities this definition is fitting. We are connected to each other! Connections which come in many different forms. It might be helping finish up harvest during the sultry heat of a July afternoon. Or sharing life over a hot cup of coffee at the Shelly Ann’s or the Trojan Cafe. Congregating with family and friends after beating the Smith Center Redman. Volunteers working side by side in Agra to Save the Lake. Loyal community members planning the 38th annual Logan Arts and Crafts Fair. Whatever the method, Phillips County resident are connected to one another.
Foundation by definition is a platform for growth. Growth seen in Phillips County January 2006:
- 25 new business
- 156 jobs created
- 43 jobs retained
- New parks in three Phillips County communities
- Beautification projects in all seven communities
- New or restored Community centers in four communities
This is just a glimpse of the evolution we have seen. Progress which we believe is just the beginning of restoration and revitalization of Phillips County.
Community Foundation then is a platform for building community. Since the inception of the Phillips County Community Foundation, we have seen programs and people who continue to help develop our rural Phillips County communities. Through time, talents and generous giving our county has seen “For the Kids Park” project completed, funding to help with the countywide Cowboys Football team, support given to community owned Wellness Centers, relief funds donated to Katrina and Joplin disasters, and that is just naming a few.
Phillips County residents and Alumni give of their time, talents and resources. Giving because they not only believe in building their communities. But more importantly, they believe in and adhere to connecting with the people in these communities.
Phillips County Community Foundation is here to help YOU with the plans and dreams you have for your community and our county. Whether it is offering scholarships in memory of a loved one, or setting up a designated fund to leave as your legacy; contact our Foundation. Together we will continue to build our communities, because we know “There’s No Place like Home!”
* Definitions for Community Foundation taken from a Power Point by Catherine Domsch, Executive Director for the Greater Northwest Kansas Foundation.
