VISTA at work in Cowley County!

Kathy Graeff and Patty Oneil started their year of service September 4. Since that time they have been diligently working to understand Legacy Foundation, learn about our community, and initiate plans for their work with our nonprofit sector.

They are charged with helping the nonprofit organizations in Cowley County in building connections, assisting with grant-writing and marketing, and creating a countywide volunteer network. When their year of service is completed the work will continue through Legacy Foundation and the Cowley County Service Alliance (CCSA).

For this work, we have defined "nonprofit" organizations to include civic and service clubs with our staffed nonprofit organizations, as well as churches. Essentially, if you are involved with a group where the work is primarily accomplished through volunteers, then we hope you will be involved with this effort.

We've labeled the time of the initial launch during this VISTA service year as the Nonprofit Engagement Initiative (NEI).

Additionally, Patty provides support for the Cowley County Service Alliance (CCSA) formed in 2017 by a group of volunteer organizers interested in the collective impact of our nonprofit community. Cowley County Service Alliance is a network and learning opportunity with membership open for area civic, service and nonprofit organizations. Interested individuals gather for information sharing, discussion regarding effort collaboration and support in order to have a greater impact by working more effectively and efficiently.

The group meets quarterly. It's meetings are open and all are invited to attend. You may learn more about CCSA and upcoming events on Facebook. The next meeting of CCSA will be held Thursday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Winfield.

Contact Kathy or Patty at Legacy Foundation to learn more about how you and your organization can connect with our work.