UCS Human Service Summit Commemorates 25 years!
For 25 years, the UCS Human Service Summit has brought together nonprofit leaders, public servants, advocates, funders, and community partners committed to strengthening our region and creating communities where everyone can thrive.
This year’s 25th Anniversary Human Service Summit gave us the opportunity to honor the people, partnerships, and progress that have shaped this work while looking ahead to the future of belonging. We are grateful to everyone who joined us to reflect, connect, learn, and celebrate this incredible milestone. Here’s to 25 years of impact and to the work still ahead.
Thank You to Our 2026 Human Service Summit Speakers!
A special thank you to our summit speakers for challenging us to think differently about leadership, belonging, and the communities we are working together to build. We are grateful for the wisdom, honesty, and perspectives shared with us.
Drew Wilburne of the Kansas Health Foundation led an engaging conversation inspired by the book “Leading Health” and challenged us to examine the mindsets that shape how we lead and create change.
Our panelists, Kourtney Vincent-Woodbury (PPGP), Erica Andrade (El Centro), Erin Winn (Johnson County Local Govt), and Rachel Russell (UCS) reminded us that creating
communities where all people can thrive requires us to build belonging without othering, move beyond assumptions, examine the policies and systems shaping our communities,and be willing to challenge the status quo.
Thank You to Our 2026 Human Service Sponsors!
A final thank you to our 2026 Human Service Summit sponsors, whose generous support made this milestone celebration possible.
Your investment helps create space for connection, learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations that strengthen our human service sector and our community. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and continued commitment to building a stronger, more connected Johnson County.
A special Thank You to Renee Andriani for the event artwork, Homer’s Coffee House and The Baker’s Table for breakfast and Woodland Custom Cookies for helping make the celebration extra special with custom cookies.
UCS & KHAN Advocacy Academy Returned to Topeka, September 23-24
Last week, housing advocates from across Kansas came together to build confidence, strengthen advocacy skills, and develop strategies for creating change in their communities. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and continues to help build a stronger statewide network working toward safe, stable, and affordable housing for all Kansans. “Change happens when people do something differently.” Interested in joining our advocacy training in October? Reach out to Rachel for more information, rachelr@ucsjoco.org
Join us for the 2026 Kansas Public Policy Forum
Join us for the 2026 Kansas Public Policy Forum on Wednesday November 18th. Registration is now open. Reach out to Christina on our team if you have any questions about the event, christinag@ucsjoco.org
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month & Join us for the Welcoming JOCO Open House event
During Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, we celebrate their histories, cultures, and contributions while continuing the work of building a more welcoming Johnson County.
The greater Kansas City region has a rich Hispanic and Latino history shaped by generations of families, workers, leaders, and immigrants. Today, Hispanic and Latino residents make up nearly 10% of Johnson County’s population and continue to strengthen the culture and future of our community.
Join us October 28 for the Welcoming JOCO Community Open House. Stop by to connect with community members, celebrate the cultures and stories that make Johnson County stronger, and share feedback on the draft Welcoming JOCO Roadmap.
