New UCS Website is Live!
It’s here…we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new and improved UCS website!
Redesigning our website wasn’t just about aesthetics, but creating a user-friendly space that seamlessly connects you to our mission of enhancing health and human services in Johnson County. Our goal was to make it easier to access community data, find grant opportunities, explore policy advocacy, hear stories of impact, engage in community events and more.
We hope the new site will be a helpful, accessible resource for our community and partners. Check it out now at ucsjoco.org
Register Now for Our 2025 Kansas Public Policy Forum!
Join us for the 2025 Kansas Public Policy Forum: Strong Communities, Stable Neighborhoods: Legislative Solutions on November 12th at the Matt Ross Community Center.
Faye Walker, LISC Program Officer will keynote with findings from LISC’s report, “Buying the Block”, which explores the impact of corporate landlords on housing in our region.
A bipartisan panel of legislators will follow, outlining housing legislation they plan to advance in the 2026 session. The panel includes:
- Senator Doug Shane (Miami and Johnson Counties)
- Senator Dinah Sykes (Senate Minority Leader, Johnson County)
- Representative Leah Howell (Sedgwick County)
- Representative Cyndi Howerton (Sedgwick and Sumner Counties)
- Representative Rui Xu (Johnson County)
This is a must-attend event for policymakers, service providers, local partners, funders, and advocates working toward safe, affordable, and stable housing for Kansas families.
UCS Releases Racial Equity in Communities Program Evaluation Report
Earlier this year, UCS launched an evaluation of the Racial Equity in Communities (REIC) program. This comprehensive program supports Johnson County local governments and communities in moving beyond symbolic awareness of racial equity toward substantive analysis, action, and accountability. The goal of REIC is to advance culturally responsive systems change in jurisdictions committed to meaningful progress on racial equity.
During the past several months, our evaluation team engaged participants, gathered feedback, and reviewed outcomes to better understand the program’s impact and identify opportunities for growth. The final evaluation report highlights both successes to celebrate and areas in which we can strengthen our efforts moving forward.
This process has been invaluable in shaping the next phase of the REIC program, ensuring we remain aligned with our mission of building a Johnson County where all residents can thrive. Our team is now reviewing recommendations and identifying next steps, and we look forward to continuing this work in partnership with community members and local governments.
