Help is just around the corner for Cowley County residents looking to navigate daily life challenges and build a stronger future. RISE Cowley and Cowley Acts’ Families Gaining Ground project are launching Rise & Thrive Cowley Saturdays, a comprehensive series of community connection events designed to bridge the gap between residents and local support organizations.  

The series kicks off with a Resource Connection Day on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Winfield Public Library.

This opening event brings area agencies together under one roof, allowing community members to sit down face-to-face with the actual people who can help them that same day. Instead of running all over town, attendees can get direct guidance on housing, jobs, food assistance, and daily life needs.    

“Our goal is to connect residents with local organizations that can help you navigate any challenge,” said event organizer Tabitha Hogan, Winfield Public Library Director. “You can get one-on-one help, meet people, and take the next step.”

Organizations participating in the October 3 kick-off include Community Health Center of Cowley County, Department of Children and Families, Eagle Nest, Helping Hands, Kansas Workforce, Orion, Sheila’s Giving Closet, Winfield Food Pantry, Winfield Habitat for Humanity, and Winfield Literacy Collective.  

Recurring One-on-One Resource Connection Series

Recognizing that finding the right help is an ongoing process, the resource connection sessions will rotate and repeat across both Winfield and Arkansas City. Residents across the county will have opportunities at the following dates and locations:

• October 3, 2026 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Winfield Public Library
• February 6, 2027 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Ark City Public Library
• May 1, 2027 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Winfield Public Library
• October 2, 2027 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Ark City Public Library

Specialized Focus Events

Complementing the resource connection sessions, the Rise & Thrive series also features targeted monthly events throughout late 2026 and 2027 focusing on themes to support education, employment, health, and stability:

• Build Your Future: Education, Jobs & Family Support (Focusing on certifications, skills, childcare, and financial help)
  • November 7, 2026 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Ark City Public Library
  • December 5, 2026 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Winfield Public Library
• Stronger You: Food & Well-being (March 2027 in Ark City and Winfield)
• Secure Your Future: Housing, Affordability & Legal Aid (August and September 2027 in Ark City and Winfield)

All events are free, open to the public, and structured as come-and-go sessions.  

For more information about the kick-off event or the full series schedule, residents can contact the local libraries: the Winfield Public Library at 620-221-4470 or the Ark City Public Library at 620-442-1280.  

About RISE Cowley
RISE Cowley is a countywide coalition of local organizations dedicated to making Cowley County a healthier place to live, work, and play. Driven by our communities’ shared traits of passion, perseverance, and pride, RISE Cowley promotes healthy lifestyles by bringing partners together to raise awareness, encourage involvement, and drive positive change for all residents.

RISE stands for:

• Raising Awareness
• Improving Health
• Supporting Collaboration
• Energizing Communities

To learn more about current health initiatives, visit risecowley.org.

About Cowley ACTs

Led by Legacy Regional Community Foundation, Cowley ACTs is a collaborative community initiative focused on strengthening relationships, increasing opportunity, and improving outcomes for residents across Cowley County. By engaging diverse partners and elevating community voices, Cowley ACTs fosters collective action around issues that matter most to local families and communities. Current efforts of the initiative address upward mobility and community connection through Cowley County Early Childhood Collaborative Inc. (CCECC), Families Gaining Ground, and Plugged In!

Engage with this work by contacting ceo@legacyregionalfoundation.org or by calling 620-221-7224.