The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Empowered Women Empower Women!! On this International Women's Day and ALWAYS, we celebrate the beauty, wisdom, and power of women everywhere! Let's continue to inspire, lead, and create change in our communities! We'll have your back every step of the way! #internationalwomensday #hbcat #inspire #strongwomen #yourday #celebratewomen

Want to connect with our Community Health Worker Jenny Layes?! You can now request a meeting online at hbcat.org!! #hbcat #communityhealthworker #makeiteasier #bourboncountyks

At this week's Bronson Town Hall to discuss the City Park #placemaking project, the community voted to establish a dedicated family gathering space in the park, recognizing the frequent celebrations held there, including birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and baby showers. As part of the park’s upgrade, this new space will feature a concrete surface, providing a stable and comfortable area for seating without concerns of sinking into the mud. Additionally, it will include new barbecue grills and a gazebo, creating a welcoming environment for families to gather and enjoy special moments together. #kansasruralchampion #RuralChampion #bronson #citypark #hbcat #bourboncounty Kelly Perry Jody Love

MANY THANKS to everyone who attended our Town Hall in Bronson this evening! We had a great discussion about the #placemaking project at the park. Community members narrowed down top three selections for play equipment, as well as deciding on a walking trail. They also voted to add exercise equipment and a new family celebration space including concrete pad barbecue grills and kitchen prep area. They also voted to include a fenced-in play area to keep animals out and little ones in. They voted against a sandbox area and bleachers for the basketball court area. Several youth also expressed interest in having a place to ride bicycles and possibly some ramps. One of the boys in attendance was looking at the map and let everyone know the area they play football is important to them! A physical Bronson City Park sign was also recommended. We look forward to continuing this conversation!! #kansasruralchampion #ruralchampion #hbcat #bronson #citypark #community #bourboncounty Kelly Perry Jody Love

We've all been there! You have an idea, or at least the start of an idea for a new business. A new service. Something you think could be fun and beneficial for the community. But. Where. Do. You. Start? That's where we come in!! Our workforce development and small business support services can help you get that idea out of your head and into reality! So if you have some ideas you want to kick around and brainstorm, reach out!! None of us are born knowing how to do this, but we can help each other get there! CALL US! 620-215-2892 EMAIL Justin at [email protected]! #smallbusiness #ruralcommunitypartners #hbcat #mentorship #brainstorm #ideas #newbusiness Rural Community Partners

The HBCAT office will be closed Thursday, Feb. 20 and our staff will work from home. Stay safe and warm, everyone!

We are excited to introduce to you Jenny Layes, our new Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Coordinator and Community Health Worker! Born and raised in Oklahoma, Jenny moved from Tulsa to Southeast Kansas 3 years ago. Jenny studied Special Education at Tulsa Community College and has spent the last 12 years working as a Special Education Paraprofessional with multiple private organizations as well as working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In January, Jenny was hired as the Community Health Worker and Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Grant Coordinator at The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. "Jenny has a personal mission to serve, educate, advocate for, and empower individuals and families to overcome the challenges that affect their health," said HBCAT CEO Jody Love. "HBCAT and their partnering organizations are huge assets to this community, and I am so excited about the work that we are doing," Jenny said. Over the years, Jenny has built a strong understanding of supporting people with a wide range of needs. It's become her passion to tackle health inequities and to play an active role in making sure our underserved populations get the resources and support they deserve. Jenny is currently in extensive training for her Community Health Worker Certification through?Wichita State University?and with support from?The University of Kansas. She will begin to accept new clients the beginning of March 2025. Feel free to reach out to Jenny and welcome her to the community at [email protected]! #hbcat?#communityhealthworker?#BCBSKSPathways?#healthykansas?#welcome?#introduction

We’ve officially launched our brand-new website! ?? Designed with entrepreneurs and partners in mind, our updated site makes it easier than ever to navigate resources, learn about funding opportunities, and explore the tools to grow your business. ?? See what's new: networkkansas.com

During this National Entrepreneurship Week, we want to give a huge round of applause to all of our local business owners and entrepreneurs! It's because of you that our communities continue to evolve and thrive. We also want to say this. WE HAVE YOUR BACK!!! HBCAT and Rural Community Partners is proud to offer a variety of small business support services, including our small business mentorship program that connects with you business owners from across our region! We're not born knowing how to start a business, and it's always important to learn from those who have been there and built that! #hbcat #smallbusiness #enterpreneurship #hereforyou #beentherebuiltthat

S/O to our friends and partners at Perry's Pork Rinds & Country Store for being featured in the January 2025 Kansas Food First magazine, a publication of K-State Research and Extension! Perry's produce boxes are part of our work to increase access to healthy food options! We're very proud of all the hard work they put in to help us all live and eat healthier! #hbcat #healthyliving #healthyeating #kstate #eatbetter #produce #foodsystems Kelly Perry