Wichita is a city that thrives on community engagement and collective action. Several local initiatives are making significant strides in enhancing the well-being of its residents.
Sunflower Community Action: Empowering Residents
Founded in 1991, Sunflower Community Action is a grassroots organization dedicated to uniting and empowering people to achieve justice and equality. Their mission focuses on developing leaders who identify problems and seek lasting solutions, emphasizing that every person counts and that together, ordinary people can overcome financial oppression and racial discrimination. Their core principles include ensuring human rights such as food, shelter, medical care, education, and employment for all.
OneRise: Transforming Behavioral Health Care
OneRise envisions a future where every Kansan has access to compassionate behavioral health care that prevents crises and heals communities. By uniting a diverse network of service providers, community leaders, and expert partners, OneRise is creating an integrated behavioral health ecosystem. Their initiatives include campus integration and navigation, strategic convening, community-based programming, agriculture and horticulture-based initiatives, social enterprise development, and fundraising to support the long-term sustainability of their mission.
Health & Wellness Coalition: Promoting Active Lifestyles
The Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita aims to create a community that supports and encourages physical activity and healthy eating. Committed to fostering a culture of fairness and belonging, they strive to create inclusive health initiatives that honor diverse experiences and empower individuals to thrive in wellness. Their vision is for the entire community to live a healthy lifestyle, promoting physical activity and good nutrition for every generation through people, programs, and policies.
Air Capital AMBUCS: Enhancing Mobility
Air Capital AMBUCS is a volunteer-run organization focused on creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. They have provided over 500 Amtrykes to individuals of all physical abilities, built more than 10 handicap ramps throughout the greater Wichita area, and logged over 10,000 hours through community outreach initiatives. Their efforts significantly enhance the quality of life for many residents.
Healthy Corner Store Initiative: Improving Food Access
Launched in November 2024, the Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI) is a city-funded, community-led effort managed by Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute. The program works with small businesses to add more healthy food options to their inventories, aiming to expand access to affordable, healthy, and culturally familiar foods in areas that need them most. The initiative is structured in phases, starting with introducing new healthy products and progressing to store transformations with equipment upgrades and community engagement.
Bee City Wichita: Supporting Pollinators
As an official affiliate of Bee City USA, Bee City Wichita brings the community together to sustain pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides throughout the metropolitan area. Their efforts aim to make Wichita an oasis for native pollinators, inspiring others to take steps to conserve these essential species through education and outreach.
These initiatives exemplify Wichita’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community. By supporting and participating in these programs, residents can contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and well-being.