Register for the Human Service Summit: UCS will host the Human Service Summit the morning of June 10.  The event will feature a progress report on strategic action recommended in Navigating the Future:  Setting the Course 2007-2011, and dialogue about emerging challenges and opportunities.  Registration fee is $25.  Click here to register.

Funding for Early Childhood:  The Kansas Legislature is entering its final days and moving fast. Legislators need to hear that their constituents support early childhood education. The Children’s Initiative Fund will receive a substantial increase from the tobacco master settlement. The Children’s Cabinet and the Governor recommend these dollars be invested in quality early learning programs, but some legislators want to use the funding for other purposes. In the state of Kansas 1 in 5 children (45,000 children) under age 6 lives in poverty. Young children are the poorest Kansans. How can we afford not to give them a better start in life? Decades of research demonstrate that quality early education programs are the best investment to help children succeed in life and beyond. In fact, for every $1 invested in early childhood programs, the state saves $7.

Alcohol Tax Fund: Organizations interested in applying for Alcohol Tax Funds are invited to a pre-submission meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2008, 4:00 p.m. at the UCS office.  Applications are due July 31.  The Fund supports efforts to prevent substance abuse and provide intervention, treatment and recovery services to Johnson County residents.  Agencies with 501(c) (3) status, departments of County government and Johnson County Public School Districts are eligible to apply.  An estimated $1.3 million will be awarded.  Click here for more information.

Human Service Fund: Applications for funding through the Human Service Fund will be available May 5, and are due June 27.  The Human Service Fund supports programs or services in Johnson County that build economic self-reliance, and/or protect personal and community safety.  Agencies with 501(c) (3) status are eligible to apply.  Approximately $230,000 will be awarded.  Click here for more information.