Good Works in the Heartland

The Leaven 12-12-2025 by Nick Carswell

Imagine having a trusted camp buddy by your side—someone who’s always there to help you navigate and explore with confidence. That’s what our Visual Interpreter Pro (VIP) Service is all about! Backed by years of experience in visual interpreting and support for blind and low-vision individuals, We’re here to provide clear, reliable, and personalized assistance tailored to your unique needs.

Founded in 2009 by Christine Chaikin, Insightful Publications publishes State Resource Handbooks that provide information, resources and a user-friendly platform for the blind and visually impaired community. The state resource handbooks are for consumers and professionals and valuable for residents with contact information at the local, regional, and national levels, making it a comprehensive gui...

CCLVI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a Special Interest Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. We are an international nonprofit organization and community of individuals who understand low vision needs and experiences. CCLVI is here to provide support, resources, education, and advocacy for those who are impacted by low vision and visual impairment. From publications, to live...

Safety Positive Foundation believes blindness should not be a barrier between you and your personal safety. We've got the resources to help. Amy SP Wilson, the trailblazer behind the Safety Positive Foundation, is revolutionizing personal safety for the blind and visually impaired community. Amy’s journey began in March of 2023, but her path has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences. Some...

Martha interviews Cynthia Chalker with SEK Library Systems about their programs and Kansas Talking Books.

Good Works S03 Ep09 - Your Senior Resource Center + Medicare Enrollement by Nick Carswell

The NFB of Kansas is the Kansas state affiliate of the NFB. This organization allows Kansans to participate in and support the NFB's programs locally. Our purpose is to integrate the blind of Kansas and our nation in to society on a basis of equality with our sighted neighbors. We're accomplishing this through innovative and exciting initiatives. Most important of all we are the blind speaking for...

Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired exists to serve blind and visually impaired children, their families, and the community. CCVI’s comprehensive program model provides specialized education and therapy services designed to help their students and families succeed by meeting them where they are.

Martha & Nick report from their visit to the National Beep Baseball Association's World Series in St Louis this past July. The National Beep Baseball Association is an organization committed to fostering competition and camaraderie through the game of beep baseball for the blind and visually impaired. There are two conventional ways to enjoy baseball: As a fan or as a player. Only a small percenta...

Since 1978, Independence, Inc. has served as a resource in Lawrence and Northeast Kansas through our mission to maximize the independence of people with disabilities through advocacy, peer support, training, transportation and community education. As an Independent Living Center, we work with people with various disabilities to live in the environments of their choice. We offer options, resources...

The Usher Syndrome Coalition is the core of the global Usher syndrome community, working to connect those living with Usher syndrome to resources, research, and each other. The Coalition uses the power of two data collection tools to build the community, leading to a better understanding of Usher syndrome, improved quality of life, and treatments for hearing, vision, and balance issues associated...

Area Agency on Aging is responsible for planning, coordinating, funding and advocating for programs and services which meet the needs of Wyandotte and Leavenworth County residents. Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides unbiased, reliable information and counseling to individuals of all ages with all levels of income. The ADRC is a trusted place where people can turn for Information,...

Platte County Senior Services enables seniors to live full and independent lives by providing nutrition services as well as opportunities to interact with others and socialize in activities throughout the community. PSSI is a 501C 3 nonprofit agency serving Platte County seniors, age 60 and older, since 1982. We provide activities, education, exercise and various services at our Centers. https://p...

For our first episode of our 3rd series, Audio-Reader Communications Coordinator Martha Kehr talks with Kisha Steineger of Care Patrol. Kisha Steineger is a Senior Care Consultant from Care Patrol of Northeast Kansas. CarePatrol senior care advisors and assisted living consultants are committed to finding the best community for your loved one. Find out more at www.carepatrol.com or call Kisha at 7...

This episode of Good Works in the Heartland, we chat with Clenece Louise Roberts Hills, author, radiohost and educator. In her unique memoir, Saturday's Child: 75 Years of Learning on the Job, Clenece Louise Robert Hills captures her memories through the lens of 75 years of employment – including teaching English and Drama in Maryland, Missouri and Kansas, managing a church foster home with her hu...

Medicare Open Enrollment is live now! Health Resources Coordinator for the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County (YourSRC) Lori Phillips joined us to talk about changes to this years plans, and share resources to help with Medicare enrollment. Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is the federal State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for navigating Medicare in Kansas....

Lawrence Meals On Wheels (LMOW) serves hot, nutritious meals to the homebound elderly and/or disabled Monday through Friday, with the exception of several holidays, such as Christmas. The meals are purchased from Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH). LMH prepares the meals to meet the individual specifications of each diet order, under the supervision of a licensed dietician. https://www.lawrencemow.o...

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority connects people to opportunities through safe, reliable public transportation. KCATA is a bi-state agency charged with serving the transportation and development needs of the Kansas City region.

Kansas Talking Books provides personalized library support and materials in a specialized format to eligible Kansas residents to ensure that all may read. This no-cost library service features: Audio books, audio magazines, braille books, and braille magazines mailed directly to your house and returned postage free. Special equipment lent to you at no charge. A collection that includes romance, my...

Founded in 1975 as Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes, our mission continues to be “Advocating for Quality Long-Term Care for residents of licensed adult care homes.” KABC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, funded by members, contributors and grants for special purposes. https://kabc.org/

The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. https://www.fightingblindness.org/

Audio-Reader's Martha Kehr is joined by Jill Craft with Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association. Since 1969 Visiting Nurses has been dedicated to ensuring every patient in need receives necessary medical care regardless of their ability to pay. We take pride in our history of service and continually seek to provide quality, comprehensive home health and hospice care. https://www.kansasvna.org/

Audio-Reader's Communications & Listener Services Coordinator Martha Kehr speaks with Kirby Hough and Bayleigh Walker from The Whole Person. The Whole Person connects people with disabilities to the resources they need by supporting independent choice and advocating for positive change in the community. The Whole Person envisions a fully accessible community where opportunities and choices are not...

Good Works S2 EP02 - The Hill Adaptive Athletes by Nick Carswell