Healthier Lyon County

06/02/2026

Free meals for all students on February 16th courtesy of Emporia Public Schools!

05/02/2026

Healthy employees create healthy workplaces and healthy communities.

The Family-Friendly Workplaces Pathway focuses on policies and practices that support workers and their families, including flexibility, paid leave, and supportive work environments. When employees feel supported, businesses see improved retention, morale, and productivity.

Through this work, we are engaging employers, community leaders, and organizations like CrossWinds to promote workplace practices that value work-life balance and family well-being.

We appreciate the collaboration of local partners and the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, whose investment helps create workplaces where people can thrive at work and at home.

Together, we are building a healthier workforce for a stronger community.

03/02/2026

Healthier Lyon County is a proud Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Grant Recipient. Our Pathways Coordinator, Deon Morrow, works on five pathways to improving health in our community.

The Youth Physical Activity Pathway recognizes that regular physical activity supports not only physical health, but also mental well-being, confidence, and academic success. When young people have safe, inclusive, and accessible opportunities to move, they are better equipped to thrive now and into adulthood.

Through this work, we are partnering with local schools, youth organizations, and community leaders Emporia Rec Center to reduce barriers to physical activity and create spaces where all youth can be active, engaged, and supported.

We are grateful for our community partners and for the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, whose investment makes this work possible.

Together, we are building healthier habits and stronger futures.

26/01/2026

Are you or someone you know experiencing homelessness? Please stop by anytime between 7:00am - 3:00pm this Thursday at Corner House for the annual Point in Time Count!

We will have a warm meal and resources available for everyone that comes!

The Point in Time Count helps us understand the experiences of unhoused folks in our community. This information is used at a state-wide level for funding initiatives to help those experiencing homelessness. Please share this information!

22/01/2026

What a good time to focus on your brain health by reading this cozy winter weekend!

❄️ Winter Storm Update: High Chance of Reading 📚
Our experts agree—this storm calls for extra books!
Before the snow rolls in, stop by the library to stock up on cozy reads and movies to keep you warm.
Can’t make it in? Enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, and movies anytime with Libby, CloudLibrary, and Kanopy.
Stay warm, stay safe, and happy reading! 📖

22/01/2026

Remember the community survey about what you’d like to see added to Quaker Park? The results are in!

Check out the images below to see what top 5 items our community wants most and comment your favorite! 🌳

09/12/2025

Check out some photos from Community Food and Housing Coordinator Jessica Reth’s trip to the Kansas Housing Advocacy Network’s (KHAN) Advocacy Academy at Habitat for Humanity in Wichita, Kansas.

This free two-day workshop was conducted to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to build relationship-based advocacy with decision-makers on homelessness and housing needs. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with their lawmakers next year during the 2026 Kansas legislative session.

To learn more about the Kansas Housing Advocacy Network, visit kshomeless.com/khan/

03/12/2025

Community Food and Housing Coordinator Jessica Reth attended the Kansas Food Action Network’s Annual Convening in Manhattan, Kansas.

While speaking on recent work of the Healthier Lyon County Coalition, Jessica gained insights from a variety of food system experts. As food policy councils and coalitions gathered together in a shared space, we generated new ideas and dreamed big on longterm approaches for reducing hunger and improving nutrition in Kansas. It was a heartwarming and inspiring experience as we reflected on the past work of our state and imagined a sustainable future moving forward together.

Healthier Lyon County is so thankful and proud to be a part of the Kansas Food Action Network, and we look forward to more opportunities to connect again in the near future!

27/11/2025

We are so grateful for this community of volunteers, hard-workers, and dedicated supporters that help make Lyon County a healthier community for all. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

25/11/2025

Simmons Pet Food employees showed incredible generosity again this year, contributing the vast majority of an amazing $64,772.29 to United Way of the Flint Hills!

This marks the third year of major growth — nearly triple what employees gave in 2023 — and reflects hundreds of team members choosing to support families across the Flint Hills region.

Their commitment is making a real impact: helping families stay housed, seniors access food, and children get the support they need to thrive.

Thank you, Simmons team, for stepping up for your neighbors and showing what community looks like. 💙

24/11/2025

Calling all community park visitors! We want to hear from you. What would you want to see at Quaker Park?🤔

Let us know what amenities would inspire you to visit Quaker Park!

Take the quick survey via the link below, or scan the QR code in the graphic to get started. Let's make our community more vibrant and inviting, one park at a time!😁

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWYLB80Pm89hOC4NVSmwcBhxyw6UmuXNOptyAs-YwVCqcOpQ/viewform

20/11/2025

Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen is handing out 6 pound bags of frozen chicken breast right now while supplies last!