Connecting people to hope
Taking Intentional Actions To Show Others We Care
Community Partners Since 1966
ECKAN is a proud member of the Community Action Network. Our mission is to build connections and provide program services in East Central Kansas by supporting the stability, health, and engagement of low-income individuals and families.
Our Mission
ECKAN builds connections and provides program services in East Central Kansas to support the stability, health, and engagement of low-income individuals and families.
Our Vision
Taking intentional actions to show others we care.
Our Core Values
•Collaboration • Education • Empathy • Integrity • Respect
Our History
On May 6, 1966, the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) was incorporated in the State of Kansas as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight poverty in East Central Kansas with federal support in the form of Community Service Block Grants (CSBG). ECKAN is one of more than 1,000 Community Action agencies born during the 1960’s federal War on Poverty to encourage local solutions.
Weatherization
improves heating and cooling efficiency and energy savings. ECKAN provides free weatherization services to low-income individuals, with priority given to people over 60, individuals with disabilities, and families with children in all service counties.
Housing Vouchers
offer rental assistance to low-income families. Tenants pay a portion of the rent, based on their income, and the remaining portion is paid by the program directly to the landlord.
Rental Housing
set aside for tenants helps people leave poverty behind forever. ECKAN owns and operates rental houses in several counties to provide affordable rental housing options.
Head Start
programs help prepare your child for lifelong success, right from the start. ECKAN offers free Head Start programs for low-income families with young children, from birth to age five.
Food
assistance programs supplement your food budget with community resources. ECKAN works with local partners to offer food distributions and food pantries.
Case Management
programs help individuals and families become self-sufficient through coaching and budgeting assistance to help you reach your goals.
Community Centers
offer resources and connections to help you get back on your feet. ECKAN representatives work within community centers throughout East Central Kansas to meet people where they are to provide in-person assistance.
today
Today, ECKAN serves 16 East-Central Kansas counties with housing, Head Start, food, and essential needs to help uplift individuals and families out of poverty. It’s hope for the future.
Crystal Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
canderson@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7600
Clara Cox
Head Start Director
claracox@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7400
Jillian Oberly
Director of Finance
joberly@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7200
Leslie Scott
Human Resources Director
lscott@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7209
Korrie Snell
Director of CSBG Operations
ksnell@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7206
Dalen Kraus
Housing Director
dkraus@eckan.org
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7300
Linda Wood
DIRECTOR OF WEATHERIZATION
(785) 242-7450 ext. 7500
ECKAN Board of Trustees
Our work as a private, non-profit corporation is overseen by a 15-member, volunteer Governing Board of Directors. The members of the Board represent the communities we serve and are elected in three categories: Private Sector, Public Sector, and Low-Income Sector.
- Jesse Mofle, President
- Rob Roberts, Vice-President
- Elmer Fetters, Treasurer
- Deb Crowl, Secretary
- Amber Vogeler
- Mike Blaufuss
- Sabrina Meador
- Jeff Davison
- Stephanie Coleman
- Fred Diver
- Steve McCurry
- Cody Haddock
- Wes Cole
- Casi Edgerton, Head Start Representative to the Board of Trustees
Board meetings are held at the ECKAN Central Office, 1320 S. Ash, Ottawa, Kansas, on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Board
ECKAN’s volunteer Board of Trustees represent the communities we serve:
- A low-income representative must be someone of the low-income population, employed by a company that provides services for the low-income population, or volunteers at an agency that provides services for the low-income population.
- A private representative would include a person from business, industry, labor, religious groups, welfare, education, and other groups or interests in a community.
- A public representative must be a publicly elected official or appointed by a publicly elected official.
If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the Potential ECKAN Board Member Questionnaire and return to ECKAN. For questions, email website@eckan.org.
current board openings
- 2 Low-Income Representative
If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the Potential ECKAN Board Member Questionnaire and return to ECKAN. Please email us with any questions at website@eckan.org.
ECKAN Head Start Policy Council
3 to 5 Center-Based Representatives:
- EmporiaStephanie Crosby
Chastity Chambers
Mickey (Marion) Wickliffe (alternate) - GarnettCasi Edgerton
- OsawatomieToby Brown
- OttawaEmily Osborne
Sara McClure (alternate) - LawrenceShequita Lloyd
Mike Sanchez
Samantha Bellavia (alternate)
Kristen Lewetzow (alternate
3 to 5 Home-Based Representation:
- Coffey CoutnyJustina Decker
0 to 3 Childcare Partnership Representative:
- Lyon CountyJaree Martinez
0 to 3 Home Based-Representation:
- Osage CountyGladys Sweetman
Tosha Cappell (alternate) - Franklin CountyNatalie Hughes
- Lyon CountyKori Lapping
- Osawatomie CountyList Item Description
- Liaison to the Board from Policy CouncilCasi Edgerton (Policy Council Chairmen)
- Liaison from Board to Policy CouncilCaitlin Hays (Board of Trustee from the Low Income sector for Lyon County
- Community RepresentativeAndrea Manes, Principal
Swenson Early Childhood Learning Center
Brandelyn Nichols-Brajkovic, Attorney - Community HSAC RepresentativesKarissa Fagg