Home and Family Life
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Family Life is a research-based program offered to all Kansas families. It focuses on healthy family functioning and provides a primarily preventive approach. The goal of Family Life workshops is to teach and foster knowledge and skills to enable individuals and families to function optimally. Strong, stable, and resilient families are crucial to the health and well being of individuals, communities, and society.
Family Life education offers many different workshops:
- Better Brains for Babies - Expectant parents and parents/caregivers with children 0-5 years old
- Survive, Strive, Thrive - Positive Parenting & Discipline for parents and caregivers with children 3-16 years old
- Stepping Stones for Step-Families - Understanding the New Family
- Internet Safety for Parents - Keeping Your Child Safe
- Money Habitudes® (Financial education tool and behavioral framework)
- Budgeting Basics
- Bonding Thru Board Games (Family Game Night program)
- Childcare Provider Training
When families remarry, did you know that...
- Children, ages 9 to 15, may have the hardest time adapting to a new family situation.
- It can take 4 years or more for a step-family to develop into what feels like a family.
- It can take 18 to 24 months for children to be friendly to a new step-parent.
Safety
Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Death
Children are more likely to have heatstroke in hot cars.
Learn more about vehicular heat stroke, please be aware.
Articles
El Perico Informador article on StoryWalk (Aug.'22-English and Spanish)
https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/heatstroke-in-cars
https://www.safekids.org/heatstroke
https://www.noheatstroke.org/
Cultural Awareness Program
Our Cultural Awareness Program invites the community to experience differences within a culture firsthand. A shared language or heritage does not mean every family shares the same traditions, experiences, or values. Each family carries a unique story shaped by its country of origin, regional customs, generations, and life experiences. By learning from one another, we celebrate the richness within our cultures, promote respect, strengthen relationships, enhance cultural understanding, and create a more welcoming community.
3 Kings' Day: Hispanic Cultural Celebration
Celebrate the rich, unique traditions of 20 Hispanic nations! Hosted by K-State Extension Sedgwick County, this free, family-friendly event honors Epiphany—the arrival of the Three Wise Men. It highlights the core values of family, generosity, and community togetherness that conclude the holiday season.
- What: Cultural tables, hands-on family crafts, live music, and authentic cuisine for purchase. Children can meet the Three Kings, receive a free treat bag, and take photos with live camels!
- When: A Saturday near January 6th.
- Admission: Free and open to the public.
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of cultural differences that make our community vibrant and unique!
"This is an opportunity to learn, connect, and better understand how history and culture have shaped each country while sharing a common Hispanic heritage." – Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, K-State Extension Agent.
Evergreen Neighborhood Holiday Gathering
Kick off the festive winter season with your neighbors at our annual holiday celebration. This family-friendly community event brings festive cheer, smiles, and essential support services directly to the heart of the neighborhood.
- What: Photos and visits with Santa, traditional children's piñatas, holiday gift giveaways, and connections to local community resources.
- When: Typically the 1st Friday of December.
- Where: Evergreen Recreation Center, 2700 N. Woodland St.
- Admission: Free and open to all families.
Gather, celebrate, and make holiday memories with your neighborhood community!
Bilingual StoryWalk® at Evergreen Park
Wichita’s very first permanent StoryWalk® perfectly blends children's literacy with outdoor physical fitness. Installed at Evergreen Park through a community coalition, this interactive trail features fully bilingual story installations in English and Spanish to celebrate and serve the area's rich Hispanic heritage. The coalition of Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, K-State Extension's Family Life and Resource Management Agent, Parks & Rec, Wellness Coalition, and Wichita Public Library were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
- What: An outdoor walking path where bilingual pages of a children's book are installed along the route and switched out every 3 months.
- When: Open year-round during park hours.
- Where: Evergreen Park, 2700 N. Woodland St.
- Admission: Free for all families and park visitors.
Step, stroll, and story your way through reading, nature, and family fun!
Café con Leche Annual Health & Resource Fair
This essential health fair provides free medical services and community resources to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income community members. While it originated as a health initiative specifically for Hispanic and Latina women, it now proudly welcomes anyone needing assistance. For more than 20 years, K-State Extension Sedgwick County has been a vital partner of this organization.
- What: Free health screenings, family health resources, and classes.
- Admission: Free
Take charge of your health, it matters!
Safe Sleep - Safe Sleep workshops educate parents and caregivers on reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental environmental risks. Bilingual sessions cover the core ABCs of infant sleep: placing babies to sleep Alone, on their Back, in a bare Crib.
- When: Taught at various times during the year. See our Events webpage or call Liz Brunscheen-Cartagena at 316-660-0114.
- Admission: Free. After workshop, take a free portable crib!
Your baby depends on you for safe sleep!
Latin Fest ICT
This unique community event showcases individual heritage, customs, and distinct cultural differences across various Hispanic countries.
- What: Cultural presentations, educational exhibitions, interactive games, live performance groups, and musical bands. Visitors can browse a marketplace featuring authentic Latino merchandise vendors and various food stalls.
- When: Held annually in September.
- Admission: Open to the general public.
Experience the vibrant traditions, flavors, and spirit of this culture!
Important Links
Contact Information
Have Questions? Contact:
Sedgwick County
Home and Family
7001 W. 21st St. North
Wichita KS 67205-1759
Fax: (316) 660-0166
Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena
Home and Family Agent
(316) 660-0114
lizb@ksu.edu
Jennifer Exline
FCS Office Professional (316) 660-0143 exline@ksu.edu