Community Resource Directory
Stormont Vail Health encourages you to view our Community Resource Directory to find support and services for various needs.
Note: Please contact each organization to confirm their specific service or program availability.
Shawnee County
Stormont Vail Health Community Engagement Department
The Stormont Vail Health Community Engagement Department regularly tracks available community resources and services in Shawnee County, from behavioral health to food and nutrition to housing. Call (785) 270-0139 for more information.
Topeka Resource Checklist
Many local organizations and community advocates utilize the Topeka Resource Checklist to guide people to appropriate support based on their unique situation.
Kansas Community Network Community Access Platform
The Kansas Community Care Network is an integrated health and social service network created with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Healthify, and other local partners in Kansas.
As part of this initiative, BCBSKS offers the Community Access Platform, a free directory to find healthcare providers and community resources to assist with mental health, nutrition, housing, transportation, and other needs.
United Way
United Way heads many initiatives to help meet a wide range of needs for people across Shawnee County. Check out United Way’s featured programs or the list below to learn more:
- 211: United Way’s comprehensive resource hotline
- Born Learning: Tools to support parents and caregivers
- Mission United: Housing assistance for veterans
- My Free Taxes: Free state and federal tax filing service
- Smart Money: Information and tools to help people experiencing an emergency, struggling to pay bills, or feeling financially unstable
Community Resources Council
Every year, the Community Resources Council publishes the Jackson, Jefferson, and Shawnee County Resource Directory, which features hundreds of local health and community resources for seniors, youths, veterans, and others.
Doorstep, Inc.
Doorstep provides emergency and short-term support such as food, clothing, and rent assistance to Topeka residents experiencing a critical need due to unexpected job loss, health issues, or other event.
KanCare Ombudsman Community Resource Guide
KanCare Ombudsman Office provides an extensive catalog of essential services to support Kansans in need. Click here to search community resources by county. You can also contact your local Ombudsman for help with KanCare issues related to services, access, and rights.
Lyon County
United Way
United Way heads many initiatives to help meet a wide range of needs for people across Lyon County. Check out United Way’s featured programs or the list below to learn more:
- 211: United Way’s comprehensive resource hotline
- Born Learning: Tools to support parents and caregivers
- Mission United: Housing assistance for veterans
- My Free Taxes: Free state and federal tax filing service
- Smart Money: Information and tools to help people experiencing an emergency, struggling to pay bills, or feeling financially unstable
Kansas Community Network Community Access Platform
The Kansas Community Care Network is an integrated health and social service network created with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Healthify, and other local partners in Kansas.
As part of this initiative, BCBSKS offers the Community Access Platform, a free directory to find healthcare providers and community resources to assist with mental health, nutrition, housing, transportation, and other needs.
KanCare Ombudsman Community Resource Guide
KanCare Ombudsman Office provides an extensive catalog of essential services to support Kansans in need. Click here to search community resources by county. You can also contact your local Ombudsman for help with KanCare issues related to services, access, and rights.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Resource Bus
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas launched the Resource Bus to deliver food, diapers, seasonal items, and essentials to rural Lyon County communities.
Salvation Army
The Emporia Salvation Army offers many resources for at-risk and in-need individuals and families, including emergency financial assistance, food and nutrition support, casework services, and more.
ECKAN Lyon County Community Center
The East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation provides several services across the region to support the stability, health, and engagement of those in need. Call the Lyon County Community Center to schedule an appointment and learn more about available supports, including healthcare and transportation vouchers, housing and nutrition assistance, and school supply programs.
Riley County
United Way
United Way heads many initiatives to help meet a wide range of needs for people across Riley County. Check out United Way’s featured programs or the list below to learn more:
- 211: United Way’s comprehensive resource hotline
- Born Learning: Tools to support parents and caregivers
- Mission United: Housing assistance for veterans
- My Free Taxes: Free state and federal tax filing service
- Smart Money: Information and tools to help people experiencing an emergency, struggling to pay bills, or feeling financially unstable
Kansas Community Network Community Access Platform
The Kansas Community Care Network is an integrated health and social service network created with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Healthify, and other local partners in Kansas.
As part of this initiative, BCBSKS offers the Community Access Platform, a free directory to find healthcare providers and community resources to assist with mental health, nutrition, housing, transportation, and other needs.
KanCare Ombudsman Community Resource Guide
KanCare Ombudsman Office provides an extensive catalog of essential services to support Kansans in need. Click here to search community resources by county. You can also contact your local Ombudsman for help with KanCare issues related to services, access, and rights.
Salvation Army Manhattan
The Salvation Army Manhattan offers many resources for at-risk and in-need individuals and families, from disaster relief to housing services to prescription assistance. Other supports include clothing and prescription vouchers, personal care and hygiene products, and rental assistance.
Geary County
United Way of Junction City/Geary County
United Way of Junction City/Geary County heads many initiatives to help meet a wide range of needs for Geary County residents. Check out featured programs or available supports below to learn more:
- 211: United Way’s comprehensive resource hotline
- Born Learning: Tools to support parents and caregivers
- Mission United: Housing assistance for veterans
- My Free Taxes: Free state and federal tax filing service
- Smart Money: Information and tools to help people experiencing an emergency, struggling to pay bills, or feeling financially unstable
Kansas Community Network Community Access Platform
The Kansas Community Care Network is an integrated health and social service network created with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Healthify, and other local partners in Kansas.
As part of this initiative, BCBSKS offers the Community Access Platform, a free directory to find healthcare providers and community resources to assist with mental health, nutrition, housing, transportation, and other needs.
KanCare Ombudsman Community Resource Guide
The Salvation Army Manhattan offers many resources for at-risk and in-need individuals and families, from disaster relief to housing services to prescription assistance. Other supports include clothing and prescription vouchers, personal care and hygiene products, and rental assistance.
Salvation Army of Geary County
The Salvation Army of Geary County offers many resources for at-risk and in-need individuals and families, from disaster relief to housing services to prescription assistance, emergency financial assistance, nutrition programs, and casework services.
Kansas Unemployment
Loss of a job is never easy and the financial burden that follows can be crippling. Visit the Kansas Unemployment website to file for unemployment benefits or see if you are eligible.
Kansas Job Listings
COVID-19 has affected all businesses and organizations. As a result, more people are currently unemployed than ever before. Kansas Job Listings shows available matches job seekers with businesses looking for employees.
CapFed Community Care Station
CapFed Community Care Station provides rent, utility and basic needs assistance to Shawnee-County area residents. The program is designed to help lower-income households and households that experienced job loss or significant income loss due to the COVID-19. For more information, call (785) 836-4500 or email [email protected].
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. helps individuals and families with budgeting, late rent or mortgage payments, Covid-19-related financial difficulties and so much more. Learn more by visiting the Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. website.
Emotional, Mental, Physical, & Social Support
Shawnee County
Compassionate Ear Warm Line
The Compassionate Ear Warm Line is a peer-run listening service that provides non-crisis supportive listening, coping strategies, information, and a reprieve from loneliness or isolation. Support is available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night of the year. Call (913) 281-2251 or toll-free at (866) 927-6327.
Sober.com - Topeka AA Meetings
Discover support and community through Sober.com's comprehensive list of AA meetings in Topeka. Our resource is designed to help individuals on their journey to sobriety by providing easy access to local meeting times, locations, and contacts.
Shawnee County
Bods Feeding Bods
The Bods Feeding Bods Food and Commodities Pantry supports Topeka’s overall health and wellness by providing free access to nutritious options and other basic needs such as hygiene items, clothing, and kitchen and school supplies.
Harvesters Food Pantry
Harvesters Community Food Network works with community groups to improve access to nutritious food for those in need through pop-up food pantries, prescriptive pantries, and nutrition education. Click the links below for more information:
- Food Assistance FAQ
- Harvesters Local Food Pantry Map
- Meals for Kids
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance
K-State Research and Extension Department
The K-State Research and Extension Department provides an online map of free food distribution sites in Shawnee County in addition to:
Emporia Area Community Resources
Corky’s Cupboard Food Pantry
Corky’s Pantry, located at the south end of the Center for Student Involvement inside the Memorial Union, provides temporary food assistance to Emporia State University students. Students can visit Corky's Pantry once a week to receive non-perishable goods, fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items, and toiletries.
Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen
Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen, a program through Emporia Rescue Mission, supports the community's nutritional needs by providing warm boxed meals. Those needing transportation assistance can also receive free rides from Lyon County Transportation Bus Services.
Riley County
Harvesters Food Pantry
Harvesters Community Food Network in Manhattan works with the local Salvation Army to provide a drive-through food pickup program in addition to an online local food pantry map.
Flint Hills Breadbasket
The Flint Hills Breadbasket, a Manhattan-based non-profit, helps Riley County, Ft. Riley, and St. George residents access nutritious food choices through local food pantries, community resource referrals, and more.
Geary County
Flint Hills Breadbasket
The Flint Hills Breadbasket, a Manhattan-based non-profit, helps Riley County, Ft. Riley, and St. George residents access nutritious food choices through local food pantries, community resource referrals, and more.
Flint Hills Technical College Food Bank
The Flint Hills Technical College Food Pantry offers three on-site locations at the Main, Downtown, and South Campuses for enrolled students to receive nutrition and financial assistance, clothing, personal care, and hygiene items. Additionally, students can apply for financial aid through the For the Wrangler Pantry Relief Fund to cover the cost of clothing, school supplies, housing, infant products, and other basic needs.
Shawnee County
Topeka Housing Authority
Topeka Housing Authority provides stable, quality, affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in parts of Shawnee County. THA provides public housing apartments and manages Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to over 1,350 low-income families and individuals. Click the link above to visit the THA’s website and learn more.
Evergy Cares Kansas Fund
The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).
Lyon County
Family Promise of the Flint Hills
Family Promise, a national organization, offers prevention, shelter, and stabilization services for families experiencing homelessness. Other resources include rental and utility support, landlord mediation, transportation assistance, and much more.
Evergy Cares Kansas Fund
The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).
Riley County
Evergy Cares Kansas Fund
The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).
Geary County
Evergy Cares Kansas Fund
The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).
| Business Contact Information | Available Options | Hours of Operation | Coverage Area | Price | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&A Specialized Transportation 785-233-8212 | Ambulatory, Wheelchair | Open 24/7. Wheelchair travel by appointment only, Call 48 hours prior | Topeka and Surrounding area | Ambulatory: $20 first 10 miles Wheelchair: $30 first 10 miles After first 10 miles, $2.50/mile outside of Topeka KC: $150 each way + milage | Cash/Credit |
| A Helping Hand Home Care 844-281-3847 | Topeka | $30 roundtrip + ($.50/mile) | Cash/Check | ||
| Angels at Home Care 785-271-4378 | Flexible | Topeka | $27/hour - 3 hour minimum Weekends: $31/hour with 3 hour minumum KC: 4 hour minumum Veteran (or spouse of a vet), use own vehicle: hourly rate + $10 flat for gas | VA Authorization, Cash, Check, Credit | |
| BTM Medical Transportation 785-383-5084 | M-F 7:30am-5:00pm | Topeka City Limits | $35 for one way, $45 round trip | Cash/Check/Credit | |
| Breakthrough House 785-232-6960 | MEMBERS ONLY | ||||
| East Topeka Senior Center 785-251-6988 | For appts. within Shawnee County. | For 60+ who live in Shawnee County | $8 suggested donation round-trip in town | Cash, check, credit card | |
| First Class Transportation 785-266-1331 Weekend/After Hours Kenny 785-640-7937 Steve 785-220-5904 | Ambulatory, Wheelchair, Gurney | After 5/7 pm, rates increased to $70 5-7 pm, $120 amb.; $90 5-7pm, $210 wheelchair; $350 5-7pm, $500 gurney. | Topeka and Surrounding area | Ambulatory: $50 round trip before 5 pm. Wheelchair: $64 round trip before 5 pm. Gurney $244 rt before 5 pm. +$2/mile there and back out of city + $30/hour wait time. | Cash, check, credit card (up front) |
| First Student (Formally Apple Bus) (973-524-5923) | Ambulatory only, Primarilly Mentally ill patients to mental hospitals and kids transportation for TFI, but will serve others | 24/7 for transportation from 10pm-6am please notify ahead of time if at all possible | Entire state of KS and some MO | 4.25/mile or set up a contract with Daniel Cain 913-856-5650 office 816-266-1077 cell | Billing sent to Facility and Facility bills patient |
| Girl Friday 785-364-6614 | $20/hour (1-hour minimum charge) | ||||
| Grace Home Care 785-286-2273 | CLIENTS ONLY. | $26/hour weekdays, $28/hour weekends | Cash, check, credit card | ||
| Hillside 785-266-3202 | 6am-5pm, 5pm-7pm, 7pm-6am | Shawnee County Surrounding area with extra fee | 6a-5p Ambulatory $20 each way, Wheelchair $30 each way, Stretcher $115 each way; 5p-7p Ambulatory $30 each way, Wheelchair $50 each way, Stretcher $150 each way; 7p-6a Ambulatory $40 each way, Wheelchair $90 each way, Stretcher $200 each way ($2/mi additional outside Shawnee County; COVID transport in designated van; O2 supplied for additional $15) | Cash,Check | |
| Home Instead Senior Care 785-272-6101 (Topeka office) | $35/hour (2-hour minimum charge) for appts. /$40/hour (2-hour min.) home from hospital | Clients: ACH draft; Non-Clients: Cash/check | |||
| MediCoach (Shawnee KS) 913-548-1306 | 24/7 with 24-hour notice preferred | $68.50 + mileage | Cash, check up front, credit card by phone | ||
| Papan's Landing Senior Center (785-251-6988) | Residents from Oakland and north of Kansas River as far north as NW 46th Street | 8a-12:30p Monday-Friday | Donation | ||
| Preacher's Ride | 10% senior and military discounts | 9a-6p Monday-Friday, up to 10 days in advance | In town, out of town with sufficient notice | $2.50 start then $1.80/mile in town. Prices out of town depending on location. | Cash only |
| Reliable Taxi 785-727-9263 | Must schedule during business hours. | 8a-11p Mon.-Thurs. + Sat.; 9a-11p Friday; 10a-10p Sun. | Additional $10 fee after business hours | Cash, or credit or debit card with $3 up charge | |
| Stagecoach LLC 785-231-4680 | Emergency rides only after 4 pm Monday to Saturday | Topeka, Jefferson & Douglas Counties, KC | $12.50 per stop in Topeka ($50/hour if must wait); $100 each way to KC; $15-30 per stop to Jeff. or Douglas County | ||
| Taxi Driver Topeka 785-640-0189 | Regular taxicab rates | Cash, or credit card by phone | |||
| Topeka Metro ADA Lift Service 785-783-7000 | (TDD 785-233-2019) | Must schedule w/ 24-hour notice. | Topeka | $4 each way | Cash |
| Topeka Metro (fixed route bus service) 785-783-7000 | Saturday schedules reduced, no Sunday/holidays. | Start times may vary on some routes, 6a-6p Mon.-Sat | Within city per fixed routes | $1/trip or $2 for a 24-hour ticket | Cash or bus ticket/pass |
| VA Volunteer Medical Transportation 785-350-3111 ext. 54528 | VETERANS ONLY (ambulatory, no oxygen tanks) | 9a-3p Monday-Thursday | Within city only, except for van Salina-Topeka Mon.-Thurs. | ||
| Visiting Angels 785-284-5500 | CLIENTS ONLY. | $23.95 (+ $.75/mile), 2-hour minimum | Direct draft from bank | ||
| Where's My Ride 877-796-5847 | UHC Medicaid Only | Monday-Friday 8a-5p Must call 3 Days in advance |
Shawnee County
Junior League of Topeka Diaper Depot
The Junior League of Topeka's Diaper Depot provides 10,000 diapers to low-income parents every month. Click here to sign up for the Diaper Depot program or learn how to donate.
Kansas Children's Service League Parent Helpline
The Kansas Children's Service League Parent Helpline is a free information and referral service available 24/7 in over 200 languages. Call 1 (800) CHILDREN to connect with a trained representative who can listen, empathize, and provide other support and resources in Kansas.
Lyon County
The Baby Closet of Emporia, Kansas
The Baby Closet connects families with children up to five years old with food, clothing, toiletries, and other essential items like breast pumps, cribs, high chairs, diapers, formula, and toys.
Shiloh Family Life Center
Shiloh Home of Hope & Pregnancy Center/Family Life Services provides services to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. These supports include informal counseling and limited emergency financial assistance in addition to diapers, formula, parent education classes, and more.
Riley County
The Cats' Cupboard
The Cats' Cupboard connects Kansas State University students with immediate, no-cost access to food and personal hygiene items.
Little Apple Diaper Drive
Every year, the Little Apple Diaper Drive aims to collect 10,000 diapers to distribute to Manhattan organizations that support families and infants in need. This community program also promotes awareness about how a lack of clean diapers can harm babies and families.
This list currently includes resources and supports available only in the Topeka area. Please check back for updated information from other regions.
Safe Kids Shawnee County
Safe Kids Shawnee County, led by Stormont Vail Health, provides parents with education, resources, and more to keep children safe, including:
- Car seat checkups
- Safety workshops
- Sports clinics
Find More Information:
- (785) 235-9296
- [email protected]
Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office
The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office offers education and programs to promote child passenger safety.
Find More Information:
- (785) 233-5885
- (800) 416-2522
- [email protected]
- ktsro.org/trainings-and-events
Stormont Vail Breastfeeding Center
The Stormont Vail Breastfeeding Center provides board-certified lactation consultants, certified breastfeeding educators, and specially-trained nurses. Our team supports mothers before delivery, during their hospital stay, and after they return home. The Breastfeeding Center also offers a convenient store where mothers can purchase breastfeeding supplies on-site.
Find More Information:
- Breastfeeding Basics Classes
- Make an appointment: (785) 354-5034
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and other services to qualifying families.
Find More Information:
- (785) 251-5607
- [email protected]
La Leche League of Topeka
La Leche League of Topeka, the local chapter of La Leche International, offers free monthly mother-to-mother support groups to discuss topics such as breastfeeding, parenting advice, and more.
Find More Information:
- (785) 256-0260
- [email protected]
Doorstep
Doorstep provides short-term emergency aid and information on services such as:
- Food
- Clothing
- Rent
- Transportation (local gas vouchers/bus tickets)
- Prescriptions
- Utilities
Find More Information:
- (785) 357-5341
- [email protected]
- Get Help
Let’s Help
Let's Help provides critical resources, including:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Prescription and medical assistance
- Classes, professional training, and employment placement
- Free community lunches and food pantry
- Clothing bank
Find More Information:
- (785) 234-6208
- [email protected]
- Available Services
Baby Closet
The Baby Closet from West Side Baptist Church supports Topeka-area children and families in need by providing:
- Clothes
- Diapers
- Disposable wipes
- Formula
- High chairs, strollers, and other necessities.
Some limitations and restrictions apply. Please call the number below for more information.
Find More Information:
- (785) 233-4241, extension 4
Oh Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers & Families
The Oh Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers & Families offers a detailed list of assistance for local parents and children. Please note this document is not an all-inclusive list of resources – we encourage you to call or email the contacts below for more information.
Find More Information:
- (785) 251-5647
- [email protected]
Diaper Depot
Community Action of Topeka's Diaper Depot program assists low-income families with infants three years and younger. Due to limited program availability, please call the number below if you are experiencing emergency diaper needs.
Find More Information:
- (785) 836-4500
- More Support from Community Action of Topeka
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas's Topeka Family Support Center (FSC) provides assistance to low-income individuals and families for food, basic utility payments, housing, clothing, and more.
Find More Information:
- Topeka Office: (785) 233-6300
- Programs
Birthright of Topeka
Birthright of Topeka, a chapter of Birthright International, provides confidential, non-judgmental support to any woman who is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant, including:
- Pregnancy testing
- Medical, housing, and counseling referrals
- Maternity and baby items
Find More Information:
- Topeka Office: (785) 234-0701
- 24/7 Helpline: 1 (800) 550-4900
- Services
- [email protected]
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs and getting proper treatment as soon as possible saves lives. Pregnant and postpartum women (up to one year after pregnancy) should seek medical care immediately if any of the following signs or symptoms occur:
- Severe headache that won't go away or worsens over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Vision changes
- Fever of 100.4º F or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
- Baby's movement stopping or slowing down during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
- Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg
- Overwhelming tiredness
If you can't reach your physician, go to the emergency department. Remember to inform your healthcare team that you're pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year.