KETCH Our mission is to help people with disabilities live and work in the community.

Since our beginning in 1964 the Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) has stood as a leader in the rehabilitation industry, serving more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Much has changed since then, but one thing remains the same—our commitment to help people with disabilities live and work in the community. We believe that a persons disability should not oversha

dow a persons many capabilities. To meet our mission KETCH provides a wide array of services to help each person become as successful as possible.

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community are at risk. Rising costs, limited resources, a...
01/24/2025

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community are at risk. Rising costs, limited resources, and stagnant funding have created a financial crisis at KETCH. With nearly $500,000 in unpaid services, we’re struggling to maintain the essential support these individuals need to live independently.

For perspective, $500,000 could fund base pay for 16 full-time staff members. But unlike other businesses, KETCH cannot cut costs by reducing services. The individuals we serve rely on daily assistance for independent living, medical care, rent, transportation, and more. Without support, many are at risk of homelessness.

For over 60 years, KETCH has been a foundation of care in Wichita and Sedgwick County.
Now, we need your help to continue this mission. This is a plea for our community to come together. Every donation helps ensure these individuals remain safe, supported, and cared for.

Donate today: buff.ly/4eDtUnc
Or send a check to:
KETCH
1006 East Waterman
Wichita, KS 67211

All contributions are tax-deductible and directly support the people who need it most. Share this message and help us protect those who depend on KETCH. Thank you for your generosity!

Attention: Due to the weather, all day programs will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 10th, 2025. We will follow the ...
01/10/2025

Attention: Due to the weather, all day programs will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 10th, 2025. We will follow the Unplanned Facility Closure protocol:

Direct Care Staff: Report to your assigned Community Living sites.

Office Staff: Report to KETCH.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

Stay safe, everyone!

Attention: Due to the weather, all day programs will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 6th, 2025. We will follow the U...
01/06/2025

Attention: Due to the weather, all day programs will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 6th, 2025. We will follow the Unplanned Facility Closure protocol:

Direct Care Staff: Report to your assigned Community Living sites.

Office Staff: Report to KETCH.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

Stay safe, everyone!

Every year, Dutch's Greenhouse generously donates stunning poinsettias, spreading holiday cheer and making the season ev...
01/03/2025

Every year, Dutch's Greenhouse generously donates stunning poinsettias, spreading holiday cheer and making the season even more beautiful for all to enjoy! A big thank you to Dutch's Greenhouse – our persons served and staff truly appreciate it!

Happy New Year from all of us at KETCH!As we welcome 2025, we hope your year is filled with joy, growth, and new opportu...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year from all of us at KETCH!

As we welcome 2025, we hope your year is filled with joy, growth, and new opportunities. Our offices and day programs are closed today, but we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Have a wonderful start to the new year!

Did you know we provide a paid two-week training for all our staff, along with ongoing in-service trainings throughout t...
12/26/2024

Did you know we provide a paid two-week training for all our staff, along with ongoing in-service trainings throughout the year?

Our training room recently received a much-needed upgrade, thanks to Star Lumber & Supply! The colorful tape and carpet runners of the past did their best to hide the wear and tear, but it was time for a refresh.

Now, our training team is excited to welcome new staff into a beautiful, revitalized space! With the furniture set to be moved back in next week, we’re eager to start putting the room to great use.

A big thank you to Star Lumber for helping us create an improved environment to empower our team and support their growth!

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12/24/2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at KETCH!

We wish you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cheer.

Please note: Our offices and day programs will be closed on December 24th and 25th to celebrate the season with our loved ones.

Don't forget! All last-minute giving must be completed before December 31st to count for this year. Give at: https://buff.ly/3ZLSxIM Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities.

Thank you for your continued support. See you after the holidays!

Concerned about the proposed changes to Kansas' IDD service system by KDADS? Let’s take action to SLOW THEM DOWN! Join u...
12/16/2024

Concerned about the proposed changes to Kansas' IDD service system by KDADS? Let’s take action to SLOW THEM DOWN!

Join us on December 18th at 4:00 PM for a virtual information session. We’ll discuss the proposed system changes and what they mean for the IDD community.

Date: December 18th
Time: 4:00 PM (1-hour session)
Zoom Link: https://buff.ly/4ffoqPG
Meeting ID: 811 6545 5572
Passcode: 655999

Advocates, families, and allies—let’s come together to make a difference!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cargill Cares for their incredible support! Because of their generous donatio...
12/14/2024

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cargill Cares for their incredible support! Because of their generous donation, an extraordinary moment became possible—Robert was able to stand.

A colleague, who has known Robert for 10 years, shared how deeply moving it was to witness this moment. She explained that in all the time she’s known him, this was the very first time she had ever seen him stand. It’s a powerful reminder of how much of a difference kindness and generosity can make in someone’s life.

Thank you, Cargill Cares, for helping us create these life-changing moments.

12/03/2024

Today is Giving Tuesday! KETCH is proud to be a lifeline for individuals who rely on us for their safety, health, and independence. But we can’t do it alone. Your donation will help us sustain essential services, keeping vulnerable individuals safe and supported. Together, we can make a powerful impact. Please donate and share this post to spread the word!
Donate now: buff.ly/4eDtUnc

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at KETCH!Today, we’re especially grateful for our incredible community, dedicated staf...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at KETCH!

Today, we’re especially grateful for our incredible community, dedicated staff, and all the amazing individuals we serve. Your support makes it possible for us to create a world of opportunity for adults with disabilities, and we couldn't do it without you!

Please note: our offices and day programs are closed today and tomorrow, but we look forward to connecting with you again on Monday.

May your day be filled with family, friends, and gratitude! Share something you're thankful for in the comments below!

At KETCH, we’re committed to ensuring each individual in our care receives the support they need, even when funding fall...
11/26/2024

At KETCH, we’re committed to ensuring each individual in our care receives the support they need, even when funding falls short. Here’s a look at the funding gaps we’re covering ourselves:

Tier 5: After losing funding in May 2023, one individual in our residential program has cost KETCH $18,559 in uncovered expenses. Despite securing a community job, there’s no way he could cover the $1,800/month it would take to repay this debt.

Tier 3: Another individual who participates in both our day and residential programs lost funding in December 2023. KETCH has absorbed $48,800 to keep providing the increased support they require.

Tier 1: With multiple health issues, including a recent cancer diagnosis, this individual became ineligible for funding in August 2023. To maintain his quality of life, KETCH has covered $102,000 in expenses.

These individuals depend on KETCH for stability, safety, and quality care. This , please donate to help us fill these critical funding gaps and keep providing life-changing support. buff.ly/4eDtUnc

We were thrilled to welcome Alexis Padilla from KSN Channel 3, who visited to showcase the incredible work happening in ...
11/21/2024

We were thrilled to welcome Alexis Padilla from KSN Channel 3, who visited to showcase the incredible work happening in our KETCH work program! Alexis got a full tour of our facility, where individuals served by KETCH participate in hands-on job training and skill-building experiences.

During her visit, Production Coordinator Andrea shared the program’s impact, while Jason and Sara proudly demonstrated how they build an air filter, walking through each step with care and skill. Their passion and dedication were inspiring, reflecting the hard work and pride that goes into every product.

We’re so grateful for the chance to share our accomplishments and bring attention to the value of KETCH’s mission! Catch the full story and learn more about our work here: https://www.ksn.com/community/ksn-here-for-you-spotlight/ketch-builds-skills-for-adults-with-disabilities/

Join us this Giving Tuesday, December 3, to make a big difference for the individuals we serve! For nearly 60 years, KET...
11/20/2024

Join us this Giving Tuesday, December 3, to make a big difference for the individuals we serve! For nearly 60 years, KETCH has empowered adults with disabilities on their journey to independence. But funding gaps make it challenging to continue this work. With your help, we can bridge these gaps and ensure no one is left behind. Donate today to keep the journey going for those who need it most. buff.ly/4eDtUnc

Relive the magic of Palette to Palate 2024! We’re thrilled to share these moments from an unforgettable evening filled w...
11/19/2024

Relive the magic of Palette to Palate 2024! We’re thrilled to share these moments from an unforgettable evening filled with art, impact, and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported KETCH’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities. Enjoy the memories! Check out the Palette to Palate 2024 photo album for more photos!

11/19/2024
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to HF Sinclair for their donation to KETCH! Your support plays an essential role in...
11/18/2024

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to HF Sinclair for their donation to KETCH! Your support plays an essential role in helping us empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with opportunities to grow, thrive, and live more independently. Together, we’re making a lasting impact in the lives of so many in our community. Thank you, HF Sinclair, for standing with us in our mission!

Address

1006 E Waterman Street
Wichita, KS
67211

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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Our Story

Since our beginning in 1964 the Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) has stood as a leader in the rehabilitation industry, serving more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Much has changed since then, but one thing remains the same—our commitment to help people with disabilities live and work in the community. Our mission is to promote independence for persons with disabilities through innovative learning experiences that support their choice for living, working and playing in the community. We believe that a persons disability should not overshadow a persons many capabilities. To meet our mission KETCH provides a wide array of services to help each person reach their highest potential.