RevitalizeYC: Year in Review

At RevitalizeYC, we are dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing Yates Center through impactful projects, grants, and community engagement. Last year, we made incredible progress thanks to the support of volunteers, businesses, and generous grants. As we look back on our accomplishments, we remain committed to building a brighter future for our community.

Grant Highlights: 

SEED Grant: With the help of a $25,000 SEED Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, RevitalizeYC partnered with Sandstone Deli in Toronto to transform a vacant lot into a community gathering space. The project includes a stage, lighting, tables, and chairs to host events such as the Toronto Farmers Market, which debuted the revitalized space last fall.

HEAL Grant: A $75,000 HEAL Grant is funding the renovation of a historic building on the Yates Center square, in collaboration with Legacy180 Properties, LLC. The project encompasses electrical and HVAC upgrades, ceiling restoration, and floor repairs. With additional grant support, the retail space on the ground floor is nearing completion, showcasing the beauty and potential of this landmark.

Walmart Grant: Thanks to a Walmart Grant and the efforts of Kathe Hamman, local volunteers, and business owners, murals across Yates Center were refreshed and expanded. Murals at the Rutledge and State intersection and DeLay Stadium were updated and sealed for longevity. New murals were added to the pocket park and Cornerstone Bakery, enhancing the town’s charm.

Kansas Empowerment Grant: A partial grant has been awarded to install historical plaques around the square, highlighting the historical significance of Yates Center’s buildings. Work on this project is set to begin this spring.

These grants have played a critical role in enabling RevitalizeYC to preserve Yates Center’s historic charm while fostering innovation and growth. From transforming vacant spaces into community assets to beautifying the town with refreshed murals, these projects demonstrate the power of collaboration and grant funding in building a brighter future.

Community Projects: 

Spring Clean-Up: This year’s clean-up focused on improving the local nursing home. Over 30 volunteers painted the porch, trimmed trees, refreshed parking lines, and removed cement stops. Additionally, RevitalizeYC funded the professional cleaning of business windows around the square ahead of Yates Center Days. Suggestions for this year’s clean-up event are welcome!

Community Survey: A community-wide survey was conducted to gather input on local needs and priorities, covering areas such as infrastructure, recreation, and housing. A follow-up survey with Yates Center High School students is underway. Once compiled, the results will help guide future projects and grant applications.

Housing Assessment (HAT Survey): Recognizing the need for additional housing, RevitalizeYC is collaborating with local officials to complete a Housing Assessment. This effort will enable Yates Center to qualify for grants that support housing development.

The community projects completed this year have made a visible and tangible impact on the quality of life in Yates Center. From cleaning and enhancing public spaces to gathering valuable input on future priorities, these initiatives reflect the collective effort of volunteers and residents working together to strengthen our town. As we continue to assess the community’s needs, we remain committed to addressing key issues such as housing and public infrastructure.

Leadership Development: 

KAYS Summer Leadership Camp

RevitalizeYC helped sponsor Yates Center High School students to attend the Kansas Association for Youth (KAYS) Summer Leadership Camp. This program fosters leadership, self-confidence, and civic responsibility through workshops, team-building exercises, and service projects, empowering young leaders to make a positive impact in their community.

By supporting youth leadership development, RevitalizeYC is helping to nurture the next generation of leaders who will carry forward our mission of community growth and engagement.

Community Events:  

Valentine’s Dinner & Show: The Valentine’s Dinner & Show was a standout success, featuring a locally written play by Roberta Wilkes and Bill Dunn. Performed by talented Yates Center residents, the evening combined music, comedy, and drama with a three-course meal in an elegantly transformed venue. This unique event fostered community spirit and drew rave reviews from attendees.

HayFest: This year’s HayFest was a resounding success, attracting nearly 50 vendors and introducing exciting new activities like axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, and a tractor show. The event received coverage from a local magazine and highlighted the strong community support that makes Yates Center a vibrant place to live.

Our community events continue to play an essential role in fostering local pride, bringing people together, and creating memorable experiences. As these events grow, we look forward to even more participation, support, and shared joy in the years to come.

Goals 2024-2025: 

Housing – This is an ongoing need for our Woodson County. People want to move here, but there is rarely anything available to purchase, rent, or rehab. With other organizations in the community, we are working to complete a Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) to gather information on our housing needs and inventory. This will allow our community to apply for housing grants. Help is needed with this project. 

Continued Grant Seeking/Writing – We are always looking forward to the next project and how we can help Woodson County. 

Tracking/Marketing of RevitalizeYC’s Achievements & Grants – When writing grants, it is important to have a portfolio to show what grants have been managed and their accomplishments. We are looking for someone to help create a page on our website to display our achievements, grants, and community reports.

Execute New Community Survey - Our last survey was beneficial in helping determine wants and needs in our community. New businesses were created, recreational activities were added, and restaurants have been established. The old survey was completed prior to 2020 and a lot has changed following COVID. We have two out of three different surveys to meet each person’s individual situation – high school aged student, current resident, and former resident/alumni. Once the last survey is conducted, the data will be available to the public.  

Make a Difference in Our Community

There are many ways to contribute to the success of RevitalizeYC and help us strengthen and revitalize Yates Center. Your support plays a crucial role in furthering our mission to create a vibrant, thriving community. Here are several ways you can get involved:

Volunteer: Volunteering your time and skills is one of the most impactful ways to contribute. Whether you lend a hand during community clean-ups, assist at events, or support our various initiatives, your involvement is deeply appreciated and makes a tangible difference.

Memorial Contributions & Legacy Gifts: Honor a loved one with a memorial contribution or legacy gift. Whether it’s a bequest, donation of stock, property, or land, your gift can leave a lasting legacy and help further RevitalizeYC’s mission for years to come.

Online Donations: Donating online is a simple and secure way to contribute to our cause. You can make a one-time gift or join our monthly giving plan to provide ongoing support. Visit www.revitalizeyc.com to make your donation today.

Your generosity allows us to continue to fund transformative projects and initiatives that will help shape the future of Yates Center. Thank you for being part of our community’s growth and success. We look forward to your continued support!

Board Members: 

While our team may be small, their impact on the community is nothing short of mighty. The accomplishments we’ve achieved are a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and passion of these incredible individuals. Their time and effort have played a vital role in making Yates Center a better place for everyone.

If you happen to see them around town, please take a moment to express your gratitude. Their contributions are invaluable, and it’s through their unwavering commitment that we continue to grow and thrive as a community. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to help make RevitalizeYC’s mission a success!

If you're interested in joining our team, check out our Community Teams page and our Available Board Positions page. There's a simple online application - we are always looking for individuals who are passionate about Woodson County!

RevitalizeYC extends heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, donors, and community members who make our work possible. Your support is a vital part of our mission to create a stronger, more vibrant Yates Center.

If you’re passionate about contributing to our town’s growth, we invite you to join us as a board member or volunteer. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact.

Photo Credit: Kathe Hamman, Chari Bauman, & HayFest/Valentine's Dinner Participants