Center for Supportive Communities

Wrapped up the 2025–2026 school year the best way we know how: celebrating our incredible SupportEd Behavioral Health Mentors.

This celebration was a small way to say thank you to a group of people who give so much of themselves to support children, families, and our community.

A huge thank you to and for the beautiful cookies and succulents. 🍪🌱

More mentor appreciation and impact highlights coming soon.

CSC’s 2nd Annual Benefit Concert was a huge success!🤘

Still thinking about this night… the energy was unreal. So grateful to everyone who showed up, gave back, and made it unforgettable. This is what it looks like when a community shows up with purpose.

…thank you to…

✨the talented musicians—, , and Steer Away—who gave their time and artistry to make the night so special

✨ for being an incredible host and venue

✨our generous sponsors whose support made this event possible

✨all the community members who attended, donated, and brought the energy

Because of you, more kids stay connected, supported, and in school. 🫶

Missed it but still want to support? We’re still accepting donations! Every dollar makes a difference. Link in bio.

➡️ https://givebutter.com/cscbenefitconcert2026

Less than ONE week until CSC’s Second Annual Benefit Concert at !

Join us Thursday, April 9 | 6–9 PM for a fun, all-ages night of live music, community connection, and incredible raffle prizes.

We’re giving you a sneak peek at some of the raffle items you could win — featuring local favorites, fun experiences, and unique gifts from businesses in our community.

Come out, drop a raffle ticket in for your favorite items, enjoy amazing local bands, and help support mentoring and prevention services for youth and families in Douglas County.

Every ticket, raffle entry, and dollar raised helps keep kids connected, supported, and in school. See you then!

DETAILS ⬇️
📍 Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts St)
⏰ Doors open at 6 PM
🎟️ $5 cash cover | All ages welcome

https://givebutter.com/cscbenefitconcert2026

Center for Supportive Communities Fundraiser W/ Corners of the Sky // The Blast Monkeys // Steer Awa

🔆 Community Champion 🔆

We believe meaningful change happens when caring adults go above and beyond for the kids who need them most. That’s why we’re honored to present our Community Champion Award to Gabriella Novello, Counselor at Billy Mills Middle School.

Through various actions and initiatives, Gabriella consistently demonstrates dedication and care in her support of students. She works diligently to cultivate trusting relationships, follows through thoughtfully when concerns arise, and maintains strong, consistent communication to ensure students feel supported.

Her responsiveness, compassion, and commitment to student success have made a meaningful and lasting impact at Billy Mills Middle School. Through her collaboration with SupportEd and school staff, Gabriella helps create an environment where students feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you, Gabriella, for showing up for students and strengthening our community every day. 🫶

Do you know someone in Douglas County who goes above and beyond for their community? Nominate them for CSC’s Community Champion Award! Link in bio. 🏆

We’re celebrating social workers around the world, especially CSC’s Vanessa Boyd, LMSW. 🫶

Vanessa is the heart of our work. She brings clinical expertise, compassion, and strong advocacy to support youth with complex behavioral and mental health needs, partnering with families and schools to create meaningful, lasting change. As a bilingual social worker, she helps ensure every family feels seen, heard, and supported.

She shows up for our community by building trusted relationships and helping keep kids connected to school and support systems. She shows up for our organization as a steady, thoughtful leader, supporting our team and strengthening our work every day.

Vanessa leads with consistency, care, and a deep belief that every young person deserves to feel like they belong. That belief shows up in everything she does:

“Keeping kids in school isn’t only about attendance. It’s about showing up for them until they believe they belong.”

She is also mentoring and training the next generation of professionals, helping shape the future of the field.

Vanessa, we are so grateful for your leadership and the impact you make across our community.

Here’s to Vanessa, and to all the social workers who show up every day for kids, families, and communities.

Celebrating our current and future BSWs and MSWs.
Happy Social Work Month. 💜

Spotlight 👏

Meet Taylor Hughes, a Behavioral Health AmeriCorps Member with CSC’s SupportEd program. Taylor is a freshman at the University of Kansas studying Applied Behavioral Science.

“I joined CSC in Fall 2025 and have loved every minute, especially the direct, hands-on work with K–12 students and their families in the Lawrence community.”

Driven by a passion for helping others, Taylor finds purpose in supporting students and celebrating their growth.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping people who may not have the resources or skills to support themselves or their families. Watching my students grow—even in small ways—is incredibly meaningful.”

Taylor plans to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing in autism and credits CSC with building her foundation in evidence-based practices.

“This experience will help me support others through behavior analysis, much like Dr. Dachman does through the SupportEd program.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to the CSC staff for the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow. The lessons I’ve gained will stay with me as I continue working to support others in the future.”

🔆 Community Champion 🔆

We believe meaningful change happens when caring adults go above and beyond for the kids who need them most. That’s why we’re proud to present our Community Champion Award to the New York Elementary PTA. 👏

This incredible group consistently shows up for students, families, and the community, always advocating for the best interests of children.

We are especially grateful for their advocacy for and partnership around our SupportEd program, recognizing that comprehensive, mentoring-based support addresses the root causes of attendance challenges and strengthens individual students, classrooms, and school communities.

Thank you for supporting CSC and for warmly welcoming our volunteers at community events. We are grateful to serve alongside you at your annual MLK Jr. Day Chili Feed, a tradition that brings people together and reflects your commitment to uplifting the community.

Your leadership and advocacy make a lasting impact. 🫶

Join us Thursday, April 9 | 6–9 PM for CSC’s Second Annual All-Ages Benefit Concert at Replay Lounge!

We’re bringing together three incredible local bands for a night of live music, raffle prizes, great company, and community connection.

Last year, our community raised $1,000 for local kids and families. This year, we’re aiming to DOUBLE our impact and raise $2,000 to keep Lawrence and Douglas County youth connected, supported, and in school.

Every ticket, raffle entry, and dollar raised helps provide mentoring, prevention, and family support for kids who need it most.

Come enjoy a fun night out while making a real difference in our community. 🫶

DETAILS ⬇️

📍 Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts St)
⏰ Doors open at 6 PM
🎟️ $5 cash cover | All ages welcome

https://givebutter.com/cscbenefitconcert2026

Congratulations to CSC’s !

Allison is one of four KU students selected to present at the 2026 Impact Conference at the University of Cincinnati. Her presentation — From Inbox to Impact: How Newsletters Build Community — showcased how thoughtful storytelling and consistent communication help build real connection.

Thank you for providing students with this opportunity. We’re so proud to see our students leading with purpose. 💛