Community Resources in Northeast Kansas

Find trusted community resources and support services in Shawnee, Lyon, Riley, and Geary counties.

Community Resource Directory

This directory connects individuals and families to local, regional, and statewide programs that support physical health, mental and emotional well-being, food security, housing stability, transportation, and family needs.

Stormont Vail Health provides this Community Resource Directory as a starting point. Program availability, eligibility requirements, hours, and contact information may change. Please contact organizations directly to confirm details.

If you find outdated information or broken links, please contact us so we can continue improving this resource.

Last updated: 05/26/2026

General & Statewide Resources

Emotional, Mental, Physical, & Social Support

Counseling, behavioral health, crisis services, peer support, and community assistance.

Shawnee County

Compassionate Ear Warm Line

A peer-run, noncrisis listening service offering supportive conversation, coping strategies, and relief from loneliness or isolation.

  • Hours: 4–10 p.m., daily
  • Phone: 913-281-2251 or 866-927-6327 (toll-free)

Sober.com – Topeka AA Meetings

An online directory of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Topeka, including meeting times, locations, and contact information.

Food & Nutrition Assistance

Food pantries, meal programs, nutrition education, and SNAP support.

Shawnee County

Bods Feeding Bods Food & Commodities Pantry

Provides free access to nutritious food and basic needs, including hygiene items, clothing, and school supplies.

Harvesters Food Pantry

Supports food access through pop-up pantries, prescriptive pantries, and nutrition education. Key resources include:

Kansas State University Research & Extension

Offers a map of free food distribution sites, including food pantries, mobile pantries, and meal distribution programs.

Lyon County

Corky’s Cupboard Food Pantry

Located in Emporia State University’s Memorial Union. Provides temporary food and toiletry assistance to students once per week.

Abundant Grace Food Kitchen

Free drive-through meals available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4–5 p.m. at Grace United Methodist, 2 Neosho St., Emporia.

Geary County

Flint Hills Breadbasket

Offers food access, pantry services, and referrals.

Flint Hills Technical College Wrangler Range

Campus-based pantry offering food and hygiene supplies to students.

  • Location: 3301 W. 18th Ave., Emporia, KS.
  • Phone: 620-341-1338

Flint Hills Food Recovery Program

A regional initiative focused on food recovery and redistribution in the greater Flint Hills Area.

Housing & Utility Assistance

Emergency shelter, rental help, utility assistance, and housing stability services.

Shawnee County

Topeka Housing Authority (THA)

Provides public housing and manages Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers for eligible households.

Transportation Services

Transportation for medical appointments, work, education, errands, and daily needs.

Availability, eligibility, service areas, and costs vary by provider. Please contact providers directly for scheduling and fare information.

A&A Medical Transportation

  • Phone: 785-233-8212
  • Facebook: A&A Medical Transportation
  • Service Area: Topeka and surrounding areas
  • Transportation Types: Ambulatory, wheelchair
  • Hours: 24/7
    • Wheelchair transport by appointment only (call at least 48 hours in advance)
  • Cost:
    • Ambulatory: $20 for first 10 miles
    • Wheelchair: $30 for first 10 miles
    • Additional mileage: $2.50/mile outside Topeka
    • Kansas City trips: $150 each way plus mileage
  • Payment: Cash, credit card

A Helping Hand Home Care

  • Phone: 785-856-0192
  • Website: A Helping Hand Home Care
  • Service Area: Topeka
  • Cost: $30 round trip + $0.50/mile
  • Payment: Cash, check
  • Transportation provided as part of home care services

Angels at Home Care

  • Phone: 785-271-4376
  • Website: Angels at Home Care
  • Hours: Flexible scheduling
  • Cost:
    • $27/hour (3-hour minimum)
    • Weekends: $31/hour (3-hour minimum)
    • Kansas City trips: 4-hour minimum
    • No fee if the caregiver uses the client’s personal vehicle for transportation
  • Payment: VA authorization, cash, check, credit card

BTM Medical Transportation

  • Phone: 785-383-5084
  • Facebook: BTM Medical Transportation LLC
  • Service Area: Topeka city limits
  • Hours:
    • Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
    • Saturday–Sunday: 24/7
  • Cost: $35 one way; $45 round trip
  • Payment: Cash, check, credit card

East Topeka Senior Center

  • Phone: 785-232-7765
  • Website: East Topeka Senior Center
  • Eligibility: Adults 60+ living in Shawnee County
  • Service Area: Appointments within Shawnee County
  • Cost: $8 suggested donation for in-town round trips
  • Hours: 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday–Friday

Payment: Cash, check, credit card

First Class Transportation

  • Phone: 785-266-1331
    • After hours/weekends:
      • Kenny: 785-640-7937
      • Steve: 785-220-5904
    • Facebook: First Class Transportation – Topeka
    • Service Area: Topeka and surrounding areas
    • Transportation Types: Ambulatory, wheelchair, gurney
    • Rates (before 5 p.m.):
      • Ambulatory: $50 round trip
      • Wheelchair: $64 round trip
      • Gurney: $244 round trip
    • After-hours rates: Higher rates apply evenings and weekends
    • Additional Fees:
      • $2/mile outside city limits (both directions)
      • $30/hour wait time

Payment: Cash, check, credit card (payment required up front)

Girl Friday

  • Phone: 785-365-6614 (Shari Moore)
  • Eligibility: Individuals coming home from the hospital
  • Service Area: Topeka, Holton
  • Hours: Weekends only; 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

Hillside Medical Transportation

  • Phone: 785-266-3202
  • Facebook: Hillside Medical Transportation
  • Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
  • Service Area: Shawnee County (additional fee outside county)
  • Transportation Types: Ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher
  • Rates vary by time of day and service type
  • Additional Options:
    • Oxygen available for additional fee
    • Designated vehicle for infectious disease transport

Payment: Cash, check

Home Instead Senior Care (Topeka)

  • Phone: 785-940-4687
  • Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
  • Cost:
    • Appointments: $35/hour (2-hour minimum)
    • Hospital discharge transport: $40/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Payment:
    • Clients: ACH draft
    • Non-clients: Cash or check

Preacher's Ride

  • Phone: 785-409-7255
  • Facebook: Preacher’s Ride
  • Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday
  • Scheduling: Up to 10 days in advance
  • Service Area: In-town and out-of-town with sufficient notice
  • Cost: $2.50 base fare + $1.80/mile (in town)
  • Discounts: Seniors and military

Payment: Cash only

Taxi Driver Topeka

  • Phone: 785-640-0189
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Rates: Standard taxi rates
  • Payment: Cash; credit card by phone

Topeka Metro Lift Service

  • Phone: 785-783-7000
  • TDD: 785-233-2019
  • Website: The Lift Service | Topeka Metro
  • Service Area: Operates within ¾ mile of fixed route bus stops
  • Hours:
    • 5:35 a.m.–6:40 p.m. Monday–Friday
    • 8:15 a.m.–6:40 p.m. Saturday
    • No services on Sundays or major holidays
  • Eligibility: Passengers must be certified eligible and reserve rides by 5 p.m. the day before the trip
  • Cost: $4 each way
  • Payment: Cash

Topeka Metro Fixed Route Bus Service

  • Phone: 785-783-7000
  • Website: Topeka Metro
  • Hours:
    • 6 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday
    • 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday
    • No Sunday or holiday service
  • Service Area: Topeka (fixed routes only)
  • Cost: $1 per trip or $2 for a 24-hour pass
  • Payment: Cash or bus pass

VA Volunteer Medical Transportation

  • Phone: 800-574-8387, Ext. 54323
  • Website: VA Health Benefits
  • Eligibility: Veterans only (ambulatory; no oxygen)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Thursday
  • Service Area:
    • Topeka city limits
    • Van service available between Salina and Topeka (Monday–Thursday)

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Transportation

  • Phone: 785-966-2995 or 866-727-8181 (toll-free)
  • Website: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
  • Clientele: Elderly, disabled individuals, general public
  • Service Area: Brown, Douglas, Jackson, Shawnee Counties
  • Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Trip Purpose: Medical, shopping, employment, education, meals, personal business

Fares: Reduced fares for seniors; rates vary by distance

Infant & Child Resources

Diaper assistance, baby supplies, parenting support, and child safety programs.

Shawnee County

Community Action of Topeka Diaper Depot

Provides diaper assistance to low-income families with children ages three and younger. Availability is limited; call ahead.

Kansas Children's Service League (KCSL) Parent Helpline

Free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7 in more than 200 languages.

  • Phone: 1-800-CHILDREN (toll-free)

Lyon County

The Baby Closet of Emporia

Provides food, clothing, diapers, formula, and essential baby items for families with children up to age five.

Shiloh Family Life Center

Supports individuals experiencing an unplanned pregnancy with counseling, diapers, formula, and parenting education.

Riley County

Cats' Cupboard: The K-State Food Pantry

Provides Kansas State University students with free food and personal hygiene items.

Prenatal & Postpartum Resources

Maternal health, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, and child safety education.

Shawnee County

Safe Kids Shawnee County

Safe Kids Shawnee County, led by Stormont Vail Health, provides parents with education and resources to help parents and caregivers keep children safe. Services include:

  • Car seat checkups
  • Safety workshops
  • Sports clinics
  • Phone: 785-354-5264
  • Email: [email protected]

Stormont Vail Health Breastfeeding Center

The Stormont Vail Health Breastfeeding Center offers support from board-certified lactation consultants, certified breastfeeding educators, and specially trained nurses. Services support families before delivery, during the hospital stay, and after returning home. A retail area is also available for breastfeeding supplies.

La Leche League of Topeka

The Topeka chapter of La Leche League International offers free, monthly, mother-to-mother support meetings focused on breastfeeding, parenting, and infant care.

Baby Closet (West Side Baptist Church)

Provides essential items to Topeka-area families in need, including:

  • Clothing
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Formula
  • Highchairs, strollers, and other necessities

Some limitations and restrictions apply. Please call for details.

  • Phone: 785-233-4241, Ext. 4

Oh, Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers & Families

A comprehensive guide of local resources available to pregnant individuals, parents, and caregivers in Shawnee County. This guide is not all-inclusive; families are encouraged to contact organizations directly for the most current information.

Community Action of Topeka Diaper Depot

Provides diaper assistance to low-income families with children ages three and younger. Availability may be limited.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

Assists low-income individuals and families, including food support, utility assistance, housing help, clothing, and other essential services.

Birthright of Topeka

Provides free, confidential, nonjudgmental support to individuals who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Services include:

  • Pregnancy testing
  • Referrals for medical care, housing, and counseling
  • Maternity and baby items
  • Topeka Office: 785-234-0701
  • 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-550-4900 (toll-free)
  • Email: [email protected]

Geary County

Delivering Change

Supports women’s health through prenatal health, breastfeeding education, and programs to engage, encourage, and guide fathers.

Financial Assistance & Employment Resources

Unemployment benefits, job listings, and financial stability tools.

Shawnee County

Money Management International (MMI)

Provides free, confidential financial counseling and education. Services are designed to help improve money management, reduce debt, understand credit, and build long-term financial stability.

General & Statewide Resources

Directories and organizations that connect individuals to multiple types of assistance.

Statewide Resources

Evergy Cares Kansas Fund

Offers bill assistance to eligible Evergy customers based on income, age, or disability status.

Kansas Unemployment Benefits

Information on filing for unemployment and determining eligibility.

KANSASWORKS

A statewide job-matching resource connecting job seekers with employers.

KanCare Ombudsman Community Resource Guide

A searchable directory of services by county, with assistance for KanCare-related questions and concerns.

Learn More

Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office

Provides education, training, and programs that promote child passenger safety and injury prevention across Kansas.

Salvation Army

Provides support to individuals and families facing hardship. Services may include emergency financial assistance, food and nutrition support, case management, and other short-term relief services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and support services to eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and young children.

United Way

Coordinates programs such as 211, Born Learning, Mission United, My Free Taxes, and Smart Money.

Shawnee County

Community Resources Council (CRC)

The CRC publishes an annual resource directory for Jackson, Jefferson, and Shawnee counties. This handbook includes hundreds of local health and community services to support seniors, youth, veterans, individuals, and families with a wide range of needs.

Doorstep

Provides short-term emergency assistance and referrals for individuals and families experiencing a crisis. Services may include:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Prescription help
  • Rent assistance
  • Transportation (local gas vouchers and bus tickets)
  • Utility assistance
  • Phone: 785-357-5341
  • Email: [email protected]

Stormont Vail Health Community Engagement

Connects community members with local health and social resources.

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL)

TSCPL’s Community Resources page helps individuals and families find services such as food assistance, housing support, health resources, and referral programs in Shawnee County.

Lyon County

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Resource Bus

Brings food, diapers, seasonal items, and other essentials directly to rural communities in Lyon County.

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) Lyon County Community Center

Supports individuals and families through programs that promote stability, health, and community well-being. The Lyon Country Community Center offers appointments to connect residents with available services, which may include healthcare and transportation vouchers, housing support, nutrition assistance, and school supply programs.