Futures Unlimited

10/22/2026

We always appreciate visiting this impactful civic organization who does so much for our community, not least of which is Operation Holiday. We are thankful for the opportunity to share our early childhood programs and how our community can support them. If you have a particular subject you are knowledgeable about or have experience in that you believe would benefit children or families who have children ages 0-5, call Heidi to see about sharing your expertise at 620.326.8906 or send us a DM. We'd love to talk with you!

10/21/2026

Good happens here — and in our community!

We’re excited to celebrate Stacy this month during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the great work she’s doing at Beehive Quilt Shop! We love seeing her do work she genuinely enjoys, working with bright, colorful fabrics.

Her supervisor, Desiree Defore, shared how much they enjoy having Stacy as an employee. "We see such a spark in Stacy because she recognizes the importance of the work she does and how her efforts to fold fat quarters are displayed throughout our store and are also used in custom bundles for customers." Desiree also shared how much Stacy has grown since beginning her employment nearly a year ago. "Everything I have her do, she picks up and helps and has learned so much since we've first started."

A special thank-you to Beehive Quilt Shop for recognizing Stacy’s abilities and giving her the opportunity to be part of their team, and to Sunflower Employment Services for helping connect Stacy with a job that’s such a great fit.

Successful employment happens when a person’s strengths and interests meet the right opportunity — and community partners help make that connection possible.

10/15/2026

Good happens here because of our Early Childhood team!

Whether they are Early Head Start home visitors, preschool staff or members of our SPED team, these professionals bring knowledge, skill and expertise as they work alongside families through the everyday challenges and milestones of early childhood.

It’s hands-on, sometimes messy and incredibly important work. From potty training to helping a child learn to take a breath when those “big feelings” pop up. From helping a child find their voice to learning how to show empathy toward a friend.

Our early childhood team celebrates first words and new skills. They recognize when development may not be on track and work tirelessly to help families with what comes next. They teach, problem-solve, encourage and adapt—because every child and every family is different.

During Early Childhood Appreciation, we celebrate the professionals who bring their expertise to those moments every day and the difference they make for Sumner County children and families.

Good happens here because of them!

10/02/2026

We are so happy River got to experience such a fun trip to Disney World! Thank you to River's family for acknowledging Futures' role, specifically his preschool teacher, in River's early detection, which resulted in his diagnosis. Thank you for helping us get the word out about the importance of early childhood programs such as Early Head Start and Head Start/preschool. Our professionals can catch concerns or delays early, which GREATLY increases the likelihood of successful outcomes in the child's life. We wish River and his family all the best as they navigate the road ahead.

Watch for your WDN tomorrow morning!

Starting this week, the Wellington Daily News is now delivered twice a week — Tuesdays and Fridays.

We’re excited to bring you even more local news, sports and community stories throughout the week. Thanks for reading and supporting your local newspaper! ❤️

10/01/2026

Seven of our teammates shone in the spotlight this month—an incredible group of individuals we are thrilled to have as employees at Futures Unlimited. Their dedication makes a real difference across Sumner County.

Please take a moment to read about the individuals who make us the agency we are today.

09/24/2026

Growing with Futures: a strong start with Early Head Start

When preschool mom, Lynda, was planning to send her sixth child through Futures preschool, she did something first she had not done with her other five children.

Before her youngest child, Dawson, was old enough for preschool, she enrolled him in Futures’ Early Head Start program, which serves prenatal moms and infants and toddlers to age 3.

“I just wanted to stay on top of everything,” Lynda said of her reason for enrolling in Early Head Start, which brings a home visitor into the home weekly for an hour and a half of developmental play time and goal setting. “I didn’t notice any, but if he had delays, I wanted them to be caught early and addressed sooner rather than later.”

Surprisingly, making time each week for this 90-minute visit was not a scheduling challenge, despite Lynda being a busy, single, working mom with six children. “The entire family looked forward to the visits and seeing how excited Dawson was to have Miss Deana and later Miss Shirley come with their “bag full of things” made me realize what a good thing this was,” said Lynda.

Lynda says Dawson has loved his Early Head Start visits and that she feels she should have enrolled sooner. He’s learned a lot of his colors and shapes and worked on taking turns and sharing to get him ready for preschool. “I feel like he opened up more with someone coming once a week,” says Lynda. “He had things he was excited to tell her, like what he had eaten and she would reinforce his healthy eating choices.” Lynda also admitted it was nice having another adult to talk to.

The Early Head Start program helped Dawson not only get ready for preschool but to look forward to it. “And, I was more at ease myself taking him,” says Lynda. “I didn’t have as many concerns about leaving him at preschool. I feel more confident as a mom.”

This is just the beginning! Follow along in our future posts as Dawson grows from Early Head Start to preschool!
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Futures Unlimited, Inc. is Sumner County’s premier early childhood program offering preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start preschool, special education and Pre-K services for children ages prenatal to 5. Research-based curriculum ties all program activities to cognitive outcomes. Full-day and half-day preschool options are available. School readiness checkpoints ensure children are progressing toward their next educational step. Programs involve and benefit the whole family. Futures helps families thrive! To find out more call 316.369.0256, email [email protected] or visit www.futures-unlimited.org.