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Our Mission

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Keeping Families Strong. Keeping Youth at Home.
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Keeping Families Strong. Keeping Youth at Home.
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Keeping Families Strong. Keeping Youth at Home.
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At O'Connell Children's Shelter

Hope Becomes Reality for Families

Since the mid-1970s, O’Connell Children’s Shelter has believed that hope doesn’t just appear – it’s planted through early support, nurtured through partnership, and sustained by care. We live that belief every day through our efforts with children and families. Our work is grounded in compassion and respect, because we believe that progress comes one step at a time—and every success, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

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We are on a MISSION

to be the answer for children and families in need in Douglas County and beyond.

with a VISION

of communities where every child feels safe, supported, and prepared for a brighter future.

and a PURPOSE

of meeting youth and families where they are, offering respect, compassion, and the tools they need to grow stronger.

toward this GOAL

to empower children and families through stability, life skills, and hope for tomorrow.

A black and white historical photo of the O’Connell Youth Ranch entrance sign over a dirt road, marking the early history of O’Connell Children’s Shelter in Lawrence, Kansas.

Where We Began

O’Connell Children’s Shelter traces its roots back to 1976, when Mrs. Elsie O’Connell donated land to create the O’Connell Youth Ranch which served as a residential placement for youth in need.  Soon after, community leaders of Douglas County recognized the necessity for an emergency solution, and The Children’s Shelter was formed, giving youth a safe place in times of crisis. Over the years, the two agencies expanded services to include residential homes, prevention programs, foster care, and family support. In 2021, recognizing similar missions and efforts, the two agencies officially merged into a single organization, carrying forward a proud tradition of serving children and families across Douglas County.

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Our Impact by the Numbers

*2024 Results

OCS provides a continuum of care designed to meet children and families where they are -- from immediate crisis response to long-term skill building.

%
of truancy cases were successfully completed, avoiding formal filings
%
of youth in our Generations program reported increased knowledge of post-secondary education
%
of families are connected to multiple programs at OCS, receiving well-rounded support for all family needs
%
of Generations participants who completed the program reported confidence in knowing where and how to access key support resources
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The People Behind the Mission

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Our Executive Staff & Board

Professional portrait of Gina Meier-Hummel, Executive Director of O’Connell Children’s Shelter, smiling outdoors on a wooden deck at the Lawrence, Kansas campus.

Gina Meier-Hummel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Professional portrait of Torrez Dawson, a team member at O’Connell Children’s Shelter, smiling in a blue patterned polo shirt at the Lawrence, Kansas campus.

Dr. Torrez Dawson

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Professional portrait of Maren Ludwig, a staff member at O’Connell Children’s Shelter, smiling while leaning on a wooden balcony railing with a flower box at the Lawrence, Kansas campus.

Maren Ludwig

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Professional portrait of Kim Jaymes, a staff member at O’Connell Children’s Shelter, wearing pink glasses and a light blue shirt, posing outdoors at the Lawrence, Kansas campus.

Kim Jaymes

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Professional portrait of Erin Harmon, a staff member at O'Connell Children’s Shelter, smiling with arms crossed outdoors at the Lawrence, Kansas campus.

Erin Harmon

PREVENTION SERVICES DIRECTOR
Professional portrait of Dyre Plunkett, a team member at O’Connell Children’s Shelter, smiling in a dark short-sleeved shirt against a wood-paneled background.

Dyre Plunkett

RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR

Executive Board Members:

Marty Yost, President
Wesley Smith, Vice President
Marc White, Secretary
Rob Chesnut, Treasurer

Board of Directors:
Becky Cheek-King
Loree Cordova
Keith Dabney
Bobby Jones

Kelly Loneker
John Rathbun
Susan Williams

2025 Board Members:

Marty Yost, President
Wesley Smith, Vice President
Marc White, Secretary
Rob Chesnut, Treasurer

Board of Directors:
Becky Cheek-King
Loree Cordova
Keith Dabney
Bobby Jones
Kelly Loneker
John Rathbun
Susan Williams

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Join Us in Our Mission

Join the Team Today!

Whether you are experienced in youth care or exploring a new path, we provide training, mentorship, and support to help you grow in this work. We’re looking for people who show up, stay steady, and believe in what kids can become.

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