As Aimee Peschka assumes the responsibilities of her new position at the Family Crisis Center (FCC), she is not only focused on the agency’s current services but also is looking ahead for avenues to add and enhance programs.
Peschka, Great Bend, is filling the new FCC position of executive coordinator of programming. Her previous title was Domestic & Sexual Violence Center program director.
“I am helping start new programs that benefit the families we serve, as well as the whole community,” Peschka said. “So far, we have laid the groundwork for our Central Kansas Drug-Endangered Children Alliance and Girls on the Run, which empowers young girls to build confidence and learn new skills.
“We also want to grow awareness throughout our 10-county service area,” she added. “For example, if victims are apprehensive about calling us, increased awareness may lead to encouragement from siblings, parents and friends for them to pick up the phone.”
The FCC, 1924 Broadway, is available 24/7. The regular number is 620-793-9941 and the crisis hotline is 866-792-1885. Callers may remain anonymous.
“There is no pressure, no judgment,” Peschka emphasized. “We will work with you at your pace. We just hope that those who need us will call.”
Peschka’s new job responsibilities also include helping with human resources and overseeing the staff.
“I want to help empower our great staff to grow and succeed in their positions so they can better support families that come to depend on us.”
In addition, Peschka helps ensure that all grant-funding requirements are met, while seeking other financial opportunities. “We also encourage private donations, which are so important to clients and the community.”
Peschka noted that she and her colleagues have “a lot of big dreams.” They include: transitional housing between the women’s shelter and a home; and expanding the High-Risk Team program, which is already in the works.
Background
When Peschka is asked why she chose this line of work for her career, she points to a photo on her office wall. The photo depicts Peschka, and her mom and sister.
“We used the Family Crisis Center’s women’s shelter in the 1980s,” she reported. “That is why I am here. I want to support others in the same way we were supported.”
Peschka earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education at Barton Community College, as well as a bachelor’s in general studies with a minor in sociology at Fort Hays State University.
Her professional background includes 14 years in preschool early education. She held numerous positions at Head Start – from bus monitor to education manager, and everything in between.
Peschka also was a para-professional at Tri-County Preschool in Larned.
Kylee Graves, FCC executive director, said “Aimee has an incredible ability to help survivors, as well as lead her team. She is always bringing me new ideas to expand and improve our services. When I realized I needed extra help there was no one better than Aimee to fill this coordinator position.
“She helps with grant writing, staff management and overall agency success. We are so excited for the next steps at the Family Crisis Center.”
The FCC serves Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties.
