
Our Work

Prevention: Mobilizer and SPEAR
Led by Barber County’s first Mobilizer, SPEAR (Substance Prevention Education and Resources) empowers youth and young adults to prevent substance misuse before it starts. This locally driven initiative builds leadership, resilience, and connection - protective factors that strengthen our frontier communities.
Advocacy & Partnerships
From statewide convenings to local coalitions, BCU amplifies rural voices, strengthens networks, and leads with a boots-on-the-ground approach to rural and frontier quality-of-life issues. We support innovation across Kansas through fiscal sponsorships, technical assistance, and regional collaboration that multiplies meaningful impact.
Mental Health Initiative​
BCU's Mental Health Initiative was formed by a marked commitment from the Barber County Commissioners to address mental health and overall wellness to the rural county. The initiative's mission is to foster an environment of awareness by linking resources to build a "mental health safety net" of Barber County residents helping Barber County residents.
Dolly Parton Imagination
Library
BCU locally coordinates The Imagination Library for Barber County. This early literacy initiative is available to Barber County residents ages birth - 5 years. Each registered child is mailed a book monthly. Through donations and other funding sources, there is no cost to local participating families.
Tri-County Child Care
Grant
BCU was awarded and administers a 2023 Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant from the State of Kansas Childrens Cabinet & Trust Fund. The Tri-County Childcare Coalition (TCCC) was formed with Accelerator funded construction projects in Anthony, Attica, Greensburg, Kiowa, and Medicine Lodge.
Leadership Barber County United
BCU has embraced the mindset that LEADERSHIP comes from a place of encouragement. We are leading the effort in supporting countywide collaboration through Leadership BCU. Empowering citizens through regular networking engagements and developing an involved, leadership-minded Barber County community.