Building Stronger Communities
We leverage behavior science to create impactful solutions for children and their communities.
Our Commitment to Community and Children
We strive to harness the power of behavior science to create lasting change in the lives of children and their communities. Our mission is to build supportive environments that foster growth, resilience, and opportunity.
Our History and Milestones
Since our inception, we have dedicated ourselves to empowering communities. Our milestones reflect our commitment to making a lasting impact on children's lives.
1977
Program Established
District Judge Mike Elwell of Douglas County, Kansas, initiates a volunteer mentoring program to support truant youth and prevent juvenile crime. The Volunteers in Court program recruited college students from the University of Kansas (KU) to provide one-on-one mentorship to truant high school students in Douglas County.
1978
Established As University Course
KU Professor Jan Sheldon, Ph.D., J.D., integrates the volunteer mentoring program in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science, establishing it as an official university course for undergraduate students while maintaining the partnership with the Volunteers in Court program. Dr. Sheldon expands the program model to include evidence-based components like attendance monitoring, contingency contracts, parent and school involvement, ongoing data analysis and evaluation, and court back-up through truancy review hearings with an assistant district attorney. The program becomes known as the KU Truancy Prevention and Diversion Program.
1979
Partnership with Court Program
The KU Truancy Prevention and Diversion Program launches in partnership with the Volunteers in Court program, serving truant students across all high schools in Douglas County.
1982
Program Expands
Dr. Sheldon partners with the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). SRS assigns a social worker to support program operations. The program expands to all elementary and middle schools in Douglas County.
2012
A New Partnership
SRS becomes the Department for Children and Families (DCF), and state support for the truancy program is withdrawn. Pam Weigand, Director of Douglas County Criminal Justice Services, partners with Dr. Sheldon and appoints a juvenile services officer to ensure the program’s continued operation.
2014
Continued Growth
Dr. Sheldon accepts doctoral student, Kelsey Dachman, and appoints her as a graduate teaching and research assistant with the KU Truancy Prevention and Diversion Program.
2020
New Leadership
Dr. Dachman completes her PhD and Dr. Sheldon accepts doctoral student, Madison Graham, and appoints her as a graduate teaching assistant with the KU Truancy Prevention and Diversion Program. Dr. Sheldon retires after a 44-year tenure at KU.
2021
The Legacy Continues
Dr. Dachman and Ms. Madison Graham co-found the Center for Supportive Communities (CSC), a 501(c)3 in Lawrence, KS, to uphold Dr. Sheldon’s legacy, continue program operations, and expand behavioral health services in Douglas County and beyond.
The Founders re-name the KU Truancy Prevention and Diversion Program to SupportEd. Dr. Sheldon and Pam Weigand join CSC’s Board of Directors.
2022
Support Ed Launches
CSC receives a grant from Douglas County, KS, to continue operating the SupportEd program. SupportEd launches through CSC in August of 2022.
Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals driving our mission forward.
Alice leads our initiatives with over a decade of experience in community development and outreach.
Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated individuals guiding our mission.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can transform lives and communities.