Community Care Programs

“Equipped”

Equipped, our community-based book study is designed to support caregivers, professionals, and others in their journey alongside individuals with disabilities. Regardless of where you are on your journey, we invite you to join us! Meetings take place every third Friday at 101 E. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501 (East Entrance) at 6:45pm – but be sure to check our social media posts in case of a date change! Snacks and refreshments are provided. This group serves as a place to connect, share your experiences, and ask questions. We hope you feel seen and known, as you are an important part of our community and the CiC family.

Caregivers’ Compassion Nights

Our Caregivers’ Compassion Nights (CCNs) are an opportunity for our Clothed in Compassion staff to give back to our families and caregivers that give so much to us. Finding trusted and trained childcare can be a challenge. On our CCN nights, child(ren) can come hang out in a familiar environment with their therapist(s) – trusted professionals – and trained volunteers, while our families take some time for themselves. Our CCNs are free, but donations are appreciated.

Fostering with Compassion Closet

Our Fostering with Compassion Closet (FCC) was born when our very own Destinee and her husband Lane started their foster care journey. Recognizing that there were limited (if any!) resources for families supporting emergency placements sparked it all. The FCC aims to support foster families in their fostering journey – at no cost to them! Give us a call, and we’ll pack a backpack with clothing, hygiene products, comfort items, books, and more.

Sensory-Safe Options

• Sensory-safe Christmas Photo Mini Sessions: A free opportunity for families who may need sensory support or who may have financial barriers related to family photos. Thanks to Kelsey Rae Photography and our trained staff in making these photo experiences a reality!
• Sensory-safe Haircuts: We have the privilege to partner with Joyce Pitman for our sensory-safe haircuts. Together, we specialize in creating a calm, understanding, and personalized haircutting experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum. Joyce combines years of professional hairstyling expertise with a deep commitment to patience, compassion, and sensory-aware techniques. Appointments available by request. Please contact our office to schedule your sensory-safe haircut.
• Sensory-safe Party Packages: At Clothed in Compassion, our party packages allow for creativity for celebrations that spark joy, imagination, and connection, all while staying sensory-aware and kid-friendly. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, milestone, or just a special day, our space will help bring your child’s unique interests to life. Please contact our office for party package rates and scheduling information.

Annual Community Events

Community events marked with an asterisk (*) are free. Donations are always welcomed to support our mission of creating inclusive community spaces.

Pal-entine’s Buddies & Brunch* (February)

As occupational therapists, we often encourage families to invest in weighted animals, lap buddies, blankets, vests, etc. These important tools can be costly. Miss Megan had this idea in a dream: What if CiC hosted an event where children and families could MAKE their own weighted / scented stuffies….for free? Thus our Valentine’s themed event was born!

Sensory-safe Egg Hunt* (March/April)

Our Sensory-Safe Egg Hunt at Clothed in Compassion aims to offer an alternative environment where children with various needs can participate in beloved traditions. We offer individual family unit time slots, as well as small group hunts. All eggs are filled with NON-EDIBLE items. Snacks & refreshments provided.

Kitchen Hero Academy* (Summer)

Dr. Megan Bartley developed Kitchen Hero Academy (KHA) as her occupational therapy doctoral capstone through Boston University in 2021. Since its founding, KHA has blossomed into an annual summer program, gaining the support of over 27 community partners, as well as individuals and volunteers (including KHA returners!). KHA participants gain confidence in food prep, kitchen skills, nutrition, and budgeting; the team has also seen immense growth in compassion and patience, whole body listening, using safe calming strategies, and leadership skill development. Learn more about KHA and support our work.

Sensory-Accessible & Specialized Summer Camps

Our summer camps are designed for children of all abilities, with sensory-friendly activities, adapted curriculum, and small group sizes for personalized support. Led by licensed professionals, each camp offers a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where kids can learn, play, and grow. Camp themes include Wild at Heart Zoo Camp (Animal fun in an adapted setting), Messy Camp (Hands-on, sensory-based exploration), Say & Play (OT & speech collaboration for communication and social skills), and more! Perfect for kids who benefit from structure, flexibility, and compassionate support.

Sensory-safe Pumpkin Patch* (September/October)

Celebrate the turning of the seasons in a calm and welcoming environment at our Sensory-Safe Pumpkin Patch, thoughtfully designed for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy autumn activities at their own pace. With sensory-friendly games, a corn pit, snacks, and a pumpkin patch to explore, this event offers a joyful, pressure-free way to experience fall fun. We’ve created a space where everyone can feel safe, supported, and included. What to Expect: Sensory-friendly games, corn pit play, seasonal snacks, a calm pumpkin patch experience, supportive volunteers and flexible pacing.

Annual Benefit Auction (October)

Celebrate with us as we celebrate our birthday! Join us for an evening of food, community, and giving back at our annual dinner and silent auction. All funds raised will help us continue offering accessible, affordable, and specialized care for families in Hutchinson, KS and surrounding areas. This event occurs each year in October – watch our socials for announcements, auction items, tickets, and more!

Fall Festival Open House & Toy Drive* (November)

Our Fall Open House & Toy Drive is a fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrating community, inclusion, and generosity! We open our doors to share an exciting day of games, activities, snacks, and sensory-friendly fun, plus an incredible giveaway of toys, stuffed animals, books, and educational materials for families in need or simply looking to stock up on joy. There are NO questions asked – take what you need; we hope it blesses you and your family!

Sensory & Santa* (December)

Our annual Sensory & Santa event offers a sensory-safe opportunity to take pictures with Santa (and Mrs. Claus)! We’ve created a welcoming holiday environment for children with various needs. Come enjoy snacks, hot chocolate, and a variety of activities in the sensory gym! For “Letters to Santa,” bring a letter with you to mail to Santa, or create your letter at our letter station! We’ll have letters, envelopes, and stamps available on site.

Other Events & Partnerships

Community Events

Clothed in Compassion actively participates in community events like the Community Support Resource Fair, Reno County Community Baby Shower, United Way events, and more. These opportunities help us connect with local families, share valuable resources, and collaborate with organizations dedicated to building a more inclusive and compassionate community. We welcome invitations to join your events and partner in serving the community together. If you’re planning an event and would like us to participate, please reach out – we’d love to collaborate!

Third Thursdays

We’ve proudly been part of Third Thursdays in Downtown Hutchinson for past events and look forward to joining again! Come enjoy sensory-friendly crafts, games, access to our portable sensory tent, and community connection. Visit our booth to learn about our programs and enjoy free activities for all ages and abilities. Join us every third Thursday of the month from 6–9 PM on Main Street in Hutchinson.

Soft Spotlight Theater

In partnership with the Family Community Theater and Reno County Education Cooperative (RCEC), and thanks to a generous grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council, we have launched the  “Soft Spotlight Theater Production” – a sensory-safe theater experience for children and families in our community!

Christmas for Saint Francis Children

Each holiday season, Clothed in Compassion is honored to put together Christmas presents for children on the Saint Francis Ministries gift list. These children are in foster care or receiving support services, and our goal is to ensure they feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the Christmas season. With the help of our generous community, we thoughtfully collect, wrap, and deliver gifts tailored to each child’s wishes and needs. It’s more than just presents – it’s a reminder that they are loved and not forgotten.