Where We Started - What We Do

Raising Riley originated in 1999 from the vision of two great friends of children and supporters of this community: Dr. Russ Frey, a KSU professor, veterinarian, and Riley County Commissioner; and Senator Roger Reitz, a physician and Manhattan City Commissioner. Were it not for their efforts and persistence, Raising Riley would not have come to fruition. Accomplishments are highlighted below.

Raising Riley is funded with Tobacco Settlement Dollars from an Early Childhood Block Grant through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Our local program goal aligns with the Cabinet’s Blueprint for Early Education to build a strong foundation for children and families in Riley County through shared vision, community collaboration and public-private partnerships

Raising Riley Program components include:

Professional Development classes and workshops
Child and Program Assessments
Child care scholarships for qualified families
Early Literacy Education through facility based story time visits
Family Engagement Activities
Parent Education classes
Collaboration with USD383 Early Learning Programs and Maternal and Child Health Home Visiting

Family & Child Resource Center components include:

Maternal and Child Health
- MCH Newborn Home Visiting
- Maternal & Infant Program
- MCH Home Visiting
Child Care Licensing
Community Play Groups
Toy & Book Lending Library
Raising Riley
WIC
Parents as Teachers
Early Childhood Professional Development Opportunities