Department of Corrections

DMC Committee

natalie.ward@jocogov.org — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:57:31 +0000

DMC Committee natalie.ward@j… Thu, 04/02/2026 - 16:57

In 2008, the DMC Committee was formed to support the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board's work by focusing on inequities affecting minority youth.

The DMC Committee meets regularly to discuss issues and find solutions. They advocate for minority youth by using their voices and resources to create pathways for young people to have less contact with the juvenile justice system.

Committee Representation

Local school districts
Community members
Law enforcement agencies
Government/state agencies
Organizations that support children and families
Individuals with previous experience navigating the juvenile justice system as a parent or youth

DMC 2026 Meeting Schedule

Jan. 9
Feb. 6
April 10
May 8
June 12
Aug. 14
Sept. 11
Oct. 9
Nov. 13

Time	In-Person Location	Zoom
10-11:30 a.m.	Youth and Family Services Center 920 W. Spruce, Olathe KS 66061	Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 763 065 3391

Time

In-Person Location

Zoom

10-11:30 a.m.

Youth and Family Services Center

920 W. Spruce, Olathe KS 66061

Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 763 065 3391

Resources

New Member Orientation

Interested in engaging with the DMC Committee?

Robert Johnson, DMC Coordinator
913-715-7294

Contacts

natalie.ward@jocogov.org — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:35:54 +0000

Contacts natalie.ward@j… Fri, 02/27/2026 - 10:35

Administration

Main Line: 913-715-4500

Robert Sullivan, Director of Corrections
Keith Clark, Deputy Director of Corrections
913-715-4511

Vania Gladney, Finance Manager
913-715-4539
Melinda Roberts, HR Partner
913-715-1427
Yvonne Springer, Staff Development Manager
913-715-4504
Natalie Ward, Communications Specialist/PIO
913-715-4547
Client Billing Inquiries
913-715-4524

Adult Residential Center

Main Line: 913-715-6300

Earl Taylor, Director of Adult Residential Center
913-715-6539
Angela Paz, Deputy Director of Adult Residential Center
913-715-6332

Main Line: 913-715-6300

Erin Moeder, Therapeutic Community Program Manager

Main Line: 913-715-6300

Jennifer Rutledge, Residential Case Manager II
913-715-6369
Stacy Troutman, Senior Case Manager
913-715-6519

Main Line: 913-715-6300

Earl Taylor, Director of Adult Residential Center
913-715-6539

Field Services

Rachel Mestad, Director of Field Services
913-715-4550
Rodney Weber, Deputy Director of Field Services
913-715-6359

Main Lines: 913-715-6703 or 913-715-4555

Stacy Wilmes, Senior Case Manager
913-715-6726
Nanette Rosas, Senior Case Manager
913-715-6720
Jennifer Keating, Senior Case Manager
913-715-6725

Main Line: 913-715-4555

Becky Seidler, Senior Case Manager
913-715-4543

Main Line: 913-715-6400

Teresa Markos, House Arrest Unit Manager
913-715-7225
Doug Bell, House Arrest Supervisor
913-715-6314

Juvenile Services

Ellen Hawks, Director of Juvenile Services Center
913-715-7210
913-715-7212
Jodi Taylor, Deputy Director of Juvenile Services Center
913-715-7218

Child in Need of Care (CINC): 913-715-7320

Notice to Appear (NTA): 913-715-7319

Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC): 913-715-7350

Carl Chambless, JIAC Supervisor
913-715-7348
Brandon Hershey, JIAC Supervisor
913-715-7304

Main Line: 913-715-7200

Locations

588 Building - Justice Annex

Administrative Office, Adult Intensive Supervision

588 Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061

Get Directions

Adult Residential Center

House Arrest, Problem Solving Beds, Therapeutic Community, Work Release

141 Mission Parkway, New Century, KS 66031

Get Directions

Juvenile Detention Center

Juvenile Detention, Juvenile Intake and Assessment for Offenders

920 W Spruce, Olathe, KS 66061

Get Directions

North Central Multi-Service Center

Adult Intensive Supervision

12425 W 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215

Get Directions

Youth & Family Services Center

Juvenile Services Administration, Juvenile Intake and Assessment for CINC

915 W Spruce, Olathe, KS 66061

Get Directions

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:20:21 +0000

Wanted: Volunteers in Johnson County tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 14:20

Johnson County truly appreciates volunteers. The just-concluded Best Times readers’ survey indicated 81% of respondents had an interest or even a strong interest in local volunteer opportunities.

Nine Johnson County departments/agencies annually rely on volunteers to provide a wide range of services/programs to benefit residents of all ages. Volunteers serve as mentors for veterans, help victims of abuse, become storm spotters, reshelve books and staff book sales or special events.

Johnson County Aging and Human Services always has a need for volunteers for its Home-Delivered Meals and Catch-a-Ride programs; for providing free unbiased health insurance counseling to help older adults understand their Medicare options; and hosting food drives to stock the food pantry shelves at the Gardner, Lenexa and Mission offices.

Volunteers can help clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Johnson County Development Supports, and with many activities at Johnson County Library, Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Johnson County Museum.

Volunteers are needed to plant a community garden, to protect the environment and support green initiatives by the Department of Health and Environment, and to become a vital part in the many programs and activities at the K-State Extension Service.

The list goes on.

Volunteering is a never-ending story. Opportunities are always present as long-time or current volunteers lose interest, move, grow older or face health challenges.

Based on 2025 data, Kansas is ranked 5th in the nation for formal volunteering through organizations. According to Volunteering and Civic Life in America research, approximately 903,000 Kansans participate in volunteer activities.

In 2025, 8,561 volunteers in Johnson County provided slightly more than 369,000 hours of community service to county government. Based on the national standard of a volunteer hour being worth $34.79, the volunteer work has a value of more than $12.8 million. A final report on JoCo volunteerism will be announced in April in celebration of National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) with a 2026 theme of “Shining a Light on the People and Causes that Inspire Us to Serve.”

Some local volunteers and their worthwhile causes are showcased in this issue. All volunteers deserve our praise and thanks for what they do in helping others and their community service to county government and the Johnson County community.

April provides an opportunity to thank volunteers for giving so generously of themselves to meet the needs of our communities. National Volunteer Month/Week is also designed to raise awareness about the ever-growing need for increased volunteer efforts, and the fulfillment experienced by those who volunteer. It’s a never-ending gratitude.

Lend a helping hand in 2026.

Volunteer!

Staffing food pantries

Dave and Barb Dukes

Dave and Barb Dukes have been food pantry volunteers at the Lenexa office since 2020. Collectively, they have served nearly 800 volunteer hours.

The pantry, along with sites in Gardner and Mission, are operated by Johnson County Aging and Human Services. The pantries provide supplemental food and hygiene products. In 2025, 1,188 households were served by nine volunteers contributing 749 hours of community service.

“We like helping other people. We realize how blessed we are and we are reminded not to take it for granted.” – Barb Dukes

“This is one of a few volunteer jobs that we do. Barb volunteers with Jewish Family Services in their food pantry, and I also volunteer with Harvesters back-snack program delivering to 10 different schools across three school districts.” – Dave Dukes

Volunteering has many rewards for the couple who have been married 47 years. Both get as much as they give – and sometimes more.

“It depends on the day, a lot of times, we get to be the bright spot in someone’s day. Dave enjoys joking with them.” – Barb Dukes

“I do,” – David Dukes, admitting to being a jokester. “I am always trying to get them to take the sardines. I really like developing a rapport with them.”

In 2025, 827 volunteers provided 42,084 hours of community service to activities and programs by Aging and Human Services, including its Home-Delivered Meals program (page 13). To learn more about the Johnson County food pantries visit: jocogov.org/ahsfoodpantry.

Providing Library services

Beth Longmoor and Linn Speak

Linn Speak, right, has been connected to Johnson County Library all her life. She began volunteering at the Library in 2016 after retiring. Inspired by the welcoming Cedar Roe Branch Library community, she now serves at multiple library locations and helps patrons find books and resources.

“People sometimes come to the Library distracted or feeling down. I love helping them find something to turn their day around. So often, people are looking for kindness and connection, and I am glad to be in a situation and place that I can help create that sense of community.” — Linn Speak

Beth Longmoor, left, started volunteering in 2020 by distributing free COVID testing kits at Johnson County Library. She assists with special events like the Writers Conference, handling mailings, data entry and event hospitality.

“It’s rewarding and enjoyable. I do data entry, which helps keep my mind sharp in retirement. It’s nice to use the detailed, methodical part of my brain and to stay engaged and updated with new technology. I wanted to stay involved and connected. Volunteering gives me purpose and keeps me active.” – Beth Longmoor

In 2025, Friends of Johnson County Library had 863 volunteers who contributed 42,630 hours of service.

Mentoring veterans

Mike Ralls

Mike Ralls retired in 2015 as an Army Command Sergeant Major after 23 years of service spanning the Vietnam era through the Gulf War. Thirty-five years later, he joined the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court program as a mentor for five years and has served as mentor coordinator since 2022.

Started in 2016, VTC is a specialized court, the first in Kansas, at the Johnson County Courthouse for selected veterans in the criminal justice system.

Mentors provide vet-to-vet support and camaraderie to engage, encourage and empower eligible veterans to change their lives.

“Mentoring veterans brought me back to what mattered most during my Army years, helping people who were struggling, needed direction or just needed someone steady in their corner. VTC gave me a way to use those experiences for something that truly mattered — supporting fellow veterans. I have learned that mentoring isn’t about fixing people — it’s about walking alongside them. VTC makes that possible, and I’m grateful to still be serving in a way that matters.” – Mike Ralls

Approximately 50 mentors have served in VTC in the past 10 years. Thirteen mentors provided more than 2,300 hours of community service in 2025.

Ralls also volunteers with Johnson County Emergency Management through its Emergency Communications Service, often called “storm spotters.” This group of trained amateur radio operators supports the National Weather Service during severe weather events. He has been a certified net controller (dispatcher) since 2022, helping coordinate communications during weather emergencies.

More information about Veterans Treatment Court and the role of a mentor is available at courts.jocogov.org/forms/VTC_Brochure.pdf.

Sharing master skills with others

Paula Dix, Mike Rafferty and Kim Handley

Volunteers at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office serve in many ways. Paula Dix, an Extension Master Gardener since 2013, has volunteered at Johnson County Developmental Supports to share her love of gardening and expertise with residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I help clients with special needs at JCDS find a connection with gardening through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. I enjoy seeing the participants experience the joy plants bring while feeling successful in their community garden.” – Paula Dix

Mike Rafferty enjoys the outdoors, oversees natural resources and educates the public on environmental issues. He has been an Extension Master Naturalist since 2019 in partnering with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

“By working to remove invasive species as well as collecting and distributing native seeds, I help restore the biodiversity of our local woodlands at Ernie Miller Nature Center. I do this work to preserve our natural resources for future scientific discoveries and to ensure the community can enjoy the natural landscape in the park.” – Mike Rafferty

Since 2024, Kim Handley has been an Extension Master Food volunteer at Johnson County Corrections and other community nutrition initiatives. The program’s volunteers help deliver research-based food, nutrition and safety education throughout the county. One example she gives is:.

“Master Food volunteers provide a monthly nutrition education program to those in the JoCo Corrections 28-day re-entry program. I share information on how to adopt healthier eating habits and maximize their food budget. Learning these practical skills supports a successful transition into the next stage of their lives.” – Kim Handley

Volunteers also help with youth development through Extension 4-H programs; plan, plant, tend and staff the Sunset Community Garden in Olathe; participate in Family and Community Education; and volunteer with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) during tax season. In 2025, 1,154 volunteers provided 96,205 hours of community service at these and other programs at Johnson County Kansas State Extension Office.

Delivering home meals

Larry Roos

Laurence (Larry) Roos, has been a Home-Delivered Meals program volunteer with Johnson County Aging and Human Services for three years, serving more than 400 hours delivering meals in Spring Hill.

“Volunteering for me is a continuation of a family tradition of service, with family members having served as teachers, nurses, a respiratory therapist, a firefighter, and in various roles at food kitchens. My wife and I began volunteering for Home Delivered Meals after our grandchildren became independent, leaving us with time to fill. We saw serving those in need as the perfect way to spend that time. As we delivered meals, we became deeply engaged with our recipients, coming to consider them friends. This close connection allows us to be attentive to their health needs and concerns.” –Larry Roos

In 2025, 665 volunteers in the program delivered 226,956 meals to eligible homebound residents.

“Personally, I derive great satisfaction from lifting some of the burden of food insecurity from the lives of so many people, and I will continue to do so for as long as I am able.” – Larry Roos

More information about the Home-Delivered Meals program at Aging and Human Services is available by calling 913-715-8861.

Showing raptors & showcasing talent

Bill Araujo is shown at the re-cent winter solstice program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Bill Araujo, who will celebrate his 80th birthday in June, started as a parttime facilitator in 2007 for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at TimberRidge Adventure Center, Olathe.

The following year, he began volunteering at Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe, in glove training the Great Horned Owl.

“I love presenting nature programs to all ages, working with the animals, especially the raptors, and helping with training others. Working with Ernie Miller’s very creative staff keeps me young.” – Bill Araujo

Each of JCPRD’s five departments, including Administrative Services, Culture, Parks and Golf Courses, Recreation, and Safety and Outdoor Education use volunteers to help keep facilities and programs running smoothly and to serve the Johnson County community to its fullest.

Volunteers greet guests. Some play an instrument. Others work with plants, drive a golf ball, run or care for animals.

“It’s the people. JCPRD is first class in all areas. The guests of all ages I come in contact with really seem to appreciate what we do by their constant words of thanks and smiles.” – Bill Araujo

Jenny Hines

Jenny Hines, 62, has volunteered at the Theatre in the Park program since 2021. She has participated as a singer and dancer in five outdoor shows in Shawnee Mission Park and one indoor show at the Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. In addition to acting, she regularly ushers for TIP’s indoor shows.

Her favorite role was playing Dorothy/Dottie in “Halftime: Gotta Dance” five years ago. That appearance was the first time she performed on stage since graduating from college in 1985.

“I really love all of the shows, but ‘How to Succeed in Business’ is a favorite!” – Jenny Hines

The 2026 TIP outdoor season begins May 22. “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 1. Hines plans to audition for a role. More information about TIP is available at theatreinthepark.org.

“The best people are with JCPRD. I took 36 years off acting, but now the kids have moved out, the pets have died and I’ve returned to the stage!” – Jenny Hines

In 2025, 3,961 volunteers provided 146,488 hours of community service to various JCPRD programs, events and activities, including Theatre in the Park.

Assisting law enforcement

Dean and Sarah Borchardt

Dean and Sarah Borchardt, who recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, have volunteered at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

“During that time, we have helped train the new deputies. We help by doing different scenarios, from domestic violence, to sitting in a car and getting arrested for speeding, careless driving and many more, and the car never moves. We also help with filing and repairing the uniforms that the inmates at the jail damage. If there is a parade and the Sheriff Office is involved, we will be road guards.” – Dean and Sarah Borchardt

All volunteers come from the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy spanning 13 weeks with one 3-hour class each week.

“You will learn everything there is to know about how the department operates. This includes the classroom, doing a ride-along with a deputy. You will also go to the shooting range and take part in the driving course. After you complete all of this, you can now volunteer. There is not a finer group of men and women to be found anywhere. It is truly an honor to be allowed to work with them.” – the Borchardts

Volunteers are also used for mail couriers, scanning and shredding documents and maintaining records. In 2025, 25 volunteers provided 721.5 community hours of public service to the Sheriff’s Office. Application for the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is accessible at jocogov.jotform.com/232925385669067.

Cooking with juveniles

Gloria Burk

Gloria Burk, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, has volunteered at the Johnson County Department of Corrections since 2013.

“I coordinate a team of eight volunteers from Blue Valley Church. Two volunteers rotate each Saturday to meet with interested youth from JDC (Juvenile Detention Center). We help them cook a simple meal which they enjoy preparing and then eating. We call our session Cooking with the King. We teach basic cooking skills while we enjoy getting acquainted with and encouraging these young people. We then share a simple Christian lesson and encourage them to share prayer requests. We enjoy our time with these youth and appreciate the opportunity to do so. We feel blessed and hope they feel encouraged.” – Gloria Burk

Volunteers complement departmental services by providing additional support and encouragement that strengthens client progress and supports a successful transition back into the community.

In 2025, 156 volunteers provided 3,505 hours of community service to the department’s programs.

Latest graduates honored as Johnson County’s Veterans Treatment Court begins its 10th year

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:52:16 +0000

Latest graduates honored as Johnson County’s Veterans Treatment Court begins its 10th year tim.dodderidge… Wed, 01/28/2026 - 16:52 January 29, 2026

Four veterans were honored during the latest Veterans Treatment Court graduation ceremony (left to right): Douglas Henderson, Todd Graham, Will Vonsteiger and Manny Peine

Johnson County’s Veterans Treatment Court, a treatment program for veterans in the criminal justice system, honored its latest graduates with a ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Four veterans were honored during the graduation, which took place at the Johnson County Courthouse:

Douglas Henderson – Army
Manny Peine – Army
Todd Graham – Marine Corps
Will Vonsteiger – Army

After Wednesday’s ceremony, a total of 88 veterans have graduated from Veterans Treatment Court in Johnson County, and 13 are currently in the program.

District Court Judge Timothy P. McCarthy, who spearheaded the effort to bring Veterans Treatment Court to the county, presided over the graduation ceremony. Courthouse and county officials were in attendance. Sheriff Byron Roberson, who served eight years in the Marines, was the ceremony’s guest speaker.

“Our four new graduates of Veterans Treatment Court should be very proud of their accomplishment. Through this program, they’ve put in the hard work and dedication to turn their lives around, and they will carry this experience with them as they move out of the criminal justice system,” Judge McCarthy said.

In 2026, Veterans Treatment Court celebrates its 10th anniversary in Johnson County. Johnson County District Court founded the first treatment court for veterans in the state of Kansas in January 2016. A year later, the court recognized its first veteran to graduate from the program.

Veterans Treatment Court’s mission is to identify veterans in the criminal justice system and to place eligible service people into treatment and court supervision as an alternative to incarceration. Nationally, Veterans Treatment Court has a 95% success rate – that is, 95% of graduates never return to the criminal justice system.

Graduates of the county’s program have served in a variety of foreign conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many combat veterans return with post-traumatic stress disorder, and some have experienced traumatic brain injuries.

The program assigns each participant with a volunteer mentor, a military veteran who walks side by side with them throughout the entire program. Around 50 mentors have served in the program the past 10 years. Mike Ralls, a Vietnam veteran, is the current head of mentors.

Upon its launch, the county’s program was the 287th Veterans Treatment Court in the United States. Today, there are six Veterans Treatment Courts in Kansas and 530 across the country.

“People are seeing that treatment courts work,” Judge McCarthy said. “Sometimes supervising people through treatment with a team and frequent court appearances can get people out of the system. I appreciate our great team and everyone who has worked with us to get here.”

A Behavioral Health Court and an Adult Treatment Court launched in 2023, joining the county's Veterans Treatment Court in serving individuals’ mental health and substance use disorder needs.

A special celebration in honor of the county’s 10th anniversary of Veterans Treatment Court will take place March 6 at 1 p.m. in the Courthouse's Jury Assembly Room.

Learn more about Veterans Treatment Court and court services available in Johnson County.

Veterans Treatment Court celebrates its 10th anniversary

Department:

Department of Corrections

District Attorney

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News Releases

Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:01:51 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 16:01 November 13, 2026 - 10:00am November 13, 2026 - 11:30am

Youth & Family Services Center

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Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:00:48 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 16:00 October 9, 2026 - 10:00am October 9, 2026 - 11:30am

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Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:59:48 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 15:59 September 11, 2026 - 10:00am September 11, 2026 - 11:30am

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Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:58:42 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 15:58 August 14, 2026 - 10:00am August 14, 2026 - 11:30am

Youth & Family Services Center

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Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:57:32 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 15:57 June 12, 2026 - 10:00am June 12, 2026 - 11:30am

Youth & Family Services Center

Community Room

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Department of Corrections

Disproportionate Minority Contact

Catherine.Wright@jocogov.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:56:17 +0000

Disproportionate Minority Contact Catherine.Wrig… Mon, 12/08/2025 - 15:56 May 8, 2026 - 10:00am May 8, 2026 - 11:30am

Youth & Family Services Center

Community Room

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Department of Corrections