The Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) Conference delivered a fresh experience this year for first‑timers and longtime attendees. After three consecutive years in Wichita, the conference shifted to a new setting, bringing dozens of advocates from across the state and region to Manhattan, Kan., for its June 19–21 gathering at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
With 19 participants, including six first‑time attendees, Rosewood Services represented one of the largest groups at this year’s conference. They were joined by two sponsors and three staff volunteers. Attending their inaugural conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Courtney Adams, Whitney Jones, Kyla Martin, Trace Ritterhouse, Tori Rose, and Dawn Specht. They were joined by veteran Rosewood attendees Pam Babcock, Darren Brown, Kurtis Coleman, Karla Franklin, Rae Griffin, Codie Hardie, Ashley Hullett, Austin Orozco, Samantha Purcell, Destiny Thomas, Corey Triplett, Jeannie Triplett, and Jim Wonsetler.
Rosewood sponsors were Frankie Pelster and Tonya Burton. Staff volunteers attending for Rosewood this year were Teri Coleman, Marsha George, and Tahcoa Pelster.
This year’s conference theme was “Let’s G.R.O.W: Growth, Rights, Opportunity, Work.” Fitting to the theme, Rosewood participants experienced a weekend of growth, discovery, and the power of self‑advocacy.
During the “Self‑Advocacy 101” session, Whitney Jones said the experience opened her eyes to new possibilities — including marriage and the importance of standing up for oneself. Jeannie Triplett gained fresh insight into wages and earning potential through community employment during the “Wages” session.
For Pam Babcock, the weekend became a personal milestone. She roomed independently, navigated sessions meals mostly on her own, and gained confidence. In the end, the conference wasn’t just about what she learned in workshops; it was about what she discovered within herself.
Rosewood sponsor Frankie Pelster said those types of moments — big and small — are why Rosewood Services makes a concerted effort to bring such a large group of participants every year.
“The conference is a wonderful event where our self-advocates learn a lot, while meeting other people and creating lifelong friendships and bonds,” said Pelster.
She said that the most popular sessions attended by Rosewood participants were: “Art as Therapy,” which all participants attend, then breakout sessions “Self-Advocates will lead the way!” “Advocacy in the Age of AI,” “Working for Money,” “Healthy Relationships,” and “Supported Decision Making.” There were a dozen breakout sessions and Pelster pointed out that Rosewood was represented at all sessions.
“All of the activity makes for a very long weekend and it takes a tremendous amount of work by all of us involved,” explained Pelster. “But, it’s such an important conference for our folks to attend. By the time next year rolls around, we’ll all be energized to do it again.”
Next year’s conference will be held in Manhattan for the second consecutive year.
“We’re definitely going again, and we’re taking another large group.” promised Pelster. “It’s such a good conference for them to attend.