Bridging Cultural Gaps: Community Workshop Hosted by LiveWell Northwest Kansas and Kansas Spanish Speakers
- Christina Beringer
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
COLBY, Kan. – (Friday, March 28, 2025) – LiveWell Northwest Kansas is partnering with Kansas Spanish Speakers to host an impactful workshop focused on breaking down perceived barriers between the broader community and Spanish-speaking residents.
This free event is open to the public and designed to benefit both English- and Spanish speaking people. It will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the Colby Event Center, 1200 S. Franklin Ave. A free meal will accompany the workshop; RSVPs are requested by Friday, March 28, by emailing lizm@nwksprevention.com
The workshop will offer insight into challenges identified through community input, provide tools and strategies for fostering cultural understanding and inclusive practices, and feature
engaging discussions led by experts in language, culture, and community building. Attendees
will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders who share a commitment to
community development.
“At Kansas Spanish Speakers, we believe that language and culture should never be a barrier to connection,” said LeLan Dains, Founder and Executive Director of Kansas Spanish Speakers. “This workshop is a chance to foster understanding, build relationships, and equip our communities with the tools needed to ensure that all residents—regardless of language—feel welcomed and supported.”
Kansas Spanish Speakers originally launched as Emporia Spanish Speakers, originating from that east-central Kansas community. The group made such a significant impact in Emporia that it has since evolved and expanded to help communities across the entire state as a reginal provider of wide-ranging services and thriving collaborations in education, business, healthcare and beyond—and now, they are bringing their expertise to Colby.
Emporia Spanish Speakers “has blossomed into an organization that provides an open, safe space for the community to be seen, heard, and empowered to voice their wants and needs,” said Dains.
Among its most successful core offerings are:
• Vamos a Explorar, introducing community members to natural spaces in the region;
• A monthly Language Exchange;
• Los Puentes, a youth program showcasing the Spanish language through the local
community; and
• Se Habla Español, helping organizations connect with Spanish-speaking community
members.
“We started with youth programming, since our elementary schools no longer had their dual language programs,” said Dains. “We then added a customer service course for adults. Today, we offer language courses for all ages and abilities, health programs, and direct support for immigrants to obtain permission, documentation, health insurance—whatever they need.”
“Connecting people with local resources is essential to a thriving, inclusive community,” said
Travis Rickford, Executive Director of LiveWell Northwest Kansas. “This workshop will help local business owners communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking residents, while also ensuring that Spanish-speaking individuals feel welcome and empowered to do business in Colby and Thomas County. By fostering better communication and understanding, we strengthen our entire community.”
LiveWell Northwest Kansas recognizes that addressing these barriers is essential to the health and vibrancy of our communities. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to create practical, actionable outcomes that will have a lasting impact on community integration and engagement.
Community members who are unable to attend are encouraged to share their perspectives by
taking a brief survey to help inform the discussion. To take the survey, go to
For more information and to RSVP, contact LiveWell Northwest Kansas Family Services Director Liz Merchan-Salazar at lizm@nwksprevention.com.
For more information on these initiatives and more, visit LiveWellNWKorg.
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