HumanKind Prepares to Honor 76th Class of Wichita Humanitarians
Jae Hedrick, Justice Together, and Legacy Works to be honored at annual Humanitarian Awards Benefit
WICHITA, KS – HumanKind Ministries is preparing to host its annual Humanitarian Awards Benefit, celebrating the impact of three local groups and individuals on the Wichita community.
Every year, HumanKind honors select Wichitans who have gone above and beyond to positively impact others. The class of 2026 includes Gathered Executive Director Jae Hedrick, multi-faith action group Justice Together, and youth empowerment organization Legacy Works.
“Our honorees this year exemplify the values of justice, citizenship, and belonging. Each one is dedicated to the greater good of our community and has demonstrated incredible impact. We are thrilled to honor them at our upcoming event,” said HumanKind President and CEO Adam Barlow-Thompson.
The theme for this year’s event, which is also a fundraiser for the housing nonprofit, is Welcome Home — a reminder that home is more than just shelter. In line with this theme, HumanKind will welcome back several past Humanitarian Award honorees to speak at the event, including Wichita City Council Member Joseph Shepard, former Miss Kansas Courtney Wages, and Dr. Saajan Bhakta, professor, author, and founder of PovSolve.
“Home is more than a roof over your head,” said HumanKind Chief Development Officer Rebekah Starkey Keasling. “It’s the feeling of being safe, welcomed, and supported. It’s the stability and foundation to build something more. That’s what we want for every person HumanKind serves, and it’s what this event helps make possible.”
HumanKind has welcomed an all-new executive team in the last year, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the more than century old nonprofit. “Coming out of this season of transition, we are honoring our long history of serving the most vulnerable in the Wichita community,” said HumanKind President and CEO Adam Barlow-Thompson. “To do that best, we are getting really clear about what we do and do well — and that is housing. Housing is a tangible way to acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of another human being, and every person deserves it.”
HumanKind Ministries’ 76th annual Humanitarian Awards Benefit takes place on Saturday, August 22. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsor a table, please visit Humanitarian Awards Benefit 2026.
About HumanKind: Since 1885, HumanKind Ministries has brought the Wichita community together to serve those living in poverty. Today that work includes providing street outreach, shelter, affordable housing, basic needs, and supportive services to those who need it most. HumanKind currently offers 155 affordable and safe permanent supportive housing units to help low income, and unhoused individuals and families find stability and self-sufficiency. During the holidays, HumanKind powers Operation Holiday—the region’s largest holiday assistance program. For information about how to give or get involved, please visit HumanKindWichita.org.
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