Office Hours:
We are open Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
We are closed on Fridays.

Keeler Women’s Center is located in the Catholic Charities building.

The mission of Keeler Women’s Center is to empower women in the urban core through education, advocacy, personal and spiritual development.

We have no boundaries. Any woman who wants to come to any of our programs is welcome. We make decisions based on needs of women but some of our programs are open to men. Call if you want more information.

Because we rely on professional volunteers and partnerships, all programs are offered at no charge. We ask for a donation based on ability to pay for those coming for counseling.

Check out this easy way to help Keeler each time you shop on-line.

Empowering through Education

Empowering through Advocacy

Empowering through Personal Development

Empowering through Spiritual Development

Empowering women through education

Tools and Techniques for Getting the Job You Want will be offered on three Tuesday evenings, January 17 – 31, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Classes will be facilitated by members of the Zonta Club of Johnson County. Polish your resume, prepare for that important interview, and get tips on all things related to a job search.

Keeler Women’s Center partners with the Maternal Child and Health Coalition as well as Healthy Start to offer a program on the 1st Thursday of each month. Simple Steps to Slash Energy Costs, will be presented on Thursday, January 5, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Men and women welcome.

FDIC MoneySmart curriculum will be offered at Keeler Women’s Center for Spanish-speaking women, Tuesdays, January 17 – March 6, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. Offered in collaboration with Bishop Ward High School. And the FDIC Call 913.906.8990 to register.

El programa de MoneySmart será ofrecido en Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., KCK, martes, 17 de enero hasta 6 de marzo, 3:45 – 5:00 por la tarde. Ofrecido en colaboración con Bishop Ward High School y FDIC. Llame 913.906.8990.

Breast Cancer Education will be a two-part program offered Tuesdays, February 7 and 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. by Kandy Powers, ARNP, of the Breast Cancer Prevention Center, KU Medical Center.

Bonding and Attachment, a 4-part series, will be offered Tuesdays, January 10 – January 31, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Facilitated by Ciemantha Stubblefield, MA. This series is intended for new and expecting mothers to support the bonding process with a new baby. Parents will gain insight and practice on how to develop a secure attachment with their child that promotes confidence and trust. Mothers are encouraged to bring their babies to class.

Career Exploration: What Should I Be? is designed as a first step in looking at personal strengths and preferences to make satisfying career decisions. Federal student aid and various scholarships can help make education a reality. The program is presented by Caryl Neinas of Educational Opportunity Centers, a grant-funded program based out of the University of Kansas with the mission of encouraging and assisting Wyandotte County area residents to continue their education. Monday, April 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Call 913.906.8990 to register. 

Back to School – the Way to a Better Life: On Monday, May 7, 2012, 10:30 -11:30 a.m., Caryl Neinas of Education Opportunity Center, will offer a program that focuses on “why” and “how” you might go back to school – including vocational technical programs and academic programs. Federal student aid and various scholarships can help make further education a reality.

Starting a Home-Based Business, will be offered Wednesdays, January 11 – March 14, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. This 5 week course will help you find the answers you need to start a small business in your home. Whether you want to start a child care business or to sell things you make at markets, this course can help you with lots of resources, handouts, issues to think about and new ideas. The class will be a safe place to explore your ideas as well as brainstorming with other women who are also exploring.  Roxanne Hutton will facilitate. Call 913.906.8990 to register.

Help for men and women looking for work: We offer on-going support and help for any man or woman who is looking for employment. Volunteers are available Wednesday mornings, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., by appointment. Call 913.906.8990 to schedule an appointment.

Very Easy Conversational English. This program is for beginners. Women meet by appointment once a week for one and one half hours to learn and practice English in a stress-free setting. Volunteers are needed; training and materials are provided. Call 913.906.8990.

Basic Literacy: Statistics indicate that over 225,000 adults in the KC metro area read at the 5th grade level or below. Illiteracy is closely linked with poverty, unemployment and mental health. Keeler Women’s Center has a partnership with Literacy Kansas City to offer tutoring in basic literacy for men and women. Literacy volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Tutors will be provided with professional training, materials and support that will allow them to teach someone to read. Volunteers meet twice a week for 1 1/2 hours each session at a time that is convenient for the tutor and the student. We are delighted to offer this program and invite you to consider being a literacy volunteer. Call 913.906.8990 for more information.

If you know someone who would like to learn to read, tell him or her to call us at 913.906.8990.

Education and Support for Addictions and Domestic Violence, Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – noon. This program is offered in partnership with Friends of Yates/Joyce Williams Shelter. New members may join at any time. Facilitators are Hattie King and Riley Lockridge. Call 913.906.8990 or register online.

New 12-week series began November 1, 2011. A new series will begin in February--watch for an announcement about the starting date.

Session #1: Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Abuse and the most common issues in our community - including alcohol abuse and domestic violence

Session #2: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Introduce “Women and Relapse”

Session #3: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Continue “Women and Relapse”

Session #4: Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Infectious Diseases

Session #5: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Understanding Post Acute Withdrawal

Session #6: Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mistaken Beliefs about Recovery and Relapse

Session #7: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Relapse Prevention Planning

Session #8: Tuesday, January 10, 2011
Family Involvement in the Relapse Syndrome

Session #9: Tuesday, January 17, 2011
Anger and Coping with Anger

Session #10: Tuesday, January 24, 2011
Continue Coping with Anger – Styles of Displaying Anger

Session #11: Tuesday, January 31, 2011
Continue Coping with Anger – Effects of Anger

Session #12: Tuesday, February 7, 2011
Continue Coping with Anger – Strategies for Dealing with Anger


Nutrition Programs: Keeler offers nutrition programs monthly. This program is presented in partnership with K-State Extension and Pat Callaghan, Master Food Volunteer, is the presenter. Call 913.906.8990 to register. Upcoming programs include:
Senior Nutrition: Cooking for One or Two, Thursday, January 26, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Connecting Eating and Exercise: Making Both Work, Thursday, February, 23, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
No program in March

Enrichment and Things Women Need to Know: We partner with K-State Extension to offer the following programs that are open to girls who are juniors or seniors in high school and adult women. Chiquita Miller is the presenter:
“Time Management for Women,” Monday, January 30, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
“Spending Money Wisely – Basic Budgeting,” Monday, February 20, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
“Cleaning and De-Cluttering – the Basics,” Monday, March 19, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
“Family Change – Protecting your Family in Time of Separation or Divorce,” Monday, April 16, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
“Couples Talk – Communication that Counts with Those You Love Most,” Monday, May 21, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Parenting Classes: Keeler partners with Wyandot Center to offer a regular program of parenting classes. Call 913.906.8990 or register online.
Nona Boyd is the presenter and the following classes are scheduled:

“Becoming a Loving and Logic Parent,” a series of 10 sessions, will begin Wednesday, January 11 and go Wednesdays through March 14, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.


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Empowering women through advocacy

KWC Outreach to the Wyandotte Detention Center, Thursdays.

Assistance for women who need help finding community resources – call to schedule an appointment.

“Ask a Nurse” will do blood pressure checks and answer your health-related questions. Our volunteer nurses will be available most Tuesdays, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. No appointment is needed - just stop by to see the nurse.

The Cancer Center at Providence Hospital provides education on the last Wednesday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.


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Empowering women through personal development

Professional Etiquette, Life Skills, Getting the Job You Want, will be presented Tuesday, February 21, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This workshop will be presented by Deb Foster. Lunch provided. Reservations required.

Fashion and Flair on a Budget, will be presented on Monday, January 30, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Shirley Chenoweth offers advice on how to build a core wardrobe that fits your budget, your coloring and your style.

Time at the Spa, will be offered on Monday, February 20, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Shirley Chenoweth provides a relaxing experience that can be easily and cheaply duplicated in your home. Space is limited; reservations are required.

MOCSA provides groups and education for Spanish-speaking women at Keeler Women’s Center. Los eventos del pasado a veces tienen efectos en nuestras vidas de hoy. Los grupos y educación de MIST le dan apoyo y enseñan habilidades para afrontar las dificultades. Para información de servicios a Keeler, llamar a Marcela Rogers en MOCSA 816.285.1333. MOCSA se especializa en el tratamiento de la violencia sexual.

All Addictions, a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction, at any stage of recovery, meets Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Call 913.906.8990 to register. Marla Looper is the facilitator.

Keeler Women’s Center Counseling: We are pleased to offer counseling for individuals and couples. Our counselor has LCPC licensure. Call 913.906.8990 for information or to schedule an appointment. Donations are encouraged but women are served regardless of ability to pay.

Knitting/Crocheting 101, Tuesday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
On the 1st night learn a basic stitch and decide on your project. Then join the circle of women to have fun, relax with new friends and knit away. Needles, crochet hooks and yarn provided. Deborah Boltz and Sandae Custard, instructors. Space is limited. Quilting will be offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays beginning in January, 2012. Sr. Carolyn Rohde and Kari Szabo will instruct.

“Affirmations– a Growth Group for Women” Change your mind. Change your life. How you think about yourself plays a role in how effective and how happy you are. This group will help you change the way you think about yourself and about your life. Facilitated by Marla Looper, Mondays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

“Living Free”: A weekly group for women. Information, inspiration and motivation, support and life planning, develop connections with one another and the community. Facilitatied by Marla Looper, Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. This group flows from the Affirmations group. Women who are interested in this are encouraged to attend the Affirmations group and stay on.

Keeler Women’s Center announces a monthly book club to read and discuss literature by and about women. The group ordinarily meets every first Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Theresa Bysel will facilitate. Space is limited. Call 913.906.8990 to register. Free
Tuesday, February 7, Dry Grass of August, by Anne Jean Mayhew

Women Writers – group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Call 913.906.8990 or register online.

Journaling for Personal Growth (women only), meets on the 1st Thursday of each month, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Avenue, KCK. Free. No previous writing experience required. Call 913.906.8990 or register online.

We offer massage, by appointment, several Thursdays each month and on the third Monday of each month. Call to schedule an hour appointment with a certified massage therapist.


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Empowering women through spiritual development

Leaving a Spiritual Legacy will be offered on Wednesday, January 25, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Facilitated by Mary Fran Zeller, BCC. A spiritual will is a statement of core values cultivated over a lifetime. Stories and personal reflections leave a record of what is important to us for those we leave behind. Participants will be led through a process of writing a spiritual will.

A Lenten Retreat will be held on Wednesday evening, February 29, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Watch for more information.

We’ve added several new volunteers and we currently have openings for spiritual direction! Call now! Spiritual Direction is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey and seeks to help one grow closer to God. Trained spiritual directors are available to meet with women one hour once a month. This is helpful for women who are wanting to be more aware of God’s actions in their lives, who are discerning a life change, who are having a hard time and wonder if God is still with them, or who are simply seeking to have a stronger relationship with our loving God. Many of our spiritual directors have been trained by Souljourners which is an ecumenical program and women of all faiths are welcome. (We were excited recently to welcome our first Muslim woman for this program.) Call 913.906.8990 to schedule a monthly appointment.

Holy Women series – All of us are called to holiness. This series is designed to help us examine our notion of holiness by introducing women from very diverse backgrounds. Each presentation is offered on a 2nd Thursday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., and contains a presentation, time for reflection and prayer. Call 913.906.8990 or register online.
Thursday, February 9, Nowal el Saadawi, presented by Sr. Thomasita Homan, OSB.
Thursday, March 8, Naomi of the Old Testament, presented by Sr. Irene Nowell, OSB
Thursday, April 12, Margery Kempe, presented by Sr. Mary Collins, OSB

A monthly scripture series based on the illuminations of the St. John’s Bible will be offered on the 3rd Thursday of each month, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Free study guides will be provided for those who pre-register for the series. Call 913.906.8990.
Thursday, February 16, Transfiguration
Thursday, March 15, Crucifixion

Daily Prayer based on Liturgy of the Hours, 11:50 a.m., Monday - Thursday. We meet and pray for the needs of our women, our volunteers, and all other intentions named or un-named. Everyone is welcome to attend or call with a prayer request.


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Serving Men: Although we make decisions based on needs of women, and our support groups are women only, and most of those who come to Keeler are women, we do welcome men to some of our programs (counseling, loss group, parenting classes etc.) Call us if you have a question about a particular program or group being open to men.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are in need of volunteers to offer hospitality and assist with childcare.

We are always anxious to find new programs that meet the needs of our women. If you are an organization or an individual that has a program or service that you think our women may need, call us at 913.906.8990.


Opportunities to Assist Financially

We always welcome donations made out to Mount St. Scholastica, Inc. for the Keeler Women’s Center. Contact us if you have other ways you wish to donate.

United Way gifts:
Keeler Women’s Center receives funds only if individuals request that donations come to us. If you designate KWC to receive your United Way gift, please list our address as 2220 Central Avenue, KCK 66102, and our phone as 913.906.8990. United Way will contact us and we will provide all required documentation. This past year we received gifts through both United Way of Wyandotte County and United Way of Greater Kansas City. We are grateful! Spread the word to your family and friends.

Directions to the Keeler Women's Center.

For more information about any event, call:
Sr. Carol Ann Petersen, Director
Keeler Women's Center
2220 Central
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
913.906.8990
fax: 913.281.4474
email: kwc@mountosb.org