Sunflower Adult Day Services seeks temporary home, donations after Oct. 7 fire

SALINA, Kan. — Sunflower Adult Day Services, a Salina nonprofit that provides daytime care for adults and respite for family caregivers, is asking the community for a temporary place to resume services and for donations after a fire Oct. 7 heavily damaged its building at 401 W. Iron Ave.

The organization announced the request in a news release Monday, Oct. 26. Its services have been suspended since the fire.

The fire

The Salina Fire Department was dispatched shortly after midnight Oct. 7 to a structure fire in the two-story commercial building, according to a City of Salina news release. Firefighters found fire showing from windows on both floors. The second floor also serves as a residence.

The building's single occupant got out safely before firefighters arrived, and a search found no one else inside, according to the city. Crews brought the fire under control in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Sunflower said about 25% of the structure was severely damaged, with extensive smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to the city and the organization.

What the organization needs

Sunflower said it is looking for a temporary location so services can resume as quickly as possible, while also exploring long-term options. It asked community members, businesses, churches and organizations with available space to reach out.

The organization said it does not own the building, which it leases from the Catholic Diocese of Salina, and that it has insurance. It said it expects the cost of reopening — modifying a new space for participants, licensing it under state and federal regulations, and replacing furniture and supplies — along with operating costs during the closure to exceed its insurance proceeds.

Sunflower said it is also seeking introductions to businesses, contractors, volunteers and other partners who can help with facilities, operations, equipment, supplies or recovery planning.

The board of directors has committed to supporting staff and is pursuing options to continue services, according to the release.

"Our greatest priority is restoring services for the individuals and families who rely on us every day," said Lindsay Huenefeld, director of Sunflower Adult Day Services. "While we have lost our building, we have not lost our mission. We remain committed to serving our participants and supporting their caregivers, and we are grateful for the incredible support already being shown by this community."

How to donate

Donations may be made through:

• A GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-sunflower-adult-day-center-recovery
• The Bennington State Bank recovery fund, at 2130 S. Ohio St. and 200 S. Ninth St. in Salina, and 104 W. Washington St. in Bennington
• PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/73VDACNBPFGZC

Facility offers and questions can go to Huenefeld at [email protected].

About Sunflower

Sunflower has served the Salina area for more than 21 years, according to the release. Its website says the program provides respite for caregivers and social connection for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or social isolation, as well as adults with physical, social or emotional needs who require supervision. Before the fire it offered care Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.