Gillis | for children and families since 1870

Gillis Stories - Runners in Touch (RIT)

Runners in Touch (RIT) was founded by Athlon Endurance Training in April 2005. At church one evening with his family, Karl Keltner (founder) was overcome with the need to do more for youth in the community. The idea of merging two of his passions – fitness and fun – was conceived. Karl called upon runners and athletes he has known over the years to help. The response he got was overwhelming. Runners in Touch soon became a reality. Today RIT has 30 active members. All of them are devoted and talented athletes who compete in marathons and/or triathlons each year.

RIT has been working with Gillis since July 2005. They come to campus the first Sunday of every month and do activities with the boys which provide fitness, fun and nutritional education. RIT members bring their passion for healthy living alive for the boys each and every first Sunday they spend with the boys.

Stories

She was teaching French in a local school and decided to further her education. However, to do so meant she would have to go to France. With her husband in med-school that wasn’t possible. So, she went to KU and received a degree in special education. She observed a class here with Cathy Dennis, who suggested Becky do her student teaching at Gillis. She did and when Cathy learned she was pregnant and decided to leave, she suggested Becky fill her position.

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Gillis News

As part of their community service hours at Rockhurst High School, two young men volunteered at Gillis, working with the residential students. One day they looked around and realized that the common areas were not what they, as “typical” teenagers, would like to look at every day. So, they undertook a cottage renovation project. READ MORE

Gillis is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.