The Women Who Launched Long-Term Care Advocacy in Kansas
Libby Hastings • March 1, 2024
Spearheaded by the activism of Anna "Petey" Cerf, a "band of six" women from the Lawrence and Topeka communities came together with a shared vision: to improve the quality of long-term care for older adults and adults with disabilities in Kansas nursing homes. They were appalled by the poor conditions and mistreatment that they witnessed in many of these facilities and knew that something had to be done.
These women, Jessie Branson, Anna "Petey" Cerf, Lesley (Lee) Ketzel, Harriet Nehring, Katie Pyle, and Bryona Wiley, were not content to simply accept the status quo. They refused to turn a blind eye to the suffering of those who were most vulnerable and were determined to make a change.
Together, they founded Kansans for Improvement of Nursing Homes in 1975 and launched a reform movement through political advocacy, lobbying for changes to the laws and regulations that governed nursing homes.
Their efforts were not always easy. They faced opposition and hostility from those who were resistant to change and had to fight tirelessly to make their voices heard. But they persevered, driven by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to making a difference.
The organization has evolved over the years (even changing their name to Kansas Advocates for Better Care), but the significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in Kansas remains. KABC continues to advocate for policies and regulations that improve the quality of care in all long-term care settings and provide support and resources to individuals and families who are navigating the complex world of long-term care.
The legacy of these six women is a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities. They refused to accept things as they were and fought for change, making a profound difference in the lives of so many while emphasizing the fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect.
As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, let us remember the courage and determination of these trailblazing women, and let us recommit ourselves to the fight for better care for all. Their legacy continues to inspire us today.
Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) hosted its first-ever community car show this month, and we’re still riding high from the energy, joy, and connections sparked at the event. Despite a little Kansas rain, 28 beautiful classic cars and over 200 attendees came out to celebrate. We were thrilled to welcome residents from both Pioneer Ridge and Presbyterian Manor, who joined alongside their families, caregivers, and community members to admire the lineup of vintage vehicles. The car show was part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, and we couldn’t think of a better way to bring generations together for fun, fresh air (a little drizzle), and conversation. We gave away over $100 through our 50/50 raffle , raffled off three gift cards and a car banner (each paired with a KABC t-shirt), and awarded four standout cars: Oldest Car – 1917 Dodge Roadster KABC’s Choice – 1937 Buick Resident’s Choice – 1955 Chevy Bel Air Best in Show – 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 None of this would have been possible without our outstanding planning committee , especially Max and Dalton , who helped steer every detail from concept to execution. We also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to our volunteers— Garrett, Richard, and Kurt —for helping during the show, and to our dedicated board member Barbara Braa , who stayed for the entire event to lend a hand. Special thanks to our generous event host, Rev City Church , for providing the perfect space to showcase these cars and connect with our community. We’re also deeply grateful to our event partners: O’Reilly Auto Parts and Audio-Reader Network , for setting up booths, handing out free goodies, and powering through the downpour ThisN’That-LFK , for serving up delicious food and drinks to keep spirits high Douglas County Community Foundation , whose support made this event a reality Our giveaway sponsors: Summit Racing Equipment, Stoner Car Care, Gateway Classic Cars, and EATON Detroit Spring – thank you for helping us create a memorable experience for all From the rumble of vintage engines to the smiles shared between residents and car enthusiasts alike, this car show reminded us why community connection is so vital—especially for those in long-term care. We’re already looking ahead to next year’s show. Until then, thank you for celebrating 50 years of advocacy, community, and care with us.
In a recent article published by The Beacon, reporter Blaise Mesa spotlights a heartbreaking case that exemplifies both the critical importance and serious strain facing Kansas Adult Protective Services (APS). The article, “One elder abuse investigator has 70 cases. Kansas doesn’t say how swamped other caseworkers are,” tells the story of Shirley Crow, an 85-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s whose family trusted a caretaker to manage her daily medications and appointments. That trust was broken. Despite filing a report with APS, Shirley’s family received few updates. Weeks after their report, Shirley passed away. Her case remains open—one of 10,000 APS investigations initiated in Kansas each year. The assigned APS caseworker? She has 70 other cases. This is not a story about blame. As Shirley’s daughter-in-law, Stacy Crow, told The Beacon , “We got an investigator that I truly believe has a heart… I understand they have an overwhelming demand… I don’t fault them. I just want things to change.” And so do we. Systemic Overload and the Urgent Need for Reform The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), which oversees APS, has not publicly disclosed average caseloads. While DCF clarified post-publication that they do track this information, they choose not to release it, citing confidentiality. The lack of transparency and standardization prevents meaningful accountability and reform. National standards suggest 20–25 cases per worker is a manageable caseload. Kansas APS staff, in some cases, are handling double or triple that amount. With cases increasing year over year— 18,056 in fiscal year 2025 alone—the risk of delayed intervention or missed warning signs only grows. This Is a Wake-Up Call. At KABC, we continue to push for better protections for older adults, more robust support for APS investigators, and greater transparency and accountability from state agencies. In our recent blog post, “ What Happens When You Report to Adult Protective Services? ” we outline the crucial role APS plays in protecting vulnerable adults and how reporting suspected abuse can quite literally save lives. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Kansas: For older adults living at home in the community or in facilities licensed by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services when the perpetrator is not a resident of or staff of the facility, report to the following: Adult Protective Services (APS): 1-800-922-5330 If an emergency, call your local law enforcement agency or 911 Reporting initiates a multi-step process involving a prompt in-person visit, interviews, and, when needed, development of a service or prevention plan. The goal of APS is to protect, not to punish- to connect individuals to medical care, housing, legal services, or safety planning. But APS cannot fulfill that mission if it's underfunded, overwhelmed, and operating in the dark. What Needs to Change: Transparency: Kansas must publicly release average caseload data and investigation timelines. Support for APS Workers: State leaders must prioritize hiring and retaining qualified APS staff and ensure manageable caseloads. Federal Investment: Continued and expanded federal funding for APS is essential—not optional. Public Awareness: Communities need to understand when and how to report suspected abuse, and how they can be part of the safety net. The APS system should be a lifeline, not a last resort.