Mothers' mother announces retirement

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo Wilma Leach, director of Mother to Mother Ministry of Bourbon County, looks over a closet full of donated clothes at the organization's location at 728 Heylman St. Leach recently announced she is retiring effective Aug. 31 after running the nonprofit organization for more than 17 years.

For Wilma Leach, it's time to step down.

Leach, the director of Mother to Mother Ministry of Bourbon County since its beginning in 1998, recently announced that she is retiring effective Aug. 31. The nonprofit organization, which helps mothers and families facing various needs, may have to cease operations if a replacement for Leach is not found.

Leach said after 17 1/2 years, "it is time."

"I'm kind of worn out right now," Leach said. "Maybe if I was able to take some time off, but I just can't get it."

Leach also said it is now more difficult "to have a working board to help with fundraising as well as finding a grant writer." She said the organization receives most of its funding from donations and does get support from the United Way. Leach said she sometimes uses some donated funds to pay her salary but "most of the funding goes to the program.

"Sometimes I have a salary and sometimes not," she said.

Mother to Mother Ministry provides help to local mothers and families on limited incomes from its location at 728 S. Heylman St. In 2013, the organization moved there from its previous home in Memorial Hall. The current facility once operated as Fort Scott Youth Home, Inc.

Leach said prior to providing assistance, mothers and families who have requested assistance are given a budget sheet to fill out which shows the household income and the number of people in the family. Leach then goes over the information to determine how assistance can be provided.

"It shows us 'Where is the money going?" she said.

Rooms inside the facility are filled with donations of baby supplies, children's clothes and cleaning supplies. One room in the facility is set aside for counseling and support to victims of domestic violence. Baby supplies include clothing, furniture, over-the-counter medicines, lice treatment kits, formula, diapers, baby wipes and car seats.

"We get so many donations. We don't have to spend a lot," Leach said.

Leach said she lets mothers know when the organization receives certain requested items that are not immediately available.

The organization began with Leach acquiring a grant from Catherine's Legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in February 1998. When it began, the organization's mission was to mentor and provide friendship to single mothers and parents of various ages in Bourbon County.