OneRise is Growing Hope—Row by Row

50 Acres of Sweet Corn Powered by Purpose Sponsored by Key Construction and Tessere

In the heart of south-central Kansas, a quiet transformation is taking place—one kernel at a time. The OneRise Sweet Corn Initiative is more than just an agricultural project; it focuses on access, dignity, and healing. Cultivated on 50 acres at the future OneRise Health Campus, this initiative embodies our bold vision to reshape the behavioral health system through innovative upstream solutions. Even before the first building is constructed, this land symbolizes what’s possible, showcasing how prevention, nutrition, and community empowerment can harmoniously transform lives.

Why Sweet Corn? Why Now?

Despite our state’s agricultural abundance, nearly 1 in 8 Kansans still face food insecurity. For many families, access to fresh, nutritious food is limited by systemic barriers related to housing, healthcare, and behavioral health. At OneRise, we believe that healing begins with nourishment—and nourishment starts with land.

Sweet corn, beloved and widely recognizable, is more than just a crop—it symbolizes community and connection. It bridges hunger and health, fostering trust and inviting us into a broader conversation about wellness and access for all.

Mission Impact: 200,000 Ears of Hope

This summer, we will harvest more than 200,000 ears of sweet corn. However, the Sweet Corn Initiative is more than just a project; it’s a movement. This effort brings tangible hope, nourishing and empowering individuals while transforming lives for future generations. Through this initiative, we demonstrate that nutrition, community, and healing go together to build something extraordinary.

The Sweet Corn Initiative directly supports our mission by:

– Clients participate in harvesting and distributing corn, fostering a sense of purpose and connection as they engage with the community.

– Generating revenue that directly supports the OneRise Health Campus, enhancing its sustainability and furthering the mission of transforming behavioral health care.

– By collaborating with local nonprofits, we extend the financial benefits of the initiative to other organizations aligned with our mission. The distribution of fresh produce and the revenue generated directly support these groups, promoting collective growth and healing.

– Fostering community connections brings people together through volunteers, individuals, and businesses who pick and purchase sweet corn. These interactions create a sense of unity, cultivating a community that rises together.

A Foundation for Healing—and for Rising Together 

What we plant today will nourish bodies, uplift spirits, and lay the groundwork for a health campus unlike any other in Kansas, integrating behavioral health, housing, nutrition, education, and workforce development to support lifelong well-being.

With the generous support of Key Construction and Tessere as our Presenting Co-Sponsors, the Sweet Corn Initiative demonstrates the powerful impact of purposeful action. It illustrates how even one field can spark systemic change.

Join the Movement

We unite people, purpose, and land to build lasting wellness for Kansas families. Whether you volunteer, donate, or help spread the word, you’re contributing to something extraordinary—from the ground up.

To get involved or learn more, contact:

LeAnne Miller, Chief Strategy Officer

📧 leannem@onerisehealth.org | 📞 (316) 350-5364