About Project Concern
Our purpose is to show up for citizens who might otherwise be overlooked—providing meals, rides, and community so they can live with dignity and thrive at any age.
Our Story
Project Concern began in 1967 when a small group of volunteers started meeting at Mall Towers in Atchison. They noticed a growing need among older adults—many were living alone, struggling to access meals, and lacked reliable transportation.
What started as neighbors checking in quickly grew into coordinated support. Volunteers delivered meals, provided rides using personal vehicles, and created welcoming spaces where seniors could gather for food, cards, bingo, and conversation.
As community needs increased, Project Concern expanded. Senior meal sites were established, home-delivered meals grew, and transportation services became more structured—eventually evolving into the county’s only general public transportation program.
Today, Project Concern operates two senior centers in Atchison and Effingham, serving tens of thousands of meals and providing thousands of rides each year across Atchison County.
More than 50 years later, the mission remains the same: helping seniors stay nourished and the community stay mobile & connected.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Empowering every senior with community centers, meals, and transportation.
Mission
Empowering our community with senior centers, meals and transportation.
Vision
To become an expression of concern for persons in Atchison County, KS by providing nutrition and transportation services with the goal of helping citizens achieve and maintain independence; maximum involvement in community affairs and activities.
Core Values
Dignity – We honor every person’s worth by offering care, respect, and support that preserves independence and self-respect.
Reliability – We show up — consistently, compassionately, and without fail — because citizens depend on us every day.
Welcoming – We create warm, inclusive spaces where citizens feel seen, valued, and connected to others.
Compassionate – We lead with empathy, going beyond basic needs to provide comfort, encouragement, and genuine human connection.
2
locations
20+
volunteers
40,000
Meals provided yearly
14
staff members
Our Supporters
Project Concern is a 501(c)3 organization supported by grants and donations. Thank you to our current and past donors who make our work possible.