photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

Artists and audience members applaud a new bench at the Van Go benchmark unveiling ceremony on July, 24, 2026.

Van Go Inc., which produces the colorful benches all over Lawrence, is facing a significant funding challenge as it prepares to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal support.

The nonprofit, which supports at-risk youths through art programs, said in a news release Thursday that its current contract with Kansas WorkforceONE, which has historically provided approximately $330,000 annually to support youth workforce services, will end on Sept. 30.

The change will affect how Van Go pays for a portion of its youth employment programming, but Van Go says its commitment to young people isn’t changing.

Currently, federal funds account for one-third of Van Go’s operating budget, the release said.

“This is a significant change for Van Go, but our first priority is making sure the young people we serve continue to have opportunities, support and people in their corner,” said Lori McSorley, executive director of Van Go. “Funding structures can change. Our mission doesn’t.”

Current participants will continue in Van Go programming. Case management responsibilities will transition to Kansas WorkforceONE, allowing participants to maintain access to resources including transportation assistance, education funding and emergency support the release said.

Federal workforce funding has supported Van Go for more than 23 years. The current change is part of a broader proposed restructuring of the federal workforce system that would consolidate several workforce programs into a new state block grant.

Van Go and Kansas WorkforceONE are exploring a new vendor relationship that could provide continued funding based on the number of young people served and milestones reached. That arrangement is expected to provide less funding than Van Go has historically received, leaving Van Go with a significant funding gap to fill.

The organization is pursuing foundation and grant opportunities, meeting with donors and developing new business and community partnerships to help sustain its youth employment programs.

“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 30 years, and Douglas County has always understood the value of investing in young people,” McSorley said. “We’re going to adapt and find new ways to fund this work. We’re also asking our community to help us build what comes next.”

Founded in 1997, Van Go uses art and paid employment to help young people ages 14 to 24 develop job skills, confidence and connections to supportive adults and community resources.

The release said community members could support Van Go by making a gift, connecting the organization with potential donors, foundations and business partners, and sharing Van Go’s work throughout the community.