The inaugural leader of the SOS Child Advocacy Center Kathleen Inwood has passed away.
Inwood passed away January 7 at the age of 78. Following 32 years in the classroom as a teacher at Village Elementary School, Inwood would take on the role of Director for the CAC in 2001, a position she held for 11 years. During her time leading the center, Inwood spent countless hours establishing relationships at both the local and state levels and developing programs and services to foster a culture of safety, education and advocacy for children and families served by SOS.
During her first employment with the agency, current SOS Director Mickey Edwards spent much time with Inwood and remembers her as an individual who was always the first one in the door and often the last to leave. In addition to being a great local leader, Edwards says Inwood was a role model for other agencies across the state.
Current CAC Director Ginny Samples says that while she did not have the fortune to work alongside Inwood, she called her an inspiration and says she can’t imagine what the community might look like if not for the relationships and foundations Inwood forged throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Inwood was the recipient of several honors and recognitions including the 2007 Kansas Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Service Award.
In recognition of Inwood’s years of service and commitment to both SOS and the community, SOS leadership has announced the center’s family room will be renamed in her honor.
Inwood is survived by her husband Stephen, children Brian and Nancy, brother John and four grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with visitation at 10:30 am followed by a mass at 11:30 am and burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
