Building Community, One Conversation at a Time: CTGO at National Night Out

This past Saturday, Central Topeka Grocery Oasis joined neighbors, city leaders, and community organizations at the City of Topeka’s National Night Out celebration at Agriculture Hall. Hosted by the Office of Inclusive Communities, this annual event is all about bringing neighbors together, building trust, and creating a safer, more connected community.

The day was packed with activities for all ages like a Touch-a-Truck display, a talent show, face painting, and dozens of resource booths. Visitors could grab lunch, listen to music, and explore the wide range of services available in Topeka. The energy in the room was electric!

At the CTGO booth, we met so many wonderful people, including new Topekans who have just moved here, long-time residents, and city leaders like Mayor Mike Padilla. We also spoke with city council candidates and explored new collaboration opportunities to further our progress in finding a grocer partner. Many guests stopped by to learn about our mission to bring a full-service grocery store back to Central Topeka and signed up to stay informed on our progress.

One of the most exciting parts of the day was discovering just how many resources our community has to offer. We learned information about:

• Nutrition opportunities for seniors

• Employment services and skills training

• Caregiver support and fraud prevention programs

• Adult protective services and mental health resources

• Assistance with utilities, emergency food, and clothing banks

• Bus vouchers, food boxes, and dental/prescription help

• Loan protection programs and property maintenance guidelines

  
  

We even learned how to become a Foster Grandparent — a beautiful way for older adults to share their time and experience with children in need.

National Night Out reinforced that connection is powerful. Every conversation, every handshake, and every shared story strengthens the fabric of our city.

Thank you to the City of Topeka and the Office of Inclusive Communities for hosting such a vibrant and welcoming event, and thank you to everyone who stopped by our table. We had a remarkable time.

Whether you came for a CTGO shopping bag, the conversation, or the mission — we’re glad you’re part of the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis community.

Check out some of our favorite moments from the day below!