Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Service director Lori Hensley, left, worker Sadie Madden, second from left, and board president Jack Cooley, far right, accept a check for $2,500 from farmer Ryan Hamlin, center, Monday morning. The money was farmer Dennis Hamlin’s prize from America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which is then donated to the farmer’s nonprofit of choice. Monsanto District Sales Manager for Southwest Kansas Chris Irvin joins Hamlin in presenting the check. L&T photos/Robert Pierce

• L&T staff report

Local farmer Dennis Hamlin has directed a $2,500 donation to the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services Center.

Funded by America’s Farmers Grow Communities, the donation will support the organization’s mission to help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.  They provide counseling to women and children from violent homes, and provide financial assistance to help victims get back on their feet and live-abuse free lives.

Thanks to the support of farmers across the country, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states.

“They help victims of violence and sexual assault in our community,” Hamlin said.  “The victims know they are not alone, and I’m so honored to be able to help the center out this way.  Thank you so much, Monsanto.”

America’s Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services Center, who are doing important work in their communities.

The program offers farmers the chance to win $2,500, which is then donated to the farmer’s nonprofit of choice. The search for funding to sustain and enhance programs is a year-round job for nonprofit organizations across the country.

Through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, farmers have been able to support a variety of groups, such as schools, fire departments, community centers and youth organizations like 4-H and FFA.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities launched in 2010, and has since donated over $13 million to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations across the country.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is part of the America’s Farmers initiative, which highlights and celebrates the important contributions of farmers like Dennis Hamlin.

For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, please visit growcommunities.com.

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign is an advocacy program celebrating U.S. farmers through communications, awards and special programs that highlight the importance of modern American agriculture.

America’s Farmers initiatives include:

America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which supports rural communities by offering farmers the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organization.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, which supports rural education by offering farmers the chance to nominate local school districts, which can compete for a $10,000 or $25,000 merit-based grant to enhance math and science education.

America’s Farmers Mom of the Year, which celebrates women in agriculture by offering the chance to win up to $10,000 and the title of “National Farm Mom of the Year.”

America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, which launches this year in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and South Carolina, and aims to encourage the next generation to remain involved in agriculture by offering students the chance to apply for a $1,500 scholarship.

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.