We’re proud to name Ben French, of CoreNorth Capital Planning in Wichita, KS, a Catalyst Award finalist for the 2026 Invest in Others Awards. Over the past decade, French has turned a single act of kindness into a lasting model for independence and dignity for young adults with disabilities.
It started in 2015 when French met Dallas, a young man with intellectual disabilities whose family was experiencing homelessness. French rented a two-bedroom apartment, took Dallas in, and started to teach him basic life skills, believing that no one’s future should be limited by disability.
That act of kindness grew into Shepherd’s Way, an organization dedicated to launching adults with disabilities into independent, community-engaged, purpose-driven lives.
Shepherd’s Way hires and trains college students and young professionals to live alongside young adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working under the clinical supervision of a licensed professional, these peer mentors coach their roommates in the skills they need to flourish as adults in our community. The organization has also built a career-development program that promotes sustainable long-term employment for those it supports.
Ten years after its founding, Shepherd’s Way has served more than 100 people with disabilities across Kansas and Texas. Its peer mentor living model gives these individuals the chance to live life with purpose, not just survive, and French has built a model that is scalable to communities nationwide.
French’s involvement goes well beyond founder. He has served as both a board member and CEO/President of Shepherd’s Way, contributing thousands of hours to coaching, mentoring, fundraising, and leading the organization. He has helped raise more than $2 million to advance its mission.
“What makes Ben’s contributions extraordinary is not only what he has built, but how he built it, with empathy, integrity, and vision. He has taken an overlooked population and made them seen, valued, and empowered,” says Audrey Graber, Vice President, Program Development at Shepherd’s Way. ” His vision, tireless work ethic, and deep compassion have created a legacy that will outlast us all.”
“I see it as my life’s mission to support and empower those who were dealt a less fortunate hand than I was,” says French. “I have had so many people believe in me when they didn’t have to, so now I want to do the same for others facing barriers so they can reach their full potential.”
Watching individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families find hope for the first time is the coolest thing I have ever been a part of.
