Wichita Collective Impact initiative leaders announced the recipients of summer grant funding during a check presentation ceremony at Cargill Protein North America headquarters on Tuesday, May 16. Awardees will lead summer programming for students in the 67214 zip code who are entering kindergarten, first or second grade this fall. The four 501(c)(3) organizations awarded checks totaling $52,724 were: Prime Fit Youth Foundation; St. Mark United Methodist Church of Wichita, Inc.; Music Theatre Wichita; and Urban League of Kansas Inc.
The Wichita Collective Impact initiative, made possible through a $2 million grant from Cargill Protein North America, is jointly led by the Greater Wichita YMCA, United Way of the Plains, the Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University and Wichita Public Schools. Programs are being carried out by partners to increase education success and workforce readiness in Wichita, starting with the 67214 zip code – identified as an area where residents are significantly underserved in education and career guidance. More information is available at unitedwayplains.org/wichita-collective-impact-initiative.
Group photo includes Wichita Collective Impact partners, summer grant recipients and representatives of groups awarded $500 for completing Wichita Collective Impact-sponsored capacity building training.
Pictured first row (left to right):
Pete Najera, United Way of the Plains; LaWanda DeShazer, Greater Wichita YMCA; Barbara Smith, St. Mark United Methodist Church of Wichita, Inc.; Chartell Grissom, Storytime Village, Inc.; Catalina Garcia, Salud + Bienstar; Michelle Vann, The Center; Nimcy Bravo, Salud +Bienstar; and Corinthian Kelly, Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University.
Pictured second row (left to right):
Ronn McMahon, Greater Wichita YMCA; Misty Bruckner, Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University; Jodee Bradley, St. Mark United Methodist Church of Wichita, Inc.; Mace McKenzie, Catholic Charities; Frankie Kirkendoll, Urban League of Kansas Inc.; Dennis Fontleroy, Fountain of Life Ministries; Tiffanie Henderson, The Center; Maria Hernandez, Salud + Bienstar; Eric Hargrave, Fountain of Life Ministries.
Pictured third row (left to right):
Gina Johnson, St. Mark United Methodist Church of Wichita, Inc.; Dottee Thompson, St. Mark United Methodist Church of Wichita, Inc.; Heidi Biever, Music Theatre Wichita; Teon Wilson, Prime Fit Youth Foundation; Kim Wilson, Prime Fit Youth Foundation; Jamil Malone, Cargill Protein North America; Fred Hayes, New Life Church.