For over ten years our agency has taken great care to place our energy and efforts on helping those at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale reach a higher plateau in life. Not only have we had to help some meet their most basic socioeconomic needs, but doing such while also meeting our own organizational demands.

Now, with years of experience and accomplishments behind us we are prepared to move forward in a way that can establish a lasting opportunity to meet the unmet needs anticipated by economic uncertainty at the Local, State and National level. In 1995 representatives from Washburn University KTWU, area Unified School Districts, and community nonprofit organizations were a part of the National Campaign Against Youth Violence sponsored by PBS. It was brought about due to high instances of youth violence and low achievement, and worked to identify community action around building sound coalitions, solutions and partnerships.

Then, as now, youth when asked offer solutions they feel could stem the violence that impacts them. What is done with that information is then on those in the community that have the influence, finances and sometime the courage, to make it happen. One recurring suggestion from youth and young adults from disadvantaged communities is always the desire to have a central place to safely socialize with their friends and peers after school. A place that is not so much government or church sponsored, but one whereas they are a part of establishing the rules and procedures in a process that they feel as fair. Having a cross-section of city youth involved allows those who only see each other at a game or at the mall an opportunity to work together when coordinating activities for, and with, their peers.

To meet the unmet challenges facing disadvantaged youth we are raising the required funds to secure the building we occupy at 629 SE Quincy, and the adjacent buildings on 7^th Street between Quincy and Kansas Avenue.  112-114, 116, and 118 SE 7^th.

This is our organizations most challenging effort to-date and we hope to reach our objective of raising the necessary amount needed to complete this important project in a timely fashion. With several levels of support to choose from, we believe raising required funds as proposed will offer many in the community a chance to give in their own small way. It is apparent that many adults would like to have an active role in creating a positive environment for Topeka youth so that they may stay engaged in making good decisions. Therefore we are hopeful that other youth-based agencies will accept our offer to collocate programs or activities in the facilities so that they can more effectively reach young people in a centrally located place. We thank you in advance for your continued support and will meet with your committee to discuss how your company’s contribution will assure the implementation of this exciting project.

Sincerely,

W. Lazone Grays

President/CEO