SKYL IN ES
SPRING 2016 | THE HOPE CENTER NEWSLETTER
HOPE ARISES!
The Hope Center began this year with Proverbs 13:12 in mind. In
the midst of constant instability, along with the ongoing drama and
trauma our children face - Hope is easily deferred. However, God has
surrounded the Hope Center with donors, friends, and volunteers that
have invested in restoring Hope to the children and families on Kansas
City’s East-side. This Newsletter is an expression of what you are doing
to bring Hope and faith to the lives of many.
t H E u N D E RG R O U N D Pr o d u cti o n
AT T H E k AU F F M A N Center
This phenomenal production of the plight of slavery
in America and the righteousness of the Church
through the Underground Railroad came alive in
dance. Through a generous donor, we were able to
have 50 people from both the Hope Center and Hope
Leadership Academy to attend this event. What a joy it
Students from HLA and The Hope Center
was to hear our students make the connection that
the Church played a role in helping people enslaved to
escape to a place of freedom. As one student put it – “I
never saw a story acted out before!”
Hope deferred makes
the heart sick, but a
longing fulfilled is a tree
of life. - Proverbs 13:12
B la ck H i sto ry U rba n H er o es
a n d Sh er o es
This semester, the
students have enjoyed
learning about Black
History, and the
contributions from
people of color that
made this Nation great. Our youth also met and
heard from local Black
Heroes, Dr. Cymanthia
Connell who has served
as a Medical Physician in
our community since 2013;
and Defensive Line Coach/
Special Teams Coordinator
at MidAmerica Nazarene
University, Mr. Aric Henderson. Our students were able to
dialogue and get questions
answered from these S/Heroes
about the medical field, and
what it takes to be a College
Football Coach.
Va lenti n es Celebrati o n: Th e Gi ft o f Lo ve
A Thursday evening,
in February, brought
forth an incredible night
of expressions of love
at Christian Fellowship
Baptist Church.
Forty five families
gathered together to
celebrate their love for one another as their children
expressed appreciation for their parents. PowerPoint
presentations, dances, poems, instrumentals, and
certificates designed by each student brought tears
to their parents eyes.
Parents cherished
the moment as
sons and grandsons
presented flowers
to their Mother’s
and Grandmother’s
while the Father’s
and Grandfather’s
presented
beautiful roses to
One of the greatest blessings we can
receive in this life is the love of a family,
and the bonds that exist between its
members are sacred . -Dr. Tony Evans
their daughters and granddaughters. The evening
concluded with father/daughter, mother/son, and
couples dancing. Executive Director, Marvin Daniels
shared a message about God’s love entitled “When
You Care
Enough to Send
the Very Best.”
This night has
encouraged and
enriched these
families in such
a way that they
continue to
talk about this
evening.
S eco n d Wi n d S erva nt Lea dersh i p C o n feren ce
THC LIT students had the opportunity to attend
Kids Across America’s Second Wind Servant Leadership
Conference in Plano, Texas. Over 300 students from
around the country came together to
reconnect with one another, worship
God, and learn how to fight for their
faith. Several LIT students stated that
they were “Encouraged to stand for
the Lord in the midst of hard times. I
believe I can trust God for real.”
Two of our students participated
Devin is a new volunteer to The Hope Center, joining our
S.A.Y. Yes program during the first semester of the 2015-2016
school year. Devin grew up as a native of the inner city
of KCMO. He was proud
to graduate from Hogan
Charter Prep and went on
to attend UMKC, where he
is currently enrolled and
pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Devin has been
a great role model and mentor to the boys and teens of the
Hope Center.
in the program Graduation
Ceremony where they were
honored for completing the three
year process of learning the life,
love and lessons of a Servant
Leader. As a result, these students
will be serving as volunteers and
peer leaders in the Hope Center’s
children and youth programs.
(Micah Daniels and Dia Blackwell
Higher Ground Graduates)
In 2014 Mrs Kathy began volunteering with our
children’s outreach Bible study program and remains a
volunteer leader in our SAY Yes after school ministry.
​Mrs Kathy is one
of our most warm and
loving volunteers, and
even opens her home to
our youth for activities
and celebrations. The Hope Center recognizes, loves
and appreciates you, Mrs Kathy!
Volunteer Highlights
​
E veryth i n g N ew To u r: Celebrati o n o f M u si c
As a part of our Black Heritage Month we invited
some special guest Performers from the “Everything
New” Tour. They gave our students an edifying,
empowering and entertaining interpretation of how
the Gospel can alter one’s self-esteem for good in
today’s toxic culture. This group of Christian rappers,
dancers, and singers ministered to the youth in terms
they could easily identify with, while engaging our
students in song and dance as well. The best part was
that one of the performers is also a volunteer at our
SAY Yes After school program.
M ega Ga m e Ni ght
Mega Game Night gave youth fun-filled,
challenging game events where they expressed their
individuality and how to work in Teams. Though the
police sirens were blaring outside the only noise you
heard inside was the laughter of youth, and that noise
is the very best sound!
H O P E C E NTER S P EC IAL G IVING OPP ORTUNI TI ES
1. Send a student to KAA Summer Camp $240 (10 students $2,400)
2. Provide curriculum costs for Hope Center’s Summer Program $1,500
3. Need a 15 Passenger Van for transportation for Fall programs
4. Sponsor a Summer High School Intern $3,000 per student
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
2800 E. Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64128
KANSAS CITY, MO
PERMIT NO. 1962
PAID
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
Honoring God by developing healthy
communities where the vulnerable
can have hope and flourish
FA L L 20 14 | T H E H O P E C E N T E R N E W S L E T T E R
INSIDE:
• The Underground Production at the
Kauffman Performing Arts Center
• Black History Urban Heroes and
Sheroes
• Valentines Celebration: The Gift of
Love
• Second Wind Servant Leadership
Conference
.....And so much more!