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In The News

United Way bus tour shows community’s challenges, progress

Original Soure - The Topeka Capital-Journal

By Katie Moore

A United Way bus tour led about 20 community members around the city to see what long-term sustainable change looks like up close.

The tour was led by Miriam Krehbiel, president and CEO, and Kim Cebula, vice president of resource development. The two urged participants to look out the windows of the Topeka Metro bus and make observations. At S.W. 21st and Fairlawn, access to a grocery store and bank were pointed out — as well as a payday loan business. Other areas didn’t have sidewalks or were vacant lots.

Krehbiel said the direction of United Way of Greater Topeka has evolved. Today it provides comprehensive programming that goes beyond singular issues. It also has partnered with a number of other organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club.

One of the sites the tour stopped at was the Avondale East Net Center in the Hi-Crest neighborhood.

Cebula said the neighborhood has the highest infant mortality rate in the state. Access to food is also problematic for some residents, especially on the weekends.

Cebula pointed out a memorial built on a corner for 5-year-old Lily Nichols who was shot and killed in July during a wave of violence over the summer in the neighborhood.

Cathy Ramshaw, director of mentoring with NET Reach, said people in the neighborhood often face a number of challenges. About 70 percent of the residents are renters who may face eviction if they make a complaint to their landlord, she said. Because homes have minimal insulation, utility bills run high. A program called Keeping the Lights On helps with some of those costs. Ramshaw also said there are kids — some as young as age 10 — who are raising their siblings. The issue became so apparent that childcare services are now provided so older siblings can participate in programs.

The Dream Center at NET Reach provides residents with resources such as computers, doctors and lawyers that wouldn’t be accessible otherwise.

The program is in partnership with the Topeka Rescue Mission.

In the Pine Ridge neighborhood, the average income is $8,800 per year. United Way has implemented a number of programs in partnership with Topeka Housing Authority and Topeka Public Schools. One of the projects is an early learning center which helps prepare children for kindergarten and has seen substantial improvements in test scores.

Krehbiel said middle to high-income households have 13 books per home on average. For low-income earners, the rate drops significantly — to one book for every 300 children.

Another program, called Parents as Teachers, helps guide parents. Home visits help ensure children are on track in terms of cognitive development and health. And parents are taught a variety of skills — from the importance of bonding to conscious discipline techniques.

The program’s site coordinator, Veronica Byrd, said it’s making a difference in the lives of families. She also noted their work is in partnership with families — and not a handout.

On site is also an aquaponics project. Youths are involved with raising tilapia as well as kale and collard greens. In doing so, they learn about horticulture, biology, chemistry and business. The food also is healthy, fresh and local, said Tray George, executive director for Topeka Housing Authority, Inc. Near the aquaponics building is a playground that has a special trail. Along the path, are signs showing different activities parents can engage their children with while walking along the trail.

Beth Nelson with Capitol Federal said she learned a lot on the bus tour and that she was impressed with how many people work together throughout the community.