Real Men, Real Heroes project will support City of Wichita youth programs
City of Wichita officials announced an official partnership this week with The Real Men, Real Heroes Project, a local group of 32 volunteer mentors who help meet the needs of youth across the community. The nationally recognized project features classroom visits, motivational speaking, academic tutoring, athletic coaching, event volunteering, crisis intervention and other forms of support.
The partnership, which was announced at the Wichita City Council meeting on Tuesday, kicks off Saturday at Atwater Neighborhood City Hall, where the 32-member mentoring group will play host to a “Get to Know Us” recruitment drive from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spirit AeroSystems is the primary sponsor of the recruitment drive, which aims to increase the number of Hero mentors through a nomination process. The community event includes catered barbecue, chips, soft drinks and ice cream. Members of the media are invited.
The partnership was formed at the request of Councilwoman Lavonta Williams, whose central northeast district includes the Atwater Center, 2755 E. 19th Street.
“The Real Men, Real Heroes Project is a perfect fit for Atwater and its youth-oriented programs,” Williams said. “The mentors will serve many of Atwater’s existing programs including a summer camp, academic tutoring, a junior-league football team and others. My hope is that many people will attend the recruitment drive and learn how to get involved with this important project. A little time makes a big difference in the lives of kids, especially those with needs. I’d also like for this partnership to serve as a model for other neighborhood City Halls or City recreation centers.”
Real Men, Real Heroes was formed about a year ago, conceptualized by community activist Polly Basore with seed money provided by Wichita philanthropist Barry Downing. Other donors include Wichita Community Foundation, Kansas Health Foundation, KT Wiedeman Foundation, Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita State University, Butler County Community College, Wichita Public Schools and Cox Media.
The project received national recognition, thanks to the “President’s Call to Service Volunteer Award,” which President Bush presented to mentor Buddy Shannon during his visit to Wichita in May.
For more information, go to www.wichita.gov or call LaShonda Porter at 303-8017. To learn about the 32 Heroes, go to http://www.realheroeswichita.org/.
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