The Committee was established in 2004 to find an effective way to utilize the property formerly occupied by Heartspring at 21st and Jardine. There are more than 11,000 children under the age of 18 who live within walking distance of this property. Test scores and graduation rates in this area are low. Crime rates are high. These children need an environment that provides structure, discipline, education, meaningful activities and mentoring from people who care so that they can grow up to be healthy, tolerant, thoughtful and contributing adults.

The Committee recognized that an effective response to these needs would require the participation of both public and private entities; a partnership that would work together to find ways to develop programs and share resources.

"Thanks to the vision, support and cooperative spirit of the Committee members," said Russ Meyer, Chairman of the 21st Street Committee, "we have created a partnership that will enable us to effectively serve the children in this area for generations."

"The two major providers that will be located on this property are the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Kansas and The Opportunity Project (TOP), a pre-K learning center for low-income families," Meyer said. "An $8 million capital campaign to fund a new 40,000 square foot facility for the Boys & Girls Club was launched in June. The new $4 million, 23,000 square foot, state-of-the-art TOP learning center, which will be funded by donors and partners of The Opportunity Project, is already under construction and will be open for enrollment in August 2006."

In addition to a brief progress report, Meyer announced that the Kansas Health Foundation has made a $2 million program commitment, which includes $500,000 for TOP and $1.5 million for the Boys & Girls Club. This commitment is not part of the $8 million in capital funds currently being raised for the new facilities, but will be used for the development and implementation of expanded programs.

"Children are the heart and soul of the Kansas Health Foundation's work," said Marni Vliet, president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. "So is supporting, enriching and valuing communities. All of this is what the 21st Street project is about. It's the perfect fit for the Foundation."

"We plan for our gift to work in a number of ways," said Vliet. "By contributing some of the funds to TOP, we can help ensure that our city's youngest children will have a strong foundation to grow into healthy adults. And with our contribution to the Boys & Girls Club, we hope to help our young adults grow into successful, healthy individuals."

"In the very near future, we will have the TOP facility filled with young minds full of potential and excited to learn," said Vliet. "And we will have a Boys & Girls Club that will develop our next generation of leaders and educators. Eventually, these youth will grow up to make a difference in their neighborhoods and in our community as a whole. It can be the difference between living in a city with crime and injustice to a city that's thriving and filled with hope."

Barry Downing, Trustee of The Opportunity Project (TOP), indicated that this commitment of $500,000 from the Kansas Health Foundation will support TOP's effort in start-up, student testing and tracking of long-term benefits to the children. "Full architectural plans for the eight classroom building have been completed by McCluggage, Van Sickle and Perry Architects," Downing said. "Initial grading and footings have been completed, and plumbing has been roughed in ready for the concrete pour this week. We are on schedule for building occupancy next summer."

The TOP facility will offer extended day and full year educational day care and preschool services to area children who can demonstrate financial need and qualify for governmental agency funding. In October of this year, TOP received a five-year contract from the Wichita Board of Education to enroll up to 200 half-day students as part of USD 259's Kansas State Board of Education funding for at-risk preschoolers. "We expect to be at full capacity when we open for students in July 2006" said Janice Smith, TOP's Executive Director.

Ron Holt, Chairman of the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, said, "These funds will enable us to broaden the scope of our initiatives as we transition to the new facility. For example, we will focus on strategic communication and execution; expand character and leadership development, which is one of our highest priorities; and define and implement a parent education program."

"In addition to this wonderful grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, we are excited and pleased to announce that we are over halfway to completing our $8 million capital campaign. We plan to break ground for the Boys & Girls Club facility in March of 2006 with occupancy in May of 2007."