Three local organizations were surprised last week with grants to continue their positive impact in Black and Brown communities.
The newly-founded nonprofit BeGreat Together, which raises money to provide funding to Black- and Latino-led grassroots leaders and organizations, awarded two local public-school programs $10,000 each in grants and $20,000 to a local community changemaker.
School districts with more than 50% Black and/or Latinx students face a funding gap of more than $5,000 per pupil on average, according to The Century Foundation. BeGreat Together aims to bridge that gap and put resources in the hands of public schools and grassroots community changemakers who know best what their students and communities need.
BeGreat Together awarded grants to The Success Academy, Woodland Early Learning Center’s Global Academy and KC United.
The Success Academy, a KCPS alternative middle and high school and received, a $10,000 grant.
“The Success Academy will use the $10,000 grant to bolster their new family and consumer science class that will directly teach students skills for the real-world including math, science, health, nutrition, kitchen and cooking safety, etiquette and family life to better prepare their students for professional careers and an independent life,” said a BeGreat Together press release.
The Woodland Early Learning Center’s Global Academy supports recently arrived immigrants and refugees also received a $10,000 grant, which they will use to help guide students into the community and provide resources including interpretation and trauma counseling.
Pastor Adrion Roberson, co-pastor at Berean Fellowship Church in Kansas City and his wife Vicky Roberson received $20,000 in grant funding for their organization KC United, which provides a safe outlet for youth to participate in sports.
KC United provides after-school and year-round opportunities for children to participate in physical activities and competitive sports including football and cheerleading.
“Our theme is changing our community,” Adrion said. “One soul, one life, one family at a time.”
Since 2009, the Robersons have brought the community and youth together to learn emotional regulation, teamwork, resilience and connection.
“The work they’re doing is incredible,” said KC United board member Chandra Green. “It’s about addressing trauma; it’s about supporting the families; it’s about making a better community.”
Upon receiving the $20,000 grant, Adrion said he was speechless and expressed his excitement to be able to continue KC United programming for another year.
“I want to say, ‘Glory to God,’” he said.