Good morning Wichita! We hope you had a great weekend. It’s Monday, April 29 and today’s headlines bring a mix of local stories.
Storytime Village, a non-profit organization in Wichita, is embarking on a $7m project to expand its early childhood literacy programs. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of duplexes as an alternative to single-family homes in Wichita is reshaping the local housing market, offering a solution to the shortage of affordable options.
In other news, a group of friends from Wichita has created a safe space for Black men to address mental health, physical health, success, and money management. Lastly, the United Methodist Church is considering a proposal for “regionalization,” which could grant greater autonomy to each region of the church and potentially address debates over LGBTQ issues.
Historic restoration and new construction at Storytime Village complex in Wichita
Storytime Village, a non-profit organization that has been offering early childhood literacy programs since 2009, is set to expand its services with the construction of a new complex in Wichita. The $7m project, which will stretch along 16th Street from Holyoke to Fairmount, will include the restoration of two historical buildings and new construction. Read on to learn what the new complex will feature and where the funds are coming from.
Duplexes in Wichita: A cost-effective solution to affordable housing crisis
Discover why duplexes are gaining popularity as an alternative to single-family homes in Wichita. With rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable options, duplexes offer a solution for buyers looking for more space and lower monthly payments. Find out how developers and homeowners are benefiting from this trend and how it could impact the local housing market.
Wichita friends create ‘The Black Men’s Locker’ to provide support and healing for Black men
Four friends from Wichita have created a safe space for Black men to get help with mental health, physical health, success, and money management. The membership-only Facebook page, called “The Black Men’s Locker,” offers compassion, understanding, and healing to help Black men overcome systemic racism, violence, and trauma. The group has grown from four members to 12,000 worldwide and hosts in-person conferences to address issues that affect Black men’s lives. The founders aim to ensure that every Black man feels seen, heard, and supported.
Proposal for regionalization in United Methodist Church gains broad support
United Methodist delegates have endorsed a proposal for “regionalization” that would grant greater autonomy to each region of the church, potentially allowing U.S. churches to adapt rules to local contexts, including LGBTQ issues. The proposal, which still requires further approval, aims to defuse debates over the role of LGBTQ individuals in the church by creating multiple regional conferences. While some see this as a way to decolonize the church and address U.S.-centric concerns, others argue that it perpetuates colonial structures and divides the church along national lines. The topic of LGBTQ issues is expected to be further discussed at the General Conference.
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