Back to Main Social Services Page

Three years ago the Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority decided that the services being provided to public housing youth were not consistent with the agency’s new objectives for funding its youth programs. We were certain that we could implement a more effective strategy to address problems with truancy, poor academic performance, drug abuse and crime. This would require a well-coordinated multi-agency comprehensive program that employs a curriculum with specific objectives and measurable performance standards. KCKHA believes that cultural enrichment, academic excellence, social responsibility and citizenship and artistic expression can be promoted among public housing residents in this more effective way while avoiding isolating our students from other socio-economic segments of the community. The Collaborative concluded that among all its members, the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools would be responsible for the design and coordination of the new youth initiative since it shoulders the primary responsibility for our children’s academic performance, a critical program objective. Program objectives are met by assigning specific sections of the curriculum to the most experienced agency in that particular discipline. Our C.A.S.A. Collaborative was borne out of a clear and common vision, our partner’s willingness to make a moral and financial commitment, and a determination to reach consensus that benefit public housing residents.

KCK Housing Authority o KCK Public Schools (USD-500) o University of Kansas – GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) o Kansas Department of Human Resource – JTPA/WIA Summer Youth Program o Storytellers, Inc. o KCK Community College– NCAA (National Youth Sports Program) o Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Department o Trips for Kids o Youthfriends o Campfire Boys & Girls

The following illustrates some of the accomplishments and highlights of the C.A.S.A. Collaborative:

• It provides students with additional nurturing and love often scarce elsewhere.
• It provides long-lasting life experiences previously not available to public housing students.
• It brings together students from diverse backgrounds and income levels on an equal playing field and promotes teamwork and friendship.
• It provides children with caring role models when often a parent is missing.
• It improves school attendance and academic achievement.
• It deters drugs and self-destructive behavior by involving students in wholesome activities during times when they are most at-risk.
• It recognizes and rewards honest effort and performance.
• It provides families with many choices to fit a variety of individual needs/interests.
• It is truly exemplary of a "collaborative partnership" with a common purpose of improving the quality of life in the community.
• It eliminates duplication of services and maximizes efficient use of public funds.
• It brings forth the collective wisdom and individual expertise of agencies to serve a common purpose
• It promotes community unity and dispels bias based on race and social class.
• It leverages other funds at a ratio of $1.00 of public housing to $3.66 from other sources.
• It advocates on behalf of children with the appropriate federal, state and local agencies.

Back to Main Social Services Page