Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (C.A.C.E.)

Contact:
Ladora Lattimore, Co-Vice-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, (913) 321-1566 or Shawnette Mansfield, Social Services Coordinator, (913) 281-3300.

Historical Background:
The Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort grew out of the Kansas City, Kansas Youth Summit, which was held on October 14, 1998, at the Jack Reardon Civic Center. The theme for that evening was "What We Can Do For The Children." The evening focused on truancy issues, as well as other significant issues facing the community and its youth.

Description:
The Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort is a community wide effort that provides community activities including educational and social activities. The program focuses on the youth in the community. Activities include safe nights that provide youth of the community with structured activities. Activities have included swimming pool parties, basketball activities, cookouts and other community events. The event sponsors make a concerted effort to involve the entire community including businesses, services agencies, schools, the courts and citizens. Events are been held various parts of Wyandotte County including the Northeast and Argentine area.

Program Start Date:
Fall, 1998

Program Size:
The size of the program/events varies depending upon the activity. The safe nights have attracted more than 200 participants and numerous volunteers.

Eligible Participants:
Any person residing in Wyandotte County.

Type of Assistance:
The Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort provides an array of services. The services/ events focus on the youth in our community. If provides a positive and safe atmosphere for young persons. The volunteers are very committed to the youth of our community and are aware that they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Contributors to the Program:
Hundreds of volunteer's give of their time and talents each year to provide quality programming/ services for the youth. Additionally, local businesses donate food, merchandise and gift certificates. There has been an overwhelming response from the local community to support the activities/ events of C.A.C.E.

PHA Funding:
The Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority has supported C.A.C.E. both directly and in-kind. There has been a representative from the Housing Authority on the committee from its inception. Additionally, the Housing Authority has provided numerous items for the youth during the prize drawings and give a ways.