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“If you are not actively getting better, you are passively getting worse.”
In the spirit of continuous improvement and boundless potential, SENT is on the cusp of celebrating its seventh anniversary next month! While seven is often considered a number of completion, we believe our journey is just beginning. Since our establishment in March 2018, SENT has been dedicated to addressing the critical needs of our community, ranging from education and business development to safe housing and mental health services.
In the past year alone, our achievements have been nothing short of groundbreaking. From constructing Topeka’s first Net Zero house to launching behavioral health (addiction counseling) and case management services, we’ve been recognized as one of the thirty nonprofits shaping the future through the Kansas Health Foundation Building Power and Equity initiative. Our commitment to excellence recently resulted in SENT Prep achieving full staff and enrollment, marking a significant milestone for our organization.
As we propel forward into 2024, our commitment to improvement remains steadfast. We’ve welcomed Matthew’s Accounting Services to handle our bookkeeping, ensuring financial efficiency as our programming diversifies. Stephanie Watson’s Building Connections team has joined us as lead grant writers, securing over $1 million in funding in just half a year.
To achieve an even greater impact in 2024, we are actively seeking partners and volunteers to join our cause. Our ambitions include finding SENT Prep’s next Center Director, expanding our mental health team, and possibly adding an Operations Director. We’re excited to pilot our “Making Sense of Your Worth” groups with middle and high school teens, starting with Avondale Academy. Through our Community Wellness initiative, we aim to establish the Southside Filling Station, a neighborhood pantry fueling our neighbors’ next journey.
In the housing realm, we’re navigating the dynamic world of federal interest rates to collaborate with Helia and IPG Building Company on a pre-fabricated home design. This design, adaptable to areas like Hi-Crest and Central Topeka, aims to reduce construction costs and time while incorporating net-zero concepts.
SENT Prep is also undergoing transformative renovations, increasing capacity to 80 kids and addressing the demand for infant/toddler spaces in our community. By enhancing our surveillance systems, upgrading playground equipment, and renovating classrooms and kitchens, we’re poised to make an even more significant impact.
With over 20 completed housing projects, operating an early childhood education center, and offering addiction counseling resources, we’ve made significant strides. However, we recognize that our journey is far from over. We invite you to join us in shaping the future, whether through partnerships, donations, or volunteering. Together, we’re not just making progress – we’re creating lasting change.
Let’s write the next chapter of impact together!
Warm regards,
Johnathan Sublet
Founder, Board Chairman, Interim Executive Director