GET INVOLVED
Together, You Can Help Build a Thriving Community
Imagine a neighborhood where every family has the tools to thrive, every home is a safe haven, and every neighbor feels empowered. That’s the vision driving SENT. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we’re turning challenges into opportunities—and we need your help to make it happen.
![SENT Icon white SENT Icon white](https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SENT-Icon-white.png)
Why We Do What We Do
Hi-Crest is a neighborhood with incredible potential but has long faced challenges like poverty, limited resources, and systemic inequities. At SENT, we envision a thriving community where families are self-sufficient, housing is safe and affordable, and every neighbor has the tools they need to succeed. By fostering relationships, providing holistic support, and addressing critical needs, SENT empowers individuals and transforms neighborhoods—one home, one family, and one life at a time.
![avondale east building (3) avondale east building (3)](https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/avondale-east-building-3.png)
“SENT represents the living version of growth and prosperity for people in an area overlooked and unappreciated.” – Leosha Giardina, Highland Park High School Assistant Principal
“SENT Topeka’s community engagement is the model of impactful and transformational 21st-century ministry.” - Pastor Marcus Clark, Love Fellowship Church
“SENT lets us help our neighbors improve neighborhoods and lives in our community with love, respect, and strategic planning. We support SENT to make a difference.” - Drs. Mica and Doug Koehn
“Communities/Neighborhoods are the backbone of every society. We agree with the approach of SENT “One Home at a Time”” - CFG Retirement Advisors, Inc. Jeff & Jon Vogel
“The dedication and commitment made by SENT to enhance and encourage the development of neighborhoods in need, through community relationships and service, is truly inspirational.” - Dr. Josel Doyle
"FHLBank Topeka is committed to helping make housing available and affordable for everyone. SENT, too, recognizes the power housing has to revitalize a community. By partnering together, we have grown our impact, benefitting lives in Hi-Crest, Shawnee County and beyond." - Troy McMaster, Federal Home Loan Bank
“What I love about SENT is that they seem to truly understand the neighborhood redevelopment and genuine involvement of the residents who live there. ” - Karen Hiller
![net zero home net zero home](https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/net-zero-home.png)
*Numbers accurate as of the end of 2024.
Since our beginning in 2018, SENT has impacted hundreds of lives by:
- Building the first new home in Hi-Crest in 60 years—a milestone of progress and hope.
- Constructing Topeka’s first Net Zero House, setting a sustainable standard for the community.
- Offering over 1,000 hours of trauma-informed training to local educators and leaders.
- Distributing thousands of meals through our neighborhood pantry and wellness programs.
- Partnering with families to achieve self-sufficiency through individualized case management.
These tangible achievements reflect our mission to address deep-rooted challenges while celebrating the unique strengths of Hi-Crest. But there is still so much to do, and that’s where you come in.
![SENT Icon white SENT Icon white](https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SENT-Icon-white.png)
Ways to Get Involved
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to make a difference. Here’s a snapshot of the many opportunities to partner with SENT:
- Housing: Help with home renovations, repairs, and beautification projects through programs like Curb Appeal and Beat the Heat A/C Initiative.
- Business Development: Collaborate on initiatives to drive economic growth and neighborhood improvement.
- Community Health & Wellness: Support initiatives that address food insecurity, mental and physical health, and family enrichment.
- Southside Filling Station: Assist with coordination, pantry services, or community outreach.
- Neighbor Advocacy: Walk alongside families as a mentor or advocate, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Special Events: Help at events such as Pictures with Santa or the Halloween Costume Collection & Giveaway.
- Admin/Office Support: Lend a hand with administrative tasks, data entry, or event planning.
- One-Time Donation: Your contribution supports critical programs and services.
- Become a Monthly Partner: Provide sustained support for SENT’s mission.
- In-Kind Donations: Donate materials, supplies, or services to support our work.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Partner with us as a business to invest in community transformation.
Board Member or Committee Member: Help guide SENT’s vision and strategy.
- Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Stay updated on the latest news, events, and impact stories.
- Purchase SENT Merchandise: Show your support and spread the word by wearing SENT-branded gear.
“What I love about SENT is that they seem to truly understand the neighborhood redevelopment and genuine involvement of the residents who live there. ” - Karen Hiller
"We started volunteering in the Hi-Crest and Highland Park neighborhood about 7 years ago. When we heard SENT Topeka was being created we were thrilled. SENT is exactly what Hi-Crest needs. I am excited to see the narrative change as their affordable housing initiative, cradle-to-career education efforts and community wellness support change the game for individuals and families living in this community. Their approach in transforming the neighborhood is grounded and has amazing potential, but it will take our community to get involved." - Derrick Hodam, Agency owner of Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services
“SENT is one of the few organizations that has truly invested in the Hi-Crest neighborhood. They’ve rented at a reasonable rate and allowed renters to buy their homes at a fair price to give them a sense of pride in ownership. This has helped folks to set down roots and stabilize the neighborhood.” - Fueling Hope, Marvin Spees
"FHLBank Topeka is committed to helping make housing available and affordable for everyone. SENT, too, recognizes the power housing has to revitalize a community. By partnering together, we have grown our impact, benefitting lives in Hi-Crest, Shawnee County and beyond." - Troy McMaster, Federal Home Loan Bank
“The dedication and commitment made by SENT to enhance and encourage the development of neighborhoods in need, through community relationships and service, is truly inspirational.” - Dr. Josel Doyle
“Communities/Neighborhoods are the backbone of every society. We agree with the approach of SENT “One Home at a Time”” - CFG Retirement Advisors, Inc. Jeff & Jon Vogel
“SENT lets us help our neighbors improve neighborhoods and lives in our community with love, respect, and strategic planning. We support SENT to make a difference.” - Drs. Mica and Doug Koehn
“SENT represents the living version of growth and prosperity for people in an area overlooked and unappreciated.” – Leosha Giardina, Highland Park High School Assistant Principal
“SENT Topeka’s community engagement is the model of impactful and transformational 21st-century ministry.” - Pastor Marcus Clark, Love Fellowship Church
![SENT Icon white SENT Icon white](https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SENT-Icon-white.png)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore the ways you can get involved further by visiting the pages below:
Together, we can rewrite the story of Hi-Crest and build a future filled with hope and opportunity.
Have questions or need help finding the right way to get involved? Reach out at info@senttopeka.com or (785) 783-2535.