SENT stands for Strengthening & Equipping Neighborhoods Together—and that’s exactly what we do.
We are a non-profit organization committed to fostering holistic community development in Shawnee County, with a primary focus on the Hi-Crest neighborhood.
Founded in 2018, we’ve worked tirelessly to address the root causes of community challenges—ranging from housing and education to mental health and holistic wellness, food security, and economic opportunity. Our approach is built on three pillars:
Our Journey of Transformation
Every neighborhood has a story. For Hi-Crest, that story has long included words like “poverty,” “vacancy,” and “intensive care.” But in 2018, SENT was born with a belief that the story could be rewritten.
From the beginning, we’ve chosen to walk beside neighbors—not ahead of them—building trust through relationships, and planting seeds of hope through bold programs and strategic development. Each year since has marked a new chapter in transformation: homes rebuilt, services launched, youth empowered, and families restored.
Our timeline is more than dates and programs—it’s a record of what happens when a community refuses to accept despair as the final word. It shows how resilience, vision, and partnership can create ripples of change that spread far beyond one neighborhood.
As you read through these milestones, know this: the story is still being written. And you are invited to be part of what comes next.
The SENT Story
Our Areas of Work
Transformation isn’t accidental. It’s the result of consistent, wraparound care that meets families at every point of need.
Why Hi-Crest?
Hi-Crest has long been considered one of Topeka’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, historically marked by high poverty, aging housing, and limited access to essential services. But the story is changing.
Through partnerships, perseverance, and a community-led approach, violent crime has decreased 21% since 2018, access to mental health services has expanded, and new housing is rising. SENT’s work is about cementing these gains and building a model for transformation that can be replicated in other neighborhoods, cities, and states across the country.
People think they know Hi-Crest from the headlines, but they don’t see the strength, the pride, and the way neighbors show up for each other.
Our Impact
21% reduction in violent crime in Hi-Crest since 2018 (as of 2025)
Built the first new home in Hi-Crest in 60 years and Topeka’s first Net Zero House
Thousands served annually through mental health therapy, food pantry access, affordable healthcare, and neighborhood events
Increased school support through PTO assistance, teacher training, and student resources
Healing happens when dignity is restored. Sometimes the bravest thing someone does is ask for help — and we honor that every single day.
Join the Movement
By partnering with SENT Topeka—whether through volunteering, donating, or collaborating—you become part of a transformation that’s bigger than any single program. Together, we’re building thriving neighborhoods, one relationship at a time.