VIDEO GALLERY
Welcome to the SENT Inc. Video Gallery—a curated collection of stories, highlights, and insights that bring our mission to life. These videos showcase the impact of our work, the voices of our community, and the bold vision that drives us forward. Explore below to learn more about SENT’s purpose, programs, and people.
Our Mission, Vision & Approach
Dive into the heart of SENT Topeka and discover the transformative power of community development. SENT is a non-religious nonprofit committed to responding to the felt needs of our community in four crucial ways. First, there's charity—swift responses to relief situations like house fires or significant tragedies.
Next, individual development takes center stage with apprenticeship programs, budgeting classes, and initiatives like Bridge Builders. Justice work follows, breaking down barriers and providing access to opportunities for skill advancement. Yet, there are times when the impact goes deeper, reaching communities historically under-resourced and redlined, such as the Hi-Crest neighborhood where SENT is rooted. This is where community development steps in.
In community development, we aren't imposing our dreams; we're using our resources, relationships, and platforms to empower our friends and neighbors to achieve their aspirations. We're not inviting them to sit at our table; we're helping them plant their orchard to build their tables in the future.
SENT stands on three pillars. Cradle to career education ensures every child has the chance for a quality education, challenging the sad statistics that say a child who can't read by first grade might never catch up. Our early childhood education program, SENT Prep Academy, fills a critical gap, providing opportunities for a brighter future.
Community health and wellness focus on both reactive and proactive health, offering mental health support, addiction services, case management, and a community farmer's market. Lastly, business development sees us launch entrepreneurs and create dignified housing in our community. We're rewriting the narrative, transforming the overlooked Hi-Crest neighborhood, and empowering residents to create novels of their family legacies.
A Word from our Founder - Johnathan Sublet is our founder and chairman of the board. He is passionate about our neighborhood and impacting its people through the mission at SENT Topeka. We encourage you to watch the video (linked below) and hear a bit of his heart around SENT's mission and linking arms with us in a volunteer capacity.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SENT Topeka. When you volunteer with us, it really is about the mission. Our mission is our north star. We want to continue walking with our neighbors through loving relationships and strategic development. Through your volunteer service, we hope you have an opportunity to develop loving relationships in our community.
Program Impact Videos
"it is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart."― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
In Topeka, where 30% of residents are burdened by the cost of housing, having a safe and affordable place to call home is not just a necessity—it's a right. SENT is deeply committed to revitalizing and redeveloping Southeast Topeka through comprehensive housing development strategies aimed at reducing this burden and enhancing community well-being.
Our Vision
SENT’s ambitious goal is to purchase, renovate, and either sell or rent 15% of all SE Topeka properties by 2045. This initiative not only provides affordable housing, but also drives community development and offers employment opportunities to local residents. SENT’s strategy involves mixed income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Key Initiatives
Fremont Hill Development:
THE NEW SOUTH: Changing the Narrative in SE Topeka. This project at Fremont Hill, straddling east and west of Avondale East, embodies our vision for mixed-use residential spaces and community resources. The acquisition of this land, through generous donations and strategic purchases, marks a critical step towards creating a thriving, inclusive community. LEARN MORE
New Home Builds:
SENT actively purchases lots for constructing affordable homes, incorporating modern, sustainable designs like net-zero energy models. Notably, we constructed Topeka’s first net-zero energy house in 2023 and the first new home in Hi-Crest in over 60 years in 2019.
Rehab and Renovations:
We breathe new life into dilapidated homes, renovating them to modern standards and making them available at affordable rates. This effort not only restores homes, but also revitalizes neighborhoods.
Curb Appeal Project:
Enhancing the visual appeal of neighborhoods, this initiative supports homeowners in upgrading their property exteriors and landscaping, thereby fostering pride and collective responsibility within the community. With our help, homeowners can enhance the overall value of their homes. We provide labor and funds to support this project, while homeowners contribute to the community in other ways. EXPRESS INTEREST
Affordable Renting and Selling:
While we don't manage our home rentals directly, we partner with reputable management companies to ensure our rehabbed homes are well-maintained and accessible. The rent covers the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes, allowing us to maintain healthy operations while keeping costs low for our tenants. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Beat the Heat Initiative:
Each summer, we address the lack of air conditioning in older homes by enabling families to purchase A/C units at reduced costs, ensuring everyone can stay cool and safe during the hotter months. LEARN MORE OR DONATE
By investing in housing, SENT not only provides homes but also builds the foundation for a stronger, more connected community.
Become a monthly Donor: Your recurring gift fuels our work, bringing lasting change to lives. Help us make a lasting difference, month after month.
Roll up your sleeves and join the movement: Volunteer your time, your energy, your spirit. Be the helping hand, the listening ear, the friend who makes a difference one interaction at a time.
Partner with us to amplify the impact: Businesses, non-profits, and individuals – let's join forces to make a bigger impact together.
Your support can help us continue transforming lives and landscapes in Southeast Topeka. Whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteer efforts, your involvement is crucial to our mission.
Explore more about our initiatives and how you can get involved at senttopeka.com. Together, we can make SE Topeka a beacon of community development and sustainable living.
"it is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart." ― Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
In Topeka, where 30% of residents are burdened by the cost of housing, having a safe and affordable place to call home is not just a necessity—it's a right. SENT is deeply committed to revitalizing and redeveloping Southeast Topeka through comprehensive housing development strategies aimed at reducing this burden and enhancing community well-being.
Our Vision
SENT’s ambitious goal is to purchase, renovate, and either sell or rent 15% of all SE Topeka properties by 2045. This initiative not only provides affordable housing, but also drives community development and offers employment opportunities to local residents. SENT’s strategy involves mixed income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Key Initiatives
Fremont Hill Development:
THE NEW SOUTH: Changing the Narrative in SE Topeka. This project at Fremont Hill, straddling east and west of Avondale East, embodies our vision for mixed-use residential spaces and community resources. The acquisition of this land, through generous donations and strategic purchases, marks a critical step towards creating a thriving, inclusive community. LEARN MORE
New Home Builds:
SENT actively purchases lots for constructing affordable homes, incorporating modern, sustainable designs like net-zero energy models. Notably, we constructed Topeka’s first net-zero energy house in 2023 and the first new home in Hi-Crest in over 60 years in 2019.
Rehab and Renovations:
We breathe new life into dilapidated homes, renovating them to modern standards and making them available at affordable rates. This effort not only restores homes, but also revitalizes neighborhoods.
Curb Appeal Project:
Enhancing the visual appeal of neighborhoods, this initiative supports homeowners in upgrading their property exteriors and landscaping, thereby fostering pride and collective responsibility within the community. With our help, homeowners can enhance the overall value of their homes. We provide labor and funds to support this project, while homeowners contribute to the community in other ways.
Affordable Renting and Selling:
While we don't manage our home rentals directly, we partner with reputable management companies to ensure our rehabbed homes are well-maintained and accessible. The rent covers the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes, allowing us to maintain healthy operations while keeping costs low for our tenants. SENT’s strategy involves mixed-income housing solutions. Some of our housing is rented and sold at Low to Moderate(LMI) income rates and some at market rate.
Beat the Heat Initiative:
Each summer, we address the lack of air conditioning in older homes by enabling families to purchase A/C units at reduced costs, ensuring everyone can stay cool and safe during the hotter months.
In 2020, SENT leadership recognized that holistic neighborhood transformation can't ignore mental health. Thus, our Mental Health Department was born. Our goal? Everyone gets the support they want and deserve.
When you call our office, we treat you with the utmost respect. We spend time understanding your needs, offering hope from that first phone call. We'll match you with the right resources and the right person to help you take those next steps.
Research shows our mental health impacts all areas of wellness, from sleep to physical health. Addressing mental health is crucial for overall wellness.
We offer mental health services for all ages—play therapy, teen support, adult counseling, family therapy, and even couples counseling. If we're not the right fit, we'll find you the right support in the community.
Making Sense of Your Worth | A program for men, women, and teens.
Self-worth is the foundation of who we are as human beings and in today’s world is highly sought after. It plays a role in every decision we make and in every relationship we have. This eight-week program is designed for men, women, and teens who desire the freedom that comes with positive self-worth and secure attachment. Participants will go through a series of sessions in a group format designed to help them understand how the events in their lives have contributed to low self-worth. The classes focus on developing an understanding of the “lies” an individual believes about themselves, such as “I am not good enough,” or “I am not smart enough,” or “I have no patience” and how to replace these lies with truth. In addition, once a participant is released from the beliefs associated with the past, the sessions focus on rebuilding a new life based on positive self-worth as well as how to maintain these gains.
The group was designed by Cindy R. Lee, LCSW, in collaboration with HALO Project International.
The program is comprised of 8 sessions lasting 2 hours in duration. Class size is generally no larger than 12 participants.
Learn More and Join the Waiting List on our website: senttopeka.com/approach/communityhealthwellness/group-support/
Behavioral health conditions affect nearly 1 in 4 individuals each year. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or severe mental illness, SENT Topeka can provide the support you need. Our compassionate Mental Health Therapists will help you navigate life's challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan. Call us at (785) 783-2535 or email info@senttopeka.com to begin your journey to better mental health.
A groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in Southeast Topeka! Join us for a glimpse inside the Southside Filling Station, a new client choice pantry and community resource hub. Discover how SENT is collaborating with local organizations to address food insecurity, provide essential healthcare services, and offer vital support to families. From discounted massages and lab services to trauma-informed occupational therapy, this video showcases the comprehensive approach to improving lives in the community. Witness the power of partnership as we work together to create a brighter future for all.
Personal Stories of Transformation
Hear from Tre'Jor Hopkins, our dedicated Board Member and owner of Flavor Wagon Food Truck, as he shares his journey with SENT and the Hi-Crest community! Thank you, Tre'Jor, for your heartfelt story and unwavering commitment to our community! Together, we are making Hi-Crest a better place for everyone.
"My experience growing up in Hi-Crest, for the most part, has been really nice. As a kid, it was a good neighborhood to grow up in. A lot of my friends and family live all over Hi-Crest, whether that's East, West, up and down Virginia or Kentucky. I would say it was a good neighborhood growing up. As I got more into my teenage years, I would say it became a little rougher. Now we are trying to promote positivity. We have so much activity for the kids.
While living in Hi-Crest, for me personally, besides churches, I haven't experienced any other organizations that have come and done anything quite like SENT. My first experience with SENT, I believe they reached out to us for the food truck to come to the Fireworks Extravaganza in 2021. After that, I wanted to meet Johnathan. That was our first interaction. I just was asking him a bunch of questions and he was busy, so he was walking away as I'm asking him questions, but I'm following him. I think after that, that formed our relationship, and he could see I wanted to grow more in knowing more about what they could do for the community and how I could be a part of that.
So growing up in the neighborhood and living in the neighborhood still and being a part of the board, I take a lot of pride in that. I do what I can just to promote SENT wherever I go, whether that's a networking event or a business meeting. I try to make sure that everyone in the city knows what SENT is and what SENT is doing in the community. As far as me coming home from being incarcerated, SENT welcomed me with open arms, and they took me in, and they let me flourish. That instilled a bunch of pride in me, knowing that people see me as a human being still. Not as a criminal, not as less than. That meant a lot. So that, to me, propelled me to just want to do more for the community. I thank God for being here and everything that we're able to do for the community. Thank God that I'm able to be a part of it."
Introducing Kristin Miller: A Heartfelt Advocate for Hi-Crest! In this powerful video, our board member Kristin Miller shares her journey growing up in Hi-Crest, where she has dedicated her life to uplifting her community. Kristin’s passion for SENT and the positive impact it has on families is evident as she recounts her personal experience with the organization.
From her childhood home to raising her five children in the same neighborhood, Kristin’s love for Hi-Crest runs deep. She highlights the Curb of Fuel project, which transformed her rotting front porch into a beautiful space, showing how SENT is committed to improving the homes and lives of residents.
Kristin also emphasizes the significance of the Beat the Heat program, providing affordable air conditioning units to those in need. With SENT, it’s not just about handing out resources; it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting families in the community.
As a voice for her neighborhood on the SENT Board, Kristin is dedicated to sharing the stories and insights of those who call Hi-Crest home. She believes in SENT's commitment to long-term growth and empowerment, making a real difference in the lives of residents.
Join us in celebrating Kristin's dedication to Hi-Crest and her unwavering support for SENT's mission! Together, we can continue to foster a thriving, connected community.
Introducing Kristin Miller: A Heartfelt Advocate for Hi-Crest! In this powerful video, our board member Kristin Miller shares her journey growing up in Hi-Crest, where she has dedicated her life to uplifting her community. Kristin’s passion for SENT and the positive impact it has on families is evident as she recounts her personal experience with the organization.
From her childhood home to raising her five children in the same neighborhood, Kristin’s love for Hi-Crest runs deep. She highlights the Curb of Fuel project, which transformed her rotting front porch into a beautiful space, showing how SENT is committed to improving the homes and lives of residents.
Kristin also emphasizes the significance of the Beat the Heat program, providing affordable air conditioning units to those in need. With SENT, it’s not just about handing out resources; it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting families in the community.
As a voice for her neighborhood on the SENT Board, Kristin is dedicated to sharing the stories and insights of those who call Hi-Crest home. She believes in SENT's commitment to long-term growth and empowerment, making a real difference in the lives of residents.
Join us in celebrating Kristin's dedication to Hi-Crest and her unwavering support for SENT's mission! Together, we can continue to foster a thriving, connected community.
Program & Event Highlights
We're thrilled to share some incredible moments from the recent ribbon-cutting event at Topeka's FIRST Net-Zero Energy Home! This remarkable achievement is a testament to our commitment to sustainable living, and we're excited to announce that this exceptional home is now listed for sale with Del-Metrius Herron of KW One Legacy Partners, LLC.
The event was graced by multiple distinguished guests, including Topeka City Council members Councilwoman Hiller, Councilwoman Ortiz (representing the district where the house is located), and Councilman Spencer Duncan. Councilman Emerson wasn't able to attend the ribbon-cutting but toured the house earlier in the week. Their presence commemorated this historic milestone in Topeka's sustainability journey.
We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carrie Higgins from the Topeka Housing Department, Shinnova: Home Renovation & Solar Company Kansas City, and our generous sponsors Frito Lay and McDonald's for their invaluable support. Your contributions made this event a resounding success.
Special thanks to the Pop n' Squeeze food truck for offering our guests delicious popcorn at a discounted rate!
Join us as we break ground on New Heights at Fremont Hill, a transformative housing development in Southeast Topeka! This project is more than just building homes; it's about revitalizing a community, honoring a legacy, and making the American dream a reality for hardworking individuals and families.
We'll explore the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) phenomenon and how it impacts our community, including teachers and government workers. Learn about the inspiring story of Dr. Burrow New, whose legacy of service and advocacy is being honored through this development. We'll also introduce you to our innovative partners at Bravo Riz Developments, who are revolutionizing affordable housing with beautiful, high-quality homes.
Discover how Scent Inc. and its partners are working to overcome challenges, build community, and create a "New South" in Topeka. See the plans for three and four-bedroom homes with two-car garages, available at affordable prices without tax credits, making homeownership accessible to everyone. This is a story of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to building a brighter future for Topeka.
In January of 2020, SENT closed on the 29 acres of land on Fremont Hill. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the dream became a goal. We have a plan and are pursuing the needed resources to begin the development.
SENT is partnering with The Acquisition Group -TAG (www.theacqgroup.com) to develop the West side of Fremont Hill. The Fremont Hill Development will include a new 30-home mixed-income subdivision, 36 mixed-income condos, a food co-op, sports fields, retail space, outdoor performance space, a dog park, a skate park, an Early Childhood Education Center, Community Center, and more.
We are still looking for community partners in the public and private sectors to help us move this 'doing' to 'done!'
Are you excited? If you are interested in partnering contact us at johnathan@senttopeka.com.
FREMONT HILL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The property is divided into two sides, 15 acres of Fremont Hill East, and 14 acres of Fremont Hill West. The East side of Fremont would be dedicated to Community Development, Community Resources, and Mixed-Use Residential. The West side of Fremont would be a mixture of mixed-income single-family homes. Housing would target first-time homeowners or families looking for quality, affordable living opportunities.
Join us as we break ground on New Heights at Fremont Hill, a transformative housing development in Southeast Topeka! This project is more than just building homes; it's about revitalizing a community, honoring a legacy, and making the American dream a reality for hardworking individuals and families.
We'll explore the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) phenomenon and how it impacts our community, including teachers and government workers. Learn about the inspiring story of Dr. Burrow New, whose legacy of service and advocacy is being honored through this development. We'll also introduce you to our innovative partners at Bravo Riz Developments, who are revolutionizing affordable housing with beautiful, high-quality homes.
Discover how Scent Inc. and its partners are working to overcome challenges, build community, and create a "New South" in Topeka. See the plans for three and four-bedroom homes with two-car garages, available at affordable prices without tax credits, making homeownership accessible to everyone. This is a story of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to building a brighter future for Topeka.
Real Stories Behind Substance Use, Recovery, and Hope
"From the depths of addiction and incarceration to seven years of sobriety, this is a story of resilience, transformation, and living by new principles. Discover how one man's journey through struggle and redemption serves as a testament to the power of change. 'You don’t have to change everything, but you must be willing to change anything.'"
From Rock Bottom to Redemption: A Journey of Addiction, Family, and Healing - Jeni VanBuskirk's journey is one of heartbreak, resilience, and redemption. Born into a life shaped by addiction, Jeni faced unimaginable challenges that led her down a similar path. Her story, alongside the heartfelt reflections of her daughters, Zoe, Bella, and Sophie, reveals the profound impact of addiction on a family.
Through their raw and powerful testimonies, Jeni and her daughters share their struggles, the pain of separation, and the strength it took to rebuild trust and love. This is a story of finding hope in the darkest moments, the courage to face the past, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Together, they remind us that while addiction can shatter lives, healing and forgiveness can mend even the deepest wounds.
In this eye-opening discussion, Lynn Smith, Community Prevention Consultant with PARS (Prevention and Resiliency Services), and Amber Saale-Burger, Co-Founder of Kaylee’s Dad is Mad, share crucial insights into the current substance use trends among youth in Shawnee County and the deadly impact of fentanyl.
Watch the full video to learn how we can take action, protect our youth, and fight back against substance use in our community.
Ashliegh Borders’ story is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. After years of battling addiction, losing custody of her daughter, and facing intense family challenges, Ashliegh found her way back through recovery.
Her journey took her from jail to Valeo Behavioral Recovery Center, where she completed treatment and outpatient care. But the real battle came after—navigating the reintegration process and working to rebuild her relationship with her daughter while staying sober despite immense pressure.
"If you’re going through anything similar—losing custody, navigating DCF, or fighting to stay sober—just hang on. Reach out to everyone in recovery that you know, and don't let go of hope."
Ashliegh’s story is proof that recovery is possible and that it’s never too late to reclaim your life.
Watch Ashliegh’s powerful story and find hope in her journey.