Volunteer

At SENT Topeka, we believe in the power of community-driven change. Together, we can create lasting transformation in Shawnee County, starting with the Hi-Crest neighborhood. Volunteering with SENT means becoming part of a mission that is improving lives, fostering hope, and rebuilding neighborhoods from the ground up. Whether you can give your time, expertise, or support, your contribution is invaluable.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is more than giving your time—it’s about building relationships, empowering individuals, and transforming communities. When you volunteer with SENT, you become part of a movement dedicated to holistic development, rooted in love and strategic action. Hear directly from our Executive Director and Founder, Jonathan Sublet, about why your involvement matters:

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“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

"I love the holistic approach SENT Topeka is taking and helping individuals work through trauma and loss to make a stable foundation. A foundation that enables higher education and assists in building a stable financial future. SENT provides the tools and direction for individual families and encourages our community to come alongside to help change the narrative of Hi-Crest." - Lesleigh Hodam, Sales Associate & Marketing Director for Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Board Member for Project Forward

“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

“Home is where you rest, find peace and connect as a family. SENT is in the home business providing an oasis to our citizens, workers, students, and family.” - Matt Pivarnik, Great Topeka Partnership

"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. It’s exactly what we need in a time of unknowing. SENT is a resource that empowers people to depend on themselves while learning to help each other. - Leosha Giardina, Highland Park High School, Assistant Principal

How to Get Involved

Housing & Business Development

Community Health & Wellness

Finance Committee

Beat the Heat

SENT, Inc. helps families in Hi-Crest and surrounding neighborhoods stay cool in the summer through the Beat the Heat Initiative. Many homes lack central air conditioning, making the summer heat especially challenging. This program offers a practical solution by providing A/C window units to families at a greatly reduced cost. Contact us if you'd like to volunteer in this initiative!

Curb Appeal Program

Administrative & Office Support

Volunteering in administrative and office support roles is a vital way to contribute to the success of SENT, Inc. These roles ensure smooth operations by handling essential tasks like data entry, event planning, and communications. By volunteering, you’re not just supporting the organization's daily functions—you’re amplifying its ability to serve the community effectively and focus on transformational initiatives. Your skills and time can make a lasting impact, creating a strong foundation for meaningful change.

Neighbor Advocacy

Volunteering as a Neighbor Advocate is a unique and impactful way to walk alongside families in their journey toward self-sufficiency. By building trust and offering personalized support, advocates empower individuals to overcome barriers, access resources, and achieve their goals. This role is about fostering relationships and being a steady source of encouragement and guidance. Interested in making a meaningful difference? Reach out to our case management team to learn more about how you can get involved!

Daily Operations

Volunteering at Southside Filling Station provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting guests and ensuring smooth operations. Whether welcoming guests, assisting with registration, helping individuals select items, or organizing and stocking pantry supplies, each role contributes to creating a warm, efficient, and supportive environment. Volunteers may engage directly with guests or work behind the scenes to keep the station running effectively, offering flexibility and a chance to serve in a way that suits individual strengths. If you're interested in joining this effort to uplift the community, connect with us to learn more.

Special Events

Volunteering during special events at the Southside Filling Station offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community during extended pantry hours. These events often bring additional excitement and activity as we open our doors to serve more guests and meet critical needs. Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring these events run smoothly, from assisting guests with their selections to supporting the event's logistics. It's a rewarding way to connect with neighbors and make a meaningful impact in a vibrant, collaborative setting. Reach out to learn more about how you can help during these special occasions!

Local Schools

Farm-to-Food Truck Workforce Development

Pictures with Santa

Help bring the magic of the holidays to life by volunteering at our annual Pictures with Santa event, held on the second Saturday in December! Whether you're assisting with set-up, greeting and registering families, helping them pick out gifts, serving snacks, or tidying up after the festivities, your support will make this event unforgettable. Join us to spread joy and create lasting memories for families in our community.

Halloween Costume Collection & Giveaway

Join us for the annual Topeka Halloween Costume Giveaway & Child Mental Wellness Fair, held each October at the Avondale East Care Center. This special event combines festive fun with important community support, providing costumes for children while promoting mental wellness awareness. Volunteers are essential to making this day a success. Whether you're helping with set-up, greeting and registering attendees, assisting families with costume shopping, serving refreshments, or tidying up afterward, your contribution will spread joy and support our neighbors. Sign up to volunteer and be a part of this impactful event!

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Help Shape the Organization's Future

Join the Mission

SENT is deeply committed to holistic community development. Every hour you volunteer contributes over $17 to breaking cycles of poverty, creating safe and affordable housing, supporting education, and improving mental health services. Together, we can help Hi-Crest continue its transformation into a thriving, vibrant neighborhood.

Ready to make a difference?

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Why Volunteer?

How to Get Involved

Join the Mission

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OUR MISSION

GET IN TOUCH!

OUR MISSION