Front Porch AllianceVillage Church started Front Porch Alliance (FPA) in partnership with the Ivanhoe neighborhood (31st to 47th Street, Paseo to Prospect) in 1999 in hopes of building a meaningful and supportive relationship with an underserved community. To this day, FPA works hand in hand with Kansas City's east side residents and community partners to build youth leadership and opportunities for families to make positive, lasting changes in their lives and neighborhoods.
Youth ProgramsPAL Mentoring
Each PAL mentor supports two students at Faxon Elementary School helping with reading and math skills and establishing supportive relationships with students. The PALs also host teacher appreciation events and an ice cream social for Back to School Night.
Youth Mentoring
The Youth Mentoring Program provides male role models for 10 boys. These mentors engage the boys in activities that extend beyond their current experiences and bolster their academic success. The group meets twice a month for activities such as Tai Chi or basketball. Mentors host annual picnics at their homes, and some attend school events. Parents report improved grades for the boys as well as fewer behavior problems at home and school.
First LEGO League Robotics
First LEGO League (FLL) Robotics is offered for both fifth and sixth grade students at Faxon Elementary, with a more enriched project and tournament experience. Front Porch coordinates the program curriculum and provides volunteer Robotics coaches, to guide and support Faxon teachers who coach as part of the team. In collaboration with KC Stem, program goals are designed to fit the
progress of Faxon students, who love this addition to their curriculum! Neighborhood ProgramsNeighborhood Families
This exciting program directly benefits the youngest members of our neighborhood. Neighborhood Families provides FREE activities for families including children's developmental screenings to ensure they have the foundational skills to succeed in school. Personalized home visits for families with children from the prenatal stage to age five are conducted by a certified parent educator who supports parents in developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to create the most healthy, safe, nurturing, and educationally rich life for their children. Playgroups in the community offer families the opportunity to meet together to play, socialize, and have fun together. Priority services are provided in zip codes 64109, 64110, 64128, and 64130.
Minor Home Repair
Each week, the Front Porch Alliance Minor Home Repair Team assists residents with minor home repairs that keep them comfortable and safe in their homes. The team repairs leaky faucets and broken light fixtures, grouts tile and installs grab bars. More than 50 families receive help each year.
Learn ’N Grow
The Resident Advisory Council creates and implements Learn ‘n Grow classes. Classes meet on Saturday mornings in the Fall and Spring and include everything from minor home repair skills, computer skills to salsa dancing and cake decorating.
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ContactFor more information about Front Porch Alliance or to ask about volunteer opportunities in any of the programs listed, call Je T’aime Taylor at 816-921-8812.
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