KANSAS CITY, MO. -
They're learning a trade, cleaning up their neighborhood and staying out of trouble. Kansas City's Urban Rangers Corps are teens learning to be successful in life.
About 35 teens between the ages of 14 and 18 are spending their summer working. They're fixing up homes for their neighbors and rehabbing others that used to vacant or abandoned.
"Most of the time you deal with African American youth, between the ages of 14 to 21, they tend to be high risk for any types of drug activity or any types of trouble," said Floyd Cooper. "We take those young people, give them skills, have them come out rehab homes in their community. Pay them plus give them a lunch. at the end of the day we have some academic reflection and teach them money management skills as well."
Father John Wandless, a retired Roman Catholic Priest, started the Urban Rangers Corps Program four years ago.
Using his own money, he bought four homes on this block for teenagers to rehab. When they're finished, sales of the homes will continue to fund the Youth Outreach Operation.
Dominique Outley has been part of the Rangers from the beginning.
"I think it's good for the program, it helped me become a better person, helped me learn what work skills are about, this is my first job also," said Outley.
Most of the group's efforts are focused along East 60th Street, but they'll work anywhere in the area bounded by 59th on the North, 63rd on the South, Swope Parkway on the East and 71 Highway on the West.
The Rangers wear uniforms and start their day with calisthenics. If they don't show up on time, they're out.
Teens like Kalib Gilmore welcome the opportunity to earn $7.50 an hour.
"It's like discipline," said Gilmore. "It's teaching you how to stay tight and structured so you aren't loose and doing just what you want. Keeps you in a certain plan and everything."
This summer, United Services Community Action Agency is helping the Rangers with a state grant to clean up brush and trash around the home they're rehabbing.
"We're providing them with some supplies, paying for dumpsters. We're providing kids lunches, and there's a couple other things we're going to try to provide the kids also," said Shaylyn Dean.
To find out more about the Urban Rangers or to have them work on your home visit www.urbanrangercorps.org or call 816-333-6455.
About 35 teens between the ages of 14 and 18 are spending their summer working. They're fixing up homes for their neighbors and rehabbing others that used to vacant or abandoned.
"Most of the time you deal with African American youth, between the ages of 14 to 21, they tend to be high risk for any types of drug activity or any types of trouble," said Floyd Cooper. "We take those young people, give them skills, have them come out rehab homes in their community. Pay them plus give them a lunch. at the end of the day we have some academic reflection and teach them money management skills as well."
Father John Wandless, a retired Roman Catholic Priest, started the Urban Rangers Corps Program four years ago.
Using his own money, he bought four homes on this block for teenagers to rehab. When they're finished, sales of the homes will continue to fund the Youth Outreach Operation.
Dominique Outley has been part of the Rangers from the beginning.
"I think it's good for the program, it helped me become a better person, helped me learn what work skills are about, this is my first job also," said Outley.
Most of the group's efforts are focused along East 60th Street, but they'll work anywhere in the area bounded by 59th on the North, 63rd on the South, Swope Parkway on the East and 71 Highway on the West.
The Rangers wear uniforms and start their day with calisthenics. If they don't show up on time, they're out.
Teens like Kalib Gilmore welcome the opportunity to earn $7.50 an hour.
"It's like discipline," said Gilmore. "It's teaching you how to stay tight and structured so you aren't loose and doing just what you want. Keeps you in a certain plan and everything."
This summer, United Services Community Action Agency is helping the Rangers with a state grant to clean up brush and trash around the home they're rehabbing.
"We're providing them with some supplies, paying for dumpsters. We're providing kids lunches, and there's a couple other things we're going to try to provide the kids also," said Shaylyn Dean.
To find out more about the Urban Rangers or to have them work on your home visit www.urbanrangercorps.org or call 816-333-6455.
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