Northeast News
December 11, 2013

Historic Northeast businesses and residents will now be able to “take charge” through a new leadership program.

Capitol Federal recently awarded a grant to the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to host TakeCharge, an intensive, five-month leadership program which will begin in January. The 15-session program will cover topics like Kansas City neighborhoods, Historic Northeast demographics, state and local government, historic preservation, energy and the environment, public infrastructure, community justice, economic development, and public education. Participants will also conduct a case study of a timely Northeast area issue.

“Capitol Federal has a long history of investing in neighborhood stability,” said Jim Perkins, Capitol Federal’s assistant vice president for Community Development. “With the TakeCharge program, we are investing in the current and future leaders who will be empowered by the TakeCharge program to make their communities even better places for families to grow and prosper.”

Northeast Chamber President Bobbie Baker-Hughes said the chamber views community leadership development as a “top priority.”

The TakeCharge program is free to Northeast residents and businesses and includes a welcome dinner, graduation ceremonies and light refreshments at the classroom sessions. Applicants are expected to attend all of the sessions and participate in the case study groups.

“We believe TakeCharge is well worth the effort and time it requires because participants will leave the program equipped with knowledge and contacts that will make them more effective neighborhood and civic leaders,” said program coordinator Jim Rice. Rice conducted a similar program when he was CEO of Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.

Persons interested in participating in TakeCharge should contact Northeast Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Koop at (816) 231-3312. The number of participants is limited, so interested persons are urged to sign up as soon as possible. TakeCharge also received funding from the Community Capital Fund.