KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The former Kansas City, Kansas Salvation Army building is under new ownership.
Saturday, Avenue of Life opened its doors to serve the underserved in a whole new way.
Nineteen agencies are operating under the same roof with a goal of transforming the community. In the two months since the avenue of life sign has replaced the for sale sign on the old Salvation Army building, a transformation has occurred. Some say it’s miraculous.
“We’ve had electricians and plumbers and sheet rockers and painters and people cleaning and tiling and laying carpet and roofers,” said Desiree Monize with Avenue of Life.
More than 1,000 volunteers have poured into this ministry. It will house 19 organizations designed to serve the underserved in the community; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Cindy Shelton was there to start a salon.
“My vision is for the community to come together for families to come in and feel good about themselves after they get their hair styled or cut and really a lot of community involvement,” said Shelton.
Set in one of the poorest counties in Kansas, Sandy and Chris Karcher moved here to minister. Sandy says she is called to do that through her training as a physical therapist.
“It’s not going to be outright evangelism. It’s just honestly listening to people and feeling their need, and helping them collaborate within the building to get everything they need,” said Sandy Karcher.
A computer lab will help the unemployed find work, while their kids are taken care of downstairs. Two churches will also move their congregations here; one Bhutanese and one Hispanic.
“We had a dream two plant two new churches in this neighborhood to reach the people in this neighborhood and it’s been so exciting to see it happen,” said Matt Adams of Westside Family Church.
More than 1,000 volunteers helped fix and remodel the old building, but they need more to sustain it. If you’re interested in volunteering and would like more information, CLICK HERE.
