Here at Travois, we work to spark positive change in Indian Country through capital, advocacy and consulting. A typical day at the office can consist of preparing Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications for clients, advocating for changes to Qualified Allocation Plans, designing beautiful homes and much, much more!
With all that going on in the office, you would be surprised that Travoisians still have time to volunteer. Read below to learn more about the organizations we support:
- Anthem Lemonaid
Bryan Schuler and his family participate in Anthem Lemonaid (pictured above). One hundred percent of the funds raised during the event go towards the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughter pediatric cancer program: the Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, which treats more than 500 childhood cancer patients every year. Bryan and his family also participate in Rise Against Hunger, Parents in Need, and RunWalk For The Kids.
- Amethyst Place
Since 2008, Elizabeth Glynn has volunteered for Amethyst Place and is currently serving as chair of the board of directors. The organization provides housing and services for single moms in recovery in Kansas City. She is also involved in the EnCompass program (read more below). Rachael Rider and her husband Derrick Rider, coordinate furniture donation pick-ups and deliveries for the new moms of Amethyst Place and also the moms who are moving out into a place of their own. They also run a weekly summer physical education time for the children of Amethyst Place. Beth Kapp and Elizabeth Glynn are both involved in the EnCompass program, which provides mentoring for moms living at Amethyst Place. EnCompass emphasizes the importance of friendships based on mutual respect and how it can grow, change and be sustained over time.
- Changing Leads
Casey Cline volunteers for Changing Leads every Tuesday morning, and her tasks include everything from feeding horses to mucking out stalls.
- Douglas County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Melanie Brewer volunteers for Douglas County CASA. They advocate for abused and neglected children in need of care and under the protection of the court system. CASA volunteers are dedicated to being the children’s voices through the process until they have safe, loving permanent homes.
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Eva Kathleen Schulte is a deacon in the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a body of faith committed to responding to communities in need—“God’s work, our hands.” Eva’s role as a deacon is rooted in justice, word and service. Eva also serves on the board of Girls to School, an organization committed to the education of girls in Mauritania, Africa. Girls to School also support microfinance, business development, and a community center focused on women’s empowerment.
- Kansas State University and The Kansas City Design Center
Lauren DuCharme volunteers as a guest critic and ongoing panel member for Kansas State University and The Kansas City Design Center’s design studios, specifically studying projects located in the Kansas City Metro area that serve to develop community arts opportunities.
- Northeast Community Center
Phil Glynn volunteers with the Northeast Community Center at 544 Wabash. As board president, he leads an amazing board and staff as they provide classical music education to Northeast KC kids through their flagship program Harmony Project KC.
- The For Elysa Foundation
Adam Rose recently hosted a fundraiser at Travois for The For Elysa Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to improving education, providing light to grieving families and promoting research to help physicians and families understand and prevent viral myocarditis. It was founded in honor of Elysa Louise Rojas, who passed away suddenly when she 2 years old, after she became ill from a common virus that attacked her heart and caused sudden cardiac arrest. Read about warning signs and symptoms here.
- Voice of Love KC
Rachael Rider participates in the cross-cultural gatherings that happen a few times a month at a local church. Voice of Love KC helps refugees in Kansas City. The organization supports refugees in a variety of ways to make them more comfortable in their new surroundings and able to become self-sufficient members in the community.
Do you enjoy volunteering in your community? Let us know in the comments below!