We work with community partners to strengthen the foundation of our services for our students through partnerships that leverage resources and provide opportunities for them in our community.
Heroes Academy (Real Men Real Heroes)
Rise Up For Youth Inc. and Heroes Academy (formerly Real Men Real Heroes) partner to provide long-term mentorship to Wichita youth. Heroes Academy provides mentoring to Wichita students from third through eighth grade. In their final year of middle school, students get to know their future Rise Up For Youth mentors through workshops and activities. This connection encourages students to transition into Rise Up For Youth when they enter high school. The aim of this partnership is to create a holistic support system for students that provides them with the skills, tools, and acceptance they need at every stage.
A sibling referral program will help the recruitment efforts of each nonprofit. The pipeline model will ease students' transitions to high school and encourage them to stay active in constructive activities. Ellison said, “This model provides a structure that is simple for the [youth] and their parents.” Dr. Fisher shared her excitement, saying she hopes “to leverage resources that strengthen the programs and provide greater opportunities for the youth in a strategic and mutually beneficial way."
The two nonprofits started working together in the fall of 2021. Both organizations have built great rapport in the community. Each will remain a separate entity while strategically working together to provide programs suitable for the developmental stages of the youth they serve. They look forward to evolving their partnership into the future.
About Heroes Academy
Heroes Academy serves kids from 3rd through 8th grades in the USD 259 school district. They help kids find purpose through service to others, access to meaningful life events, and changes in their life circumstances.
Rise Up For Youth Inc.
Dr. Shareika Fisher, Executive Director
rufyexecdir@riseupforyouth.org
Real Men Real Heroes Inc.
Kyle Ellison, Executive Director
heroesacademyks.org
Kyle@heroesacademyks.org
