Lee’s Summit youth center provides fun, learning opportunities for teens

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Driving through Lee’s Summit, you will likely see the sign for Pro Deo, but you may not know the inside of the building has changed hundreds of teen’s lives.

“We provide tutoring, fun activities, snacks, which is important,” said community relations manager for Pro Deo Vanessa Hickman. “Podcasting, job training, even cooking.”

It’s a free after-school program for high school students. Pro Deo hosts more than 130 students each week.

“Not only is Pro Deo providing a safe space but then you make friends here and those friends last a long time,” Hickman said.

Some of those friends include Sophia Aranyos and her service dog Wilbur.

ALSO READ: 3 Degree Guarantee benefits Kansas City nonprofit that helps kids in poverty, crisis

“There are some things that she [Sophia] had to overcome and she did it and I’m watching her grow up and it’s a treat for us,” Hickman said. “I know it’s also a treat for her to see her accomplish and speak up.”

“My mom was happy when I cooked a recipe I learned at Pro Deo,” Aranyos said. She was very happy about that. It’s good to teach kids life skills that they need to know.”

Sophia has now graduated high school and is a student at UMKC. She said her years at Pro Deo changed her life.

“Everyone struggles in high school, but I had I think a uniquely tough time with the dog and Pro Deo always provided a wonderful environment for me to come and be treated with respect,” Aranyos said.

Now, after 14 years of serving the community, Pro Deo is raising money to move to a bigger building.

Our First Warn Five meteorologists plan to help raise money for the new building with our 3 Degree Guarantee initiative.

Every day in November when the temperature lands within three degrees of what was forecasted, Pro Deo will get $50 toward its new building.

“That space will provide technology, space where they can learn about AI, cooking space where they can learn how to cook,” Hickman said. “It’s just going to be a fun space for our students.”

ALSO READ: Sheffield Place makes plans for expansion as need for housing increases

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.