Our Programs
Building Community Through Action
We center working-class communities of color in Wyandotte County and KCK's Eastside, strengthening social infrastructure and connecting residents to tools that build long-term stability and prosperity.
Programs
Turning community vision into meaningful action
At Eastside Opportunity Ventures, we center working-class communities of color in Wyandotte County and KCK’s Eastside—communities navigating housing instability, underfunded schools, environmental burdens, and limited access to opportunity. Our programs strengthen social infrastructure, expand knowledge, and connect residents to tools that build long-term stability and prosperity.
EOV's work focuses on three core areas:
Catalytic Projects & Partnerships
Convening & Collaboration
Education & Empowerment
Core Area
CATALYTIC PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS
Eastside Opportunity Ventures collaborates on major initiatives that model equitable, anti-displacement development and keep longstanding residents at the center of neighborhood revitalization. Our catalytic projects are where the full ecosystem of EOV and Eastside Innovation comes together—pairing sustainable development with community leadership, programming, and placemaking.
- Flagship Initiative: Midtown Station Redevelopment — We lead community-centered engagement and activation to shape this transformative 90-acre redevelopment project that reflects resident priorities and advances equitable housing, economic mobility, and vibrant public spaces without displacement.
- Community-Guided Planning & Partner Alignment — Facilitate resident input and coordinate with funders, developers, and civic agencies to embed community priorities into the design and execution of catalytic projects.
- Place Activation & Cultural Programming — Activate emerging spaces through events, cultural programming, and leadership pathways that reflect Eastside identity and strengthen connection to redevelopment sites.
- Project Implementation Support — Work with partners to integrate community-benefit commitments, equitable development practices, and transparent communication throughout project timelines.
Core Area
CONVENING & COLLABORATION
We strengthen collective power by creating spaces where residents, partners, and civic stakeholders can connect, share knowledge, and move forward together. Through consistent, well-structured convenings, EOV builds the trust, relationships, and alignment needed for sustained community-led revitalization. These gatherings elevate resident leadership, support collaborative problem‐solving, and ensure community priorities guide decision-making. Strategies include scaling flagship events, maintaining ongoing feedback and dialogue spaces, and nurturing resident leadership within cross-sector networks.
- Annual Eastside Summit — a free, public event bringing together the top community leaders, organizations, and residents to share their work, make connections, and build engagement.
- Community Forums — Facilitated, resident-centered discussions that identify community priorities, shape advocacy goals, and co-design solutions.
- Leadership Pathways — Training and supporting residents to serve as facilitators, advisors, storytellers, and community ambassadors within EOV initiatives.
- Partner Support — Strengthening local organizations through capacity-building, resource alignment, and co-hosted community-driven events, such as helping the Vernon Center secure grants and resources that directly benefit Eastside residents.
Core Area
EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT
We equip residents with practical knowledge and tools to build stability and long-term economic opportunity. EOV helps residents navigate the complex systems to access public resources—like land programs, tax rebates, and fee waivers—by offering workshops and individualized support that make these resources accessible.
- Workshops & Trainings — Resident-informed sessions held in trusted community spaces on land access, property tax relief, fee waivers, incentive programs, and navigating local systems.
- Partner-Led Learning Sessions — Co-hosted trainings with agencies (UG), nonprofit developers, community organizations, and pro bono legal partners to expand access to expert knowledge.
- Resource Navigation — Helping residents connect with existing programs, incentives, and supports that improve housing stability, reduce costs, and increase economic security.
Our Impact
Program impact goals
Across all programs, EOV is working toward long-term, community-defined outcomes that shift power, expand opportunity, and prevent displacement.
Strengthen collective power by building trust, relationships, and alignment among residents, partners, and civic stakeholders.
Elevate resident leadership and voice in decision-making, advocacy, and community initiatives.
Increase economic mobility and stability by connecting residents to practical tools, resources, and opportunities for wealth-building.
Ensure community priorities guide revitalization through consistent engagement and community-informed planning.
Expand access to housing, amenities, and opportunity through equitable, anti-displacement development and catalytic partnerships.
Stay connected
Bring these programs to life with us
Explore events, partnership opportunities, and ways to co-create new programs that serve Eastside residents.