What is the OZ?

The OZ
E 11th St N & N Emporia St
Wichita, KS

The OZ (Opportunity Zone) is a day-time drop-in center for homeless youth in Wichita. There is a large need for this since there has not been a place that youth can go exclusively, and they can be victimized at the adult homeless shelter. At the OZ, they will find a place to rest, learn, have computer access, take a shower and do their laundry. We also connect them with mentors in the community.

This was our largest project to date! In order to establish the OZ, ICT S.O.S. partnered with the Wichita Children’s Home and obtained and organized volunteers, contractors, materials, and funding (and secured a $32,000 grant from Volunteer Kansas).

The OZ is owned and operated by the Wichita Children’s Home. They train and coordinate the volunteers. If you would like to be trained to volunteer at the OZ, please contact, Beth Thummel beth@wch.org

 

“Where some travelers find their brains,
some their courage,
others their hearts
and they all find a way home.”

- Risa Rehmert (Street Outreach Coordinator, Wichita Children’s Home)

 

Media Coverage of the OZ

The local media was wonderful to embrace this project and to help spread awareness of the problems homeless teenagers face. We’re very blessed to have a community that is stepping up to say this must STOP!

The center opened Wednesday January 18, 2012.

WP SlimStat