BICYCLE PROJECT CHANGING LIVES ONE BICYCLE AT A TIME In a world where empathy knows no borders, one woman's journey from a medical mission in Ukraine to a life-changing mission of her own is a tale that captivates the heart. This is the inspiring narrative of a woman who, with the simple gift of two wheels, is reshaping the lives of refugees and redefining the meaning of hope. Marti Ford’s story began 25 years ago when her deep admiration and love for the Ukrainian people ignited. She had the unique opportunity to serve in Ukraine with a medical team, an experience that stayed close to her heart for years to come. Home in Topeka, Marti continued her work until retiring in 2017 from St Francis hospital, after many years of dedicated service. When the first refugees began coming to Topeka in 2022, naturally Marti was there to help, but her method was unexpected. While assisting with transportation, Marti’s thoughts went to the unused bikes in her own home. Immediately she knew those very bikes, while unused by her, could potentially mean independence and freedom to the refugees. On September 3, 2022, Marti gave away her very first bike to a Ukrainian refugee. A simple act, but one that carried with it the promise of change and opportunity. “Every refugee needs a bike”, occupied Marti’s thoughts, and fueled her actions the next few months, leading to a partnership with TCCP and a connection with the community. After sharing her ideas with the Topeka Community Cycle Project, a non-profit whose mission is to broaden access to cycling in Topeka, they happily agreed to help. She then solicited for bike donations in the community, found bikes for new families as they arrived, and helped them go to the Cycle Project to get the skills they needed to maintain them. Helmets were donated as well, and locks and lights came personally from Marti. On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Marti donated two more bicycles, bringing the grand total to 60 bicycles given to Ukrainian refugees. She witnessed first-hand the freedom the simple gift of two wheels can bring, and knows these bicycles are not just a means of transportation; they are vessels of hope, freedom, and transformation. If you're interested in helping out or contributing to this cause, please email us at bicycleproject.topcitypromise@gmail.com . Marti's journey is a story of compassion, and together, we can make it a story of change.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE A PLACE TO CALL HOME Top City Promise is deeply committed to supporting refugees in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Our primary objective is to empower these individuals to regain their independence, ensuring they do not need to rely on Top City for more than three months. While we provide financial assistance for apartment rentals and essential furnishings during the initial phase of their resettlement, our ultimate goal is to equip refugees with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to build self-reliant, stable lives. We work tirelessly to offer guidance, training, and connections to local employment and educational opportunities, enabling refugees to stand on their own two feet and thrive in their new environment. Your support, whether through monetary donations or contributions of essential items, not only creates comfortable living spaces but also paves the way for these resilient individuals to achieve lasting self-sufficiency and independence. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives, helping them take the first steps toward a brighter future.

Media Room Media Room Media Room Media Room IN THE NEWS Stay up to date on the latest news and events from Top City Promise and learn more about how we are making a difference in our community. WIBW February 18, 2024 Pay it forward: Top City Promise WIBW February 16, 2024 Top City Promise will hold first ever charity gala KSNT January 30, 2024 Top City Promise hosting gala to support Ukrainian Refugees WIBW January 4, 2024 Top City Promise sets first-ever gala to support area's Ukrainian refugees KSNT May 2, 2023 Top City Promise welcomes Ukrainian refugee family to Topeka TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL May 21, 2023 Topeka USD 501 cultural innovation focused on Ukrainian students, bilingualism this year WIBW February 24,2023 Local Ukrainian reflects on anniversary of Russian-Ukraine War WIBW February 13, 2023 1 year after the start of war, Topekans reflect on efforts to help Ukrainian refugees TOPEKA CAPITAL JOURNAL Feb 1, 2023 Almost a year since Russian invasion, Topeka USD 501 is helping Ukrainian families build new lives TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL August 11, 2022 For Ukrainian teens first day at Topeka High is like stepping into a different world TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL April 14, 2022 Ukrainian families find welcoming arms in Topeka after fleeing homes: 'The was has started' KSNT April 11, 2022 Topeka welcomes Ukrainian refugees TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL March 27, 2022 Helping rehome Ukrainian refugees is personal for Topeka task force leader Yana Ross KSNT March 25, 2022 Topeka: How to help Ukrainian refugees? KSNT April 2, 2022 Topeka prepares to receive Ukrainian refugees TOPEKA CAPITAL JOURNAL April 1, 2022 Topekans showing best of capital city with task force that will help smooth way for Ukraine refugees

Meet the Team Carol Denton Executive Director topcitypromise@gmail.com Dr. Aaron Kipp President Director or Assessment and Demographics Topeka Public Schools Beth Kensinger Secretary Events Committee Chair Yana Ross Founder topcitypromise@gmail.com Barb Chamberlain Welcome Committee Chair welcome.topcitypromise@gmail.com Dr. Pilar Mejia Director of Cultural Innovation Topeka Public Schools Trina Gross Workforce and Education Committee Chair Jennifer Whale Member at large

Congratulations graduates of Newcomers Acad emy September 2023 Newcomers Academy Topeka's Newcomers Academy, an innovative program orchestrated by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office of Topeka City, has recently been launched in collaboration with Top City Promise. The 8-week initiative is dedicated to extending a warm welcome to new residents and aiding their seamless integration into Topeka's diverse community. In partnership with Top City Promise, the DEI Office has successfully inaugurated the first Newcomers Academy, attracting 20 participants eager to explore the inner workings of public entities and forge meaningful connections with city officials. Vadym Drobyshevskyi, a Ukrainian refugee, shakes hands with Mayor Padilla. Iryna Hutel, a former family doctor and refugee or Ukraine, shakes hands with Mayor Padilla. Supporters from Greater Topeka Partnership Rhett Flood exec director of FORGE Young Talent, Sean Dixon CDNE President Visit Topeka, Matt Pivarnik GTP CEO, Ashley Gilfillan, Molly Howey President Go Topeka, Michelle Cuevas Stubblefield Senior VP of Strategy Vadym Drobyshevskyi, a Ukrainian refugee, shakes hands with Mayor Padilla. 1/8 The primary objective of Newcomers Academy is to cultivate awareness of civic responsibilities and furnish participants with the knowledge necessary for active civic engagement. In its inaugural year, the academy proudly included 20 Ukrainian refugees who have recently chosen Topeka as their new home. The program's success was commemorated with the presence of the Mayor, who joined these new graduates alongside esteemed members of the Topeka Human Relations Commission. Together, they are collectively building bridges, fostering understanding, and contributing to a more robust, inclusive Topeka for all. The Road to Independence Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction" John F. Kenn edy Topeka Workforce Center At the Topeka Workforce Center, job seekers have the opportunity to access the Resource Center and utilize KANSASWORKS, the State of Kansas' online job listing platform, for the purpose of identifying qualified candidates, verifying job availability, or seeking information. Top City Promise encourages and connects refugees to this valuable resource. Resume Building Top City Promise volunteers work with refugees, taking the time to understand their unique skills and experiences. They help refugees craft personalized resumes that showcase their qualifications and potential to prospective employers. By providing templates, and one-on-one assistance, Top City Promise aims to foster self-sufficiency and integration within the community. Job Fairs Job fairs serve as dynamic platforms where refugees can interact with employers from diverse industries and establish valuable connections. These events not only expose refugees to a variety of job possibilities but also enable them to gain insights into the local job market. Top City Promise aims to actively engage refugees in these opportunities. Job Application and Interviews Recognizing that job acquisition is a key stepping stone toward self-sufficiency, Top City Promise strives to eliminate barriers refugees may face in accessing employment opportunities. By actively assisting with job applications and interview logistics, Top City Promise takes a proactive approach in equipping refugees with the support needed to secure employment.

Top City Promise Annual Charity Gala - Masquerade Ball Date: February 22, 2025 Time : 6 p.m. Location: Hotel Topeka at City Center 1717 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66612 Your Impact: Housing Support: Funding apartments for refugees for up to 3 months. Safe Travel: Facilitating travel arrangements for refugees to reach safety in Topeka. Essentials Provision: Purchasing clothing, food, bedding, and other basic necessities. Medical Aid: Covering vital medical needs. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, every dollar raised goes directly to aiding refugees in their journey towards independence and inclusion. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, donors, and volunteers for making this event a milestone in our mission. Together, we're building a more compassionate and inclusive world. Get Tickets

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Meet the Team Зустрічайте команду Яна Росс президент Даян Бейсінгер Віце-президент Бет Кенсінгер Секретар Бет Кенсінгер Секретар Барб Чемберлен посол Доктор Грейс Моррісон Звільнений член Тріна Госс Звільнений член Барб Чемберлен посол Олексій Ваховський Звільнений член Джонатан Харт Звільнений член Марія Потапенко Звільнений член Доктор Томас Дж. Дойл Звільнений член Джонатан Харт Звільнений член Енджі Флоршутц Скарбник