Fall 2025 Community Animator Cohort - Orientation Day

From August to October, we had a group of Wichitans dive deep into asset-based community development and the power of connecting with our neighbors. We asked each of these Community Animators to share what drew them to this work, what one of the gifts (strengths) they were bringing with them, and what they hoped to gain from participating in the Community Animator Network. Hear what they had to say, in their own words, below.

🏠 I saw all the amazing work that The Neighboring Movement was doing in the SoCo neighborhood, as well as throughout the Greater Wichita area, and wanted to be a part of it. I grew up in a cul-de-sac where my parents and I knew all of our neighbors. When I became a new homeowner, I realized that I only knew one of my neighbors after over a year of living at my new place. I see the Community Animator Network as an opportunity to challenge myself to know both my neighbors and my neighborhood better.

As the Community Services Librarian at the Walters Branch of the Wichita Public Library, I serve District 3 and the greater Wichita area by connecting them with library services through outreach, programming, and more.

Through CAN, I hope to become even more involved in my local community and especially with my own neighborhood. I think that the key to a safe, cooperative, friendly, and well-connected neighborhood starts with knowing your neighbors. 🔗 I am hoping that the program can help me on my journey to get to know those living around me better. I want to let my neighbors know that I care about them, and care about our neighborhood having the opportunity to grow together and thrive. 💙

One of my favorite things to do with my hands is to crochet! 🧶My friend and I got together in 2020 during the height of COVID and taught ourselves via Youtube videos. Now, I've taught several friends and coworkers, and love to spread my knowledge to anyone who wants to learn! I don't sell my work, but do make hats, scarves, amigurumi, and blankets for friends, family, and colleagues. I plan on donating handmade scarves to SecondLight for our unhoused residents in Wichita this winter. 🧣

I want to make a difference in my neighborhood and help out more, as well as get more involved in the community. I'm the new President of the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, and I sing in my church choir and at two other churches in upper-level choirs. I am passionate about my neighborhood becoming cleaner, better, and building my Richard Carville Properties on one of the empty lots.

My gift is to treat everyone I meet with a smile and a caring heart, as if they were royalty. I smile and say hello, and ask, "How are you today?"

By participating in CAN, I hope to learn more positive ways to help my community, such as cleaning the park, attending church, and engaging in various activities. I would like to participate in more community programs in the city of Wichita, KS. And to gain more knowledge, I realize there is more to the Fairmount Neighborhood Association than just my involvement, as evidenced by the various activities taking place.

I wanted to participate in the Animator Network to meet new people, enhance neighborhood gatherings, and build a stronger community. I participate in military-organized events to connect with residents and support initiatives at the military base. My goal is to better assist new military families by connecting them with resources and fostering a welcoming environment. 🥰

A gift of mine is problem-solving. I enjoy finding practical solutions, especially for military families and refugees, where quick thinking can make a significant difference. This passion stems from the belief that solving problems alleviates stress and creates new opportunities.

Another gift is cooking. 👩‍🍳 Growing up in Ukraine, I saw how food brings people together. I love preparing traditional meals for gatherings, fostering conversations and connections.

Lastly, I excel in hospitality. I’ve learned the importance of making others feel welcome. I share this through inviting neighbors, organizing community events, and supporting new residents, particularly those transitioning to military life." 💙

I joined the Animator Network because I believe in the idea of people actually knowing and supporting their neighbors.💡What interested me was seeing how much of a difference it can make when communities feel connected. I thought this would be a great way to learn more, get involved, and bring that same energy to Wichita State's Campus.

My primary involvement in Wichita currently involves the RUDD Foundation and student life at Wichita State. 🌾 Although I may not be deeply connected in every area of my community yet, being a student has provided me with a strong foundation to learn and grow. I hope to learn how to make neighboring a natural part of everyday life.

One of my goals is to carry this into the dorms at Wichita State, where students can get to know each other better and create a stronger sense of community. I would love for it to become more than just a program and for it to turn into a habit that makes students feel more connected and supported.

A gift I bring is the ability to overcome challenges. I didn’t have the easiest upbringing, but that experience taught me resilience and showed me how important it is to keep going even when life is difficult. I’m passionate about this because I believe everyone should know that they can push through hard times, build their own identity, and pursue the life they want. I try to share this gift by encouraging others when they’re facing struggles, and by being an example that your past doesn’t have to define your future. ✨

I sought this engagement to enhance the work I am already doing in the community and was referred by a graduate of the CAN program. I serve as the President of the A. Price Woodard Neighborhood Association and the Interim President of the KenMar Neighborhood Association. 🏘️

Additionally, I am the Founder of the Millennium Moms Empowerment Network Inc. I am currently organizing the 6th Annual "Loving Our Community" Community Clean-Up Challenge. 🗑️

My goal is to find better ways to engage with the community while uncovering the wealth and power of the individuals living in our neighborhoods. 🎁

I consider myself a thought-provoker, provide hand massage therapy, and center myself around love and kindness.❤️

Juanita's neighborhood also received the Community Revitalization and Beautification Project Prize Patrol. 🎉 They celebrated with a block party on September 4, and we were honored to be asked to participate.

I wanted to join CAN to be more involved in my community, advocate for causes I care about, and be aware of my neighborhood's environment. I enjoy supporting those in my community. I also recently joined our South Central Association. I have learned a great deal about the local neighborhoods. I would like to utilize my strengths to support and empower those in my community. I hope to learn more ways to help our community through CAN.

One of my superpowers is advocating for children with exceptionalities. I have children with exceptionalities, as do I. My youngest daughter had an incredibly tough time in school until her 9th-grade year. She has profound hearing loss and autism. However, we finally found staff at West High School who genuinely wanted what was best for her and wanted her to be successful in school and life. They are the best! I am also a former special education teacher and loved supporting my students. I now support early childhood educators so they may continue to support the children in their care.

Whitney Williams

Participating in the Animator Network allows me to engage positively with my community. I believe positive change becomes part of life when we allow ourselves to listen to one another's stories and gain a sense of belonging in our communities. I’d like to set the example of being a positive neighbor for my daughter, in the hope that positive possibilities and outcomes will last for generations.

I currently help distribute our neighborhood newsletters, check in on neighbors, and connect one-on-one with those around me. I hope to learn more ways I can make a positive difference in my community through my actions.

I've always allowed myself to see the other side of someone's story. I love interacting with people and learning new ways to connect.

I grew up with an amazing neighboring community in Wichita. I want to bring that to where I live now!! I work at HopeNet with BridgesICT and get to help create programming for people in poverty here in Wichita who want to reach stability and thrive! I get to work alongside so many amazing people in Wichita who love this city and its people.

I am excited to gain practical skills to be a better neighbor and to engage with those around me.

I love gardening! My grandparents were gardeners, and I grew up helping them at their house. Now that I have a backyard, I've been able to create a garden of my own and eat food that grew right outside my kitchen! I am excited to be able to share food and knowledge about gardening with my neighbors and maybe even have gardening projects together!

Fall 2025 Community Animators

A Gathering to Remember: The Power of Connection

The Neighboring Movement