Being a part of Green Works has jumped started my career as an engineer. I have been apart of Green Works since I was a junior in high school, now I am a freshman in college. In the program I learned the importance of maintaining the environment and I learned new things in that class everyday. I also got to be in a commercial for water quality to educate the community on why not to litter. If it wasn't for Green Works I wouldn't have the experience of interning at an engineering firm called HNTB. Through this internship I got to meet influential members of the community. Like Mayor Sly James, State Representative Randy Dunn, and Kansas City Area Transportation Authority CEO Joe Reardon. Being apart of this program is a once in a lifetime chance and if I could go back I would have signed up as a freshman.
I loved the boat ride on the Missouri River. Thank you for the awesome experience! - Karla
Review from Guidestar
I conducted an evaluation of Green Works (as a volunteer) that used Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping to learn from students how participating in Green Works helps them meet their goals. Students drew maps to show how Green Works programs is leading them to success. They could define their own goals - most were along the lines of going to college or employment - often both. From the students' perspective, Green Works is building their social capital, helping them feel comfortable in work environments, helping them understand how to manage the money they earn through internships, environmental stewardship, and helping them cultivate what they called a service ethic. Green Works makes a big difference in the lives of urban teens and young adults.
With a pecuniary outlook, I read "Green Works" as a sentence. Green is currency... cash. Nothing motivates like the promise of success and, for most of us, success and monetary payment are one and the same. Green Works strives to connect persons too young to have tasted success with a real paycheck for the first time by doing work that is clearly worthwhile after helping them learn why and how it IS worthwhile. And then helping them stay their course. Is that worth supporting? Or what!
I began working with Green Works in 2010 and I really enjoyed every aspect that was covered. From environmental awareness, pollution, to job opportunities and meeting great people to help with furthering career choices, Green Works was a huge help. Not only did I learn so much about preserving the Earth but I was given a mentor with my exact career interest along with summer internshipd. Expanding this program seems ideal because of its great help for teens in the community. Now, at age 21, I still am connected with multiple contacts through Green Works and I love the involvement with such a helpful and educational program. Definitely would recommend others to get into it.
I have two sons who participated in Green Works programming. They learned a lot about the environment and shared what they learned with our family, but also our friends and neighbors. After the solid waste unit they went up and down our street encouraging neighbors to participate in curbside recycling. Now our street is littered with blue bins on trash day! Along with the environmental knowledge they both gained significant confidence and improved their soft skills during their internships. One of my sons is currently in college, and the other is successfully employed. His employer told me that the internship experience was the reason he got an interview. I am so grateful for the life-changing experiences Green Works provided for my sons!
Green Works in Kansas City has changed the lives of many young people as well as their friends and family. And it will continue to have a positive effect on future generations. I have supported this fine organization from its inception and am impressed over and over again by its founder, the students, and the board.
I have known Kate for years. She has brought her own personal values to this organization, consisting of integrity, sense of community, inspiration, and grit. This organization does tremendous work to help the youth of this city, truly making a difference in the lives of others, the community and the planet. I am pleased and inspired to be able to support Kate in helping make Kansas City an even better city!
I met Kate several years ago and learned about Green Works. What an impressive organization for youth to learn the benefits of preserving the environment. I have supported it for several years and cannot think of a better endeavor to endorse!
Lou Eisenbrandt
My daughter, Kara, was a participant in Greenworks during the 2014-2015 school year. This program has helped reinforce in her a deeper desire to use our planet and its resources responsibly. The classes were interesting. But the field trips that showed the students what really happens to our trash, the impact of plastic bottles, how delicate our water cycle is is what makes this program so amazing. We are very pleased. Thank you, Greenworks.
