Calvary Community Outreach Network

CCON was formed by volunteers from the Calvary Temple Baptist Church who simply wanted to help people in meaningful ways. It has evolved into a multifaceted organization providing a network of services to people who are sometimes neglected.

Programs and Services

Helping Youth Plan for Excellence (HYPE) is a media leadership group that creates a positive setting for urban youth ages 10- 21. The project utilizes student involvement in media as the vehicle to establish ongoing youth development activities. Since 1999, HYPE members have produced quality television programming giving accurate, culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention information to their peers in an up-beat entertaining way. Students learn the basics of video work including camera operation, editing and audio as well as interviewing techniques. The show airs weekly on Time Warner Channel 4 on Saturdays at 11:00 am

National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is designed to encourage the faith community to assist in educating the community on the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS and to mobilize area African-American churches in reducing the spread of the disease. The CCON is a certified partner of the Balm In Gilead, Inc. and is the convener and fiscal agent for the local observance, which is held the first full week in March annually.

Taking it to the Pews (TIPS) is a church based health promotion program that mobilizes and empowers churches to help in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. TIPS partners disseminate pre-developed, culturally and religiously tailored materials from the HIV Prevention & Compassion Tool Kit to congregants and affiliates. CCON staff and volunteers provide technical assistance and resources including testing.

The Calvary Community Wellness Center provides structured fitness opportunities and information to youth and families living and working in urban Kansas City. The 10,000 square foot warehouse located at 3002 Holmes Street has been converted into a state of the art fitness center to serve youth and families in the target group. Health screenings, nutrition demonstrations and fitness classes are among the program offerings.