TJ Crowley ‘Bridges Over Fences’ Program Receives United Way ‘Promise on the Plains' Grant

With support from the United Way’s Promise on the Plains project, the Bridges Over Fences Program will foster empathy and cross-racial understanding, preparing young individuals for success in a diverse society.

WICHITA, Kan. — Bridges Over Fences, a groundbreaking initiative by Wichita's Youth Educational Empowerment Program (YEEP), has been awarded an equity grant from the United Way of the Plains' esteemed 'Promise on the Plains' program. The grant, totaling $4,500, will provide crucial support to the program's mission of empowering BIPOC individuals aged 12-24 and others with essential racial literacy skills for success in an increasingly diverse world.

The new program will be modeled after the successful course created for future social workers and police officers by Wichita State University Professor, Dr. Michael Birzer, and will revolve around the award-winning young adult historical novel, "The Real Education of TJ Crowley" by Grant Overstake.

United Way Board Member Gene Camarena announces the 2023 Promise on the Plains awardees. (Click to View)

The story, set in Wichita in 1968, dramatizes how education can help overcome ignorance, and how friendship can bridge the racial divide. The new program will utilize an outstanding audio theater adaptation of the story, currently being produced and directed by May Wuthrich and a diverse cast of 13 actors voicing 24 roles.

The Promise on the Plains program, launched last year by the United Way of the Plains, aims to strengthen and uplift human services agencies operating in underserved areas of the Wichita metropolitan region. Fifteen local nonprofits, including Bridges Over Fences, were selected for grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. This investment reflects United Way's unwavering commitment to closing gaps and disparities experienced by minority nonprofits and ensuring equal access to opportunity and impact.

YEEP Founder and CEO, Marquis Murphy believes the Bridges Over Fences Project will help create a safe space for students of all backgrounds to explore the lives of others who are different, preparing them for personal success in higher education and the workforce.

"We are thrilled and honored to receive the 'Promise on the Plains' grant from the United Way of the Plains," Mr. Murphy said. "This funding will allow us to expand our innovative audio program and curriculum, fostering racial literacy and empowering young individuals to navigate and bridge the racial divide. Together we can create a more inclusive society where everyone is seen, valued, and has a pathway to success."

Marquis Murphy, YEEP President/CEO

As a major creative arts project, the Bridges Over Fences TJ Crowley Audio Drama production has received support from the Kansas Creative Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the WSU School of Digital Arts' Shocker Studios, among others.

By investing in Bridges Over Fences, the United Way of the Plains is taking a bold step towards equipping youth with the necessary tools to thrive in a diverse society. This innovative program aligns perfectly with its focus on educational opportunities and will have a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in our community.

Join YEEP's Mission to Promote Cross-Racial Understanding

Your support is crucial to help us complete the TJ Crowley Audio Drama for the Bridges Over Fences program. To keep our production schedule on pace, our goal is to raise $20,000 to complete the production this summer. Contributions received before August 1, 2023 will be matched up to $5,000. Corporate sponsorships are welcome.

Donations can be made through YEEP's PayPal portal or via mail to the "Bridges Over Fences'' project.

Make checks payable to “YEEP: TJ CROWLEY” and mail to the "Bridges Over Fences' ' Project, c/o NonProfitGO 1477 N. Woodrow Ave, Wichita, KS 67203.