Green Thoughts from the Green Impact Zone® Staff
The Green Impact Zone is more than just another program. It's not just a staff office at 4600 Paseo Blvd., either. It's a group of neighborhoods and residents working together. Our vision is to develop a sustainable community; one that is environmentally, economically and socially stronger tomorrow than it is today...using a comprehensive green strategy...coordinated programs with innovative delivery mechanisms...and intense resident engagement...to more rapidly push community change, build community capacity, and make the Green Impact Zone a place where people want to live, work and play.
Here's what the Green Impact Zone means to the staff in our office:
"Having grown up in Kansas City and watched the demise of this once prosperous area, the vision and strategies of the Green Impact Zone represent to me the distinct possibility for viable improvement. Working with and through the residents toward greater capacity to deal with the issues of their neighborhoods is the inspiration that fans the flames of hope, the true engine for a better tomorrow."
— Anita Maltbia, Green Impact Zone Director
"I grew up (in the 60s and early 70s) in an area near the zone and remember what a thriving, viable community we were then. I remember beautiful home elevations, neighbors sitting and socializing on their front porches and debris-free yards, children riding bikes and playing in a carefree manner. It energizes me every day to know that my work is a catalyst for community-of-change agents who are committed to building on what the zone used to be and moving it towards what it can and will be — environmentally, economically and socially better tomorrow than today!"
— Twana Hall-Scott, Assistant Director and Outreach Manager
"I feel honored to be a part of an initiative that seeks to eradicate the mental, emotional and socio-economic barriers that have historically plagued communities east of Troost. The loss of quality housing, commercial businesses, viable communities, access to fresh fruits and veggie,s along with amenities that some communities take for granted such as libraries, employment opportunities and transportation are the by-products of decades of disinvestment. This initiative, with the help of its neighborhood leaders, nonprofit partners, stimulus funding and leveraged private investments, has the potential to create a catalytic reinvestment in the Green Impact Zone and surrounding communities. We all know that place matters!! Where you live affects how you live; zip codes are highly correlated to quality housing, transportation, amenities and health-related illnesses. The zone and its residents matter to us! Come join the movement as we seek to help our communities transform their neighborhoods, one block at a time!"
— Cokethea Hill, Lead Field Ombudsman
"As a resident of Blue Hills and the Green Impact Zone I am passionate about helping my neighbors and community and working to help the zone become a great place to live and raise a family. The Green Impact Zone represents an opportunity to take advantage of the energy and excitement that the “green movement” brings. I want my work in the Green Impact Zone to bring these opportunities to my neighbors, and also bring the increased quality of life and the fun of being “green” to our community."
— Anwar Jones, Field-Based Community Ombudsman
"I llove working for the Green Impact Zone because it gives me the chance to help out those who are in need, who may not have the resources they need to effectively improve and impact their homes and community. It helps inspire me to not give up, and reminds me that there is always a way to get through things, given the correct help and motivation; because we can't do it all by ourselves."
— Jermain Whitmore, Administrative Assistant
"I feel like I'm part of the solution in solving the problems that plague Kansas City in general and the Green Impact Zone specifically. I feel like I make a difference in someone's life every day that I walk through the doors of this building. I feel privileged to be a part of a team that is dedicated to improving the lives of people. The Green Impact Zone inspires me to be an active member of my community, stay politically aware and socially conscious to meet the trends and developments that has the potential to impact our community in both negative and positive ways."
— Kourtney Woodbury, Field-Based Community Ombudsman
