missionOur Mission

The mission of Communities Creating Opportunity is to bring people of all faiths together to build

relationships, develop strong leaders, and improve the quality of life in our communities.

Our ValuesCCO believes. . . .

• . . . our mission is rooted in the religious experience, social justice, and the conviction that the common good can be found in our common beliefs.

• . . . our diverse cultures, ethnicities, faith traditions, and experiences enrich and strengthen us in pursuing our mission.

• . . . people should have a say in the decisions that shape their lives. They know best what their families and communities need. Their voices need to be at the center of political life.

• . . . every citizen, given the proper training, motivation and support can take extraordinary steps to improve the quality of life for their communities.

• . . . government can play a vital role in improving society, but that citizens and local organizations need to have the power to influence policy and hold public officials accountable.

& v a l u e s

f r o m o u r e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r

a letterFather Norman Rotert said to me not so long ago, “I am proud of what we have built.”

He should be. 35 years ago, he was the first of thousands to proclaim through deed that the people of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at the corner of 58th and Euclid and the larger faith community of the Kansas City metro would not stand by and watch racial redlining tear apart a community.

His conviction and the courage of the people of the Blue Hills neighborhood became something remarkable: an enduring federation of dozens of congregations and thousands of people working in tandem for the good of this community.

Fr. Rotert has left an indelible legacy. Today, we are thrilled to also honor two other ministers who have made exceptional contributions to the Kansas and Missouri faith communities.

Presiding Elder Joseph Forbes, the catalyst for CCO’s expansion into Kansas, leads our Board of Directors in active citizenry. Under his direction, Communities Creating Opportunity has leveraged over ten million dollars for home repair, led a Cover All Children campaign that resulted in tens of thousands of children having health care, and impacted over twenty housing, lending, health care, safety, and immigration policies and ordinances that improve the quality of life for Kansas City families.

Reverend Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr., pastor emeritus of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and founder of Missouri Faith Voices, was among the first to say “yes!” to community organizing in Kansas City. His inspirational leadership was the driving force

behind the creation of the Missouri Inter-Religious Roundtable, now Missouri Faith Voices, a 501(c)3 independent organization dedicated to building a prophetic voice for the state of Missouri.

This evening is our chance to celebrate not only the legacy of these three exceptional clergymen, but of every “ordinary person” who has stepped into extraordinary leadership in this community through their work with CCO. Together we are building a Kansas City for All.

To 35 more,

Eva Schulte, Diaconal Minister

Executive Director

o p p o r t u n i t y s p o n s o r s $ 1 , 0 0 0Wynne Begun

SEIU Healthcare Missouri

c o n g r e g a t i o n & c o r p o r a t e s p o n s o r s - $ 5 0 0

Advanced Technology SolutionsSalva Katosang and Gerhardt Braeckel

Beth TorahTruman Medical Center

Margo Quiriconi and Kauffman FoundationPlatte Woods UMC

St. JamesSt. Peter’s Parish

f r i e n d s o f C C O$ 3 5 0

Law Offices of Gerald M. HandleyKCMO Health Department

More2Russ and Dana Creydt and Kathleen Grove

VisitationJobs with Justice

b e c o m e a s u s t a i n i n g s p o n s o r o f c c o !

Your donations help us build the capacity to work with you toward a Kansas City for All.

Commit tonight to becoming a monthly donor to sustain CCO’s mission, and receive the gift of one of our centerpieces - a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handmade commemorative 35th Anniversary vase.

Vases made by our friends at Sommerville Potterywww.sommervillepottery.com

S P O N S O R S H I P S

programWelcome

Rev. Jennifer Thomas, Immanuel Lutheran Church

35 Years of Communities Creating Opportunity

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement AwardsMary Rabon and Carol Thrane, President-Elect and Vice President of the Board

award recipientsFather Norman Rotert, founder of Communities Creating Opportunity

Reverend Wallace Hartsfield Sr., founder of Missouri Faith VoicesPresiding Elder Joseph Forbes, President of the Board of Directors

Special AwardPresiding Elder Joseph Forbes, President of the Board

Mary Rabon, Vice-President of the Board

Creating a Kansas City for All!Eva Schulte, Executive Director

2012 Leadership RecognitionDamon Daniel, Regional Organizing Director

Molly Fleming-Pierre, Policy Director

Announcements

Closing PrayerRev. Rayfield Burns, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church

o f t h e e v e n i n g

i s s u e s u c c e s s

1977Kansas City Organizing Project (KCOP) is founded to confront predatory lending and economic blockbusting tearing apart a Southeast Kansas City neighborhood.

1989In an effort to counter a crack cocaine epidemic, the Kansas City Church Community Organization (formerly KCOP) successfully pushed for increased enforce-ment of anti-drug laws and developed DART, the Drug Abatement Response Team, to close more than 200 drug houses over an 8-year period.

1994The Agenda for Youth results in the renovation and opening of the Troost-Midtown Community Center and a 30% drop in crime in the first two years of the mayor’s Hot Summer Nights Program, developed in conjunction with CCO leaders.

2001As payday loans become an increasing cancer in Kansas City’s low income community, KC Church Community Organization confronts the payday lending industries attempts to overturn usury laws.

1997KC Church Community Organization leverages hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve streets, demolish dangerous buildings, and support general maintenance and upkeep in a campaign for Livable Neighborhoods.

C C O T I M E L I N E

H i g h l i g h t s f r o m C o m m u n i t i e sl e a d e r s h i p h i g h l i g h t s

c o n g r e g a t i o n a l h i g h l i g h t s

• Recruited and developed 11 fellows• Gathered 53,000 + signatures to Cap the Rate and Raise the Wage• Contacted more than 53,000 voters

• 200,000 + phone calls made• 21,410 phone conversations• 10,611 door knocks• 2,672 door conversations• 34,565 postcards sent

• Ezekial Revival hosted by Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church• Show Me Economic Dignity celebration hosted by St. Mark Hope and Peace• CCO and Concerned Clergy voter registration training and canvass• Reimagining the Land hosted by Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church• State Senate Candidate Forum Hosted by St. Peter CME KCKS• Let My People Vote March, St. Peter CME KCKS• Creating Sustainable Places Social Equity Community Conversation• Responsible Banking Resolution in KCMO• Ban the Box Ordinance KCMO• Lifelines Pathway to Restoration Summit, Hosted by Faith Deliverance Family

Worship Center COGIC (St. Peter CME and Roswell Church of Christ) CCO KS Lifelines TOC

• School Board Candidate Forum hosted by Visitation Catholic Church and MORE2 congregations

• Health Care Forum hosted by Congregation Beth Torah• Health Care Forum hosted by St. Peter CME

i s s u e s u c c e s s

C r e a t i n g O p p o r t u n i t y 2 0 1 2

C C O T I M E L I N E

2006KCCCO leaders and congregations push for increased access to health care for children, eventually securing the reinstatement of health care coverage to 6,000 Missouri children in the Cover All Children campaign.

2007Kansas City Church Community Organization becomes Communities Creating Opportunity.

2004The Build Communities, Not Just Houses campaign leverages $10 million for neighborhood-targeted home repair.

2011Communities Creating Opportunity becomes a member of Missouri Faith Voices, the newly formed state-wide network of congregations and clergy leaders dedicated to building a prophetic voice for the state of Missouri.

2012Communities Creating Opportunity launches the Economic Dignity campaign and, in an unprecedented joining of forces, unites the faith community with labor and community organiza-tions from across the state of Missouri to gather more than 300,000 signatures for two ballot initiatives to cap interest rates on payday loans and raise the minimum wage.

• $4 million awarded to Kansas City to develop an innovative clinical and community intervention strategy for better health outcomes for the underserved and uninsured

• Olivet Institutional Baptist Church with Tremont Neighborhood Association awarded Neighborhood Grant (KCKS)

• Established 2 school-based health clinics in Wyandotte County• 350,000 signatures gathered in coalition with other Missouri partners to Cap the Rate

and Raise the Wage• Tremont Neighborhood Association, Livable Neighborhood Grant• Served 180 Youth at Deferred Action event• Prevented deportation of Jesus, an undocumented youth from our community• Secured commitments to grocery stores in Kansas City food deserts

honoreesFather Norman Rotert, a lifelong Missourian, civil rights activist, and community activist, graduated from Kenrick Seminary School of Theology in St. Louis in 1957 and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest that same year. During his tenure in the Catholic diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Fr. Rotert pastored eight different parishes and served as chaplain of Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Diocesan Director of Lay Activities, and Diocesan Vicar General. He has been appointed to be a member of the Rockhurst University Regents, Vicar for Social Concerns, Vicar for Charity and Social Action, and Diocesan Vocation Director among many other appointments.

In 1977, Fr. Rotert, recognizing that real community transformation happens when people organize to address the root causes that undermine a neighborhood and tear families apart, founded Kansas City Organizing Project (KCOP) to

respond to racial redlining and financial disinvestment in the city’s Southeast neighborhoods. From 1977 to 1984, KCOP organized neighborhoods, building eleven neighborhood organizations in low-income Kansas City communities, before changing its name to CCO and shifting attention to a series of community initiatives to fight drug infiltration, build and revitalize neighborhoods, seek equity for the working poor, advocate for accessible health care, and create opportunities for youth.

Fr. Rotert’s spirit of activism and commitment to justice manifest in many other ways as well. In addition to his work with Communities Creating Opportunity, he is a founding member of Blue Hills Community Services and member of the Board of Directors of PICO National Network, and is the recipient of the Southtown Council’s American Citizen Award and Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Sullivan Award. He was honored with a Kansas City City Council resolution proclaiming him “a model of excellence as one of Kansas City’s premier civic housing leaders and humble servants” as well as a resolution passed by the Missouri House of Representatives honoring Fr. Rotert for “enhancing the quality of life in Kansas City.”

Communities Creating Opportunity is proud to salute Fr. Rotert’s vision, courage and distinguished legacy with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

f a t h e r n o r m a n r o t e r t

r e v e r e n d d o c t o r w a l l a c e s . h a r t s f i e l d , s r . Reverend Doctor Wallace S. Hartsfield II is a minister, dedicated community activist, and civil servant who has never stopped believing in the power of people to confront the systemic injustices that hold them back. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929 to the late Ruby Morrissette, Rev. Hartsfield served a 3-year tour of duty with the United States Army before receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Clark College in Atlanta, now Clark Atlanta University, in 1954. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary, now the Interdenominational Theological Center, in 1957. Rev. Hartsfield holds many honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Divinity degree from both Western Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, MO and Virginia Seminary and College of Lyncher, Virginia. He has served as pastor in Pickens, South Carolina; Wichita, Kansas; Barstow, Florida; and Brunswick, Georgia and is widely known for his theological integrity and oratorical skills.

In 2008, Rev. Hartsfield retired as Senior Pastor from Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO after more than 40 years of service to Metropolitan and more than 55 years as a minister. His son, Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield II, succeeded him. That same year, Rev. Hartsfield Sr. chaired the first Missouri Inter-Religious Roundtable, convening 60 clergy and 200 lay leaders at the Capitol in Jefferson City. The interest of clergy and congregations from across the state, coupled with Rev. Hartsfield’s leadership, vision, and an inspired theological reflection on Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones, provided the impetus for the formation of Missouri Faith Voices, a statewide network of 200 congregations and faith-based community organizations, dedicated to engaging and empowering ordinary people for the good of the Missouri community.

Missouri Faith Voices and Communities Creating Opportunity is proud to award Reverend Wallace Hartsfield Sr. with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his remarkable leadership and outstanding contributions to the Missouri faith community.

r e v e r e n d j o s e p h h . f o r b e s

Reverend Joseph H. Forbes, born into a family with five generations of African Methodist Episcopal ministers, is the third of five children born to the late Reverend Ahnin and Mrs. Rachel Forbes, Sr. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Elder Forbes is married to Mrs. Lola M. Forbes and has five children and three grandchildren. Elder Forbes has been in ministry for more than 50 years, and has served pastorates in Ohio, California, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. His accomplishments in these different locations are many and impressive, including raising the money to purchase property for a church building in his first year at St. John AME in Little Rock, CA; establishing a Head Start program at Bethel AME in Marysville, CA; and starting a food kitchen and emergency shelter while at Allen Chapel AME in Riverside, CA. In addition to his service to the AME church, Elder Forbes spent the ‘50s and ‘60s serving his country in both the United States Army and the Air Force. Rev. Forbes

presently serves as Presiding Elder of the Kansas City North District of the Northwest Missouri Conference in the AME Church.

Presiding Elder Forbes has long been a champion for social change. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Communities Creating Opportunity since 2005 and has served two terms as Board President. Elder Forbes was the primary driving force behind CCO’s expansion into Kansas and, as Board President, has overseen the growth of Communities Creating Opportunity into an organization with 100 participating congregations across state and county lines. It is a rare week that goes by without a glimpse of Elder Forbes at a meeting, in the office, or giving the opening prayer at a rally. His wise leadership, commitment to justice, and warm presence are gifts of immeasurable value to the CCO team and community.

Communities Creating Opportunity is proud to present Presiding Elder Forbes with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership in the Kansas City community and his faithful service to the CCO mission.

Communities Creating Opportunity wishes to thank the following for their excellent work and generosity tonight:

We also wish to acknowledge our legal support:Bob Latz, Steve Bough, Dale Irwin, Chris Grant, and John Miller

A special thank you to the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department for welcoming us into their beautiful building and for their continual support

of the work of Communities Creating Opportunity.

Thank you to John Baumann, Founder of PICO National Network, whose work we continue and honor this evening.

Finally, thank you to each and every leader who spent countless hours volunteering in the last year. Your tireless commitment to a Kansas City for

All inspires us.

recognitions

From Congregation Beth Torah, CCO committee

Our committee would like to honor 3 people whose vision and leadership have helped define our social action work. 

Rabbi Mark Levinour spiritual leader and teacher who shows us by his example that Tikkun Olam is a way of life and that we

must be citizens who fix what is broken

Joy Friedmanour first CCO professional who taught us that the power

of organizing and building relationships is the way to enhance community and effect real change

Barry Danemanone of our founding CCO members who helped us

shaped our vision, our path and our action on health care issues as we work to repair the world

In appreciation of her boundless creativity, tireless work ethic, devotion to excellence, and inspirational leadership,

the Communities Creating Opportunity Board of Directors is proud to honor Eva as an outstanding Opportunity

Creator and salute her vision of a Kansas City (and a Missouri! and a Kansas!) for All!

Thank you Eva!

www.seiuhcilin.org | 866-933-SEIU

Making a difference in our communities.

SEIU Healthcare Missouri & Kansas members are committed to strengthening the voice of working people and the communities

we serve. We are proud to work with and support Communities Creating Opportunity.

Congratulations,

Rev. Norman Rotert, Elder Joseph Forbes, and Rev. Wallace Hartsfield, Sr. on being recognized for your leadership of Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO).

We’re inspired by your vision and honor you for your tireless commitment.

St. Peter’s Parish

Pastor, Fr. Steve Cook

2nd Presbyterianis proud to nominate

Laurie Fisher as

an Opportunity Creator in Kansas City for

her work as the chair of our social justice and peacemaking committee and her role with CCO around social innovation in health care, economic

dignity and immigration reform.

Because of Laurie’s leadership, we catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth.

St. Therese Little Floweris proud to congratulate

Fr. Norman Rotertas

an Opportunity Creator

He saw the problems, responded in hope, crafted solutions, inspired the faithful, and

never gave up.

Organizer Damon Daniel offers special recognition to the following congregations that primarily serve

African Americans by providing leadership in violence awareness, preaching economic liberations, helping people become more

engaged in civic life through registering people to vote and helping people get to

the polls on Election Day

CongregationsSt. Peter CME, LOC KCKS

Faith Deliverance Family Worship LOC, KCKSOlivet Institutional Baptist Church LOC, KCKS

Roswell Church of Christ, KCKSTrinity Church of God in Christ

True Vine Missionary Baptist Church LOCBowers Memorial CME

Concord Fortress of Hope ChurchJamison Temple AME

St. Mathews Catholic Church St. Luke’s UMC

Visitation Local Organizing Committeehonors

Mary Ellen DeCourseyfor her outstanding leadership

Mary Ellen inspires us with her exemplary and passionate work through:

• Visitation Local Organizing Committee

• Kansas City School District Strategic Planning Steering Committee

• Active membership in the School District DAC, SAC

• On going relationship building with School District board members and key personnel

• A desire to provide all of Kansas City’s children with a high quality education

Thank you Mary Ellen!

The Immanuel Lutheran/Volker Neighborhood

Local Organizing Committee honors

Rev. Jennifer Thomas,pastor of

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Rev. Thomas:

• Shares a gospel-inspired conviction in the power of the public church.

• Motivates through leadership during city-wide, interfaith organizing events.

• Magnifies faith-based organizing through Missouri Faith Voices.

• Encourages organizers in the Lutheran congregation she serves and in other faith

communities.

As we are blessed, may she be blessed!

Rev. Jennifer ThomasFaithful leader and opportunity creator

Missouri Jobs with Justice

Congratulates Communities

Creating Opportunity

on 35 powerful years!

We look forward to many

more years of collaboration!

2725 Clifton, St. Louis, MO 63139 Ph: 314.644.0466, Fax: 314.647.9910 www.mojwj.org www.kcjwj.org

Platte Woods United Methodist Church is proud to nominate

John Miller as

an Opportunity Creator in Missouri for

his untiring work on behalf of the Economic Dignity Initiatives.

John’s work extended well beyond our church as he donated his time and legal expertise in a variety of ways. Whether working with CCO

on a state level or gathering petition signatures and phone-banking, John set the bar for dedication to this effort, and we are

happy to have him as one of our own!

Greater Gilgal Baptist Bible Churchis proud to nominate

Pastor Rev. Lloyd D. Fieldsas

an Opportunity Creator

Thank you for your tireless efforts in the fight for economic Dignity for All in the Kansas City Area.

The Liberty Team honors

Reverend Susan McCann

for her outstanding leadership

Immanuel Lutheran Church is proud to nominate

Mary Jo Moore as

an opportunity creator in

the Volker neighborhood.

Mary Jo collected over 1,000 signatures during the

Economic Dignity Campaign.

Presiding Elder Joseph Forbes, PresidentAfrican Methodist Episcopal, at-large

Mary Rabon, President-ElectSt. James United Methodist

Carol Thrane, Vice PresidentPresbyterian, at-large

Patricia Peebles, TreasurerSt. Peter’s Catholic

Rev. Donna Simon, SecretarySt. Mark Hope and Peace

Rev. Norman Rotert, FounderCatholic, at-large

Rev. Rayfield BurnsMetropolitan Missionary Baptist

Don ArneyImmanuel Lutheran Church

Rev. Shirley FletcherSt. Peter’s Christian Methodist Episcopal

Patricia OrrOlivet Institutional Baptist

Wynne BegunCongregation Beth Torah

Claudia NelsonGreater Gilgal Baptist

Mary Cosgrove SpenceVisitation Catholic

b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r s

Beth Judah Ministries Church of God in Christ

Bowers Memorial CME Church

Calvary Temple Baptist Church

Canaan Worship Center

Centennial United Methodist Church

Christ the King Catholic Church

Concord Fortress of Hope Church

Congregation Beth Torah

Cornerstone Bible Church

Ebenezer AME Church

Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center

Friendship Baptist Church

Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral

Grace Episcopal Church

Grace United Methodist Church

Greater Gilgal Missionary Baptist Church

Guardian Angels Catholic Church

Holy Family Catholic Church

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Jamison Temple Missionary Baptist Church

Macedonia Baptist Church

Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church

Northmoor United Methodist Church

Olivet Institutional Baptist Church

Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church

Palestine Baptist Church

Paseo Baptist Church

Platte Woods United Methodist Church

Renaissance United Methodist Church

Revival of Hope Ministries

Roswell Church of Christ

Sacred Heart Guadalupe

Second Presbyterian Church

Sheffield Family Life Center

St Anthony Catholic Church

St Bernadette’s Catholic Church

St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

St Elizabeth Catholic Church

St Francis Xavier

St Gabriels Catholic Church

St James Catholic Church

St James Catholic Church - Liberty

St James Lutheran Church

St James United Methodist Church

St Louis Catholic Church

St Lukes United Methodist Church

St Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church

St Mark’s Catholic Church

St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church

St Matthew Apostle Catholic Church

St Monica Catholic Church

St Patrick’s Catholic Church

St Paul’s Episcopal Church

St Peter CME Church

St Peter’s Catholic Church

St Regis Catholic Church

St Sabina Catholic Church

St Therese Little Flower Catholic Church

St Therese Parkville

St Thomas More Catholic Church

Swope Parkway Church of Christ

Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ

True Vine Missionary Baptist Church

Visitation Catholic Church

p a r t i c i p a t i n g c o n g r e g a t i o n s

C C O s t a f fEva Schulte, Diaconal MinisterExecutive Director

Damon DanielRegional Organizing Director

Molly Fleming-PierrePolicy Director

Rev. Deth ImDir. of Clergy Organizing & Congregational Development

Heather SimmonsDevelopment Director

Jerry JonesLead Health Care Organizer

Alice ChamberlainCommunity Organizer

Kathryn EvansCommunity Organizer

Amanda MayhewOperations Organizer

Megan BlackProgram Manager

Wynne BegunCongregation Beth Torah

Claudia NelsonGreater Gilgal Baptist

Mary Cosgrove SpenceVisitation Catholic

St James United Methodist Church

St Louis Catholic Church

St Lukes United Methodist Church

St Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church

St Mark’s Catholic Church

St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church

St Matthew Apostle Catholic Church

St Monica Catholic Church

St Patrick’s Catholic Church

St Paul’s Episcopal Church

St Peter CME Church

St Peter’s Catholic Church

St Regis Catholic Church

St Sabina Catholic Church

St Therese Little Flower Catholic Church

St Therese Parkville

St Thomas More Catholic Church

Swope Parkway Church of Christ

Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ

True Vine Missionary Baptist Church

Visitation Catholic Church

Amanda MayhewOperations Organizer

Megan BlackProgram Manager

400 Troost Ave, Suite 4300 Kansas City, MO 64108816-221-9900 (p)816-842-1587 (f)info@cco.orgwww.CCO.org